Furious 7

Release Date: Apr 03, 2015 
Runtime: 2 hr. 17 min. 
Director: James Wan 
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou,
Tony Jaa.

The "Fast and Furious" franchise has gone through its share of metamorphic changes, from imports to actors to out-of-this-world stunts. But one thing that's stayed true has been its affinity towards family – a notion more applicable now with the unfortunate passing of Paul Walker. In spite of the hardships, the series has endured for this reason or another, and the latest installment is a testament to that sentimental value. As a continuation from "Fast & Furious 6" and, in turn, "Tokyo Drift," the gang is now being hunted by the brother of Owen Shaw (Luke Evans.) Jason Statham joins the cast of automotive villains, as an ex-special forces operative with an appetite for vengeance. Unlike previous adversaries before him, he's a physicality to be dealt with, proving to be a match for even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In a chase that spans the world from LA to Abu Dhabi, the action stakes are higher than ever before. Airdrops and building jumps are only the tip of the iceberg, as James Wan pulls out all the stops in this high-octane frenzy. Just as improbability takes the forefront in every action sequence, the emotional ties are visible in every heartfelt conversation. Using a reverential combination of CGI and body doubles of his siblings, Walker gets a proper sendoff in his final performance. Alongside those who that have stood by his side – including some old from "Furious" past – his story comes full circle in a gratifying way. With parallels to the first film, as well as its successors, there's a sense of nostalgia deep beneath the surface. Of course, the plot itself is not as equally substantial, as additional narratives further complicate the matter. But Wan does a good job of carrying on the torch, taking over for Justin Lin who has directed the previous four films. At the end of the day, it's the fond memories that will ceremoniously live on – though live on it shall in at least two more sequels.

Rating: 4 stars

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Release Date: Feb 13, 2015 
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min. 
Director: Matthew Vaughn 
Cast: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, Michael Caine, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill.

Mix 007 with a shot of manic adrenaline and you get "Kingsman," a rollicking spy flick with a gory twist. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the visionary behind "Kick-Ass," it's another hyper-stylized thrill ride that rallies to please. Paying homage to past films and current alike, there's a little something for anyone who's seeking a mindless escape. Starring a usually debonair Colin Firth as a lethal secret agent, it's his unexpected swagger that irrevocably steals the spotlight. Eradicating bad guys in a methodical manner, he joins the ranks of Liam Neeson in gentlemen turned rogue. Rounding out the cast are other notable Brits – the always respectable Michael Caine and invariable Mark Strong. They add a broadened sophistication that complements the tone, while concurrently conflicting with the more graphic elements of the film. If you're familiar with "Kick-Ass," then that should come as no surprise, as Vaughn outshines at crafting artful violence. The accelerated scenes are exhilarating to watch, though not always on par with the occasional wane in story. As for the eminent villain, it's a subjective hit or miss, as Samuel L. Jackson takes on a particularly quirky persona. While befitting for a comedy, his character here feels out of place – neither iconic nor memorable as Bond antagonists typically go. Nonetheless, "Kingsman" is the first real fun of the year, a good precursor to the summer ahead of us. As Vaughn has already stated the possibility of a sequel, this could be the new era of British intelligence.

Rating: 3½ stars

John Wick

Release Date: Oct 24, 2014 
Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min. 
Director: David Leitch, Chad Stahelski 
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki, Alfie Allen, Dean Winters, Ian McShane, Bridget Moynahan.

Keanu Reeves isn't exactly known for giving scintillating performances – generally ranging from monotonous to befuddled to downright apathetic. But there seems to be one definitive state that suits him effectively and it's an all-encompassed rage as an accidentally-wronged assassin. Starring as the titular "John Wick," aka the 'Boogeyman,' Reeves marks a dynamic return as a legitimate action star. Former stunt coordinators David Leitch and Chad Stahelski make their directorial debut in this vengeance-themed rampage filled with satisfying brutality. Steeped in gun fights and head shots staged with rhythmic choreography, "John Wick" is simply and foremost an action film. Forget any character arcs, climactic developments, or even a dignifying motive, it's the full throttle fights that are the defining characteristics. Reeves ignites at procuring massive body counts – one shot never enough to take down an opponent. His meticulous nature is enhanced by his stoic disposition, for once playing more to his strength than his usual weakness. The world he inhabits is equally enthralling, a hidden society of killers in a posh environment. Not a minute ticks by without an energizing blow, or a lack of a corpse for that matter. Yet given the brevity of his return, there may be more to the story, as the doors are left open for a (potential?) franchise. Revenge comes in all shapes and forms but now most will know it by the name of "John Wick."

Rating: 4 stars

Godzilla

Release Date: May 16, 2014
Runtime: 2 hr. 3 min. 
Director: Gareth Edwards
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn.

When you hear "Godzilla," you're likely to picture the 1998 blunder, starring Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno. Hokey, uninspired, and poorly scripted, it was an ill attempt at modernizing the legendary monster. But as the saying goes, "it's better late than never," we finally get an American remake that's worthy of that title. Gareth Edwards directs the latest on the Japanese classic, going back to its roots of epic proportions. Spanning the globe and introducing a new set of creatures, it's already a giant departure from its deficient predecessor. The story, for one, is effectually developed, bringing humans to the forefront inside embattled cityscapes. Bryan Cranston, particularly, carries the emotional heft of the film, as he struggles to expose the truth by any means necessary. His brief screen time is far more compelling than Johnson's leaden performance, who is easily forgettable when not dodging disaster. Yet despite the film's title, Godzilla himself is seldom present – teased repeatedly through dark waters and billows of fog. Edwards strategically builds up the anticipation, so when the beast does appear it's all the more thrilling. His gargantuan size and trademark "atomic breath" are a sight to behold when he's ultimately unleashed. As he comes face to face with his equally massive prey, the slow build and suspension seem reasonably diminished. While diehard fans will eternally find flaws in these remakes, there's no doubt that we've progressed since 1954's "Godzilla." With lookalikes like "Cloverfield" and "Pacific Rim" steadily emerging, it's nice to see the return of the original "King of Monsters."

Rating: 4 stars

The Raid 2: Berandal

Release Date: Mar 28, 2014 
Runtime: 2 hr. 28 min. 
Director: Gareth Evans 
Cast: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara, Tio Pakusadewo.

Two years ago, a little known film single-handedly altered the action landscape, blasting the bars of violence to a whole new level. Pitting fists versus bones in a winner-take-all, subtleties were absolved in favor of brutality. So how do you top one ruthless masterpiece with another? Add more carnage, of course. Gareth Evans returns as writer and director, continuing the story from where we last left off. Rama (Iko Uwais) is now tasked to work undercover and weed out the police corruption from within the crime cartel. But as he learns quickly from prior experiences, there's more on the line than just his life. With greater intensity and brilliant choreography, Evans has really outdone himself the second time around. Edited with an eye of ingenuity, the fights transpire impressively with an air of fluidity. Opposing Rama in a new set of battles are another horde of criminals with no sense of fear. Standouts include siblings "Hammer Girl" and "Baseball Bat Man," names very reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino. With each new scene is a geyser of blood, and no escape from the expo of death. It's the defining trait of this action-packed series, not recommended for the weak and the weary. As for the rest, "Raid 2" falls short of the first film, with less suspense and tension due to its slightly more detailed plot line. What was great about "Redemption" was its single-minded goal, which in turn, confined itself to tight spaces and centralized fights. But duplicating themes is never a strong point of sequels and Evans finds ways to progress on through. With the intention of this being an integrated trilogy, we can expect to see more bloodshed in the foreseeable future. That's bad news for Rama who's taken more beatings than he can sustain.

Rating: 4 stars

Fast & Furious 6

Release Date: May 24, 2013 
Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min. 
Director: Justin Lin 
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Luke Evans, Jordana Brewster, Elsa Pataky, Gina Carano.

If you've seen it once, you've seen it all; at least, that's what you would expect from a franchise running on fumes. But tinker with it enough and you might get something completely refurbished, and "Furious 6" affirms to do just that. 'All roads lead to this' seems appropriate as the tagline, as it took the culmination of all five films to get it to its best. While "Fast Five" was the turning point in rebranding the franchise, it was merely a stepping stone to create something larger on a global scale. As the cars and techs have evolved, so have the characters, forming a tight-knit family that has grown over the past decade. And that's fundamentally the basis of this ongoing series, the crew against the world in life or death situations. Fittingly, the opponents this time around are equally matched, nearly clones of Toretto and his car-wielding gang. Luke Evans as Owen Shaw is by far the most interesting villain, more calculative and cunning than just another drug lord. This makes for exhilarating chase scenes and explosive stunts, one of which includes a speeding aircraft on a never-ending runway. So much so that it's sensory overload from beginning to end – action locked and loaded. That's not to say these exploits are even remotely plausible, going from wild to kitschy in a matter of milliseconds. But director Justin Lin does have a flare for mobility, as camera movements and angles place you right in the action. As for the story, it gets kudos for tying it all together, relating back to the fourth film (a la Michelle Rodriguez), as well as another (hint: end credits.) If what they say is true, you save the best for last, and the finale should be nothing short of spectacular. But knowing how this industry works, the end may not be so near.

Rating: 4 stars

Skyfall

Release Date: Nov 09, 2012 
Runtime: 2 hr. 23 min. 
Director: Sam Mendes 
Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw.

50 years ago, audiences everywhere were first introduced to the greatest spy in British history. Suave, intelligent, and lethal with a weapon, he was iconically personified by three distinct numbers: 007. Now half a century later, James Bond returns in impeccable fashion, tallying in his 23rd outing which may befittingly be his best. Sam Mendes takes over directing duties for the lucrative franchise that has withstood the test of time — six different Bonds to be exact. Favorably for him, one thing that remains intact is its previous star Daniel Craig who reprises his role for the third time. Since making his debut in "Casino Royale," Craig has built a distinguishable reputation amongst fans with his unconventional looks and aggressive manner. It's in "Skyfall" that his concerted efforts finally pay off in full, solidifying him in a role he seemed destined to play. Opposing but equally proficient is Javier Bardem as Bond's maniacal foe, Raoul Silva. Not a stranger to villainy, ie. "No Country for Old Men," Bardem delivers another spectacular performance that leaves a lingering uneasiness, and whose objective hits close to home. His albino features and muted wickedness are subject to praise, and reasons to ascertain that he'll be remembered as one of the best villains ever. Concordantly, "Skyfall" is also the most alluring of the Bond films, with sweeping views of Shanghai and Macau just to name a few. The beauty of locales adds grandness to the celebration of 50 years in the making, and sets the bar even higher for years to come. It's a testament to filmmaking that quality prevails over redundancy at a time when sequels are a dime a dozen. While Craig's time as Bond is reluctantly limited, the same can't be said for the on-going series. It's just a matter of who does it better in the immediate future. For now, Mendes can proudly hold that title.

Rating: 4½ stars

Dredd

Release Date: Sep 21, 2012  
Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min. 
Director: Pete Travis 
Cast: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Wood Harris, Langley Kirkwood.

In a city overrun with criminals and devastation, there are those who willingly serve and protect. They are the Judges: enforcers and executioners in one; beaten by few and yielded by many. But one man alone is feared above the rest, and he goes fittingly by the name of Dredd. Based on the popular British comic "2000 AD," and the only other adaptation since 1995, "Dredd" is a resurgence from the dilapidated past. To call it a superior reboot is nothing short of gratuitous, as the bar was never set that high in the first place. And for that reason it seems to work to its advantage, erasing old remnants that were unarguably beyond salvaging. Karl Urban's Dredd is a progression in itself, not a superhero per se, but a hero nonetheless. And the obscurity of his identity is what keeps him enigmatic, unlike Stallone who purposely abandoned his helmet, and deviated away from the comic strip altogether. Through Urban's raspy voice and down-turned expression, it's more than enough to deduce his purpose and demeanor as a disciplinarian of the law. The same can't be attributed to Lena Headey's Ma-Ma, who's the so-called mastermind behind the corruption. Her insipid manner is painstakingly boring to watch, equivalent to the slow-motion captures that stay on a few frames too long. Notwithstanding the fact that the plot-driven drug is called "Slo-Mo," the movie could've done with less bullet time and more actual bullets, which there are plenty of by the way. Call it coincidence, or just a matter of poor timing, "Dredd" resembles the previously released "The Raid" in which the objective lies solely in overtaking a high-rise building to apprehend a druglord. Both incredibly violent and gore-tastic to say the least, "Dredd" draws the shorter end of the straw when it comes to originality, even if it originated first. Luckily for him, there will always be scum to incarcerate, though when it'll happen next is still up for debate.

Rating: 3 stars

The Expendables 2

Release Date: Aug 17, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Simon West 

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Liam Hemsworth, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Yu Nan, Scott Adkins.

There was a time when action heroes were all brawn and force. When superpowers were trivial, and ammunition was the method of choice. These were the glory days of the 80's and 90's, marking the star beginnings of some actors, and the contingent end for others. Then came "The Expendables," a collection of the biggest, toughest combatants around, united for one purpose only: death and destruction. Combining the likes of Stallone, Willis, and Schwarzenegger, it was no easy task, however momentary at that. But how does one top such greatness with something even greater? Add Chuck Norris, of course. Stallone and the boys are back for part two of their mercenary games. When one of their own gets taken unexpectedly, it's up to the gang to exact revenge against a lethal new adversary, played by none other than Jean-Claude Van Damme. In a rarity fit for Hollywood, legends unite for another rowdy round of guns and fists that you can only dream of. Van Damme and Norris join in, with the return of Willis and Schwarzenegger, for an all-out resurgence of nostalgia that's gratifying to say the least. Action upon action, "The Expendables 2" is precisely what it sells. Cheesy dialogue, check. Self-referential jokes, check. Colossal explosions and Stallone vs. Van Damme, check and check. It's nothing more, nothing less than mindless activity that keeps the engine running. Accordingly, the story is simple and arid, not meant for any deeper meaning. And half the fun is in deciphering the wordless mumbles by Stallone, who at least gets credit for doing his own stunts. It's the kind of film that know it's bad, that it's actually sort of good. But don't take my word for it, trust in Chuck Norris.

Rating: 3 stars

The Bourne Legacy

Release Date: Aug 10, 2012 

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min. 

Director: Tony Gilroy 

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton, Rachel Weisz, Joan Allen, Albert Finney.

Jason Bourne was the CIA's top kept secret. Calculative and efficient, he was their greatest asset, until the day he lost his memory and turned on the agency that created him. Thus began the game of cat and mouse, ultimately serving as the catalyst for a lucrative franchise, as well the motive behind the current spin-off. But can it still be considered a 'Bourne' film without its titled hero? "Legacy" attempts to do so. Previous scribe, Tony Gilroy, goes behind the lens for the 4th installment of the action-packed series. His familiarity with the territory proves beneficial, as consistency is key in setting up the foundation. Replacing Matt Damon's ubiquitous Bourne is Jeremy Renner as the pharmaceutically-enhanced Aaron Cross: Faster, stronger and more perceptive, Cross is the next breed of operatives spearheaded by the CIA. But when the agency fails once again to cover up its tracks, it spawns a new enemy that is as deadly as the last. If that all sounds too familiar, it's because it is. Renner's character, while new and improved, is almost the exact replica of Damon's...at least in the physical sense. He fights like a killing machine, and does so with a dose of empathy, but lacks the vigor that Damon so accurately possessed. As "Ultimatum" did with "Supremacy" before it, the film dual-paths the story, taking place simultaneously along with Jason Bourne's discovery of Operation Blackbriar. For that reason, it's essential to be aware of the prior events, in order to follow the continuity of the plot without getting confused. Gilroy purposely injects an exuberance of Bourne references to get the ball rolling, though it eventually grows wearisome as it's clear that he's no longer in the picture. Likewise, the action level is noticeably subdued, detracting from the existing trilogy set by Liman and Greengrass. Overdrawn dialogue and medical terminology, instead, take up a good portion of the script, leaving little room for car chases and hand-to-hand combat. This includes the non-existent confrontation with the super agent that typically happens in any Bourne film. But like all quasi reboots, "Legacy" has room for expansion. The further the conspiracy thread is pulled, the more it's inclined to unravel. Aaron Cross will definitely be back to fight another day, with or without Jason Bourne.

Rating: 3 stars

The Raid: Redemption

Release Date: Mar 23, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min. 

Director: Gareth Evans 

Cast: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Ray Sahetapy.

When 20 elite cops attempt to overtake a druglord housed in a 30-story building, the only way out is up. But getting there is easier said than done, as merciless criminals lurk in every corner, and ammunition is no longer an option. For all the moments the action was never enough, or the hero had it too easy, "The Raid" is the unequivocal answer. Like taking the hallway scene from "Old Boy" — you know the one I'm talking about — and amplifying it by a thousand, this film is not for the squeamish. There's blood, there's gore, and everything else in between. Credited with introducing Silat (Indonesian martial arts) into cinema, director Gareth Evans brings a striking balance of art and combat in a film that epitomizes the action genre. From gunfights to knifefights, the choreography is spectacular, and pulsates against the hypnotic tracks produced by Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda. But the real deal here is the hand-to-hand carnage, where time plays no factor. Just when you think it's over, another begins, and death is granted only by the hindmost of seconds. Spoken entirely in Indonesian, and starring local talent, "The Raid" breaks the mold in foreign cinema and the martial arts world. It's the type of action film that others have tried to surpass, and some can only dream of. In other words...it's bone-crushingly, neck-breakingly awesome. And if that's not enough, the American remake is already in the works.

Rating: 4 stars

Haywire

Release Date: Jan 20, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min. 

Director: Steven Soderbergh 

Cast: Gina Carano, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Michael Angarano, Bill Paxton, Antonio Banderas.

Jason Bourne gets the feminine touch in Steven Soderbergh's "Haywire." Starring Gina Carano as Mallory Kane, she plays a lethal contractor who gets duped by the very firm that hired her. Filled with a talented cast, including the newly popular Michael Fassbender, the film has all the workings of a bonafide thriller. But while the trailer over-promises action and amped-up revenge, the reality is admittedly far less exciting, and here's where the problem begins. Soderbergh obviously meant this to be a starring vehicle for Carano, whose name and looks are distinguished in the MMA world. That being said, she can dish out a punch like any pro and make it believable, unlike most actresses who have trained all of their lives. But pair that with her novice acting abilities and you get a far less convincing performance that deadens an already serpentine plot line. Her robotic voice and expression do little to justify her role as an assassin, let alone give her much personality onscreen. Likewise, the fight scenes, while substantial and realistic, seem out of place in the ghostly silence that surrounds them. Mix that with an odd "Ocean's Eleven" vibe and conventional story line, and it's not difficult to see where it all went wrong. But Soderbergh is sought after in the film industry for a reason, and he'll have plenty of opportunities at redemption. Hopefully his next project, "Magic Mike," will have more up its sleeve than just dollar bills.

Rating: 2 stars

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Release Date: Dec 21, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min. 

Director: Brad Bird 

Cast: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist.

The stakes are high and the match is lit for another mission deemed 'impossible' in Brad Bird's "Ghost Protocol." After an explosion at the Kremlin, the IMF team is accused and disavowed, leaving its agents stranded without shelter or reinforcements. Led by the always resourceful, Ethan Hunt, a new team is assembled to carry out, possibly, the most challenging mission yet, and take on death-defying stunts that boldly blow out the rest. Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner join the fourth installment, with the latter being the most anticipated to see kick ass on screen. Comparable to the last round, Cruise steps back to let his teammates shine, even going as far as allowing Renner to complete the trademark stunt that has distinguished the franchise in all three films. But not one to be outdone, Cruise takes his own jab at withstanding gravity, deftly scaling the tallest skyscraper in the world without breaking a sweat. Whereas the action is pulsing and the new gadgetry is impressive, "Ghost Protocol" still lacks the clever storytelling that made the third film so engrossing. Particularly, a fairly wordless villain, played by Michael Nyqvist, makes for little intimidation, and draws an emotional disconnect when rallying against Ethan Hunt. Still, Bird proves he's a capable director beyond the animation world, keeping the lens close to all the action and excitement. Though it may not be the best "Mission" yet, it sure comes close, and another sequel may be the next objective.

Rating: 3½ stars

Real Steel

Release Date: Oct 07, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min. 

Director: Shawn Levy 

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand.

Childhood fantasies get as 'real' as they come in the latest film to tackle life-sized robots with combative attitude. Hugh Jackman stars as Charlie Kenton, an obsolete boxer who resorts to illegal bot fights in order to pay off loans. Unlucky in winnings and afflicted by debt, he's left with nothing to lose when his son suddenly returns in to his life due to unforeseen circumstances. As they attempt to rebuild their frayed relationship, they discover a talent in a sparring bot named Atom, and the makings of a true underdog is born. In a role reversal of sorts, Dakota Goyo excels as the wise-crack son, Max, who acts older than he appears. His handling of words and acting abilities lay the groundwork for the father-son storyline that verges on being conventional, but in return adds emotional depth and value. While it isn't the most inspired of screenplays, "Real Steel" certainly packs a punch when it comes to the entertainment factor, and the action is where the film thrives at its best. With crushing metal and grinding gears, the robots move swiftly and deftly like any real fighter, which can be credible to the scenes' adviser: none other than boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard. But Levy works with what he has—great CGI and a strong lead—to provide us with an action flick worthy of any match, even if by split decision.

Rating: 3 stars

Fast Five

Release Date: Apr 29, 2011

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.

Director: Justin Lin 

Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang. 

High octane. Fast cars. Hot girls. What began as a street-racing fad back in 2001 has rapidly developed into a bankable franchise over the years, targeting car enthusiasts and fanboys alike. And fifth time proves to be the charm as Justin Lin pulls out all the stops in his third effort as director in the series. Akin to “Fast & Furious,” the film continues on a more serious tonality, testing the dynamics and virtues of the group headed by Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner. But unlike its four predecessors, car racing takes a backseat, as the story shifts gears and focuses on the heist itself. Joining Diesel and Walker are all the recognizable characters from the past; many of which provide the comic relief needed during the downtime between totally absurd action sequences and highly implausible stunts. As they prepare to pull off ‘one last job,’ they face adversaries from every direction, including DSS agent Hobbs played dimly by Dwayne Johnson. Despite his hulking appearance and stone-cold manner, Johnson’s acting is as formidable as a boulder, with terrible one-liners and disgruntled glares. But if you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to see Vin Diesel take on ‘The Rock,’ be prepared for an exhibition of brawn versus brawn. It's almost as if the primary goal of the film was just to see who packs the bigger punch. Either way, the massive box office results should be indication that this franchise is yet to finish. Though the fifth installment is actually the events that occurred before "Toyko Drift," it's clear that there's plenty of fuel left in the tank for another sequel. Stick around for the post-credits to see what's next.

Rating: 3 stars

The Expendables

Release Date: Aug 13, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Sylvester Stallone 

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, David Zayas, Eric Roberts.

Seems like Sylvester Stallone pulled all the stops when he put together his dream team of mercenaries, taking cue from every possible action genre imaginable. Even Governor Arnold took time off to grace us with a cameo, setting up the best punch line in the entire film (hint: president). “The Expendables” is anything short of greatness, being the very antithesis of chick flicks and packing the punches. Yet, it swiftly becomes an overindulgent film that revels in its cast of superstar action heroes. While the trailers and marketing boast big names, you rarely get to see them all together on screen. A few scenes even go as far as appearing as endorsements for some—I’m looking at you, Couture—but to see such a gathering of heavyweights is a rarity in its own and something to appreciate. The story is fairly linear, getting slow at certain points while bursting with force at others. Contrary to “The Other Guys,” the best parts are saved for the last 30 minutes, chock-full of shootouts, brawls and explosives. Enough to make you forget the non-existence of character development or quality acting. But say what you will, Stallone’s still got a few solid years left in him, even if it’s minimal at that. 

Rating: 3 stars

The A-Team

Release Date: Jun 11, 2010

Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min.

Director: Joe Carnahan  

Cast: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Quinton Jackson, Sharlto Copley. 

One of television’s most memorable shows finally makes it to the big screen with a new look and cast. Meet “The A-Team:” soldiers of fortune with a whole lot of attitude. Their mission: to cause mayhem with as much noise as possible. Hannibal, Faceman, Howling Mad and B.A. are all back with different looks but not necessarily for the better. After having such an iconic character as Mr. T playing Baracus, Quinton Jackson does little to fill his shoes. Every recognizable line is butchered to a pulp, being spoken with as much personality as a doormat. The story moves full force with the feeling of ten episodes packed into one film. But the action is heavy, backed by familiar music and a feeling of nostalgia for the 80’s classic. Fans of the hit show will be satisfied knowing that no detail was spared, from Murdock’s eccentric behavior to Baracus’s fear of flying. The problem lies within the plot, which tries to pull an “Ocean’s” in terms of clever distraction but altogether forgets that it shouldn’t matter. This is all about mindless fun in the form of summer entertainment. Maybe a sequel will suffice? 

Rating: 3 stars

2012

Release Date: Nov 13, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Roland Emmerich 

Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt.

Seems like Emmerich was saving all the best, and worst, for last when he decided to end the world. According to the Mayan calendar, the world as we know it ceases to exist in 2012 and that may be for the best if movies become this formulaic. Despite impending doom, the people were backdrops rather than the focus of the storyline. The main characters somehow inexplicably avoided attacks thrown by mother nature, always escaping in the most impossible manner. At one point, I literally cried out, "seriously?," before remembering that this is, in fact, a movie. The special effects, however, were pretty mind-blowing. They were like all of Emmerich's movies combined and then packed with steroids. If it weren't for the amazing catastrophes, it would have just been a bunch of people running around with bad dialogue. But don't worry, he plans on spinning a tv series off of this so you can relive the adventure every week. Who said the end of the world had to be dreary. 

Rating: 2 stars

Quantum of Solace

Release Date: Nov 14, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.

Director: Marc Forster 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini.

As much as I hoped that the followup would be as well-written and executed as the first, I was sadly disappointed. First off, by the time the main plot was revealed, it was already the end of the film. Secondly, there was no ending. In spite of these flaws, there were some upsides. The one factor that seemingly held this film together was the extra doses of adrenaline in the action scenes which "Casino" lacked. Craig proved once again that he is a capable Bond with no emotions and a tendency to kill anyone and everyone. I just wish there was more of a closure by the time the credits rolled but hey, that just calls for another sequel.
 

Rating: 3 stars

Wanted

Release Date: Jun 27, 2008

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min. 

Director: Timur Bekmambetov 

Cast: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann. 

With fast-paced stunts and in-your-face action, this film is everything the trailer is...and then some. McAvoy is convincing in his role as a loser turned killer, despite the minor slip ups with the accent. Freeman is as great as ever, occasionally channeling a little Sam L. Jackson. Although some scenes appear to be flashy and utterly impossible, the film succeeds in not mimicking "The Matrix" but standing on its own as a solid action flick. Kind of makes you want to quit your day job.

Rating: 3½ stars