World War Z

Release Date: Jun 21, 2013  
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min. 
Director: Marc Forster 
Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Fana Mokena, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, David Morse.

We've seen the world decimated in a multitude of ways but not nearly as frequently as the zombie apocalypse. Based on the popular novel, albeit loosely, of the same name, "World War Z" recounts the deadly epidemic and its global repercussions. Unlike the source material, the film is deliberately whittled down, solely focusing on a former UN employee as he investigates the outbreak. Pitt as Gerry Lane is what you've come to expect, a family man with heart and altruistic values. The fate of mankind rests essentially in his hands, though the answer to why is not fully obtained. Likewise, the origins of the disease is another mystery in itself, initially looked into but never resolved. For a film plagued by rewrites, it fares better than most – heavy-handed in action and laced with suspense. The adrenaline-pumped zombies are a new breed of terror, granted the CGI can get cumbersome when overexposed. While the story could have strengthened by additional perspectives, "World War Z" is still a thrill ride more often than not. With more battles lost than actually won, a sequel is ripe for another assault.

Rating: 3½ stars

Taken 2

Release Date: Oct 05, 2012 
Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min. 
Director: Olivier Megaton 
Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Rade Sherbedgia, Luke Grimes.

When in doubt, you stick to what you know, and for Olivier Megaton, it's taken quite literally. (no pun intended.) Acting as a followup to the 2008 breakout hit, "Taken 2" shows little to no indication of change. Liam Neeson returns as vigilante Bryan Mills, this time taking on the vengeful Albanians in Istanbul, Turkey. When he and his wife become the targets of abduction, it's up to his teenage daughter to step in and break them free. As plausibility was never a strong suit for the original, it continues to be the weak link here. Maggie Grace as victim-turned-survivor is somehow less convincing as a heroine than Neeson's ability to blindly memorize road maps. With all logic aside, the comicalness of such daring feats is irrepressible upon seeing a feeble girl who is suddenly a stuntman behind the wheel. Similarly, the rate of death or disturbances that go unnoticed in the city is highly debatable, though it's far less vehement than the first go around. While the action is comparatively sparse due to his brief captivity, Neeson upholds his end of the bargain when it comes to ass-kickage. Age knows no bounds with a man on a mission, and he's not one to go down without a fight. Disappointingly, the final showdown doesn't share the same sentiment, ending sooner than you can say "Taken 3." But another sequel there will be, as box office numbers don't lie. With nothing left to be taken, it's justly due for a new course.

Rating: 2½ stars

Chronicle

Release Date: Feb 03, 2012

Runtime: 1 hr. 23 min. 

Director: Josh Trank 

Cast: Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, Alex Russell.

A wise man once said, "with great power comes great responsibility." And for three unsuspecting individuals, it's more than what they bargained for. Adapting the 'found footage' format, "Chronicle" begs the question of 'what if' and the repercussions that follow. When three high school students inherit superpowers overnight, their morals are put to the test, and the battle of willpower is all that separates them from the fringes of evil. Directed by newcomer Josh Trank, what seemingly begins as an archetypal superhero saga, gradually transforms, resulting in a deep-seated chronology that's remarkably original, if not compelling. Like "Cloverfield" and "Paranormal Activity" before it, "Chronicle" takes the unconventional route on a derivative genre, casting unknowns and using camera techniques to make it realistic and relatable. Dane DeHaan as Andrew, the awkward yet temperamental character, is frighteningly adept in showcasing his emotions, possessing an eerie quality that carries the film up until its epic climax. From the grounds to the sky, there's no limits to where the scenes take you, capturing the events as they unfold through the characters' eyes. But this is perhaps where the handheld camera method fails and is falsified, as there appears to be one readily available wherever they go. Additionally, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how this footage was discovered, other than the assumption by the viewer. Nevertheless, while "Chronicle" certainly won't be the last of its kind, it affirms that the novelty hasn't worn out quite yet. Sooner or later, there will be more found footage, and its contents will essentially be revealed.

Rating: 3½ stars

Source Code

Release Date: Apr 01, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min. 

Director: Duncan Jones 

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden.

These days, it’s a rarity to see an action thriller that comes equipped with poignancy, let alone unpredictability. But Duncan Jones’ sophomore feature does just that. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Captain Colter Stevens, an army helicopter pilot who’s been commissioned to undergo an enigmatic military program called the ‘Source Code.’ Under the constraints of 8 minutes at a time, he must identify the bomber of a train before the next imminent attack occurs. In a manner of "Déjà Vu" and "The Butterfly Effect," Stevens relives each time-frame with mixed intentions and different outcomes. But where it could have verged on redundancy, the film prevails in keeping each sequence unanticipated and new. With every transmission, the intensity surmounts, as it edges closer to the predetermined catastrophe. Aside from credible acting and palpable suspense, the emotional link between the characters gives substance that further enhances the story and cultivates the mindset. However, if there is one error that could have been averted, it's the last 8 minutes that seem more like an afterthought, rather than a formulated ending. The conclusion seems feeble and standard in nature compared to the smart script that preceded it. Nevertheless, "Source Code" keeps the pulse racing and the brain buzzing. Look out for a surprise cameo, as well, that'll have you grinning.

Rating: 4 stars

Unknown

Release Date: Feb 18, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra 

Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz.

In a similar “Taken” tonality, Liam Neeson stars as a man on a mission to reclaim what was stolen. Only this time around it’s his own identity that is in jeopardy, and less ass-kickage to be dealt with. As more questions are left unanswered, he quickly realizes that not all is what it seems. And thus goes another thriller that twists and turns in a formulaic fashion, but one that is simply adequate and not grand. While containing parallel traits to “The Bourne Identity” and “Salt,” “Unknown” begins with an interesting premise, but becomes muddled by too many elements at the rate in which they’re revealed. Instead, car chases and fistfights make due for what is lost in the overall story. Neeson continues to bank on his action hero status, and does so with grace and precision, but little can be said about the supporting cast. At the end of the day, it’s the memorability of the film that’s worth the ticket, but this one is a toss up. You may be better off with “Taken 2.”

Rating: 2½ stars

Sanctum

Release Date: Feb 04, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Alister Grierson 

Cast: Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Ioan Gruffudd, Alice Parkinson, Daniel Wyllie.

Boasting the title card of 'Executive Produced by James Cameron,' “Sanctum” forays into the unexplored depths of cave diving, where fate lies within an oxygen tank and nerves of steel. But credentials may not be everything, as the film fizzles and drowns under the weight of pressure. Starring a relatively unknown cast, aside from Richard Roxburgh and Iaon Gruffudd, the story, by default, relies on its striking surroundings and nifty camera work. The 3-D, while no “Avatar,” does help immerse you in the environment and tension, despite being nauseating at times. The main problems rest in the acting that is laughable, and the unappealing personalities of all the characters. Apart from being annoying and unwise, their lack of back-story does little to garner sympathy from the audience. By the end, you feel indifference towards who survives or doesn’t. While comparable to “The Descent,” the isolation and claustrophobia are the extent of similarities. For once, hidden monsters and terror would have been welcomed instead of a tepid thriller that does little to spike the heart rate. But again, this is only 'Executive Produced by James Cameron.'

Rating: 2 stars

Inception

Release Date: Jul 16, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 22 min. 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine.

The conception of ‘dream versus reality’ has often been the premise of brilliant films alike, but never has one been told as comprehensively as this before. Enter the latest creation from the mind of Christopher Nolan who has built a formidable reputation for himself over the last few years. Following his illustrious success with “The Dark Knight,” Nolan ambitiously offers his take on a surrealist’s view of cognition and its consequences. “Inception,” a cerebral-heist and sci-fi action thriller, delves into the subconscious mind where ideas can be ‘extracted’ or created. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the protagonist, Dom Cobb, whose occupation requires the former and eventually the latter. Along with his team of talented ‘dream sharers,’ Cobb races against time as he battles his inner-demons and attempts to complete a seemingly impossible mission. Perhaps the most profound aspect of the film is time itself and its correlation to the dream state. Nolan does a terrific job in establishing many of the conditions we experience during our nighttime fixation, while simultaneously blowing it out of proportion. The acting is superb, whereas the cinematography is eye-popping. The only setback comes in the form of the story and how quickly it unravels. As seemingly simple as the job appears, the complexity of the plan is what requires broad attention. The film becomes a paradox within itself, as ideas twist and form well beyond our mental capacity. And yet, Nolan allows room for subjectivity on our part, as we piece together the story and ultimately deduce the conclusion. As the screen fades to black, you can’t help but wonder if this world we live is merely a figment of our imagination or an alternate reality in which there is no escape. Without a doubt, one of the most original and best films of the year. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Surrogates

Release Date: Sep 25, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min. 

Director: Jonathan Mostow 

Cast: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Ginty.

Think “iRobot” meets “Minority Report” and you get a futuristic, sci-fi thriller called “Surrogates.” As the name implies, people use androids to vicariously live their lives until one day, they start getting picked-off one by one. Enter Bruce Willis (with hair) to save the day. While the concept is highly entertaining, the film itself never really takes off in terms of action. The plot moves steadily and easily thanks to its predictable nature. With most of the actors portraying robots, the acting can get stale after awhile. The film could have greatly benefited from more character and story development since it only clocked in at 89 minutes. But glad that Willis is back to doing what he does best. Getting beat up and stopping bad guys. 

Rating: 2 stars

Taken

Release Date: Jan 30, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min. 

Director: Pierre Morel 

Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries.

A long overdue review: after all the melancholy-themed Oscar films, it's refreshing to see an action movie that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: kick-ass. There are car chases, kidnappings, thugs, drugs, merciless killings and one super angry guy defying all forms of foreign policy to get what he wants. It's a highly implausible storyline that doesn't really matter by the time the credits roll. Bottom-line: Liam Neeson shows everyone how it's done.
 
Rating: 3½ stars

Body of Lies

Release Date: Oct 10, 2008 

Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.

Director: Ridley Scott 

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Golshifte Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Ali Suliman.

Like any other Ridley Scott film, expect great camera tricks and solid acting. Unfortunately, the plot, on the other hand, takes some time to unravel. While the story is there, multiple factors slow the process down. The lack of a heightened suspense lead to a weak twist at the end. Still, there is enough action and drama to provide an entertaining film.
 

Rating: 3 stars

Eagle Eye

Release Date: Sep 26, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min. 

Director: D.J. Caruso 

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie. 

Take an adrenaline-charged story, with some added explosions, and you have an entertaining film that won't even matter if it made sense in the end. Shia once again shows that he is a capable actor, as a not-quite-old-enough-yet-looking slacker-turned-rogue agent. His pair-up with Monaghan is a bit odd at first, due to the apparent age gap. While the action is consistent throughout the film, the climax of the plot is a bit off kilter . Not quite what was expected, and similar to what has been done before. The ending is poorly executed and comes off as an afterthought. Nonetheless, it's worthy enough for a theater viewing since it is a Spielberg-related film.
 

Rating: 2½ stars

Vantage Point

Release Date: Feb 22, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min. 

Director: Pete Travis 

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Bruce McGill, Edgar Ramirez.

After the first 3 minutes, it's absolute chaos. The same sequence of scenes is shown 8 different (although same) times, forwards, backwards, side to side. While the film allows you to immerse yourself into a "24"-style intensity (minus Jack Bauer), it fails miserably trying to tie the loose ends in the finale. The last 13 minutes seemed lazily put together after the first cut.
 

Rating: 2½ stars

88 Minutes

Release Date: Apr 18, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min. 

Director: Jon Avnet 

Cast: Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman, William Forsythe.

Even Al Pacino couldn't save this film from deteriorating after the first half. While it had a similar feel to "The Game", it lacked the components of building up suspense. There were too many elements contributing to the '88 minutes' and by the end of the film, I didn't really care who the killer was. The acting was second-rate.
 

Rating: 1½ stars