Phil's Quick Capsule Review

This Weeks Review (28th Jan - 3rd Feb 2012)

2012-01-28T00:04:00.001-08:00

Next Time: Sinners & Saints and Girl With A Dragon Tattoo

Moneyball

2012-01-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Brad Pitt? Johnna Hill being serious? Baseball Movie that ISNT Major League? Surely this film sucks, right? Er no. Actually is bloody brilliant. Doing for Baseball what Social Network did for geeks in front of a PC, Moneyball is a superbly made, highly interesting, brilliantly acted slice of cinema.

Best Bit: Will they get 20 in a row?

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Social Network (9/10); A Few Good Men (8/10); Major League (7/10)

This Weeks Review (21st - 27th Jan 2012)

2012-01-21T02:29:00.002-08:00

Next Time: Moneyball

Margin Call

2012-01-21T02:29:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Who thought people sitting in a room could be this exciting? What is essentially a drama about the start of the financial crisis, ends up being a tense, claustrophobic, well acted thriller that is only really let down by the fact that a) it wont appeal to everyone and b) it lacks the ultimate sense of the wider context for both the company and the world.

Best Bit: The cast. Top draw

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Boiler Room (8/10); Wall Street (8/10); Wall Street 2 (6/10)

This Weeks Review (14th - 20th Jan 2012)

2012-01-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Next Week: Margin Call

Warrior

2012-01-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Phil's quick Capsule Review

It's not the classic MMA film that I expected (or the hype would have you believe it was), but there is a lot to like in this high gloss but predictable Fighter like action thriller. My biggest issue? The fights never ring true. That said Hardy is great and at least you believe he could kick your arse. Could have been great, instead it's just a contender.

Best Bit: Brothers on the beach.

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: The Fighter (7/10); Circle Of Pain (3/10); Watching The UFC

This Weeks Review (7th - 13th Jan 2012)

2012-01-06T09:03:00.001-08:00

Next Time: Warrior

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2012-01-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Sigh. It's amazing that you can throw this much money and a film and make it this dull. Over 2 hours of running, jumping and fighting that just left me cold. Even Depp looked bored at times. This is just by the numbers filmmaking at it's very worst!

Best Bit: When I released I was playing on the Ipad and not watching the film.

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Stream

IMDB Rating: 4/10

If you liked this try: Pirates Of The Caribbean (8/10); Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 (6/10); Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 (7/10)

Phil's Quick Capsule Review Returns... 7th Jan 2012

2012-01-02T01:24:00.001-08:00

2012 Preview...

2011-12-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick look at what’s wetting our whistle for the upcoming year in films...

MOST EXCITED: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

In Brief: Really? I need to tell you why? Okay – Nolan has never made a bad film. The first two Batman films were simply amazing. This one has Catwoman & Bane. All this and the fact that The Dark Knight was soooo good... well this wont disappoint. Trust me.

The Rest:

2.The Hobbit: Part 1

In Brief: Peter Jackson returns to middle earth for the back-to-back Hobbit movies. A great cast (including several Rings alumni who also make a return to middle Earth), epic source material and top notch FX all but guaranteed means that this is one of the must watch films of the year.

3.Prometheus

In Brief: The trailer is superb and It’s Ridley Scott making a return to the world of Alien. Okay so Scott can be a bit hit and miss over the past few years but if the story is what it’s been reported, it sounds simply superb.

4.The Avengers

In Brief: Thor. Captain America. Hulk. Iron Man. Nick Shield. This is the culmination of 4 years of Marvel planning coming together in one Epic film. This is what Blockbusters should be.

5.Amazing Spiderman

In Brief: This one I’m less confidant about if I’m being honest HOWEVER the cats is great, the director a promising track record and a stand up villain in the Lizard something tells me that this could just be the shot in the arm that this franchise needs.

Bubbling under:

Expendables 2 (I so want it to be good) , Piranha 3DD (didn’t turn up last year), The Dictator (Borat & Bruno were superb, this could be better) , Snow White & The Huntsman (great idea), 007: Skyfall (Bond, back and kicking arse with probably it’s best cast & director yet!), Django Unchained (Tarantino!) , World War Z (Great book)

* * * * * * * * *

POTENTIAL STINKER OF THE YEAR: TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN PART 2

In Brief: Shooting fish in a barrel it may be but again is this one isn’t another dull, teenage wet dream of a movie then I’ll eat a tramps hat. Look I don’t go out my way to hate these films but they kinda make it easy, don’t they!

Bubbling Under: Men In Black 3 (2 was pretty poor), GI Joe Retaliation (even with the Rock it’s going to be dull), Ghost Rider 2 (Again... piss poor original), Total Recall (I so want to be wrong!), 21 Jump Street (Just no!), Red Tails (Lucas making a WW2 movie. No), Dredd (Again another film I want to be good but just cant see it)

Last Year... My Projected HIts & Misses

So how did I do in 2011? Urm... well not great.

For the Best: I tipped Cowboys & Aliens, The Hangover 2 & Sucker Punch as films to watch. Oh and Cars 2. All in all then four of the least well received movies of 2011. Cars 2 was Pixar’s first critically disliked film, whilst Sucker Punch topped most people’s ‘Worst’ list.

I also pegged Battle Los Angeles which actually wasn’t bad. At least Harry Potter, Captain America, Thor and X-Men were MUCH better.

As for the Stinkers? Well Twilight Breaking Dawn part 1 was a dead cert and it didn’t disappoint. Well in terms of being crap that is.

Transformers 3 was my worst film of the year, Scream 4 was dire, Pirates 4 was dull & Green Lantern was also bad so all pretty much came in as expected.

The Last Reviews of 2011...

2011-12-27T08:32:00.001-08:00

Batman Year One
Phil's Quick Capsule Review: "Overall a pretty good animated version of a legendary comic book, let down only by it's very episodic nature"

IMDB Rating: 7/10

Shark Night 3D
Phil's Quick Capsule Review: "Piranha 3D this isn't... tepid PG13 horror with no gore, no sex and no nudity and pretty much no point. Avoid. "

IMDB Rating: 4/10

The Dead
Phil's Quick Capsule Review: "Very good Zombie horror with a twist, whilst slow in places and a wee bit OTT on the head shots, The Dead is worth a watch for fans of the undead"

IMDB Rating: 7/10

In Time
Phil's Quick Capsule Review: "Great idea, hammered home, this Andrew Niccol sci-fi thriller isn't Gattaca but it also isn't as bad as most critics have suggested. If you like the genre it's more than worth a watch..."

IMDB Rating: 6/10

Mission Impossible : Ghost Protocol
Phil's Quick Capsule Review: "A superb action film (and joint best MI film), with a great cast, amazing stunts and heart pounding set pieces set alongside the usual nutty technology that will never exist. Superb in IMAX!"

IMDB Rating: 8/10

End Of Year Review - 2011

2011-12-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

I take a look in my annual round up my the best and worst films of 2011. Well, someone has to do it...

30/01: This list has been updated. Girl With A Dragon Tattoo replaces Drive & X-Men First Class looses out to Mission Impossible 4.

FILM OF THE YEAR: Hugo (9/10)

In Brief: Magical children's fantasy film by a director who has never been anything less than brilliant. A top notch cast, a heart-warming message and the best use of 3D yet makes for one of the best children's films for an age.

The Rest:

2. Senna
In Brief: Powerful, well made documentary that gives you a glimpse into the world of motorsport at the highest end and the celebration and tragedy that goes alongside with it.

3. True Grit
In Brief: Or how you remake a classic and pretty much make it better that the original in every way.

4. Girl With A Dragon Tattoo

In Brief: Blockbuster remake of the year. Fincher doesn't do bad films often and GWADT is no exception. A brilliant, brilliant film that has been criminally overlooked for the kudos it deserves.

5. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

In Brief: Best MI film yet (well maybe tied with MI3), Cruise delivers a top notch performance wowing with his own stunt work in a well made, expertly directed action film.

Used To be In My Top 5:X-Men First Class, Drive

Bubbling under:

Captain America; Tucker & Dale Vs Evil; Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes; Super 8; The Inbetweeners Movie; Contagion

Films that I haven't seen (as of writing this) that I really need to:

TinTin, Warrior

Hero of The Year:

Michael Bay - for making everyone around him that much better a film maker. Face it... no matter how bad your film, put it next to Transformers 3 and it instantly becomes that little bit better. Even Uwe Boll & Paul WS Anderson films.

STINKER OF THE YEAR: Transformers 3: Dark Of The Moon (2/10)

In Brief: Simply put everything that is wrong with Hollywood today. Vacuous, pointless and dull, this loud, obnoxious $250 million abortion of a movie was just dire. And yet it made lots of money,. Go figure.

The Rest

2. Sucker Punch

In Brief: Uncomfortable to watch without feeling more than a bit dirty, Sucker Punch was style over substance and ended up being just dull. One to avoid for everyone other than horney teenagers who haven't yet discovered pornography.

3. Rubber

In Brief: If like my films off the wall. I like them mad as a box of frogs. But Rubber was just pointless, pretentious tripe.

4. Scream 4

In Brief: The shark jumped, this was a sequel that was just not needed. Most Scary thing: Courtney Cox's botox face. Nasty.

5. Season of The Witch

In Brief: Nick Cage makes another stinker and drags Ron Pearlman with him. Just dull, dull, dull.

Bubbling under:

Hobo With A Shotgun; Drive Angry 3D; Red State; Final Destination 5

Films that I haven't seen that will probably feature in this list:

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1

Villain of The Year:

Steven Spielberg: for putting his name to some pretty dire tat. Transformers 3. Terra Nova. Falling Skies. Cowboys & Aliens. Stop it! Have some quality control man. Don't just put your name on anything!

Check out our latest End Of Year Podcast at www.filmsploitation.co.uk

This Weeks Reviews (24th -30th Dec 2011)

2011-12-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Next Time: End of Year Review & The Last Reviews of 2011

Hugo

2011-12-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

Film of the year. Period. Hugo is a delight, a film for all ages by a director at the top of his game. Funny, exciting and with real heart, Hugo is a rare beast in that it entertains both adults and children without patronising or pandering to either. Oh... and 3D that doesn't make you want to scream. Must watch.

Best bit: Scorsese Recreating the films

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Buy

IMDB Rating: 9/10

If you liked this try: Kundun (9/10); ET (9/10); Harry Potter Part 1 (7/10)

Retreat

2011-12-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

Perfect adequate if unspectacular thriller that throws in a few nice moments but feels a little too long and too easy in places. That said the leads acquit themselves well and it is a tense film to watch... liked but didn't love.

Best bit: Is it... isn't it?

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Cape Fear (8/10); Red Eye (8/10); Panic Room (8/10)

This Weeks Reviews (17th - 23rd Dec 2011)

2011-12-18T04:03:00.001-08:00

Next Week: Hugo & The Retreat

Super 8

2011-12-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Super 8 is a love letter to the films of Spielberg for sure, but is it more than that? Well yes actually - a well made, well performed charming film that takes you back to the days when kids films didn't mean animated chipmunks or penguins. A spectacular film and one of 2010's must see movies.

Best Bit: The kids

Rent, Borrow, But, Stream: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Goonies (9/10); Stand By Me (9/10); Gremlins (9/10)

Tucker & Dale Vs Evil

2011-12-18T03:58:00.000-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

The fact this film lay in distribution hell for so long juist shows how little Hollywood respect an original, well made film. Tucker... is not your average horror film, giving one of the most original twists on the slasher genre yet whilst still managing to be laugh out loud funny and gory to boot. A must see for all horror fans.

Best Bit: The whole idea!

Rent, Borrow, But, Stream: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Shaun Of The Dead (9/10); Bubba Ho Tep (8/10); My Name Is Bruce (7/10)

This Weeks Reviews (10th - 16th Dec 2011)

2011-12-10T00:06:00.001-08:00

Next Time: Super 8, Tucker & Dale Vs Evil

Rise Of The Planet of The Apes

2011-12-10T00:04:00.001-08:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

A well made prequel that for the most part gives a satisfying reboot to what had become a very tired franchise. It’s not without its problems – whilst CGI Ceaser is amazing some of the background apes are pretty poor, the ending is unsatisfying and it takes a while to get going but for certain ROTPOTA is one of the more entertaining films out during summer 2011, made all the better for what should be an Oscar winning performance from Sirkis.

Best Bit: Andy Sirkis

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Planet of The Apes Original (8/10); Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (6/10); Tim Burton’s Planet of The Apes (3/10)

The Thing (2011)

2011-12-10T00:02:00.001-08:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Painfully average prequel come remake isn’t a patch on the far superior John Carpenter original. It’s not that it’s badly made; it isn’t (except the CGI which is painfully dire at times) it’s just that it offers nothing new or different or better than a film made almost 30 years ago, with less money and much more ‘primitive’ technology.

Best Bit: Teeth

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: The Thing (9/10); The Thing From Another World (UR); They Live (8/10)

This Weeks Reviews (3rd - 9th Dec 2012)

2011-12-03T02:48:00.001-08:00

Next Week: The Thing & Rise Of The Planet of The Apes

Final Destination 5

2011-12-03T02:29:00.001-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:The simple law of the sequel is in play here...five films in and this franchise has very muh run out of stream. It's not bad by any means but the deaths lack spark and the 'big event' is just a mess of CGI. Even the us of 3D lacks spark. All in all just what you would expect from a Fifth film.

Best Bit: Tony Todd returns!

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Stream

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Final Destination (7/10); Final Destination 2 (7/10); Final Destination 3 (6/10)

I Am Number Four

2011-12-03T02:17:00.001-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Slaughtered by the reviewers, the honest fact is that whilst it's never that original, there's a lot to like about I Am Number Four not least a spirited performance from it's leads and it passed the time on an otherwise rather dull train journey. Dont expect the world and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Best Bit: The opening chase

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Hulk (5/10); Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (3/10); Green Lantern (UR)

This Weeks Reviews (26th Nov - 3rd Dec)

2011-11-25T23:59:00.001-08:00

Next Time: I Am Number Four; Final Destination 5

This Weeks Reviews (19th - 25th Nov)

2011-11-18T08:52:00.001-08:00

Next Time: Killer Elite & Drive

Killer Elite

2011-11-06T13:34:00.001-08:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Meh. Yes the like many recent Jason Statham films, Killer Elite is just about okay with even an extended cameo by DeNior doing little to raise this above average. It's not bad by any stretch but Statham is miscast and the film is about 20 mins too long.

Best Bit: Chair fight

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Stream

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you Liked This Try: Crank 2 (8/10); The Mechanic (7/10); Blitz (5/10)

Star Wars: The Padawan Menace

2011-11-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

The best Star Wars movie since return of the Jedi (okay yes so that's not hard but...), The Padawan Menace is a charming, funny short film that finally brings the fun back to Star Wars. If you like the Lego Star Wars games or your films a little less po faced than what Lucas has managed then this is for sure the film for you.

Best Bit: Ian becomes Han!

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Star Wars (10/10); Empire Strikes Back (10/10); The Clone Wars (6/10)

This Weeks reviews (5th - 11th Nov)

2011-11-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

Next Time: Star Wars : Padawan Menace & Contagion

Captain America

2011-11-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Phil's quick Capsule Review

Wow. Super heros have done well this year and sitting almost at the top is the Capt himself in this old fashioned, action packed adventure. Evans is excellant, as is the support cast, and the script sparkles. This is marvel at the top of their game.

Best Bit: Capt Goes to War

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: The Avengers 2012 (UR); X-Men First Class (9/10); Thor (7/10)

Horrible Bosses

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Phil's quick Capsule Review
Not horrible enough, this film is neither as funny or as nasty as you want it to be and whilst everyone involved acquits themselves well (especially Jennifer Aniston, finally proving she's more than a haircut) it isn't, in the end, greater than the sum of it's parts. Good but should have been better

Best Bit: Aniston

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Last Supper (8/10); Role Models (8/10); Swimming With Sharks (8/10)

Contagion

2011-10-29T01:13:00.001-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Superbly tense, gritty look at how the world falls part when pushed to it's limits by a highly contagious virus. Matt Damon is superb and the star studied support cast are all on top form. Okay so maybe Outbreak is more fun but Contagion is far more scary. Excellant if chilling.

Best Bit: Day 1

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Outbreak (8/10) The Invasion (5/10); I Am Legend (5/10)

Drive

2011-10-29T01:12:00.001-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

THis is more like it. Drive is simply a brutal, arty crime movie with enough 80's charm to make you want to dog out a Wham album. Kinda. Not for everyone (it's at times slow and brutally relentless), but for those who like their crime films hard as nails (or just loved GTA Vice City) this is the film for you. One of the top 5 films of the year.
Best Bit: The Lift

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Stream: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you Liked This Try: Drive (9/10); Romper Stomper (8/10); LA Confidential (8/10)

This Weeks reviews (29th Oct to 4th Nov 2011)

2011-10-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

Next Week: Horrible Bosses and Captain America

The Adjustment Bureau

2011-10-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

Fun if forgettable sci-fi thriller that benefits from a good cast, some tense scenes and good script but, when all is said and done, delivers very little stand out moments to make you want to come back for a second bite of the cherry. Matt Damon is great, as is Blunt and the film will easily pass a few hours.

Best Bit: The big escape/chase

Rent, Borrow, Buy, Download: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Blade Runner (9/10); Minority Report (8/10); Gattaca (8/10)

Super 8

2011-10-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

A charming throw back to the films Spielberg used to make, JJ Abrams once agains shows that he is one of the best directors working in Hollywood today. Granted nothing is new here but what is on display is done so well you wont care.

Best Bit: Train Crash

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Goonies (9/10); Gremlins (9/10); Stand By Me (9/10)

This weeks Reviews (22nd - 28th Oct)

2011-10-22T00:10:00.001-07:00

Next Time: Adjustment Bureau & Super 8

Troll Hunter

2011-10-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

Inventive found footage movie that mixes up the usual man with a camera to include Trolls! (well the title was a give away no?). Clever, well made it suffers only from the usual found footage film issues of too much standing around not enough action.

Best Bit: TROLL!

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Blair Witch Project (8/10); REC (8/10); Paranormal Activity (8/10)

Bridesmaids

2011-10-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

A Hangover for the chicks, BridesMaids is a film I wanted to love but, instead, left the cinema with just a mild fondess for. Funny it is but there are too many moments in-between that make you think, with tighter editing, could have made this a grade A genius comedy

Best Bit: Taco Aftermath

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: The Hangover (8/10); What Happens In Vegas (7/10); Horrible Bosses (6/10)

This Weeks Reviews (15th - 21st October)

2011-10-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Bridesmaids & Troll Hunter

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows PArt 2

2011-10-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

So it ends. After almost 10 years and 8 years the Harry Potter franchise bows out with a mostly successful, if somewhat confused and relentless finale. What it lacks at times in emotional resonance it makes up for in spectacle. Just dont expect to understand the story... a fitting, if flawed, conclusion.

Best Bit: The final Showdown

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Buy just to complete the series

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Dealthy Hallows Pt 1 (8/10); Gobet Of Fire (7/10); Half Blood Prince (5/10)

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

2011-10-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Fun but hollow film that feels like a 'making of...' that forgot to include the movie. That said whilst you'll learn nothing new but what is in the film is well presented and often humorous.

Best Bit: 'Turn Off The Camera'

Rent, Borrow, Buy or Avoid: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Fahrenheit 9/11 (8/10); Bowling For Columbine (8/10); Super Size Me (7/10)

This Weeks Reviews (8th - 14th Oct 2011)

2011-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Next Week: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold & Harry Potter

The Inbetweeners Movie

2011-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

It’s rare for a successful, funny TV to translate to the big screen. Thankfully, The Inbetweeners proves to be the exception to the rule. Laugh out loud funny, poignant and crude (as you would expect) this film deserves it’s considerable success. Only briefcase wankers need not apply.

Best Bit: Swimming To Shore

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: The Inbetweeners TV (9/10); Get Him To the Greek (7/10); Superbad (6/10)

Blitz

2011-10-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

If your idea of heaven is Jason Statham beating the crap out of people rather than acting, then Blitz isn’t the film for you. If your idea of heaven is Jason Statham acting then Blitz probably still isn’t the film for you because, actually, it’s all just a bit dull. Predictable, unexciting and just a bit meh.

Best Bit: Meh.

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Snatch (8/10); Crank (7/10 ) ; The Transporter (6/10 )

This Weeks Reviews (1st - 7th october 2011)

2011-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Next week: The Inbetweeners Movie & Blitz

Insidious

2011-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Holly cow. Maybe it's because I watched it in a dark hotel room alone, but this film freaked me out. Proper turn on the lights freaking me out. On reflection, in the cold hard light of is day maybe it wasn't quite a scary as I remember but a few cheap shocks aside Insidious an efficient horror that alas I have already forgotten most of the best bits for.

Best Bit: Shadows.

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Saw (8/10); Poltergeist (8/10) The Frighteners (8/10)

Red State

2011-10-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

What starts a s a promising yokel horror in the view of TCM or Hills Have Eyes ends up a confused and disappointing mess with a "oh they fucking didn't, did they?" ending right out of grade school story writing. 50% a great film.

Best Bit: The long sermon

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Clerks (8/10); Mallrats (8/10); Dogma (6/10)

This weeks Reviews (24th - 30th Sept 2011)

2011-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Red State & Insidious

Fright Night 3D (2011)

2011-09-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule review:

Campy. OTT. Hokey FX. Yes Fright Night hasn't changed much since the original 80's version but that isn't always a bad thing as it's charm has very much stayed in place. For a film that didn't need to be remade, Fright Night is actually pretty damn good. Not perfect by any means but you could do far worse for your money.

Best Bit: David Tenant. Awesome.

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Fright Night (7/10); Fright Night 2 (5/10); April fools Day (5/10)

Cult: Never Too Young To Die

2011-09-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

This little seen 80's gem is more or less everything that was right AND wrong about films of this era. Cheesy, OTT and stupid... NTYTD thinks that dressing Gene Simmons up with a beard will equal a big surprise when he's unveiled to be the bad guy. But you dont care because as enjoyable 80's action films go... this is for sure one of the better ones.

Best Bit: Gene Simmons as a Wo-Man. Amazing.

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Download. Only way you can get it

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: The Perfect Weapon (8/10); ShowdownIn Little Tokyo (8/10); Action Jackson (7/10)

This Weeks Reviews (17th - 23rd Sept 2011)

2011-09-16T23:53:00.001-07:00

Next Week: Never Too Young To Die & Fright Night 3D

Arthur

2011-09-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Arthur is not the unfunny titanic fail that people would lead you to believe. In fact at it's heart this charming, often hilarious comedy almost makes you forget what an insufferable twat Russell Brand actually is in real life. Mirren provides excellant support and overall the film was one I both enjoyed and would watch again.

Best Bit: Helen Mirren

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Arthur (8/10); Get Him To The Greek (7/10); St Trinians (6/10)

Priest

2011-09-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:Preist is 50% a damn fine, rip roaring entraining movie. It's just a shame that the other 50% is a confusing mess. If Preist could have held it together it could have been the surprise of the year.

Best Bit: Train Fight!

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Borrow

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Blade Runner (9/10); Blade (6/10); Legion (4/10)

This Weeks reviews (10th - 16th Sept 2011)

2011-09-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Next Week: Arthur & Priest

Quarantine 2 : Terminal

2011-09-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Dumping the shaky found footage style that has gotten rather old hat since the original Rec, Terminal looses a named cast, a cinema release & budget but turns out being MUCH better for it. Solid direct to DVD sequel that's possibly better than the original (but not as good as the Spanish original or it's sequel... If you get what I mean). A pleasant surprise.

Best Bit: No Shaky, Hand held cam!

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Rec (8/10); Rec 2 (7/10); Quarantine (7/10)

X-Men First Class

2011-09-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Wow. Take note Brett Ratner... THIS is how you make an X-Men movie. Flawless? No. But this detail sharp, exciting and incredibly well made comic book film is one of THE highlights of the year, anad against Capt America and Thor that is saying something. Superbly acted, great action and top notch effects combine with a top draw script to make for one of THE best comic book films ever.

Best Bit: Magneto and Prof X meet.

Rent, borrow or buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10
If you liked this try: Iron Man (9/10); X-Men 2 (8/10); Spiderman (8/10)

This Weeks Reviews (3rd - 9th Sept 2011)

2011-09-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Next Week: Quarantine 2 : Terminal & X-Men First Class

Knuckle

2011-09-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:With never before seen footage from inside the world of traveller bare knuckle boxing, knuckle gives an unprecedented (and fascinating) view into this bloody, brutal world of family feuds, big money betting and fiar play. Raw, string and certainly not for everyone, this is no Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Best Bit: Never before seen world

Rent, borrow or buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Senna (9/10); Inside Job (8/10); Catfish (7/10)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

2011-09-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
The best thing I can say about the Sorcerer's Apprentice is that it's the best film ever made based on a sequence from a 50+ year old Disney movie. Okay so it's the ONLY film ever made based on a sequence from a 50+ year old Disney movie but it's still the best thing I can say about this otherwise deeply average film.

Best Bit: Nicolas Cage's hair

IMDB Rating: 5/10

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

If you liked this try: Kick Ass (7/10); Drive Angry (5/10); Season of The Witch (3/10)

This Weeks Reviews (27th Aug - 2nd Sept 2011)

2011-08-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Next Time: The Sorcerer's Apprentice & Knuckle

Chalet Girl

2011-08-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:
Charming , funny and well paced, Chalet Girl is a surprisingly heart warming British rom com that, whilst never breaking any new ground, is a wonderfully enjoyable diversion.

Best Bit: The party

IMDB Rating: 7/10

Rent, Borrow, Buy: Rent

If you liked this try: Tin Cup (7/10); Wimbledon (7/10); Bend It Like Beckham (6/10)

Hannah

2011-08-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review

Every so often you watch a film that you know, deep down, you should love but for some reason you just can't. For me Hanna is that film. Good performances& well directed but the story is old hat and quieter more reflective moments just didn't work. In all a lost opportunity.

Best Bit: The escape

Rent, borrow or buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Leon (9/10); La Femme Nikita (8/10); Bourne Trilogy (8/10)

This Weeks Reviews (20-26th August 2011)

2011-08-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Chalet Girl & Hanna

Season Of The Witch

2011-08-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review
Painful. Not worth your time to watch it or mine to review it.

Best Bit: Just the fact that it COULD have been worse. But not much.

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Avoid.

IMDB Rating: 3/10

If You Like This Try: Bad Lieutenant (8.10); Con Air (8/10); The Rock (6/10)

Bad Teacher

2011-08-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:

Bad Teacher is about 50% of the film the trailer suggested it would be. Which is a shame because with a little more nasty this could have been something very good indeed, instead of just about average. Funny in places, charming in others but not as good as the premise suggests (Although both Diaz and Timberlake are very good).

Best Bit: Car Wash

Rent, borrow or buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Last Supper (8/10); Swimming With Sharks (8/10); Horrible Bosses (UR)

AWAY FOR A WEEK... BACK FRIDAY 19th AUGUST.

2011-08-14T14:03:00.001-07:00

This Weeks Reviews (6th - 12th August 2011)

2011-08-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Bad Teacher & Season Of The Witch

The Lincoln lawyer

2011-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Phil's quick Capsule Review:If you are a fan of films like A Time To Kill & The Firm then The Lincoln Lawyer will feel very familiar. Not that there is anything wrong with that because when your legal thrillers arrive this polished & entertaining you'll wish they made more of them. McConaughey is superb, the story throws in a few surprises and all in all there is a lot to enjoy. Well worth the watch.

Best Bit: Phillippe's cold as ice performance

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If You Like This Try: A Time To Kill (8/10); The Firm (7/10)l; The Rainmaker (7/10)

Stake Land

2011-08-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Surprisingly effective post apocalyptic Vampire chiller that abandons the friendly vampire love story approach of recent films and instead makes the undead scary once more. Low budget it maybe, but it packs more 'Bite' than Twilight et all could ever manage.

Best Bit: Vampires are bad again

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Buy

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you Liked This Try: 28 Days Later (9/10); Near Dark (8/10); Monsters (8/10)

This Weeks Reviews (30th July - 5th August)

2011-07-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Next Week: Stake Land & The Lincoln Lawyer

Limitless

2011-07-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Limitless got quite a drubbing in the review stacks and, to be honest, sitting back and watching it you can kinda see why. OTT acting, poor pacing and a just above average script did little to convince. HOWEVER all those points aside it's actually quite good fun, mostly thanks to the charismatic Cooper. So no new ground broken but fun none the less.

Best Bit: The world becomes clear

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Red Eye (8/10); Arlington Road (8/10); Source Code (5/10)

Countdown to Zero

2011-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Countdown To Zero, like Fahrenheit 9/11, is a documentary that scares as much as it entertains, a chilling look at the "safe" post cold war world we live in... a world that is a much scarier place since I've watched this film. Chilling (and pretty entertaining).

Best Bit: We're doomed. Fact

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Fahrenheit 9/11 (9810); Bowling For Columbine (8/10); Suer Size Me (7/10)

This Weeks Reviews (18th - 24th July 2011)

2011-07-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Next Week: Countdown To Zero & Limitless

Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time

2011-07-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Derivative? Yes. Unoriginal? For sure. Dull & boring... well actually no. Whilst POSSOT will never be accused of being new or fresh what it does it does very well. Okay so like most Bruckheimer produced films of the past 5 years it feels very much like a comfortable pair of shoes in it’s familiarity but does that have to be a bad thing?

Best Bit: Breaching the walls

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Pirates of the Caribbean(8/10); Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (7/10); National Treasure (6/10)

Rio

2011-07-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Rio is funny and charming, well voiced kids film that offers enough adult appeal to make it a fun watch for the whole family. The animation is well done, the backgrounds outstanding and the script is funny (if not hysterical). So, all in all much to enjoy.

Best Bit: Backgrounds

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Toy Story 3 (9/10); Toy Story 2 (9/10); Madagascar (6/10)

This Weeks Soul Wrecking Reviews (18-24th July 2011)

2011-07-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Rio & Prince of Persia

Sucker Punch

2011-07-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

I fail to see the point. Okay correction... I fail to see the point unless I was a 12 year old. Because other than a video game addicted kid whose idea of heaven was some moderately attractive women dressed in very little fighting CGI fight after CGI fight, there is little to offer anyone with a modicum of common sense. For the guy who directed The Dawn Of The Dead remake, this is a massive let down.

Best Bit: None.

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Avoid

IMDB Rating: 3/10

If you liked this try: Dawn of The Dead Remake (8/10); 300 (6/10); The Watchmen (4/10)

Transformers 3 Dark of The Moon

2011-07-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

It's hard to put into words my hatred of this film. Dull, crude, boring, pointless.... doesn't even cover it. EVERYTHING about this film is wrong. Cast. Script. Story. Okay maybe not everything ... Editing is better than most Bey films and the CGi is top notch but it means nothing in what is possible one of the worst films of the past 10 years.

Best Bit: The ONE funny joke. One.

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Don't even watch

IMDB Rating: 2/10

If you liked this try: Never watching a movie again ever.

This Weeks Reviews (11th - 17th July 2011)

2011-07-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Next Time: Sucker Punch & Transformers 3

Jackass 3.5

2011-07-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

JackAss 3.5 is a collection of the bits that didn't make it into 3D. But, rather oddly, on it's own merit it turns out to be one of THE best JackAss Movies yet. All the usual painful,poo lashed antics ensue, but the charm and chance to share their enjoyment makes this a big time guilty pleasure.

Best Bit: Too many

Rent, Borrow or Buy: BUY

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: JackAss 3D (8/10); JackAss 2 (7/10); Jackass (7/10)

Senna

2011-07-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

F1 fan or not, Senna is one of THE must see films of the year. Full of drama, action and heart breaking losses, only teh most hardened wont end up with a lump in their throat. Destined to be one of the films of the year

Best Bit: Senna takes on Stewart

Rent, Borrow or Buy: BUY

IMDB Rating: 9/10

If you liked this try: Viva LAs Vegas (8/10); LaMans (UR); Grand Prix (UR)

This Weeks Reviews (4th - 10th July 2011)

2011-07-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Senna & Jackass 3.5

The Hangover Part 2

2011-07-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Phil's Quick Capsule Review:The Hangover 2 is no The Hangover. Which is a shame because it tries so hard to replicate the success of the first film. In fact just SO hard that it's pretty much a copy of the far superior original... from story beats, characters, comedy animals and (Spolier Alert) Mike Tyson. It has it's moments (the Lady Boy bit had me laughing so hard I almost cried) but they dont come fast enough and at the end you just feel like you watched a rip off of a much better film.
Best Bit: Lady Boy.

Rent, Borrow or Buy? Rent

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: The Hangover (8/10); Bridesmaids (UR)

Exit Through The Gift Shop

2011-07-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

A superb documentary, looking at street art through the eyes one of the worlds most infamous street artists. And whilst you’re never sure if what you see is 100% genuine, this film has enough humour, wackiness and bizarre characters to make it’s authenticity almost irrelevant.

Best Bit: The final show

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 8/10

If you liked this try: Sicko (8/10); Borat (8/10); Catfish (7/10)

This Weeks Reviews (25th June to 1st July 2011)

2011-06-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Next Time: The Hangover Part 2 & Exit Through The Gift Shop

Unknown

2011-06-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Unknown see's Liam Neeson back in action man mode but If you are expecting TAKEN 2 then prepare to be disappointed. The fact it Unknown is a predictable, average action thriller with an obvious twisting plot that leaves you feeling more 'Oh' than 'Wow'. The limited action scenes are handled well and ,much like Taken, you buy the fact that Neeson can kick some serious arse, but unfortunately it never rises about average.

Best Bit: The reveal. Yes the obvious plot twist is the bets bit.

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 5/10

If you liked this try: Taken (9/10); Total Recall (8/10); Adjustment Bureau (7/10)

The Mechanic

2011-06-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Well made, with plenty of bang for your buck, The Mechanic is not your usual action film and a rare remake that could well be better than the original. Check your brain at the door and there's much to enjoy… not least Statham doing his usual hard man routine.

Best Bit: If your reading this…

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: Crank (7/10); The Transporter (6/10); The Mechanic (6/10)

This Weeks Reviews (17th - 23rd June 2011)

2011-06-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Next Time: Unknown & The Mechanic

Paranormal Activity 2

2011-06-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Slow, dull and boring? If that was your thoughts on the first Paranormal Activity then avoid it’s glossier, higher budgeted sequel as it’s very much more of the same. Personally I thought that, for all it’s hanging about and long lingering shots of nothing, when the shocks and the scares come it makes all those taught, edge of seat waiting well worth while. Good but not great, could have easily been fifteen minutes shorter.

Best Bit: A familair face returns

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 6/10

If you liked this try: Paranormal Activity (8/10); Blair Witch Project (8/10); Cloverfield (7/10)

Fast 5

2011-06-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Phil’s Quick Capsule Review

Fast Five is that rare thing…a good sequel that probably ends up being one the strongest films in the franchise so far. Vin Diesel is in good form, Paul walker less wooden than usual and massively pumped up Dwayne Rock Johnson makes a welcome addition to a film that manages to reunite pretty much all key members from the previous four films. Good action, well made, well directed… Probably the surprise of the summer.

Best Bit: The Rock Lays the smack down on Diesel

Rent, Borrow or Buy: Rent

IMDB Rating: 7/10

If you liked this try: The Fast & The Furious (7/10); FTF Tokyo Drift (6/10); Fast & Furious

Phil's Quick Capsule Review Will return...

2011-06-13T01:06:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY 18th June 2011

This Weeks Reviews (4th - 10th June 2011)

2011-06-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Next TIme: Paranormal Activity 2 & Fast 5