I didn't go into it expecting much since I didn't know anyone impressed by the book, but little about it rang true for me

I rather enjoyed The Bounty, better than I was expecting, about as good as the Marlon Brando version, but felt much more realistic of course. It just was flying below my radar I suppose.

I recommend Seven Psychopaths. Same director as In Bruges (otherwise knows as the only good Colin Farrell film), well Colin Farrell punches above his weight again, this director certainly seems to get the best out of him. I am a big fan of Tarantino films, and this would appeal if you're also a fan. Christopher Walken is very watchable, as always, Sam Rockwell is brilliant. I also very much enjoyed the Tom Waits cameo "hey are you waiting for someone". In-jokes abound.

It gets a bit flabby towards the middle and loses its pace and never really recovers, you're waiting for it to end for the last quarter, but it's certainly enjoyable and worth a rent, in my top ten for 2012 films just because when it's good it's very good and funny. Not as good as Bruges, but way better than most of last year's films. Gory, sometimes a little gratuitously so, but I think that's the point; it's basically a good-natured Tarantino homage/satire.

Recommended, a comfortable 7/10.

Luke-warm recommendation for Looper.
This is a safe genre retread.

It's quicker just to list the ingredients:

20% Equilibrium
20% Twelve Monkeys
20% Primer
15% Push
15% Jumper
5% La Jetee

With the rest made up of a mush of strong/vulnerable/sexy single mom protects PACA (precocious american child actor) from people with guns and a dystopian future police/criminal run state.

Watchable: 5/10 rising to 6/10 if you're in the mood for a brainless sci fi popcorn flick where you can chat about the plot holes.

Have you seen The Guard? I think you may like it if not.

Mark

No, looks good, I'll check it out, thanks.

Killer Elite - Structually a bit of a mess (you've seen so much planning and execution by the first hour that it feels like it's about to end), but that's probably because it's based on a book (The Feather Men, worth Googling if you aren't familiar with the controversy). Old skool in a lot of ways, a Jason Statham film in a lot of others. Worth watching but it won't be for everyone, and it'll be on terrestrial TV soon enough I reckon.

How does it hold up against the original Killer Elite? That had a good cast with James Caan and Robert Duvall. I bought the DVD back in the 90s, I think it is time to dig it out again for another viewing.

Different film (I'd never heard of it, so thanks), though there's quite a few similarities!

Haywire - This has to be a record for an action thriller; ten minutes was all I could take*. I now understand why there wasn't much dialogue in the trailer since everyone in it behaves like a cyborg. Cyborgs with their own encroaching '70's thriller soundtrack, I kid you not.

* I skipped forward, it doesn't seem to get any better.

Red Dawn ('84) - I'd never seen all of it so I rented it. It's strangely watchable despite being pretty laughable with it, basically Stand By Me VS a Communist invasion. Next to nothing stands up here (and there's some strange moments of, 'Was that supposed to be horrific or funny?'), but it's oddly compelling

Oh, and don't bother with the BR if you're thinking of going on a nostalgia trip; they weren't gonna spend the sorta money a good transfer costs just for this...

The Imposter

Brilliant documentary! Heartily recommended. 8.5/10

(starts slowly, STICK WITH IT)

Just rewatched the George A. Romero classic Martin.
What a great film.

Mark

Just watched Ted. Great start and I truly lolled up to about halfway through the film. It then started to drag and that's when it was a bit crap. Did okay at the end but it was all predictable. The bit I hated was Seth's voice acting - it continuously varied between Brian and Peter from Family Guy. There was even a bit of Stewie in there. This ruined it a little for me.

Loved the entire Flash Gordon segment/bits and the fight reminded me of the various stuff from Family Guy (like Peter and the chicken).


Gonna give it 3/5.

That is generous. The Flash Gordon was the only bit that was remotely amusing. The childhood part was okay, but as soon as it got to an adult relationship, it went down hill fast.