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PREDATOR: BADLANDS(15)
This film contains extreme violence and some elements of horror.
FILM SYNOPSIS
A young predator outcast in search of the ultimate adversary finds an unlikely ally on his journey. His human android counterpart goes on to make all the difference in this tale of action and intrigue.
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Action, Thriller, Horror
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Cast:Â Â Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Runtime: 120 mins
Recommendation Score: 7/10
Although this film features yet another Predator movie from the franchise, it does arrive with some fresh elements that separate it from the other films. Standing on its own two feet, this science fiction action tale features a young and inexperienced predator outcast as the main character. The opening scenes set the stage for several instances of suspense, horror, and intrigue. This allows the audience to quickly embrace the film and all it has to offer. This film has several things going for it, offering something fresh, different and a little unexpected. Although it occasionally feels out of place when compared to other films from the franchise, it does deliver, creating an anti-hero in the form of the main character.Â
As the story unfolds, the intrigue helps to create a nice caveat for the main characters. This enhances an otherwise basic plot that becomes far more fulfilling as the film progresses. This allows the film to fully develop the suspense element of the film which goes on to create an interesting narrative. This also allows the audience to engage more with the central character, who is often seen making random split-second decisions. Although the pace of the film is very slow at the beginning, it does manage to deliver a quite fresh take on a story of action horror.
The film constantly maintains the action element and allows for the escalation of danger and risk to the central characters. This helps to keep the movement of the film thrilling and a little unpredictable. Its climax, however, follows the classic Hollywood mandate that every action film must end with an epic showdown. All in all, a must-watch for fans of science fiction.
WICKEDÂ FOR GOOD (12)
This film contains scenes of fantasy action adventure, & some mild violence.
FILM SYNOPSIS
The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical, which sees Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, re-examine her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time and truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Musical
Director:Â Jon M. Chu
Runtime: 160 minutes
Cast:Â Peter Dinklage, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum
Recommendation Score: 8/10
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion. Although essentially a musical, this film offers so much more! The long-awaited sequel continues the story, which was lavishly told in the first film. Starring the spectacular returning cast, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.Â
This film once again explores the softer side of the main characters as they are forced to reunite in adversity. Elphaba, now demonised as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile. Hidden within the Ozian forest, she continues her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals, whilst desperately trying to expose the sinister truth about The Wizard of Oz. Living at the palace in Emerald City and revelling in the perks of fame and popularity, Glinda, on the other hand, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible, Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.
As Glinda prepares to marry Prince Fiyero in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks transform and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all of their lives.
Films today are no longer made in this way, and with this in mind, this film offers something completely different. Its concise direction successfully bounces from scene to scene, engulfing audiences with some stellar appearances from its stellar cast. Each scene is cleverly overlaid with musical and, in some cases, comical dialogue, which further enhances it. The film also includes several endearing moments that provoke both thought and compassion.Â
This film has all of the makings of a classic, making it essential viewing for fans of this type of genre. The film’s journey is helped along the way by several little caviats that form nice little surprises from the main characters. This, along with the feel-good music, diverse characters, and lavish cinematography, seems to keep viewers constantly engaged throughout the adventure that ensues. This film has the makings of a classic, and I will not be surprised if it breaks box office records.
SPRINGSTEIN: DELIVER ME FROMÂ NOWHERE (12)
This film features fantasy elements and mild action sequences.
FILM SYNOPSIS
The story of Bruce Springsteen’s journey, while crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band.
Genre: Family, Musical, BiographyÂ
Director:Â Scott Cooper
Runtime: 120 Minutes
Cast:  Stephen Graham, Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young Sanders
Recommendation Score: 7/10
Based on Warren Zane’s book, this film is a faithful, albeit uninspired, adaptation of the story that emerged after ‘Born in the USA’ was recorded. Although a little cliché, it does manage to offer something quite different and does a good job of showing the softer side of rock and roll.Â
The film successfully manages to capture the core elements of the true story that unfolds at probably the height of Springstein’s career. It also takes full advantage of a winning formula in the form of a classic struggle against the odds mould. This film largely adheres to the major plot points and storyline of the book that explores the relationship between Sprinstein and his estranged father.
Some clever direction enables the audience to not only accept, but also embrace the story beyond the music. This keeps the film relevant and the audience continually engaged. The dark atmosphere and often dull scenery tend to enhance the film’s thought-provoking message. All of this is aptly complemented by the soundtrack that uses nuances of Springstein’s music. All of this makes this film a must for all fans of Bruce Springsein and his music!
SMURFSÂ Â (12)
This film features comedic elements and mild action sequences.
FILM SYNOPSIS
When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him.Â
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Musical, Fantasy
Director:Â Chris Miller
Runtime: 100 Minutes
Cast: Rhianna, Natasha Lyonne, Hannah Waddingham, Kurt Russell
Recommendation Score: 7/10
A message of endearing friendship and companionship is at the heart of this story. This one-of-a-kind reboot centres on the emotional rollercoaster that surrounds the main character, Smurfette. The audience is taken to a whole new level as she rallies the other Smurfs behind her and then leads her band of merry Smurfs into the real world in search of the abducted Papa Smurf.
The film manages to portray messages of kindness, respect and friendship that will appeal to both young and old viewers. It also has some amazing colourful characters and an exciting plot. There are also several sweet and endearing moments that all come together nicely. The fact that the Smurfs reach into the real world also plays along nicely, creating a plethora of comical scenes that are duly remembered.
The cinematography is accompanied by a creative musical score that enhances the film’s several credentials. All of these elements help to get this film firmly over the finishing line. The film is dominated by computer-generated graphics, but this is done very tastefully. This also intricately allows the script to tailor a path through both worlds. The chemistry between the Smurfs, who are constantly at odds, not only with each other but also with their new environment, creates a good sub-plot and several comedic moments that work well with the dynamic action scenes. All in all, a great film to watch!
TOM & JERRY: FORBIDDEN COMPASS (K-Family)
This film contains scenes of comical animated action with mild violence that incorporates elements of fantasy and adventure.
FILM SYNOPSIS
During a chase in a museum, Tom and Jerry accidentally activate a magical compass that transports them to another world. On their way to trying to find the way back home, they meet a group of new companions and become embroiled in a conflict against mysterious forces.
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Family Adventure, Animation,Comedy
Director:Â Zhang Gang
Runtime: 110 Minutes
Cast:Â John Shang, Ruan Yifei
Recommendation Score: 8/10
Once again, this classic cartoon duo delivers another wildly entertaining animated all-action-adventure, with a twist. This film manages to take the audience on a rollercoaster ride that features slapstick comedy at every level. Although the film sticks to a winning formula of cat and mouse stories, it does offer the audience something a little different in the form of the world of magic and some new characters to boot. This means that it remains unlike other Tom and Jerry offerings, which in some ways is a little more thought-provoking.Â
The film also delivers several comical action scenes that have helped carve a niche for the Tom and Jerry franchise over the years. However, whilst the film takes full advantage of a time-tested winning formula, it does see the dynamic duo begin to question the world’s changing narratives. This film, although predictable, effectively creates a tipping balance between good and evil that is set against the slightly darker, gritty atmosphere of a new world that helps to further enhance the film’s message.Â
This cartoon adventure also offers several ‘feel-good’ moments. The subtle music score aptly enhances the storyline as the predictable, yet entertaining plot progresses. This film sees Cat and Mouse unite to battle adversity and to set everything right again. With this in mind, the film sends a wonderful message of traditional values, kindness, goodness, and hope!Â
