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Thursday 24 May 2012

Creative piece: Arkham City Prison


It is a vintage bridge that connects Gotham City to Arkham Asylum. The mental institution, which is famous for stationing Batman’s arch enemies’ is over crowding by the month. Legendary foes such as Two-face, an individual most remembered by Gotham civilians as Harvey Dent, The Joker and Mr Freeze. These regularly combine affiliations to help escape the Asylum which has seemed to become simple routine.

Gotham City government is due to announce the opening of Arkham prison at midnight. The purpose of the building is to remove particular villains from the asylum. Prison officials have made a statement claiming the advanced landscape will be more capable of keeping foes such as the Joker on a 24hour lockdown.

Another reason for Arkham prison is due to Batman’s lack of ambition lately. Batman turns 55 this Thursday, as the citizens of Gotham slowly realise their dependant on an ageing hero is looking far more slim.

Reality checked in when an apparent rise of 50% in robberies and kidnappings emerged last month. Law enforcement believes this is due to certain individuals such as Scare-crow and Bane who are yet to be captured by the Bat. Other reports suggest a wide variety of prostitution has emerged, labelling poison Ivy and Harley Quinn the key organisers behind the ordeal.
These are some of many reports through-out the city that Batman has no knowledge of Gotham city, for the first time in years, is worried.

Joe Biden of the Gotham Mail spoke to Batman at an action figure convention in Metropolis yesterday. When asked about the newly constructed prison he said “I think it is a fantastic call from the government. Arkham Asylum was never strong enough to hold in them maniacs! I strongly believe whether you are classed as mental or not, certain individuals need to be transported to that prison ASAP!” With the apparent advancement and right technology, it can prevent anyone from escaping”.

Batman’s comments come at an appropriate time as certain house hold names such as Commissioner Gordon plea for Batman to retire. Gordon told the Gotham mail last week “If Arkham prison goes ahead, it will give Batman the ideal opportunity to retire. We think there will be a serious lack of work when this facility proceeds. Any possible crimes afterwards will be minor, nothing we can’t handle ourselves.”

Arkham prison is connected to the Asylum. It is located behind the asylum and is separated by surrounding electric gates. It will be on constant lock-down particularly coming up to Halloween. Prisoners from the asylum will not be judged on insanity rather their history of violence. The Joker and two-face are the first two announced to enter the prison.

The Gotham public will be curious to see the out-come of the new project and what the future holds for Batman. Batman was far from happy when asked about retirement yesterday at the convention and told brave Joe Biden “Who are you to say I should consider such a thing? Yes I will be 55 and I admit I am not as fast or skilled as I once was but let me tell you this sir. I can still pack a roundhouse kick to your wimpy ass and if the Bat mobile manages to pass the NCT tomorrow morning, I will be back patrolling the streets of the city I was born to protect”.

When Joe Biden asked the dark Knight about Robins recent drug charge he replied “No Comment”.

All the staff at Gotham Mail would like to wish Batman a happy Birthday if we don’t see him Thursday!

Saturday 19 May 2012

Help me gain views and audience at IMDB


In an attempt to raise views for my blog as well as a wider opinion, you can now find some of my most recent movie reviews at IMDB.  The link below should bring you my list of reviews.

Support and enjoy.
Yours,...sort of, Gerry Keating :)

http://imdb.com/user/ur28624869/comments

Friday 18 May 2012

The Raid Review 2012


The Raid is an explosive, all out Indonesian war as a SWAT team storm the building of a wanted drug lord and is army of tenants!.

Located in the slums of Jakarta, the apartment block, considered a no-go area by police in the past, is run by a ruthless nemesis by the name of Tama (Ray Sahetapy). With previous unsuccessful attempts to bring him in, a SWAT team is ready to infiltrate the building in the cleanest way possible.

Rama (Iko Uais) is just another SWAT agent hoping to come out of the "Raid" alive, although something tells us his participation is not accidental. A mixed martial artist, ready to ruin his fists with the blood of the ruthless mercenaries.

The tactical enforcements have little knowledge of the 30 floor apartment block other than it been occupied as a safe-house for the worst kind of wanted criminals.

The Raid is mind-blowing with constant non-stop action from start to finish. Its concept is typical good versus bad, but with high octane tensity, fantastic fight scenes and numerous twists to this Indonesian master piece. The Raid gives Ong-Bak a run for its money. A six minute fight scene featuring two guys on one, is just a tease of what The Raid offers fight fans.

In comparison to what we have seen this summer, The Raid offers so much more in terms of gunfights so terrifying, I was only short of ducking in the cinema!

Lookout for Tama's right hand man, "Mad Dog". A guy the SWAT are informed about on rout to the apartment block "He will tear down walls for Rama". He is exactly what he is made out to be. A tiny, ruthless Little character, showing his finest skills in martial arts. The consequence for the SWAT team? Bloodshed!

Overall; The Raid is a terrific movie that must be seen, over and over again! I will be surprised if another action movie beats this one any time soon.

10/10 (yep, it deserves it)

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Marley Review 2012


The first official documentary featuring members of the Marley family, who reflect on the life of Bob Marley. A prophet to some and a lyrical icon who left the earth leaving a significant mark in musical history.

Marley is a beautifully crafted piece of work based on the late Jamaican star. The film is aimed at his biggest fans as well as those with little knowledge of his life. (ME)

Raised in the slum's of Kingston, Jamaica, Bob Marley lived life an only child with his mother fending for food and water. Bob's life shows an affect for disaster with little knowledge of his father and any appeareance being nothing short of a myth. Just like Bob, friends and numerous characters from the Kingston area are introduced in the film, expressing their upbringing in poverty stricken Jamaica.

We learn of the belief in "Rhasta Fari". A god worshipped by certain Jamaicans. Bob Marley describes him as the equivalent to Jesus. "White people have Jesus, we have Rhasta Fari". A belief which entitles them to smoke a ridiculous amount of weed each day.

The concept of the documentary tells a tale of comedy, happiness and depression as ones life is told through those who grew up with, and loved him most.

His struggle for success is told through friends and numerous members of The Wailers. How reggae was founded through a single chord? how Bob Marley eventually left Jamaica for America to expand his ideas in music. A story of ambition and tragedy, relating to the shooting of Bob Marley and certain members of The Wailers. How Bob Marley was begged to revive Jamaica's government torn gang war, bringing a country together through his music.

Vital members of the Marley family are heard for the first time in this cinematic masterpiece. Son of Bob, Ziggy Marley tells of his remembrance, as were are shown a shocking resemblance to the late singer. Rita Marley, his first and last love tells the story of how she stayed with Bob, despite his sexual antics.

A revealing documentary of the Jamaican superstar, seen through the eyes of  members of the music industry as well as a brilliant cast of Kingston locals who simply never left the scene of Bob Marley's growing up.

Marley reveals a variety of live performances, showing Bob Marley at his best and a typically beautiful soundtrack, which mingles with every scene. Fans and people today know of the ending that awaited Bob Marley. This documentary is a terrific celebration towards a musical genius, who just like many icons, changed parts of the world, politically and musically.

Overall, Marley is terrifically original, telling a story of a man with a history guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. A film for fans of all ages to enjoy.


Tuesday 1 May 2012

The Avengers Review 2012


The Avengers finally assemble on the orders of Nick Fury!

There was no secret of the highly populated cast in the lead up to the Avengers, taking into account the hype since the release of Iron Man in 2008. The success of Iron man was followed by a sequel in 2010. Fans of the Super Hero franchise where greeted with the release of two more comic book movies, Thor and Captain America. The question was, could the Avengers succeed as a whole?

Nick Fury (Jackson) recruits Iron Man (Downey Jr), Thor (Hemsworth), and Captain America (Evans) as well as newcomer Mark Ruffalo as the HULK! The super group also consists of two newbies to the big screen, Black Widow is played Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye (The next Bourne?)

The world is under threat following the arrival of Loki, a citizen of Asgard, another Universe. (Thor 2011). Loki is the brother of Thor, although both would agree the distance between them is not exaggerated. It is Loki's attack on S.H.I.E.L.D that leads to a crucial decision by Nick Fury, leader of the affiliation. The desperate attempt involves regrouping something stronger than Loki and his army of Cohorts, The Avengers!

The movie has a nice feel to it with a brilliant intro of what's to come. Those who have not seen previous movies won't suffer too much but it does consist of some flashbacks regarding Captain America.

The storyline is put together smartly and manages to keep the balance in relation to the numerous egos on board. As Loki is the one at large it feels the story is based off of Thor but does well in blending all characters. As always, Robert Downey shows class as the arrogant, yet hilarious Tony Stark and the ever so cheesy Captain America (Evans). Fans will enjoy the rivalry between both Captain America and Iron man, as personalities quickly collide before they realise the moral of the story is team-work.

 The return of Loki was a great choice as he made for a terrific bad-guy in Thor and the collision between family is still fun to watch. Although Loki seemed a handful in the release of Thor in 2010, Nick Fury and the Avengers get caught completely off guard with Loki and his mind boggling army!

The introduction of a third Bruce Banner is, unfortunately frustrating for some. But when the Hulk is transformed, nobody notices. Yes, a third. Mark Ruffalo plays the man with the temper. Following Eric Bana and Edward Norton (My favourite by the way), Mark Ruffalo as Dr Banner had a challenge on his hands. Is there information on why Edward Norton was not included instead? I believe if he was, performance on the bases of acting would have been better than Mark Ruffalo. But just like I said, in relation to the Avengers, fans just want to see the Hulk tear people, buildings and valuable things apart! and that is just what he does! My favourite was Bruce Banner...when he was green.
My knowledge in Marvel limits, but I wonder what fans made of Hawk-eye and Black Widow? Both characters, like the rest were highly entertaining. Jeremy Renner is leading an exciting future and Scarlett Johansson...well, just do what you do best!... Not forgetting Samuel Jackson, even though he has been forgettable in the past. He gives fans an enjoyable performance, curse free. Mr Jackson just needs to choose his movies carefully in my opinion. He has been in some woeful movies lately.

The action and CGI makes the Avengers what it is. In comparison to Captain America (Which I despised) and even the previous CGI Hulk, this blows them out of the water. You noticed I excluded Both the Iron Man and Thor movies, the Avengers is still early release and is yet to be decided, in my opinion.

The Avengers is up there with the greatest super hero movies ever made. Audience from generations will enjoy the Avengers. Whether you are unfortunate to see this movie in 3D or stay classy with 2D, one must see immediately!

The Exciting question for the future is, What is next to come? Well we know Iron Man 3 and a Thor sequel is in writing. Unfortunately Captain America also, and possibly a new Bruce Banner? who knows. In relation to an Avengers Sequel? now that's getting carried away!

9/10