Ironman 3

Genre: Action/Adventure

Director: Shane Black

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Kingsley & Guy Pearce

Running: 130 Mins

"More DC, more DC" said those who stood outside the home of Christopher Nolan. At one stage that same minority were huge fans of Marvel and its Avenger creation, however the forthcoming movies of both Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier will be so drawn out that we will thank the heavens for Man of Steel this summer! But before any such antics, Ironman must almost meet his end when he comes up against the Mandarin in the third and possibly final chapter in the life of Tony Stark.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is tormented by the events in New York this time around as the Avengers are nowhere to be seen because, well, this is a different movie. Stark's nightmarish flashbacks are keeping him up all night, while the United States are now dependent on Colonel James Rodes as the Iron Patriot (Don Cheadle). While Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) continues to run Stark Industries, she is intruded by an old friend - Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who's determination of a better world raises suspicions among Pepper and Happy (Jon Favreau). Excluded from the business end of things, Tony is forced to get involved when a terrorist known as the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) begins blowing up parts of the world, with threats of wiping out the president of the US edging ever so close.

It is when Tony's former bodyguard Happy, is seriously injured in a bomb attack that sees Tony wage all out war on the mysterious Mandarin, leading to an attack on Stark and everything he lives for. Just a man in a troubled suit remains as we witness Tony's fight for the salvation of the country as well as his own personal revenge on the Mandarin. And even with the potential of a serious premise ahead, there is not a serious bone in this story, which makes me wonder why the trailer advertised a movie consisting of the ultimate revenge. 

Tony Stark is as sleazy and witty as ever with his dialog being the true savior of the movie as we see time and time again how the productions comedic appeal depends on that of Robert Downey Jr. who once again succeeds in making us laugh -which grows endlessly tiresome. There were expectations this time around regarding the possibility of a gritty, more in-dept plot involving the reconstruction of Stark's potentially destroyed life. And while the plot does add an element of Tony's tormented involvement with the Avengers previously, the scenes are far from engaging as you somewhat struggle to believe a character that has in truth, made a joke about "life" since the first Ironman movie (2008). 

Ben Kingsley as the daring Mandarin is a great addition to this superhero comedy, proving a breath of fresh air every time we see him. You look forward to Ben Kingsley every time because unfortunately the majority of scenes involving Tony Stark are funny but far from engaging as you begin to wonder whether the genre of this is in fact a comedy. We see less of Ironman and more Tony Stark, which is not a bad thing but the premise of "the man make suit or the suit make the man" appears lack-luster, telling us nothing we don't already know, revealing a some what drawn out comedic performance from Robert Downey. Fortunately Ben Kingsley's Mandarin helps bring a touch of reality to a movie that struggled to hold onto the modern concept it began with back in 2008, and even the twisted mind of the Mandarin is turned on its head to suit that of a younger demographic, which is understandable in terms of this being an Ironman movie, but fans will either love the direction or hate it. I for one was not surprised. 

Ironman 3 is 130 minutes too long, however some might bare the majority of boring scenes in order to last to scenes of the plane rescue and the climatic ending in which are the only two scenes worth remembering; they show us the true effect of Ironman, leaving you mind-boggled as to why we had to watch a plethora of panic attacks from Stark before he finally goes into battle. 

There has been endless praise for Ironman 3 in the media in which I fail to understand. Sure, we can keep reflecting back on how Ironman is cool because he is an "out of skin" superhero who thrives off the media with his cockiness and endless bravery providing us with entertainment  And while he is one character who doesn't hide behind a mask, people seem to love that and accept his persona for who he his...no matter the movie. Ironman 3 gives us too much of that and no Ironman. Of course there is always that chapter of weakness in every superhero movie and while Ironman 3 ran with that vision originally, it was overshadowed by comedy which overshadowed the potential of a dramatic, more engaging plot. Ironman 3 lacks on its dark advertisement and goes with turning each scene on its head to prolong the use of comedy - which some will argue suits that of Ironman and the character behind the suit. I for one found it tiresome and boring.

Overall: Lacks the action premise of the first two, attempting to humorously dramatise the story of a man we already know so much about. Doing so created a lack of Ironman as a superhero and more Tony Stark the washed up comedian. Never the less, the CGI provided in the plane rescue and the ending might be enough to satisfy the average popcorn muncher!

Final consensus: Cool CGI, bad twist, overly funny dialog, great final scene and a silly ending = 6/10

Blu-ray Talk

Below is a list of 5 recently watched Blu- rays. I tend to watch the most random, silliest and quite exceptional movies at the most strangest of times. I review each one and tell you whether or not they are worth having in your collection.
Enjoy.

A Nightmare on Elm St (2010)
Genre: Horror (Remake)
Director: Samuel Bayer
Starring: Jackie Earle Ray & Rooney Mara 
Running: 95 Mins

Let's not snowball what is already an argument that I, and most are willing to take to the edge of the earth - horror remakes. I am not a fan of most remakes due to the laziness factor from the production. One of these is A Nightmare on Elm St, starring Jackie Earle Ray. I would like start by saying that Jackie Earle Ray did quite a good job at reinventing a character that we had all pronounced dead due to the impossible return of Robert Englund.

The identical plot and the lack of fear-factor is a huge let down, but the deaths, while some might argue the lack of "nightmares" involved, the scenes of violence are a good watch as blu-ray quality and overall entertainment goes. I genuinely like this remake, but I love the original. And while I am one of those guys who tends to compare classic with modern, I honestly tried to blank that mind-frame through-out the course of this revamp. There is a cast of rookies to say the least, and scenes of stupidity that come up short as far as imagination goes. This remake supports two acceptable elements; the chilling presence of Jackie Earle Ray is one. Sure, he failed to live up to the standard of Robert Englund, but he was always up against it, wasn't he? The other one is the modern concept it runs with, selling a story of believable events in Freddy Kruger being an actual pedophile.

It is far from the memorable creation of the original, but out of the majority of bad horror remakes, this one, depending on your mood, is tolerable.

Verdict: Skip! Buy the original on blu-ray instead!

Rocky 4 (1985)
Genre: Drama
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire & Dolph Lundgren
Running: 90 Mins

"Hearts on fire, strong desire"....it is fair to say the best thing about Rocky's Russian triumph is the soundtrack - but I had a totally different perspective as a kid. Since I purchased the saga on Blu-ray I have been strongly procrastinating on watching both Rocky 4 and 5. Some will say to do such a thing on the fifth movie is totally normal, but it was only after I watched this one that I had come to a conclusion; while part five will continue to take the slack, it won't do without mentioning the fact that part 4 started it all.

Rocky Balboa is fresh off his bout with Mr.T, I mean Clubber Lang. Celebrating birthdays, singing to Adrian in bed and putting up with his annoying kid is just a few of Rocky's tasks in his now retired life. When Apollo steps in the ring to fight a terminator, things go bad, really bad. In fact, Apollo dies! So in 80's action blow-away fashion, Rocky seeks revenge, by sport! This was my Favorited as a kid. The first was too dramatic, too life like. The second was just the same as the first, and the third really up the antics, introducing Hulk Hogan and Mr.T. How could life at the movies get any better? Death was entertaining to me, so Rocky's revenge was, and I mean was, electrifying. While I still get some enjoyment from Rocky 4, it is the worst chapter in Rocky's life following Rocky 6 (Rocky Balboa 2006). My opinion of course. Rocky 4 is beyond stupid, so far beyond reality I struggled watching the blu-ray edition. From the scene with Paulie's robot, to the pro-American "us against them" persona of Apollo, it down right pissed me off. Let's face it, no man, and I mean no man could of withstood Drago's shots, hence while as stupid as it was to kill off Apollo, how on earth is Balboa any stronger? Part 4 is Kyle Reese versus the terminator, man against machine!

A great climax to this movie would have been the death of Rocky Balboa. In doing so, we wouldn't have to look at discs 5 and 6 in the saga box-set.

Rocky 4 still holds a level of entertainment but the ridiculous scenes of sheer annoyance and the comic book scrap in Russia makes you wonder how you ever withstood it as a child.

Verdict: Meh, the saga is a must own blu-ray package...just don't pay money for this on its own!

Band of Brothers (2001)
Genre: Historic Drama (TV Series)
Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Neal McDonough & Damien Lewis.
Running: 700 Mins

Ten chronological chapters follows the lives of certain individuals involved with Easy Company; an airborne division unit put through extraordinary events from D-day in WWII, where they landed in the territorial beach of Utah, blasting through enemy lines resulting in dramatic circumstances. With very few ups and so many downs, you follow Major Richard Lewis and his Band of brothers. Fictionalized over 11 episodes in Spielberg's mini-series, Band of Brothers supports the prolific reputation of being one of the greatest dramatic series to ever hit a television screen. Fans of the war genre will really appreciate the realistic take, replicating a concept we once saw in Saving Private Ryan. Working behind the lens this time around, Tom Hanks creates a heartfelt show with a variety of cast members supporting their own stylistic practice, some in which have gone on to build on their Hollywood career.

While I adore movies such as Platoon and Apocalypse now, I sometimes struggle to engage in movies supporting that war torn element. Apart from most TV series, Band of Brothers, in my opinion, is not a show you will find yourself immediately swapping the disc over. Its dark and gritty mood is one that needs to be viewed on a certain day, one that matches your own mood, because in truth  there are very few happy endings. However Band of Brothers is watchable for two aspects; the visuals, and the huge cast - you never know who will appear on the front line.

Aired on HBO in 2001, I had no intention of watching it. Having watched it on Blu-ray, I am really glad I did so.

Verdict: Own this on blu-ray!

The Big Lebowski (1998)
Genre: Comedy
Director: Joel Cohen
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore & Steve Buscemi
Running: 117 Mins

The dude Lebowski is on a mission to recover something not so valuable, but as far as we are concerned it really tied the room together. Mistaken for a millionaire by the name Lebowski, the dude's ambition to recover his rug turns into a hilarious adventure that uncovers corruptness, hilarious twists and outlandish characters. Lebowski is giving the chance to recover his rug  but must first involve himself heavily in corruptible madness including a hostage drop off that goes hilariously wrong. The dude seeks help from his bowling companions Donny and Walter, which only adds to the genius entitlement this clever comedy deserves.

Jeff Bridges at his best with some claiming it to be his finest role yet. What makes this movie so damn popular? Well it being at the hands of the Cohen brothers for one, and the creation of the big Lebowski has  went on to develop a cult minority of movie fans that have helped praise and recommend this dark comedy since its release. I for one, was recommend this film so I went out and bought it on blu-ray and what do you know, I loved it because I relish true comedy when I see it and this movie is down right hilarious.

Verdict: Own this on blu-ray!

Ironman (2008)
Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow & Jeff Bridges
Running: 126 Mins

Ironman was, in a way the first to bench mark Marvel's avenger franchise that has went on to create debuts for both Captain America and Thor. Sure, we saw Sam Rami's Hulk in 2003, but realistically, and rightly so, the Hulk's appearance in the Avengers is down to The Incredible Hulk (2008), a version in which I have always preferred. Released the same year as Edward Norton's anger problems was Robert Downey Jr. as himself  I mean Tony Stark aka Ironman. Captured in the back ass of nowhere, wealthy business man and high-tech ace Tony Stark is forced to build a metal Ned Kelly style armor suit in order to blast his way to freedom. Following a reality check, Tony sees a golden opportunity to recreate the suit back home, with more style and firepower - Ironman; a protector of the people and a high advanced weapon for the US.

I remember its screen debut, while the blu-ray is just as fantastic if not better, visually. While the sequel might not be much to brag about, we are still fortunate enough to be able to class this as one of the best superhero movies out there.

Verdict: See it on Blu-ray!

Star Trek Into Darkness

When J.J. Abrams reinvented Star Trek back in 2009 his intention was to appeal to fans of the franchise and the not so, taking the ever so popular modern element of things and running with it. Doing so has reeled in a huge demographic; if not for the plot, then for the fantastic sequences of action. Those who thoroughly enjoyed Star Trek's Hollywood return were left to anticipate an exciting sequel in what was surely on my list of the summers most exciting movies. Star Trek into Darkness has not only satisfied my thirst for action, but its simple plot of revenge along with the return of Kirk and Spock that has paved way for a J.J. Abrams inter galactic trilogy. 

Beginning at a fast pace, we are immediately reminded of Kirk's (Chris Pine) leadership upon the Enterprise as he puts the crew in jeopardy following his decision to save Spock (Zachary Quinto) from an erupting volcano. Thinking about friendship rather than the reputation of the federation, Kirk is demoted and the Enterprise removed from his control. Meanwhile John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) is about to destroy the federation from the inside out, reinstating his own history with the federation by blowing up one of its organisations in London. His catastrophic mark is the first of many as he sets on destroying everything in his path using personal revenge as a valuable motive.

Kirk convinces Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller aka Robocop) to let him go after John who is holding ground in Klingon territory.

So begins a cat and mouse plot, as Kirk along with Spock regather the team of explorers in a bid to capture the one man army that is John. Desperate to bring John to justice, Kirk and the Enterprise fight through the powerful force of John, only to unravel a historic tale of love and revenge, leading to consequential decisions from everyone on board the ship.

The star of the show here is Spock, as he continuously plays the conscience of Kirk to a wonderful extent. Spock is involved in a tremendous introduction and a frenetic showdown.  His onscreen friendship with Kirk is both comedic and dramatically heartfelt through out the events of the Enterprise's ambitious man hunt. Chris Pine is brilliant as he masters the heroic persona of Kirk once again - showing off his dramatic skills also, in scenes of quality acting.

This is not a "leave your brain at the door" type of flick, so it is open to people who choose to nit-pick at potential flaws of the movie. In terms of Star Trek history, I am not the guy, however Star Trek into Darkness does offer scenes of endless solutions, even at the worst of times. While Kirk's vigilante style heroics are played to the fullest, the movie's disastrous scenes are always met with simple, yet predictable solutions in almost impossible circumstances. I found that quite annoying through-out, and you will find these decisions being carried out right up to the climatic ending. I would not have been surprised to see Spock or Kirk whip out shark spray from a bat belt!

But ignoring their desperate attempt at survival, the villainous presence of John Harrison is spine tingling  This guy does not hold back. The heartless thrive of John reminds you that of agent Smith in the Matrix. Comparing powers would be fun actually!

Into Darkness offers a more dramatic element than the first movie, revealing a selfishness within certain characters of the movie, which blends nicely with the darker, more in-dept elements of the sequel. 

Star Trek into Darkness is a good time, as J.J. Abrams shows off his brilliant imagination and his motivation behind transferring a simple plot of revenge using quality cinematic visuals for you to explore. Just like the first movie, the dialog involved with characters such as Kirk and Spock, not forgetting Scotty (Simon Pegg) and Bones (Karl Urban) who are all a joy to engage with.

8.5/10

Star Trek 3 has been announced for 2016, while fans can look forward to J.J. Abrams and his take on Star Wars in  Star Wars: Episode VII.

Eminem in Slane: Relapse or Recovery?

Expectations are high as US rapper Eminem is set to return to Ireland to give Slane Castle another shot. But while many are excited, a majority of us will be procrastinating on whether or not we want to cough up 80 euro for a concert that has yet to announce a support act.

Let’s start by saying as popular as Eminem is, taking into account he has sold over 100 million records worldwide, he will not sell out Slane Castle this summer. There will be a massive attendance on August 17th when the Detroit rapper returns, following his performance in Oxegen (2010). However fans will not forget when a promising line up was set to collide alongside Eminem in Slane, only to cancel. This time around, with a price range of 80 euro, fans will look for the ageing rapper to put on one hell of a show. While support acts have been put on hold for now, fans can only pray that their 80 euro is well spent – if a support act with a prolific status is announced soon, it will be 80 euro well spent this summer.

While Eminem has played endless amount of concerts through-out Europe and the US, let’s just say Ireland has not exactly been graced with the best of the world’s acts; so with one of the world’s best rappers set to grace a stage of historic status, fans will wonder whether they will get the relapsed Eminem, or the one in recovery. Both referenced albums are mediocre, but it is the timescale leading up to these albums that have moulded Eminem into the rap icon he is today. The fans will want to remember Eminem for how he was as Slim Shady. Do we really want to spend this money listening to “Ass like that” and “Guess who’s back”, or anything to do with the puppet wielding Encore album for that matter? While Eminem’s sour return in Relapse surely can’t get a mention, can it?

I believe 80 euro is a price you pay to hear an old school set – Marshall Mathers LP, Slim Shady LP, The Eminem Show – these are the albums we fell in love with. Songs such as “Kill you”, “Stan”, “Sing for the moment”, “The way I am” and many, many more. I heard Eminem put on a decent show in 2010. Apparently, he performed a fare mash-up of old and new, commercial and not so. Although he failed to play through a full track of one song, jumping from verse to verse with different beats because, well, it’s a different song. Back in the late 80s early 90s, rappers performed concerts, not gigs. I can’t help but look at the term “gig” as a modern day word for short performance. Back when Dre, Snoop, Tupac and Biggie ruled the land of hip hop, fans paid a reasonable price into concerts of outstanding performances. There was none of this turning up an hour late and 30 minute shows – the artist respected the fans and vice-verse. So while Eminem’s commercial status is quite prolific, he has not given Ireland the credit it deserves. I think I speak for everyone in saying we want to hear full tracks – a flashback to how it was. Sure, Eminem is 40 years of age, and while he might not have the same hatred he expressed on the Marshall Mathers LP, fans don’t want to forget those lyrics – the comedic grittiness we engaged in.

Eminem will show up in either two mind-sets; a relapsed version – a despicable persona he desperately tried to re-kindle in 2008, revealing his constant drug use and affairs with Mariah Carey. It was a mediocre album, played out using his annoying Arabian impression. It was a desperate attempt a reviving what was and fans will not want to hear a single song off that album this summer.

What fans will accept is Eminem’s slightly better album that followed in Recovery. It was the return of Eminem but to say it was a reinvention would be wrong. While it may seem harsh to deem rappers for releasing commercial tracks for a new generation, there comes a time when that chapter in one’s career is vital. Recovery was a great listen, and fans, whether they like it or not can expect to hear a few tracks off the album. Songs such as “No Love”, “Talking to myself” and “not afraid” will go down well. What is almost certain, we will get an Encore, but a 90s Eminem hangs in the balance. If what they say about his performance in Oxegen is true, and with a slight extent to each track, I believe doing so is giving the people of Ireland the rap concert it deserves. So in that case it will be 80 euro well spent. I will be there to judge….will you?