Let's Be Cops

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This film is garbled sitcom level comedy that demeans real police work; while attempting to apologise for that with it's ending. I would give Let's Be Cops a 4.5/10.

Let's Be Cops had some decent pacing, the movie didn't drag itself out too long and it was finished in an acceptable time. I also thought that the ending had a strong message about responsibility.

Damon Wayans Jr, who played Justin, was one of the few good leads within this film; his comedy was perfect but he also had a very engaging character as well. James D'Arcy and Andy Garcia, who played Mossi and Brolin respectively, were brilliant in their serious criminal roles; it was only the lack of comedy that these two provided that made their talent not seem to fit the film itself.

Rob Riggle, who played Segars, did a great job as an actual police officer in this film; he really displayed a show of talent that wasn't just comedic and that was something we don't really get a lot from him. He was absolutely the easiest pick for best performance and really stood out for me.

Let's be Cops had some trashy special effects and music; this really was something that had no worth as a film. The storyline was atrocious and kind of insulting; I also thought the comedy was crude and added literally nothing to the film as a whole.

Jake Johnson, who played Ryan, was a terrible actor in a leading role; he was melodramtic and showed no sign of actual talent or humour. Nina Dobrev, who played Josie, was a horrible attempt at trying to create a love interest for one of the male characters. Keegan-Michael Key, who played Pupa, was just an drastically unnecessary character; he really lacked comedic talent which was a shame cause he does some amazing stuff in Key and Peele.

The Judge

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A truly great film about family, honor, integrity, the truth, and Robert Downey Jr being amazing. I would give The Judge an 8/10.

The Judge is incredibly well written, it hits the heartstrings hard and it keeps the story grounded in reality. This is really a dysfunctional family dynamic done right. I also have to credit the cinematography and editing in this film, it was truly beautiful the way colours and light really hit the lens of the camera. I also quite enjoyed the music within the film, I don't think I've heard a score so beautifully timed with the narrative.

Robert Downey Jr, who played Hank Palmer, was the perfect lead for this role, his acting was artful and he showed a connection to this role that went deep. Billy Bob Thornton, who played Dwight Dickham, was a great antagonist and an ice cold lawyer. Dax Shepard, who played C.P. Kennedy, did a great job filling a bumbling comedic role; his humour was quite refreshing to the narrative. Emma Tremblay, who played Lauren Palmer, continues to impress me as a reviewer with her acting talent; she really is a great child actress.

My personal favourite performance in this film was Robert Duvall, who played Joseph Palmer. Duvall was the centre of a lot of the tension within this film and also demonstrated an amazing performance of an elderly man undergoing chemotherapy. He stole the show and became the heart of the film in my mind.

I think that the film drew out a little long and also got bogged down by unnecessary side stories. It was this strung out feeling that made the film lose it's touch a bit.

Vera Farmiga, who played Samantha Powell, wasn't a greatly executed character nor did she really seem all that necessary of a love story. Vincent D'Onofrio, who played Glen Palmer, had very little screen time and really let others do his story driving for him. Jeremy Strong, who played Dale Palmer, didn't do a great job portraying someone with special needs and didn't add a lot to the film.

Dracula Untold

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Dracula Untold was like a mediocre prequel to what I am hoping is the amazing sequel to come. I would give Dracula Untold a 6/10.

Dracula Untold really excelled with it's effects, the way the vampire powers were styled was very Gothic and dark. I also enjoyed the musical score within this film, it was a great fantasy overture. I also thought the story was acceptable for an origin tale, yet it really felt like a great prequel when Dracula comes up against the original vampire if a sequel happens.

Luke Evans, who played Vlad, really carried this film for basically every scene; I think that without such a strong lead this film could not have thrived as well as it did, Art Parkinson, who played Ingeras, did a fantastic job in his role as beloved son; he really pulled at the heartstrings in the film.

Yet it was Charles Dance, who played Master Vampire, that really won me over in this film. He had three scenes, and yet he was obviously the best in the entire cast. He was horrific, foreboding and malicious. He gave so much power to his performance that I can only hope for a sequel in which he is the villain.

I was really all that impressed with the cinematography in this film, the shots were very typical action blockbuster. The plot was also quite basic, it never really surprised me nor did it attempt to be impressive. It followed a basic formula then ended.

Sarah Gadon, who played Mirena, gave quite a wooden performance as the love interest in the film; and her chemistry with Evans wasn't really all there. Dominic Cooper, who played Mehmed, gave an awful performance as the film's villain and was probably the worst casting in the film. Paul Kaye, who played Brother Lucian, had no screen presence; he also didn't give a very strong performance.

Gone Girl

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This movie makes me kinda fear marriage, it's the sort of film that really gets in your head. I would give Gone Girl an 8.5/10.

Gone Girl is a film that is on a whole other level than anything else out at the moment. The writing is spectacular and takes you through so many well timed and choreographed plot twists. The narrative feels real and is incredibly well paced. The cinematography and editing are smooth and clean; making the film flow elegantly. The music within this film is also brilliant, and hauntingly strong.

Ben Affleck, who played Nick Dunne, just spearheaded this film like it was nobodies business; well and truly loved this performance. Rosamund Pike, who played Amy Dunne, gave this bone chilling, brutal performance that I am still in awe of; I think the fact that I was so horrified by her at the end of the film truly set her apart. Tyler Perry, who played tanner Bolt, was a refreshing comedic hit to this film just when it looked like things were slowing down. Kim Dickens, who played Detective Rhonda Boney, was this hard hitting, intelligent woman that just absolutely aced it; she was the one who really portrayed this best face of law enforcement. Sela Ward, who played Sharon Schieber, had one of my favourite scenes in the film; she just looked so very much on the attack that it was perfect.

My personal favourite performance of the film was Carrie Coon, who played Margo Dunne. I liked this character best because she felt the most realistic in this situation. I liked how raw the performance felt and how intense the actor could jump to.

Let me tell you about the flaw in Gone girl, aside from some of it's weaker minor supporting cast. The problem with Gone girl was major plot holes. There is no way that the wife could have gotten away with what she did, anyone capable of actually doing their basic jobs in the police force would Have had that case easy. My major example is that the wife creates the shattered table crime scene in the lounge but leaves the blood in the kitchen. Wow. So much sense. Good job cops.

Neil Patrick Harris, who played Desi Collings, gave quite a stiff performance, and I didn't really buy into him as a character. Patrick Fugit, who played Officer Jim Gilpin, was ridiculously good at being an unbelievable character; his sheer impotence was staggering. David Clennon and Lisa Banes, who played Rand Elliot and Marybeth Elliot respectively, had very little screen presence and gave some lackluster performances. Missi Pyle, who played Ellen Abbott, was too artificial to take seriously. Emily Ratajkowski, who played Andie Hardy, was far too naive to be believable and frankly just had a bit of a dead performance. Casey Wilson, who played Noelle Hawthorne, definitely showed her sitcom roots in her over the top and forgettable performance. 

Planes: Fire and Rescue

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Never have I seen a sequel pull it's entire franchise back from the brink in such a damn entertaining manner. I would give Planes: Fire and Rescue a 7/10.

How does a franchise that failed so bad get so good? Honestly by remembering to do what Disney and Pixar do best...pluck them heartstrings. The story within Planes: Fire and Rescue is so perfectly done. It opens with a dedication to the brave men and women who put their lives above others. The film then progresses by wiping away Dusty's ability to race and teaching him humility by making him become a firefighter so as to save his home town. Throw in some tragic backstory, some near death and a sad old firetruck who's lost all hope in his ability to serve his town and you have one of the greatest comeback sequels that Pixar has done. Not to mention the music this time round was so much better, specifically the huge sequence in which a fire was extinguished while AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' was playing in the background. The visuals for this film were a lot better than the last Planes film as well, the spiralling pillars of fire were just encapsulated perfectly as well as actually seeing planes get damaged by fire in slow motion in an aesthetically stunning way.

Ed Harris, who voiced Blade Ranger, did a great job as the leader of this team of firefighting heroes; he had a great backstory and was a brilliant self-sacrificing character. John Michael Higgins, who voiced Cad, was a decent antagonist in this film; his selfishness and ignorance in the face of danger posed great life lessons for young viewers. Hal Holbrook, who voiced Mayday, gave a tear jerking performance as the fire truck who had become too old to do his properly. Teri hatcher, who voiced Dottie, is one of the few members of the original cast who stands out incredibly; she takes charge and deals some of the worst news in the film really well.

The best character in the film was Maru, voiced by Curtis Armstrong. This character is just fantastic, the voicework is great. The jokes he spins out are good for kids and adults but his revelation of various character's backstories is what sets him apart. It's through Maru that a lot of the most emotional story arcs in the film are explored and he does each one spectacular justice.

Planes still lacklusters in it's comedic elements; it has definitely improved but not all that much. I also think that the original characters and references to the first film still hindered the film from being the best it could be, Ultimately this is the film that should have been the first one.

Dane Cook, who voiced Dusty Crophopper, still has the corniest voice I have ever heard and is such a basic and toned down character. Julie Bowen, who voice Lil' Dipper, is proof that cinema still thinks we need shitty and even creepy romance storylines and characters. Wes Studi, who voiced Windlifter, is one of the worst representations of a native American character that I have ever seen. Brad Garrett, who voiced Chug, was the spearheading character that represented awful comedy; he should never have been brought back. Stacy Keach, who voiced Skipper, was the best character in the last film and in this he was frightfully underused and dismissed as if he had been the worst; it was such a poor move.

The Maze Runner

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The Maze Runner delivers what can be described as a teen novel adaptation that finally has a bit of decent plot to it. I would give The Maze Runner a 6.5/10.

The Maze Runner had some fantastic sets and effects in the Glade, the Maze and the Greavers; a really amazing visual style. The editing was smooth and heightened moment sof action or tension. The plot itself had a lot of mystery to it that made it very intriguing and nothing was ever really answered completely; which I found very satisfying after so many finite young adult films.

Dylan O'Brien, who played Thomas, did a great job keeping this film alive and basically remaining as a strong leading protagonist. Blake Cooper, who played Chuck, was a great younger member of the cast and really was the heart of the film. Will Poulter, who played Gally, was a fantastic antagonist; he managed to be a great brute and bully. Dexter Darden, who played Frypan, was a great source of comedic relief and could steal a scene with a subtle joke or mannerism.

Aml Ameen, who played Alby, absolutely nailed his role as the respected leader of the Glade. This guy really exuberated respect and confidence; he was by far the most heroic figure in the film. I wholeheartedly think he deserved more screen time and a better ending than what he got.

The music was a little bland within this film and the cinematography didn't seem very unique. The film itself didn't have very good pacing and the plot was still confined to the realms of stereotypical young adult novel adaptation.

Ki Hong Lee, who played Minho, didn't ever really develop as a character and really felt like he was filling some need to create a necessary plot device. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Newt, really fell flat and did some of the worst acting in the film. Kaya Scodelario, who played Teresa, felt like some desperate urge to include a female character and she could have had such a bigger role than what she got; I hope they expand upon her in the sequel.

The Boxtrolls

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This is a true testament to what a modern children's animated film should be about. I would give The Boxtrolls an 8/10.

The stop motion animation used within this film is a dying art, one completely encaptured in an unforgettable mid-credit scene that I highly recommend you hang around for. The Boxtrolls also had some wonderful music to it, which lent a lot to it's quirky quality. But where this story thrives is within it's storytelling. We are immediately woven a tale of identifying as two different things and being accepted as both. It's all about acceptance, family and taking pride in how you identify yourself and that is such a big and important message.

Nick Frost and Richard Ayoade, who voiced Mr Trout and Mr Pickles respectively, give some of the best comedy within the film; a fantastic comedy duo that enjoy puzzling at the morality of their actions. Isaac Hempstead Wright, who voiced Eggs, gave a very candid performance as the protagonist of the film and gave great displays of emotion in each scene. Simon Pegg, who voiced Herbert Trubshaw, was a fun character; both an great father figure and a very fun crazy guy.

It was Ben KIngsley, who voiced Archibald Snatcher, that gave the best performance in the film. His twisted villain was chilling and dark and the stuff of nightmares. He was important though and gave a great performance as the victim of social class discrimination and the lack of acceptance for his dual identities. Brilliant role, wonderfully voiced and part of a really progressive plot for us as a society.

The Boxtrolls did have some racy humour and some themes that might have gone too far I feel. I'm worried that it could be too crude or scary for some children and distasteful for a mature audience.

Jared Harris, who voiced Lord Portley-Rind, had a very lackluster screen presence and just wasn't a great character. Tracy Morgan, who voiced Mr Gristle, was a strange antagonists character and a little unnecessary. Dee Bradley Baker and Steve Blum, who voiced Fish and Shoe respectively, is an example of how great voice actors can get some really dismal roles. Elle Fanning, who Winnie, was dislikeable and wasn't a very engaging character.

The Equalizer

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The Equalizer is an action epic filled with brilliant storytelling, humour and a fantastic hero and villain. I would give the Equalizer an 8/10.

This film has a lot to love about it. The action scenes alone are so incredibly inventive and well choreographed that it immediately is set above the rest of the action films this year. There was also some brilliant music, I'd give special mention to the music done by Zack Hemsey here. The film was incredibly well shot and edited, it had a really nice visual style. But it was the story that gave it strength, this was a vigilante hero who wiped out a Russian crime ring slowly through the film. It was how this character connected with the community around him and how he was both funny and kind that made this film an action epic rather different to your usual gun toting extravaganza.

Denzel Washington, who played Robert McCall, did a fantastic job as the main protagonist of this film; his quick and easy wit and interchanging displays of ruthlessness stole many scenes. Chloe Grace Moretz, who played Teri, was a great emotional character in the film; she wasn't a major player but she brought a lot of heart to the film.

Marton Csokas, who played Teddy, was a tough call to pick for my favourite; yet I find I always enjoyed when he was onscreen that much more than when Denzel Washington was onscreen. This guy just captured the perfect villain, we was cold and heartless. Ultimately he was more of a sociopath than a full blown psychopath but the amount of control he had over this killer character was incredible.

I think the one thing I have to say against this film is that it dragged out a little bit, it took too much time away from the action before cramming in a very long action sequence.

David Harbour, who played Masters, was a terrible henchman figure; the film didn't need the amount of focus it gave him. Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo, who played Brian Plummer and Susan Plummer respectively, gave a very forced performance in a scene that was just crammed withtying up loose ends for the sake of just that. Johnny Skourtis, who played Ralphie, was meant to be an innocent type figure that you love but was really just trashy subplot that you didn't really enjoy.