Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Synopsis: Chris Farraday long ago abandoned his life of crime, but after his brother-in-law, Andy, botches a drug deal for his ruthless boss, Tim Briggs, Chris is forced back into doing what he does best -- running contraband -- to settle Andy's debt. Chris is a legendary smuggler and quickly assembles a crew with the help of his best friend, Sebastian, to head to Panama and return with millions in counterfeit bills.
Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife, Kate, and sons become their target.
Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife, Kate, and sons become their target.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi, Lukas Haas, Caleb Landry Jones
Directed by: Baltasar Kormákur
U.S. Rating: R
Mark Wahlberg is a film magnet. He's one of the few Hollywood actors that no matter how good or bad the film might be, he'll always attract film viewers to theaters. Even more, when we add to his performance, an amazing supporting cast like in this particular film, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster & Giovanni Ribisi.
What I actually found interesting is that Contraband felt like when The Italian Job meets with Gone in 60 Seconds. It had a few bites of all these great action films obviously, with some important variants.
Mark Wahlberg play the role of Chris Farraday, an ex-smuggler who's been retired for a while and works installing security alarms. He lives a peaceful life with his BEAUTIFUL wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and their children. Chris' brother-in-law, Andy was smuggling drugs in a cargo ship, but was forced to drop them while trying to escape from the police. Andy's boss, ruthless mobster Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), is infuriated and wants Andy to repay him the drug's worth in money. Tim sends Andy and his friends to the hospital and forces Chris to meet Tim, who threatens to kill Chris' family if Andy doesn't pay $700,000 in two weeks.
Chris knows that the only way to get the money is to do what he was good at, run contraband. He joins the crew of a cargo ship where his father Bud (William Lucking), currently in prison, used to run contraband, in order to smuggle $10,000,000 in fake bills from Panama with the help of Andy and Chris' old friend Danny Raymer. While Chris is gone, he asks his best friend, Sebastian Abney (Ben Foster), to take care of his family, since he knew they'd be in danger. In Panama, even when Chris has put 'the perfect' plan together to get the money and smuggle it into the U.S., things starts spinning really fast in a very bad way. Director Baltasar Kormákur made his best efforts on these events, making the film appealed to viewers with all the action involved in these scenes. While Chris was in Panama, Tim was constantly threatening with rudeness and violence his family. Sebastian has to be constantly protecting them and this situation makes it hard for Kate, who starts getting tired of Sebastian. Under the effect of alcohol, he tries to kiss her and he pushes her against a wall. He panics and thinks he killed her, changing all the situation, now that Chris is on the way back to the U.S.
Sebastian will take some important (and wrong) decisions that will put Chris under more danger. I won't tell you what happend at the end, so you feel motivated to watch it :)
The end is kind of predictable, even though, it has some important unexpected turns on the story that makes it worth to watch the film. A pretty descent action film, even more during these first months of the yeat, when we know Film Studios are just focused on promoting their Oscars nominated films and getting ready for the big Summer season.
I would rate this movie with a 3/5
Directed by: Baltasar Kormákur
U.S. Rating: R
Mark Wahlberg is a film magnet. He's one of the few Hollywood actors that no matter how good or bad the film might be, he'll always attract film viewers to theaters. Even more, when we add to his performance, an amazing supporting cast like in this particular film, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster & Giovanni Ribisi.
What I actually found interesting is that Contraband felt like when The Italian Job meets with Gone in 60 Seconds. It had a few bites of all these great action films obviously, with some important variants.
Mark Wahlberg play the role of Chris Farraday, an ex-smuggler who's been retired for a while and works installing security alarms. He lives a peaceful life with his BEAUTIFUL wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and their children. Chris' brother-in-law, Andy was smuggling drugs in a cargo ship, but was forced to drop them while trying to escape from the police. Andy's boss, ruthless mobster Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), is infuriated and wants Andy to repay him the drug's worth in money. Tim sends Andy and his friends to the hospital and forces Chris to meet Tim, who threatens to kill Chris' family if Andy doesn't pay $700,000 in two weeks.
Chris knows that the only way to get the money is to do what he was good at, run contraband. He joins the crew of a cargo ship where his father Bud (William Lucking), currently in prison, used to run contraband, in order to smuggle $10,000,000 in fake bills from Panama with the help of Andy and Chris' old friend Danny Raymer. While Chris is gone, he asks his best friend, Sebastian Abney (Ben Foster), to take care of his family, since he knew they'd be in danger. In Panama, even when Chris has put 'the perfect' plan together to get the money and smuggle it into the U.S., things starts spinning really fast in a very bad way. Director Baltasar Kormákur made his best efforts on these events, making the film appealed to viewers with all the action involved in these scenes. While Chris was in Panama, Tim was constantly threatening with rudeness and violence his family. Sebastian has to be constantly protecting them and this situation makes it hard for Kate, who starts getting tired of Sebastian. Under the effect of alcohol, he tries to kiss her and he pushes her against a wall. He panics and thinks he killed her, changing all the situation, now that Chris is on the way back to the U.S.
Sebastian will take some important (and wrong) decisions that will put Chris under more danger. I won't tell you what happend at the end, so you feel motivated to watch it :)
The end is kind of predictable, even though, it has some important unexpected turns on the story that makes it worth to watch the film. A pretty descent action film, even more during these first months of the yeat, when we know Film Studios are just focused on promoting their Oscars nominated films and getting ready for the big Summer season.
I would rate this movie with a 3/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Synopsis: Doug Glatt, a slacker who discovers he has a talent for brawling is approached by a minor league hockey coach and invited to join the team as the "muscle." Despite the fact that Glatt can't skate his best friend, Pat, convinces him to give it a shot, and Glatt becomes a hero to the team and their fans, until the league's reigning goon becomes threatened by Glatt's success and decides to even the score.
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Seann William Scott, Alison Pill, Marc-André Grondin, Eugene Levy, Liev Schreiber
Directed by: Michael Dowse
U.S. Rating: R
There's not much to say about Goon. A brainless sport comedy that was all about punches, fights, blood and... More blood.
Seann William Scott plays the role of Doug Glatt, a very respectul guy who got into a minor hockey league after beating and kicking a hockey player's butt who tried to punch his friend Pat during a game. Glatt was approached by the coach of a team after this incident and invited him to join the team. After his success on this minor league, he was promoted to join a team on a higher league, where he would face Ross Reardon, the ruthless player that everyone fears to death.
As said before, it is a brainless film, with a very, very poor script. Seann William Scott plays kind of a different role. We usually see him playing roles as a bad, disrespecful guy... But in this particular role, he actually plays a role of a very respectful guy with a single talent: To punch people on the face.
Definitely, a film to rent and watch on a DVD (when all other comedy films were already taken).
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
Directed by: Michael Dowse
U.S. Rating: R
There's not much to say about Goon. A brainless sport comedy that was all about punches, fights, blood and... More blood.
Seann William Scott plays the role of Doug Glatt, a very respectul guy who got into a minor hockey league after beating and kicking a hockey player's butt who tried to punch his friend Pat during a game. Glatt was approached by the coach of a team after this incident and invited him to join the team. After his success on this minor league, he was promoted to join a team on a higher league, where he would face Ross Reardon, the ruthless player that everyone fears to death.
As said before, it is a brainless film, with a very, very poor script. Seann William Scott plays kind of a different role. We usually see him playing roles as a bad, disrespecful guy... But in this particular role, he actually plays a role of a very respectful guy with a single talent: To punch people on the face.
Definitely, a film to rent and watch on a DVD (when all other comedy films were already taken).
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Synopsis: Real-life story of a newlywed New Mexico couple, Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, who were struck by tragedy shortly after their marriage. A car crash puts the wife in a coma, where she is cared for by her devoted husband. When she comes to, without any memory of her husband or their marriage, the husband must woo her and ultimately win her heart once again.
Starring: Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams, Scott Speedman, Jessica McNamee, Sam Shepard, Jessica Lange
Directed by: Michael Sucsy
U.S. Rating: PG-13
I was really excited to see The Vow. I was hoping it would be really romantic and fun at the same time. It has been awhile we've had a good rom com. Well, this isn't it. I wanted to like it. I really did. I kept pulling for it and thinking that maybe it would get batter after this scene or that one. Nope. I think Channing Tatum is hot. Until he opens his mouth. He mumbles. Really bad. In every single movie he's made. OPEN YOUR MOUTH! Tatum and Adams gave a lack luster performance. The name of the movie even got me, The Vow. Meaning, through all the struggles, they had a Vow to keep. Well, they didn't. I don't want to give away anything, but I'm going to. They get divorced! The ending shows them a yr later getting coffee. What's romantic about that?! I heard the books--based of real life events--is amazing. I think the book would tell the true story and do it better than Tatum or Adams ever could. I so wanted to like this movie. I really wish I did, but I didn't. Bleh.
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
Directed by: Michael Sucsy
U.S. Rating: PG-13
I was really excited to see The Vow. I was hoping it would be really romantic and fun at the same time. It has been awhile we've had a good rom com. Well, this isn't it. I wanted to like it. I really did. I kept pulling for it and thinking that maybe it would get batter after this scene or that one. Nope. I think Channing Tatum is hot. Until he opens his mouth. He mumbles. Really bad. In every single movie he's made. OPEN YOUR MOUTH! Tatum and Adams gave a lack luster performance. The name of the movie even got me, The Vow. Meaning, through all the struggles, they had a Vow to keep. Well, they didn't. I don't want to give away anything, but I'm going to. They get divorced! The ending shows them a yr later getting coffee. What's romantic about that?! I heard the books--based of real life events--is amazing. I think the book would tell the true story and do it better than Tatum or Adams ever could. I so wanted to like this movie. I really wish I did, but I didn't. Bleh.
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Synopsis: A group of oil-rig roughnecks are left stranded on the sub-arctic tundra after their plane experiences a complete mechanical failure and crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. The survivors, battling mortal injuries, biting cold and ravenous hunger, are relentlessly hunted and pursued by a vicious pack of rogue wolves.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo. Nonso Anozie
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
U.S. Rating: R
Director Joe Carnahan reteamed with Liam Neeson to bring one of the most tense survival thrillers I've seen in a very long time. Based in the cold and wild desolated areas of Alaska, this film brings a great photography and an intense story of men trying to survive a plane crash, terrible winter weather and wild animals, in this particular case, wolves.
Liam Neeson has been one of my top favorite actors for a long time. In recent years, he's consolidated his prestigious acting performance and presence in Hollywood with amazing action films and thrillers like Taken, Unknown, Chloe, After.Life or even The A-Team. His acting performance in this tense thriller was superb. In this particular film, his tough "I'm done with all this" attitude towards people and his reality looked a piece of cake for him. He was simply great.
The film, as said before, was extremely tense. A few group of men who survived a plane crash in the middle of nowhere, in the extremely cold winter of Alaska, fighting for their lives to get to a save place, since they were chased and hunted by a pack of wild wolves. It was a bloody film, yes, but not in a disgusting way.
Liam Neeson plays the role of John Ottway, a quiet man who works in Alaska killing the wolves that threaten an oil drilling team. On his last day on the job, Ottway pens a letter to his wife Ana and plans to commit suicide. While holding his gun to his mouth, however, Ottway hears the howl of a wolf, which stops him.
Ottway and the oil drilling team head home on a plane, but it crashes in a heavy blizzard. Ottway sees a vision of his wife but suddenly awakens to find himself in the middle of this cold, white desert, with an horrific image of the plane completely destroyed, on fire and dead people all over the place.
After finding a few survivals, Ottway assumes leadership of the group and sets the survivors to task collecting material for a fire. While Ottway is searching for wood, he's attacked by a gray wolf. He is quickly rescued by the others and explains that they are most likely standing in the wolves' territory and are unwelcome. From this moment on, he knows they're in extremely danger and they need to do whatever it takes to find a safe place. Ottway and the remaining survivors continue on and make camp in the woods, being followed and in some cases, attacked by this wild pack of wolves.
Further in their travels, the dwindling survivors come across a high canyon wall within which, screened by trees, they identify a river and a possible route of escape. They have to face more difficulties and accidents on the way, leaving some other survivals on the way.
At the end, Ottway (being the only survival left) finds himself surrounded by the pack of wolves, leading Ottway to discover that he has walked right into their den. He is soon spotted by the alpha male and the other pack members back off. Ottway is all by himself, to fight for his life against the alpha male, and maybe, be able to keep his journey back home.
Definitely a great film to watch, totally recommended.
I would rate this movie with a 4/5
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
U.S. Rating: R
Director Joe Carnahan reteamed with Liam Neeson to bring one of the most tense survival thrillers I've seen in a very long time. Based in the cold and wild desolated areas of Alaska, this film brings a great photography and an intense story of men trying to survive a plane crash, terrible winter weather and wild animals, in this particular case, wolves.
Liam Neeson has been one of my top favorite actors for a long time. In recent years, he's consolidated his prestigious acting performance and presence in Hollywood with amazing action films and thrillers like Taken, Unknown, Chloe, After.Life or even The A-Team. His acting performance in this tense thriller was superb. In this particular film, his tough "I'm done with all this" attitude towards people and his reality looked a piece of cake for him. He was simply great.
The film, as said before, was extremely tense. A few group of men who survived a plane crash in the middle of nowhere, in the extremely cold winter of Alaska, fighting for their lives to get to a save place, since they were chased and hunted by a pack of wild wolves. It was a bloody film, yes, but not in a disgusting way.
Liam Neeson plays the role of John Ottway, a quiet man who works in Alaska killing the wolves that threaten an oil drilling team. On his last day on the job, Ottway pens a letter to his wife Ana and plans to commit suicide. While holding his gun to his mouth, however, Ottway hears the howl of a wolf, which stops him.
Ottway and the oil drilling team head home on a plane, but it crashes in a heavy blizzard. Ottway sees a vision of his wife but suddenly awakens to find himself in the middle of this cold, white desert, with an horrific image of the plane completely destroyed, on fire and dead people all over the place.
After finding a few survivals, Ottway assumes leadership of the group and sets the survivors to task collecting material for a fire. While Ottway is searching for wood, he's attacked by a gray wolf. He is quickly rescued by the others and explains that they are most likely standing in the wolves' territory and are unwelcome. From this moment on, he knows they're in extremely danger and they need to do whatever it takes to find a safe place. Ottway and the remaining survivors continue on and make camp in the woods, being followed and in some cases, attacked by this wild pack of wolves.
Further in their travels, the dwindling survivors come across a high canyon wall within which, screened by trees, they identify a river and a possible route of escape. They have to face more difficulties and accidents on the way, leaving some other survivals on the way.
At the end, Ottway (being the only survival left) finds himself surrounded by the pack of wolves, leading Ottway to discover that he has walked right into their den. He is soon spotted by the alpha male and the other pack members back off. Ottway is all by himself, to fight for his life against the alpha male, and maybe, be able to keep his journey back home.
Definitely a great film to watch, totally recommended.
I would rate this movie with a 4/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Synopsis: Nick Cassidy makes a desperate and life-threatening move to prove his innocence after he is framed for the theft of a rare, prized diamond. Recently escaped from prison and with nowhere else to go, Nick climbs onto the ledge of a towering skyscraper, inviting the eyes of New York City to anxiously watch as one wrong step could mean plunging to his death. But as one police negotiator soon learns, Nick's daredevil stunt, captivating the eyes of the public and media, masks a dangerous ploy to reveal the truth about his tarnished name.With the help of his brother and with time running out, Nick's intricate plan must work perfectly, but when you’re on the 25th floor ledge of a building, going down takes on an entirely more hair-raising meaning.
Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris, Titus Welliver
Directed by: Asger Leth
U.S. Rating: PG-13
Man On A Ledge was one of those great thrillers that left me with a sour taste on my mouth at the end of the film. It was one of those really entertaining thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the 90 minutes, and at the end you ask yourself... Hey! What the heck did just happen?! Yes, but maybe that was just my personal experience.
Man On A Ledge gathered such a great cast, a pretty interesting "heist/thriller" plot, a decent direction, but a horrible ending.
Sam Worthington plays the role of Nick Cassidy, an ex-policeman arrested and convicted to 25 years in prison for stealing a $40 million diamond from businessman David Englander (Ed Harris). Nick Cassidy is innocent, and will do anything to prove it. While being in jail, he's informed that his father has died and attends his funeral while being in custody. After a confusing situation with his younger brother and the police, Nick neutralizes the custody agents and escapes.
Later on, he checks in at the Roosevelt Hotel under the false name of Walker, goes to his hotel room at the top floor, and climbs on the ledge, apparently ready to commit suicide. The crowd below sees him and calls the police. After isolating the area, Agent Jack Dougherty (Edward Burns) tries to talk with Nick. However, he says he will only speak to negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks), who is on a leave of absence after failing to convince a depressed policeman not to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge a month earlier. Nick knows her work and determination, and he's decided to use her on his plan.
Lydia and Jack have no idea of who Nick (alias Mr. Walker) is, his past or something that could lead them to the real reason of his dangerous decision of possibly jump and take his life. Lydia is able to get Nick's fingertips. They will soon discover that Nick is an ex-policeman who was arrested for the well-known case of stealing a $40 million diamond from businessman David Englander. Nick, however, constantly says he is innocent and tries to convince Lydia that Englander used to employ cops to protect his multi-floor jewelry business. He told her that one day, while Nick was on duty, he was knocked unconscious by two men in ski masks and awakened to find out Englander had framed him for stealing the diamond in order to get the insurance money, as he had lost his fortune during the stock market crisis.
Everyone thinks that Nick is playing them just to get attention, but the truth is that Nick is merely distracting them while his brother Joey and Joey's girlfriend Angie break into Englander's upper floor jewelry vault in the building across the street to steal the diamond and prove Nick's innocence.
Agents Dante Marcus and Mike Ackerman are involved with David Englander, providing him protection. Lydia is informed about this situation and knows that Nick is in danger if he's finally captured. Nick and his brother are caught and taken to the roof of Englander's building to face Englander. Englander recovers the diamond previously stoled by his brother and leaves the scene. Lydia save them and in a very risky move, Nick gets to Englander, who has already left the building. At the end, Nick is able to demonstrate he is innocent, but as said before, after going through a very entertaining and edgy thriller with ups and downs throughout the whole film, they just end it with a pretty lame end.
I must say that I'm very pleased with Elizabeth Bank's performance. She's one of those actresses that has been improving her presence and acting performance, getting important roles in relevant films. Sam Worthington also played a pretty decent role in this film, making a great combination.
I would rate this movie with a 3/5
Directed by: Asger Leth
U.S. Rating: PG-13
Man On A Ledge was one of those great thrillers that left me with a sour taste on my mouth at the end of the film. It was one of those really entertaining thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the 90 minutes, and at the end you ask yourself... Hey! What the heck did just happen?! Yes, but maybe that was just my personal experience.
Man On A Ledge gathered such a great cast, a pretty interesting "heist/thriller" plot, a decent direction, but a horrible ending.
Sam Worthington plays the role of Nick Cassidy, an ex-policeman arrested and convicted to 25 years in prison for stealing a $40 million diamond from businessman David Englander (Ed Harris). Nick Cassidy is innocent, and will do anything to prove it. While being in jail, he's informed that his father has died and attends his funeral while being in custody. After a confusing situation with his younger brother and the police, Nick neutralizes the custody agents and escapes.
Later on, he checks in at the Roosevelt Hotel under the false name of Walker, goes to his hotel room at the top floor, and climbs on the ledge, apparently ready to commit suicide. The crowd below sees him and calls the police. After isolating the area, Agent Jack Dougherty (Edward Burns) tries to talk with Nick. However, he says he will only speak to negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks), who is on a leave of absence after failing to convince a depressed policeman not to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge a month earlier. Nick knows her work and determination, and he's decided to use her on his plan.
Lydia and Jack have no idea of who Nick (alias Mr. Walker) is, his past or something that could lead them to the real reason of his dangerous decision of possibly jump and take his life. Lydia is able to get Nick's fingertips. They will soon discover that Nick is an ex-policeman who was arrested for the well-known case of stealing a $40 million diamond from businessman David Englander. Nick, however, constantly says he is innocent and tries to convince Lydia that Englander used to employ cops to protect his multi-floor jewelry business. He told her that one day, while Nick was on duty, he was knocked unconscious by two men in ski masks and awakened to find out Englander had framed him for stealing the diamond in order to get the insurance money, as he had lost his fortune during the stock market crisis.
Everyone thinks that Nick is playing them just to get attention, but the truth is that Nick is merely distracting them while his brother Joey and Joey's girlfriend Angie break into Englander's upper floor jewelry vault in the building across the street to steal the diamond and prove Nick's innocence.
Agents Dante Marcus and Mike Ackerman are involved with David Englander, providing him protection. Lydia is informed about this situation and knows that Nick is in danger if he's finally captured. Nick and his brother are caught and taken to the roof of Englander's building to face Englander. Englander recovers the diamond previously stoled by his brother and leaves the scene. Lydia save them and in a very risky move, Nick gets to Englander, who has already left the building. At the end, Nick is able to demonstrate he is innocent, but as said before, after going through a very entertaining and edgy thriller with ups and downs throughout the whole film, they just end it with a pretty lame end.
I must say that I'm very pleased with Elizabeth Bank's performance. She's one of those actresses that has been improving her presence and acting performance, getting important roles in relevant films. Sam Worthington also played a pretty decent role in this film, making a great combination.
I would rate this movie with a 3/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Synopsis: For the past year, Matt Weston has been frustrated by his inactive, backwater post in Cape Town. A "housekeeper" who aspires to be a full-fledged agent, the loyal company man has been waiting for an opportunity to prove himself. When the first and only occupant he's had proves to be the most dangerous man he's ever met, Weston readies for duty.
Tobin Frost has eluded capture for almost a decade. One of the best ops men that the CIA's known, the ex-intelligence officer has given up assets and sold military intel to anyone with cash since he turned. From trading secrets to North Korea to aiding splinter cells, the damage he's done to the U.S. is immeasurable. And he's now back on the reservation with a secret.
As soon as Frost is brought in for debriefing, mercenaries come and tear apart Weston's safe house. Barely escaping, the unlikely partners must discover if their attackers have been sent by terrorists or someone on the inside who will kill anyone standing in the way. Now it's up to Weston to figure out who he can trust before they're both eliminated from the game.
Tobin Frost has eluded capture for almost a decade. One of the best ops men that the CIA's known, the ex-intelligence officer has given up assets and sold military intel to anyone with cash since he turned. From trading secrets to North Korea to aiding splinter cells, the damage he's done to the U.S. is immeasurable. And he's now back on the reservation with a secret.
As soon as Frost is brought in for debriefing, mercenaries come and tear apart Weston's safe house. Barely escaping, the unlikely partners must discover if their attackers have been sent by terrorists or someone on the inside who will kill anyone standing in the way. Now it's up to Weston to figure out who he can trust before they're both eliminated from the game.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard, Vera Farmiga, Fares Fares, Ruben Blades
Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
U.S. Rating: R
Denzel Washington comes back again to the big screen to deliver the exceptional acting performance we love and enjoy, this time, with the supporting role of Ryan Reynolds and a unique cast to make of this, a thrilling action film.
Denzel Washington is Tobin Frost, an ex-CIA agent that has become and considered an international criminal by the CIA after trading top-secret information with other agent from the MI6. All this information (detailing the criminal activities of several worldwide intelligence agents) is contained in a micro-chip, but soon after he gets this valuable information, he's chased and attacked by a mercenary team. When he's in the run and notices he's about to be caught by this team, he forces himself to enter into an American consulate and identify himself. As soon as he's identified, he is moved to a CIA safe house in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ryan Reynolds plays the role of Matt Weston, a low-level CIA agent who works as The "housekeeper" of this Safe House. He's been trying to move up in the agency, trying to get another job or location, since he's literally doing absolutely nothing on this place. When an elite team brings Tobin Frost to the Safe House, Matt Weston watches Frost's interrogation. Soon they'll notice that the Safe House has been compromised and the same mercenary team that was chasing him earlier that day, attack the house. Weston as responsible of the "guests" of the Safe House, escapes with Frost captive. Weston contacts his mentor, David Barlow, and Catherine Linkater at CIA headquarters to get instructions, and they recommend him to stay low until he gets further instructions.
Weston hides with Frost and gets the instructions of getting Frost to another Safe House. Weston and Frost go to Cape Town Stadium to retrieve a GPS device with the location of this new safe house, but Frost creates a diversion and escapes by disguising himself as a policeman. Weston, detained by the police, escapes but can't catch Frost, who escapes.
Weston is ordered to go to the nearest American embassy for debriefing. Instead he decides to locate the house of Frost's contact, Carlos Villar (played by one of my TOP Salsa singers of all time... Rubén Blades), where Frost is attacked by the mercenary team, but escapes with Weston's help. Weston gets more information about this mercenary team and its boss, Vargas, who works for the CIA and is trying to recover the micro-chip and information held by Frost.
They decide to work together, going to the new Safe House and bring all the mercenary team, the CIA top agents behind this team and most important, bring this information to the public attention.
Director Daniel Espinosa works for the first time with Denzel Washington on this intense action film, taking a little bit of other similar action films and mix them into a pretty decent thriller.
The film, from my personal point of view, lacks of some background information about the characters involved in this film. That didn't help us (at least me) to get more into the characters and get more from them and the story. Obviously, it might be the reason why they put all the effort on all the action scenes (car chasing, houses attacks, etc) and keep our attention.
Definitely a pretty decent action film... Hey! Denzel Washington! what else can you ask for? Totally recommended for a good night at the cinema (or movie night at home when it comes out on DVD/Blu Ray).
I would rate this movie with a 3.5/5
Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
U.S. Rating: R
Denzel Washington comes back again to the big screen to deliver the exceptional acting performance we love and enjoy, this time, with the supporting role of Ryan Reynolds and a unique cast to make of this, a thrilling action film.
Denzel Washington is Tobin Frost, an ex-CIA agent that has become and considered an international criminal by the CIA after trading top-secret information with other agent from the MI6. All this information (detailing the criminal activities of several worldwide intelligence agents) is contained in a micro-chip, but soon after he gets this valuable information, he's chased and attacked by a mercenary team. When he's in the run and notices he's about to be caught by this team, he forces himself to enter into an American consulate and identify himself. As soon as he's identified, he is moved to a CIA safe house in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ryan Reynolds plays the role of Matt Weston, a low-level CIA agent who works as The "housekeeper" of this Safe House. He's been trying to move up in the agency, trying to get another job or location, since he's literally doing absolutely nothing on this place. When an elite team brings Tobin Frost to the Safe House, Matt Weston watches Frost's interrogation. Soon they'll notice that the Safe House has been compromised and the same mercenary team that was chasing him earlier that day, attack the house. Weston as responsible of the "guests" of the Safe House, escapes with Frost captive. Weston contacts his mentor, David Barlow, and Catherine Linkater at CIA headquarters to get instructions, and they recommend him to stay low until he gets further instructions.
Weston hides with Frost and gets the instructions of getting Frost to another Safe House. Weston and Frost go to Cape Town Stadium to retrieve a GPS device with the location of this new safe house, but Frost creates a diversion and escapes by disguising himself as a policeman. Weston, detained by the police, escapes but can't catch Frost, who escapes.
Weston is ordered to go to the nearest American embassy for debriefing. Instead he decides to locate the house of Frost's contact, Carlos Villar (played by one of my TOP Salsa singers of all time... Rubén Blades), where Frost is attacked by the mercenary team, but escapes with Weston's help. Weston gets more information about this mercenary team and its boss, Vargas, who works for the CIA and is trying to recover the micro-chip and information held by Frost.
They decide to work together, going to the new Safe House and bring all the mercenary team, the CIA top agents behind this team and most important, bring this information to the public attention.
Director Daniel Espinosa works for the first time with Denzel Washington on this intense action film, taking a little bit of other similar action films and mix them into a pretty decent thriller.
The film, from my personal point of view, lacks of some background information about the characters involved in this film. That didn't help us (at least me) to get more into the characters and get more from them and the story. Obviously, it might be the reason why they put all the effort on all the action scenes (car chasing, houses attacks, etc) and keep our attention.
Definitely a pretty decent action film... Hey! Denzel Washington! what else can you ask for? Totally recommended for a good night at the cinema (or movie night at home when it comes out on DVD/Blu Ray).
I would rate this movie with a 3.5/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
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Synopsis: Mallory Kane is a highly trained operative who works for a government security contractor in the dirtiest, most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, she is double crossed and left for dead by someone close to her in her own agency. Suddenly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth in order to stay alive. Using her black-ops military training, she devises an ingenious - and dangerous - trap. But when things go haywire, Mallory realizes she'll be killed in the blink of an eye unless she finds a way to turn the tables on her ruthless adversary.
Starring: Gina Carano, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Bill Paxton, Michael Fassbender, Michael Angarano
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
U.S. Rating: R
The first time I saw the official trailer for Haywire, I had mixed thoughts. First, I believed it looked like a pretty good action film but, in the other way, I didn't think it could be that good having the lead role perfomed by someone that is not an actress, but a mixed Martial Arts champ and former American Gladiator, Gina Carano. The cast looked pretty impressive, having Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender and Michael Angarano, among others, but I was convinced Gina wouldn't deliver the acting performance expected for a thriller like this one, directed by one of my favorite directors.
My fears inmediately disappeared after watching the first scene. I mean, she wasn't Meryl Streep! Right? Or at least at the same acting performance level Angelina Jolie delivered in Salt, but at least, I can say that it was entertaining and far from being a cheap acting performance. I think that Steven Soderbergh knew it and did a great job on his direction and most important, the supporting cast helped the film to be really enjoyable.
One thing I must say, even though, the plot didn't leave any open door leading the idea of a future sequel, I would ask director Steven Soderbergh to leave Mallory Kane, her special skills, training and secret works end with this film. I believe it wasn't a strong film to lead a future sequel. Salt was an amazing plot that was actually prepared to have a future sequel, performed by a lead role with a fantastic acting performance experience in action roles also.
In case you're planning to watch the film and want to know more about it, here's the plot:
The film starts when Mallory Kane enters a diner in Upstate New York, sits and just waits. Few minutes later, Aaron arrives and joins her. After a short conversation about their employer, Aaron orders Mallory to get in his car. She refuses, and they fight, with Aaron nearly capturing Mallory before the intervention of Scott, a customer in the diner, allows Mallory to break Aaron's arm, knock him unconscious, and escape with Scott in Scott's car.
Mallory tells Scott that both she and Aaron are contractors with a private firm that is employed by the American government for covert operation assignments. One week before, at a meeting among government agent Coblenz, his contact, Rodrigo, and the firm's director (and Mallory's ex-boyfriend) Kenneth, the firm was hired to rescue Jiang, who is being held in Barcelona. Mallory and her team, which includes Aaron, succeed in rescuing Jiang and delivering him to Rodrigo.
Shortly thereafter, Mallory is approached by Kenneth, who insists she undertake what he claims is an easy assignment: pose as the wife of British agent Paul during a mission in Dublin. Mallory agrees and accompanies Paul to a party at Russborough House, where they meet with his contact, Studer (Mathieu Kassovitz). Paul meets with Studer again as Mallory watches from afar. She sees Paul go into a barn, and after he leaves she enters it to find Jiang dead, clutching in his hand a brooch which Kenneth required her to wear as a recognition signal for her initial contact with Paul.
Mallory realizes she has been set up and returns to her hotel room, where she is attacked by Paul. They fight, Mallory gets the upper hand and shoots Paul dead. Mallory calls Kenneth from Paul's phone. As Kenneth picks up the phone, he asks "is the divorce final?" Mallory doesn't answer, and Kenneth realizes that Mallory is still alive and now knows about the set-up. As Mallory leaves her hotel, a SWAT team appears to arrest her but she escapes after a chase, and manages to enter the United States and reach the diner, where she meets Scott.
Mallory calls Coblenz who tells her that he has had suspicions about Kenneth for some time. Coblenz then contacts Kenneth and tells him to inform Mallory's father, John Kane (who already knows of his daughter's occupation), of her crimes. Meanwhile, on the road, Mallory and Scott are chased by the police and hit a tree after a deer runs into Scott's car. They are both arrested, but soon the convoy is ambushed by assassins sent by Kenneth. Mallory escapes, kills the assassins, and releases Scott. She gives him a number to call for protection and leaves to meet with her father.
Mallory reaches her father's house in New Mexico before Kenneth, Aaron, and two additional men arrive to interrogate John on his daughter's whereabouts. Aaron starts to realize that Mallory might have been set up and tries to press Kenneth for the truth, but Kenneth kills Aaron as Mallory takes out Kenneth's men.
Mallory chases Kenneth, but he escapes. The following day Mallory meets with Coblenz, who reveals that he ordered Kenneth to contact Mallory's father so she could kill him there. Mallory asks Coblenz to fix things with Scott, which he promises to do. Coblens also informs Mallory of Kenneth's location. Before Mallory leaves, Coblenz offers her a government job but she replies only that she'll let him know, after she finds Kenneth.
In Mexico, Mallory confronts Kenneth at the beach and they fight. Kenneth tries to escape, but gets his foot jammed between two rocks. Kenneth reveals that Jiang was a journalist who had written a series of articles exposing Studer's crimes. Knowing that Mallory planned to leave his firm, Kenneth arranged for her to rescue Jiang and deliver him to Rodrigo, who then delivered him to Studer, who killed him. Kenneth then framed Mallory, planning to cut all ties that could lead to him by convincing Paul that Mallory was a double agent whom he should kill. Mallory leaves Kenneth to drown in the incoming tide for his betrayal.
Rodrigo is enjoying his "retirement" in Majorca. After his female companion is called away, Mallory descends onto the balcony behind him. When Rodrigo sees Mallory, his response is simply, "Shit", and the film ends.
I would rate this movie with a 2.5/5
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
U.S. Rating: R
The first time I saw the official trailer for Haywire, I had mixed thoughts. First, I believed it looked like a pretty good action film but, in the other way, I didn't think it could be that good having the lead role perfomed by someone that is not an actress, but a mixed Martial Arts champ and former American Gladiator, Gina Carano. The cast looked pretty impressive, having Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender and Michael Angarano, among others, but I was convinced Gina wouldn't deliver the acting performance expected for a thriller like this one, directed by one of my favorite directors.
My fears inmediately disappeared after watching the first scene. I mean, she wasn't Meryl Streep! Right? Or at least at the same acting performance level Angelina Jolie delivered in Salt, but at least, I can say that it was entertaining and far from being a cheap acting performance. I think that Steven Soderbergh knew it and did a great job on his direction and most important, the supporting cast helped the film to be really enjoyable.
One thing I must say, even though, the plot didn't leave any open door leading the idea of a future sequel, I would ask director Steven Soderbergh to leave Mallory Kane, her special skills, training and secret works end with this film. I believe it wasn't a strong film to lead a future sequel. Salt was an amazing plot that was actually prepared to have a future sequel, performed by a lead role with a fantastic acting performance experience in action roles also.
In case you're planning to watch the film and want to know more about it, here's the plot:
The film starts when Mallory Kane enters a diner in Upstate New York, sits and just waits. Few minutes later, Aaron arrives and joins her. After a short conversation about their employer, Aaron orders Mallory to get in his car. She refuses, and they fight, with Aaron nearly capturing Mallory before the intervention of Scott, a customer in the diner, allows Mallory to break Aaron's arm, knock him unconscious, and escape with Scott in Scott's car.
Mallory tells Scott that both she and Aaron are contractors with a private firm that is employed by the American government for covert operation assignments. One week before, at a meeting among government agent Coblenz, his contact, Rodrigo, and the firm's director (and Mallory's ex-boyfriend) Kenneth, the firm was hired to rescue Jiang, who is being held in Barcelona. Mallory and her team, which includes Aaron, succeed in rescuing Jiang and delivering him to Rodrigo.
Shortly thereafter, Mallory is approached by Kenneth, who insists she undertake what he claims is an easy assignment: pose as the wife of British agent Paul during a mission in Dublin. Mallory agrees and accompanies Paul to a party at Russborough House, where they meet with his contact, Studer (Mathieu Kassovitz). Paul meets with Studer again as Mallory watches from afar. She sees Paul go into a barn, and after he leaves she enters it to find Jiang dead, clutching in his hand a brooch which Kenneth required her to wear as a recognition signal for her initial contact with Paul.
Mallory realizes she has been set up and returns to her hotel room, where she is attacked by Paul. They fight, Mallory gets the upper hand and shoots Paul dead. Mallory calls Kenneth from Paul's phone. As Kenneth picks up the phone, he asks "is the divorce final?" Mallory doesn't answer, and Kenneth realizes that Mallory is still alive and now knows about the set-up. As Mallory leaves her hotel, a SWAT team appears to arrest her but she escapes after a chase, and manages to enter the United States and reach the diner, where she meets Scott.
Mallory calls Coblenz who tells her that he has had suspicions about Kenneth for some time. Coblenz then contacts Kenneth and tells him to inform Mallory's father, John Kane (who already knows of his daughter's occupation), of her crimes. Meanwhile, on the road, Mallory and Scott are chased by the police and hit a tree after a deer runs into Scott's car. They are both arrested, but soon the convoy is ambushed by assassins sent by Kenneth. Mallory escapes, kills the assassins, and releases Scott. She gives him a number to call for protection and leaves to meet with her father.
Mallory reaches her father's house in New Mexico before Kenneth, Aaron, and two additional men arrive to interrogate John on his daughter's whereabouts. Aaron starts to realize that Mallory might have been set up and tries to press Kenneth for the truth, but Kenneth kills Aaron as Mallory takes out Kenneth's men.
Mallory chases Kenneth, but he escapes. The following day Mallory meets with Coblenz, who reveals that he ordered Kenneth to contact Mallory's father so she could kill him there. Mallory asks Coblenz to fix things with Scott, which he promises to do. Coblens also informs Mallory of Kenneth's location. Before Mallory leaves, Coblenz offers her a government job but she replies only that she'll let him know, after she finds Kenneth.
In Mexico, Mallory confronts Kenneth at the beach and they fight. Kenneth tries to escape, but gets his foot jammed between two rocks. Kenneth reveals that Jiang was a journalist who had written a series of articles exposing Studer's crimes. Knowing that Mallory planned to leave his firm, Kenneth arranged for her to rescue Jiang and deliver him to Rodrigo, who then delivered him to Studer, who killed him. Kenneth then framed Mallory, planning to cut all ties that could lead to him by convincing Paul that Mallory was a double agent whom he should kill. Mallory leaves Kenneth to drown in the incoming tide for his betrayal.
Rodrigo is enjoying his "retirement" in Majorca. After his female companion is called away, Mallory descends onto the balcony behind him. When Rodrigo sees Mallory, his response is simply, "Shit", and the film ends.
Source: Wikipedia
I would rate this movie with a 2.5/5
Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
