The American (2010)

Ever want to see what Jason Bourne would be doing in his mid/late 40's?. Me either.
But let's say for arguments sake you did, you'd probably LOVE The American, starring one George Clooney as a custom firearm manufacturer trooping about Europe.

This unfortunately is another American film that thinks just because it's set predominantly in Eurpoean country, that it's a European film. While the beautiful Italian countryside shots (and for that matter, Beautiful Italian Women) keep your eyes wanting more, the story leads you DEMANDING more. the Term "slow burner" comes to mind while we go from "not much happening" to "some stuff's happening" back to "nothings happening" until we get to see George in a (kinda) sex scene. Not as much fun as you'd think.

While Mr Clooney does manage to convey a "been there, done that" sensibility to the performance (in a more grown up way than The Expendables) the whole feature still feels dry, and lacking a momentous and poignant conclusion I felt it was set up to be, instead we get a "so-so" final act where shit goes down and I feel neither uplifted nor deflated.

Clooney is on top form, can't doubt that, but this feature hardly keeps my on tippy toes for a huge resurgence in his career. Italian tits and custom guns make this a tantalising "manly" enough feature while picnics in the sun and George Clooney hold enough draw for women. I think. 5/10

RED (Retired, Extremely Dangerous)

What's that I hear you cry? The Loser's, The Expendables and The A-Team weren't enough to satisfy your ensemble cast actioner cravings? well fear no more as Robert Schwentke brings you his DC comic adaptation starring what could be called a "Dream Cast" consisting of Bruce WIllis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Brian Cox, John Malkovich and Karl Urban.

The film primarily follows retired black ops agent Frank Moses (Willis) and how he slowly unravels the who what and where about the people trying to kill him, along the way picking up fellow retiriees also targeted, leading to an ok but not too original conclusion. I'd go into more detail but, that's kind of it in a nutshell, love interest and occupational gag's are thrown in as if manditory, think Bourne Supremacy meets Mr. and Mr. Smith.

So, is this "little late for the summer" blockbuster flick fit to take on the big boys? well to be honest Sly Stallone stole the thunder this year as the stupidly overhyped (but generally ok) movie The Expendables already tackled the ultra bad-ass "but getting on a bit" super agents taking down a corrupt power, the main difference i can see is that this one tries a bit harder to make you laugh, the problem with THAT is, it's left mainly to Mr Malkovich who, though doing a good job, ultimately isnt enough to land a belly laugh.

So the film gets caught somewhere between action/comedy and conspiracy "clear my name" blah blah blah, Mirren and Cox both enchant and engage while the rest just seemingly running the motions, not to mention the criminal underuse of Morgan Freeman (a man so awesome, only God could play him in a movie) overall it'll tide you over and give you a chuckle, but very soon forgotten. 6/10

Bond - The Timothy Dalton Years (1987-1989)

After the series was left stale by the end of Moore's tenure as the British icon, it would take a strong lead and taking some risks to get the series back on track. Despite only starring in two films, Timothy Dalton brought a more mature, realistic and often darker Bond to the table for the better.

While The Living Daylights (1987) has a few Moore's traits left over, it's a worthy stab at something a little different. We still have the odd innuendo, but nothing as ludicrous as what has come before, except maybe a ski chase scene involving a cello case. The plot is at times a little overcomplicated, but at it's best it's a strong, character driven world cruiser with an enjoyable turn from Joroen Krabbe as the central antagonist. Strangely, we see Bond blatantly lie and take complete advantage of a helpless female simply for the mission, something never really done before in the series. That in itself shows a shift in the tone, however small at this stage.

It was in License to Kill (1989) that Dalton and the character really came in to its own. The story is not simply a man on the job, but a quest for revenge. Despite a typically Bond-esque pre-credits opening, the film quickly darkens, hitting Bond with some pretty severe personal blows. It had been since pre-Moore era we had seen Bond humanised and effected by a plot in such a way we were given a real reason to root for him. The film plays out efficiently, the action is slick and Dalton shines in what was probably the best Bond in over a decade. It's only a shame we weren't given a third Dalton film in order to see how the character may have progressed. I believe the best was yet to come.

6/10 a piece.

The Other Guys

This year I endured both "Dinner for Schmucks" and "Cop Out" both being comedy buddy movies that just didn't appeal, the former just not being as funny as it could have been and the latter being an absolute shit storm that I can't wait to be buried and forgotten in the depths of time.

The Other Guys uses tried and tested "odd couple" formula and makes it.... funny? yes, I think that would be the word, while not over satirising the movie industry (though it has it's pokes here and there for the best example see the explosion scene) it manages to create an enjoyable atmosphere where you go from laugh to laugh, the comedy doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of "someone please find me funny?" man Will Farrell, as Mark Wahlburg holds up his end of the giggles with surprising ease.

All in all, is it the best cop/comedy you'll ever see? maybe not (there aren't LOADS out there, only Beverly Hills Cop and Police Academy stand out) but will it keep you laughing for 90 minutes? it certainly will.

Watch with friends as i did, and i think you'll enjoy it, and it's enduring and heartfelt message "I hope you like jail food, and penis" (6/10)

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

I'm a huge Edgar Wright fan, I suppose. I think Spaced is great. I believe Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz to be two of the best comedy films ever made. I would say that qualifies me. Based on a graphic novels of the same name, Scott Pilgrim is an geek-fest tale of a hero's journey to love. And he has to beat up some people along the way. Cue pretty colours and break neck action!

Going in to the film, I had my doubts. The dizzying ad campaign here in the UK had more or less put me off it, but it didn't take long for Wright's charismatic, quick cut direction to work its charm on me. He is well known for his often blatant references of cult films, and this time its computer games. From Mario to Street Fighter, there are plenty to keep you interested and laughing as you recognise music and catchphrases. Any film in which a character plays the bass line from Final Fantasy 2 gets my thumbs up. The direction is so fun and the sense of humour is so loveable (despite Michael Cera's one trick pony acting), it will more than likely entertain. Though it was difficult for me to look past the direction, the script is tight and well written. The ensemble cast members work well and never intrude or outstay their welcome, and though the soppy love story would usually be a turn off, there's enough good to divert your attention from it. 

There's no denying this film has a niche. It's you're not looking for a fairytale geek-fest for geeks to geek-out to, then it will probably be a big turn off. If you're not in the loop, then it will leave you behind. However, I can say that being one of the target audience, this has to be one of the most entertaining films of the year, and a misunderstood commercial failure. 

8/10