Conan the Destroyer

Tags

1980's, Action, Adventure, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Conan the Destroyer, Fantasy, Grace Jones, Mako, Olivia d’Abo, Richard Fleischer, Sarah Douglas, Tracey Walter, Wilt Chamberlain

With Conan the Barbarian being a success, it was inevitable that a sequel would follow. And while Conan the Destroyer has its good moments, it doesn’t quite compare with its predecessor.

The warrior that is Conan(Arnold Schwarzenegger) is still alive and mourning the death of his lover Valeria. He is now joined by clumsy Malak(Tracey Walter), a thief who can’t help but get himself in trouble because of his magpie like love of jewels. He comes across the mysterious Queen Taramis(Sarah Douglas)who offers him a deal. She will using her magical powers being back the love of his life on one condition. Conan must escort her niece, the naive and virginal Princess Jehnna(Olivia d’Abo) , to retrieve a magical gem that will lead the way to the horn of an ancient God. Jehnna must do this as it is her destiny and Queen Taramis insists on it. What no one realises is that the ruthless and sly Taramis is in fact plotting to sacrifice Jehnna in order to use the power of the horn for nefarious purposes. She assigns her trusted Captain of the guard Bombaata(Wilt Chamberlain) to join the quest, but kill Conan once the jewel is obtained. So Conan, Malak and the rest of the venturing group begin their journey to find the fabled jewel. Along the way, Conan frees a fighter called Zula; who he finds being tormented and forced to scrap in chains with brutal villagers. As thanks for setting her free, the feral Zula joins Conan’s quest and proves to be a vital ally. The quest is perilous and fraught with danger, especially when Conan uncovers the deceit at the heart of it. Now it’s a battle to stop the evil power of Taramis from taking over.

In the directors seat this time is Richard Fleischer, who at least manages to make this film watchable and reasonably entertaining. Although the tonal shifts are all over the place, Fleischer is at his best with the action scenes and danger, which does help in the long run. While no one would consider the first Conan movie high art, it at least had some form of grit to it. I’m fine with incorporating humour into films but it feels a bit much in Conan the Destroyer. It starts pretty well with humour and action benefiting each other. Then things go south as idiotic occurrences happen and mount up. The first film had some humour but it was controlled and it felt a little more brutal than your average fantasy outing. It wasn’t deadbeat drama throughout, but it at least had some sense of stakes being high. Conan the Destroyer seems to forget this and just chuck things at us in ridiculously rapid speed. Yes I did say that the first film was overstretched with its runtime, but this sequel is too quick and rushed. And events feel a bit watered down and not as brutal as before, which does hamper events in this movie as it feels a bit too light and humorous. I believe behind the scenes there was a conscious decision to tone down the gore in order to increase box office takings, I think they still could have been successful even with more bloodshed and brutality on show.  Now things aren’t all bad in Conan the Destroyer, there are actually moments of greatness to be discovered. I’ll admit sometimes the goofy atmosphere is fun and once again the set pieces are rather fantastic. One in a hall of mirrors is very well executed, thanks to sterling production design and action present. This movie is most enjoyable when it’s serving up action and fantasy, instead of trying to make the film more child friendly.The score doesn’t let the audience down, providing boundless adventure and majesty to the film courtesy of Basil Poledouris. It’s again a highlight for how it immerses us in this fantasy world. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger is once again an imposing presence as the titular fighter on another quest. He gets the and when the humour lands , he succeeds while still casting a long shadow of skill in the fighting department. Though it is very strange to hear Schwarzenegger talk as much as he does. Previously, he only speaks a number of lines which adds to his impact as we are more focused on his actions. Though this is a niggle, Schwarzenegger is still an amazing Conan and delivers the goods you want. Grace Jones, of striking bone structure, agile yet rippling physique and high top fade hairstyle, acts as a great asset to Conan and the movie. Her very stare projects a menace and aggression of a warrior, complete with the fact that she’s always on the prowl. Jones lends her unique look, wild abandon and electric being to Conan the Destroyer and lights up the screen every time she’s on it. Wilt Chamberlain, who was a basketball player of immense height, has the physical goods to deliver a slippery turn as the wavering Captain who you just know is going to stab you in the back if you’re not careful. Tracey Walter is passable enough as Conan’s latest sidekick, though his clumsy antics get a bit repetitive as the film continues. More effective is Mako, returning as the wise and all seeing wizard who balances seriousness with some levity. However Olivia d’Abo is pretty grating and irritating as the innocent princess, mainly because she’s so naive and the character is pretty bland to begin with. This isn’t helped by her delivery of lines which is stilted and without resonance. I get that she’s supposed to be sheltered and immature, but she mainly comes off as a pain. Sarah Douglas does villain shtick very well while being darkly seductive at the same time. 

Conan the Destroyer has bright spots to it and has a fun, goofy quality, it just feels rather redundant and watered down when it could have been better

Conan the Barbarian

Tags

1980's, Action, Adventure, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Conan the Barbarian, Fantasy, Gerry Lopez, James Earl Jones, John Milius, Mako, Max Von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman

Based on the character in pulp comics and featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in an early role that put him on the map just before he hit superstardom , Conan the Barbarian is nothing if not a dazzling, testosterone filled action-adventure fantasy that has its share of problems but is still riotously entertaining and a fun ride to experience.

In Ancient times, a young boy by the name of Conan is the son of a blacksmith and a loving mother. Unfortunately, brutality strikes when the followers of the evil cult leader Thulsa Doom( James Earl Jones) attack his village. His father is wounded and then mauled to death by dogs, while Doom himself hypnotises Conan’s mother before beheading her in front of her terrified son. Doom then takes a powerful sword owned by Conan’s father before leaving the carnage in his wake. The children of the village are spared and sold into slavery, being charged with pushing a giant wheel in back breaking fashion. Over the years of pushing the wheel, Conan( now played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a muscle bound mountain of a man with incredible strength. He becomes a gladiator of immense renown and is taught many things by his master. Later he is set free into the wild, which is where he starts trying to track down Thulsa Doom, where he discovers an ancient sword, a strange prophecy and encounters three important people in his quest . Firstly he meets thief and archer Subotai(Gerry Lopez) , then he encounters beautiful and lethal bandit Valeria(Sandahl Bergman). Lastly there is Akiro the Wizard(Mako), who provides the narration for the film. Valeria and Subotai are soon faithful friends and in the case of Valeria, a romantic interest who assist Conan on his journey, while Akiro instils wisdom and prophecy. The trio of wonderers hear of a jewel that they decide to steal, mainly because the snake symbol is something that Conan believes will lead him to his nemesis. They are then summoned by the old King Osric( Max Von Sydow), who knows they stole the jewel but doesn’t wish to imprison them, he actually wants their help. His daughter has fell under the influence of Thulsa Doom and he wants Conan and his friends to retrieve her for a good reward. They decide to accept this offer as Conan continues on his path of vengeance hoping to meet Doom and enact brutality upon him as retribution for what he did to his family.

John Milius and his work here are the definition of macho and it’s perfectly suited to this kind of film. He’s the well appointed director of Conan the Barbarian and he keeps events ticking over, even when it gets a bit laboured and indulgent towards the end. got what you want from a swords and sorcery; lots of violent action( standout being the opening raid on Conan’s childhood village), unusual fantasy, well muscled heroes and buxom ladies, alongside traps, tricks and magic. And it’s unapologetic and upfront about it too which is rather refreshing in that way, especially as the violence isn’t sugarcoated . The action set pieces are staged with verve and efficiency, making them very memorable as Conan fights his way across a desolate land. Now at two hours, Conan the Barbarian does feel a bit longwinded in the grand scheme of things and that is a flaw. But for the majority, the adventure, excitement and brutality of the movie is done to a high standard. You don’t need to invest intellect into the story as it’s pretty much what you’d expect. Though that, in my book at least, is not something that should be seen as a fault. Sometimes it’s great to go into a movie that takes you to another place and doesn’t require you to think about it deeply. And I for one don’t mind when a movie does that when it does it as well as Conan the Barbarian. Sure it’s not going to stimulate your mind in a sense of depth, but who can begrudge this swords and sorcery concoction that simply wants to thrill? Saying this however, it feels more rough and gritty than some fantasy and that does make it stand out a bit from the crowd. It’s not Shakespeare by any stretch of the imagination, but nor is it trying to be. So sit back and lap it up the best way you can with enjoyment in mind and thrills by the minute . The largely practical effects are decent for their time, though looking through modern eyes they look rather dated. Still at least the film isn’t overblown when it comes to effects, instead when they are used in scenes of the spirits healing but also attempting to snatch our hero away and a fireside vision by a seductive but lethal witch, they are impactful. And the look of Conan the Barbarian is one of its strongest aspects with the vast open spaces, mountainous terrain and creepy atmosphere of the opulent Snake Cult rendered with great detail. Things feel epic here and this contributes well in keeping the whole highly charged atmosphere alive. One of the finest elements of Conan the Barbarian is the stupendous score from Basil Poledouris. With thundering drums aplenty and a sweeping scope that benefits the action, it’s one score you won’t forget in a hurry.

Arnold Schwarzenegger heads proceedings as the eponymous warrior out for revenge and makes quite an impression. Physically, he is a hulking being that is intimidating and strong from the moment we see him and the fact he doesn’t speak a lot adds to this feeling of immense presence. Schwarzenegger isn’t known for being the finest actor out there, but his work here is an example of fantastic casting as he exudes strength, intense vengeance and physicality throughout. I can’t imagine anyone else filling the role of Conan quite as effectively as Schwarzenegger. Embodying an eerily menacing villainy, James Earl Jones is the ideal counterpart to our hero. He’s got such a chilling presence( mainly through that iconic voice)throughout that comes from his seeming calmness that belies inner psychopathic tendencies. Gerry Lopez provides some comic relief and sense of friendship as the skilled thief Subotai . He works well against with Schwarzenegger; the two of them being opposites physically but in terms of mindset definitely on the ball and understanding of each other. Ferocity and athleticism is provided by Sandahl Bergman with added doses of sex appeal to boot . Though not what you’d call the most versatile or nuanced performer, Bergman nonetheless contributes a physical charm and action to that can’t be denied . Mako and his off the wall appeal that is twinned with his impressive narration adds a layer of epic awesomeness to Conan the Barbarian. The only person who feels wasted is the great Max Von Sydow as the elderly king. Someone of his calibre should at least have been given more to work with, even if his role is small.  Most of the acting isn’t what you’d call award worthy, but not is it trying to be. The cast is called upon to play these characters in a certain way and they each do what the film demands handsomely.

So aside from some flaws along the way, Conan the Barbarian still stands out as a fantastic spectacle of action and fantasy that is enjoyably full of action set pieces and sweeping spectacle.

The Crow

Tags

1990's, Action, Alex Proyas, Angel David, Bai Ling, Brandon Lee, David Patrick Kelly, Ernie Hudson, Fantasy, Jon Polito, Laurence Mason, Michael Massee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Sofia Shinas, The Crow, Thriller, Tony Todd

A Gothic fantasy/ action revenge thriller, The Crow dazzles on the visual front and weaves a melancholy yet pulse pounding spell over the audience. The accidental death of star Brandon Lee also impacts on the film with a grim sense of irony and sadness.

In a decaying, dark city where it always seems to rain and crime is almost ever present, rock star Eric Draven( Brandon Lee) and his fiancée Shelley Webster( Sofia Shinas) plan to get married on Halloween. They are deeply in love and are each other’s rock in the tides of violence that surrounds them. Then brutality strikes on Devils Night, when a street gang barges into their apartment and brutally kills Eric and rape Shelley. Shelly dies later from her wounds and Eric lies dead on the sidewalk. Sergeant Albrecht( Ernie Hudson) , who is one of the only decent people in this place of corruption is on the case and takes young Sarah(Rochelle Davis) under his wing. Sarah is a neglected waif who was incredibly close to the deceased couple and who now is looked after by Albrecht, as her drug-addled mother has no time for her . A year later, a crow lands on Eric’s grave and begins tapping on the tombstone. Moments later, this resurrects a confused and traumatised Eric. Stumbling back to his apartment with the help of the crow as his guide, Eric experiences flashbacks of that fateful night and swears revenge on the scum that killed him and Shelley. Donning striking clown like makeup, black clothing and realising that his wounds heal now that he’s been resurrected, he sets about tracking down the gang. Whatever the crow sees, he sees as he brutally sets about righting the deadly wrongs. The low level, scummy gang consisting of T-Bird(David Patrick Kelly), Skank(Angel David), Tin-Tin(Laurence Mason) and Funboy( Michael Masses) are setting fires across the dank city and don’t expect the vengeance coming their way. To the gang, it’s just another night to cause mayhem and indulge in violence, but it’s going to get a lot more bloody now that Eric is on their trail . As Eric eliminates the gang, it leads him up to twisted crime boss Top Dollar( Michael Wincott), who is a nasty piece of work and the one who rules over the chaos of the city. Violence unfolds as Eric seeks vengeance to be at peace and right the wrongs inflicted on him and his beloved , while influencing both Sergeant Albrecht and Sarah along the way.

Alex Proyas is a sensationally visual director who truly brings this mournful yet thrilling film to life. Lifting it from the comic book source, Proyas is on to something special with The Crow. He’s truly alive in the action scenes and when shooting them, while also bringing something else to the project. The flashy yet evocative aura is on point with how it delivers both thrills and story, particularly in the flashback sequences. It must be said that there are some areas where the film falls flat such as not enough backstory for some characters and occasionally an emphasis of style over substance . Saying that, Eric, Albrecht and Sarah are all well designed and explored and the flaws are pretty minor so I can forgive a few gripes. When it comes to the grisly yet thrilling action, this movie delivers with scenes of crazy action in high demand and prominence with its fast running time. On the visual front, The Crow is masterful and it’s sublimely dark and Gothic design is as haunting as it is beautiful. The city that the characters inhabit is both dark and dank and exquisitely painted, with the rare appearance of brightness coming up every now and then against the harsh rain that continues to fall throughout. The editing is stylish and reminiscent of a music video with more substance, and it’s hard to fault it on that score. The camera pans across this nightmarish world with precision and flair; with many moments slowed down to capture the impact of events as Eric goes about exacting poetic justice and other parts being kinetic when vengeance truly hits home for the scum of the streets( check the bullet laden shootout at Top Dollar’s residence for a great example). The comic book origins come through in the cinematography Dariusz Wolski who injects The Crow with ambience that sucks you into this unjust world that just got a dose of Karma. If anything, The Crow is a feast for the eyes but also has some depth and a cloud of melancholy to it. Brandon Lee’s tragic passing impacts on this sense of sadness but there is a grim irony also attached to it. Lee died just as he was about to make it in the mainstream in a freak accident and also soon to marry his real life fiancée, the irony being that his character comes back to life following demise. It swathes The Crow in a deep sense of sadness and what if possibilities for the actor and this made the film into a cult hit. Depth comes in how Eric just wants to teach them all a lesson and avenge his beloved; when he first rises he is confused and disorientated, followed by flashbacks that spur him on to become a weapon of revenge. He isn’t just a single minded killing machine as he doesn’t kill those who haven’t wronged him or Shelley, plus he brings some clarity to the lives of Albrecht and Sarah. He’s a romantic angel of vengeance and swift justice who you don’t want to cross. The soundtrack is pumping and all encompassing, backed up by the atmospheric and darkly romantic score from Graeme Revell. Both enable the film to also be an aural experience as well as a visual one. 

The late Brandon Lee heads the cast as the avenger of justice with a sinuous blend of tragedy, action star and intense demeanour. Lee has a dark sense of charisma that’s tempered with both an athleticism and a deep well of sadness. He’s undeniably hard to take your eyes off as he owns the screen whenever he’s around, which is nearly every scene. It’s sad that this was his last movie as he shows great promise as a movie star who could have gone places. Still it stands as a knockout performance that truly infuses The Crow with action and melancholy. Ernie Hudson is also a shining light as perhaps the most honest and thoroughly loyal characters in the film. He possesses a level of positivity and gravitas that lends itself beautifully to The Crow; signifying that the world inhabited is awful, but some goodness remains. Villainy comes in the form of the formidable Michael Wincott . Utilising his raspy voice and tall stature to his advantage, he imbues Top Dollar with a vicious nastiness and unbridled devilry that’s thrilling to witness. You really revile the character because of how well Wincott inhabits him. Rochelle Davis provides winsome relief against the gloom as the lonely skateboarding girl who has learnt to fend for herself and has forged a deep connection with Eric. As the gang of nasty individuals who are picked off one by one, there is David Patrick Kelly, Angel David, Laurence Mason and Michael Massee. Each doesn’t have to really stretch dramatic muscles, but all really give their characters a feral nature that suits the bunch of criminals they portray. You also get the greatness of Jon Polito as an underhand pawnbroker and the imperious Tony Todd as Top Dollar’s head bodyguard turning supporting roles into something memorable with short screen time. Bai Ling, though extremely bewitching to look at, is saddled with not much of a part. She’s mainly there to show a twisted relationship between Top Dollar and his sister and not much else. Sofia Shinas, seen mainly in flashback, provides an almost angelic presence that shows just how much she meant to Eric. 

Imaginatively action packed, darkly arresting and hauntingly gloomy, The Crow lives long in the memory of viewers owing to its take of vengeance and atmosphere of sadness that comes through.

Vertical Limit

Tags

2000's, Action, Alexander Siddig, Ben Mendelsohn, Bill Paxton, Chris O'Donnell, Izabella Scorupco, Martin Campbell, Nicholas Lea, Robin Tunney, Scott Glenn, Steve Le Marquand, Thriller, Vertical Limit

A tense action thriller that’s not in any way groundbreaking or original, Vertical Limit gets by on immense adrenaline and a competent cast. It’s a B movie to be sure, but a very good one.

Peter(Chris O’Donnell) and Annie Garrett(Robin Tunney) are avid climbers who frequently engage in this hobby with their father. But one day while climbing Monument Valley, disaster strikes. Two falling amateur climbers cause the line holding the family to become precarious. The father instructs Peter to cut the rope to save his children, which Peter does and in turn his father falls to his death. The act saves Peter and Annie but does immense damage to their relationship. Three years later, Peter has given up climbing and turned his attentions to wildlife photography, while Annie has become a prominent celebrated climber. The two meet once more at the base of K2, which at its peak is the second largest following Everest. The relationship is still damaged between the two and though Peter wants Annie to speak to him again, she can’t bring herself too. She is there to take part in an expedition up the mountain with billionaire Elliott Vaughn(Bill Paxton). For Annie, it’s a chance to carry on her father’s love of climbing mountains, but for arrogant Vaughn, it’s all part of a publicity stunt. Joining them will be experienced climber and level headed guy Tom McLaren(Nicholas Lea), and two other climbers . The group is warned by mysterious climber and legend Montgomery Wick(Scott Glenn) that the weather isn’t forgiving and can turn in an instant, but no one pays much attention. Peter is also worried but can’t communicate with his stubborn sister. So the climb goes ahead, even though there is a chance that extreme weather could hit. Sure enough the elements are against Annie, Vaughn and Tom as Mother Nature hits with a vengeance, causing an avalanche. In the ensuing chaos following the deaths of the two others on the trip, Annie, Vaughn and Tom find themselves trapped in a crevasse that slowly seals, leaving them injured and nearly cut off from any form of rescue. Thankfully, Annie knows morse code as does Peter and manages to briefly contact each other, but it’s not as simple as just finding the place of rescue in a mountain thats unforgiving. The mountain is expansive and dangerous and the group slowly start to feel the effects of the cold and biting sting of dwindling supplies exasperated by the growing tension between the trio. Peter, despite the estrangement from his sister, plots a rescue that will be both daring and extremely harrowing if he wants to save his sister. He enlists the help of gorgeous touch cookie Monique(Izabella Scorupco)who wants a share of money for a new life being offered by the company, brothers and climbing enthusiasts Malcolm and Cyril (Ben Mendelsohn and Steve Le Marquand) and Kareem(Alexander Siddig), whose cousin was one of the ill-fated members of team that ventured up the mountain. The nomadic Wick joins them as he is an expert on the treacherous ascent, though we learn he has another agenda for going up K2. The group have canisters of nitroglycerine in their bags donated by the nearby Pakistan Army, which are incredibly dangerous but will hopefully if used correctly. The clock is on for Peter to rescue his sister and the team with not a second to lose.

Martin Campbell is no stranger to action thrillers having directed Bond flicks GoldenEye and Casino Royale. And his talents in these areas serve him well in Vertical Limit as he cranks up the action and suspense to high degrees. He isn’t going for some intellectual exercise and knows thats not what the audience is craving either. This understanding aids Vertical Limit as a film of action and spectacle for the popcorn crowd where you don’t really have to do a lot of thinking but you sure as hell enjoy it. Granted there are some quite moving moments that you might not expect in such a film, but it’s the sheer adrenaline and energy of the film as the clock ticks away that make it credible. The visuals are pretty on point; capturing the beauty and precariousness of mountains amidst the breaks from action. It’s truly a sight to behold these natural wonders that are enticing but also death-defying in the extreme. Vertical Limit may run on a bit long for my liking with two hours pushing it, but I enjoyed the vast majority of the movie. It piles on the scenes of near death and action in quick succession which actually benefits the film, even when it is fit to burst. James Newton Howard provides an action packed score, focusing mainly on strings and drums for added oomph in the perilous journey on the mountain.

Though the characters are essentially cliched and pretty overfamiliar, a credible cast fills them out nicely. Chris O’Donnell, while not being the most convincing actor there has ever been, is decent enough as the central hero of the piece. He’s passable as the rescuer with baggage and is credible in the action scenes it must be said. Robin Tunney brings out strength and vulnerability as the trapped sister; trying to make smart decisions as she succumbs to the impact of cold weather and being trapped. Tunney makes her character’s suffering and bubbling resolve feel at least genuine whenever she is on screen which goes a long way for me. Bill Paxton and Scott Glenn are however the standouts here as men with shared history and not all of it good. Paxton exudes an underhand sliminess and selfishness that makes you thoroughly despise the character and is a credit to his skill as an actor. Glenn, with a face that is bound to install fear and a little admiration, projects a gruff exterior as the mountain expert with his own personal reasons for scaling K2 and a particular axe to grind. Both actors are very good in their respective roles and I enjoyed seeing both men on either side of morality occasionally blur those lines. Nicholas Lea, taking a break from playing the underhand traitor on The X-Files, seems quite glad to be portraying someone who is actually good at heart but no pushover in the least, even when mortally injured. The beautiful Izabella Scorupco has the right blend of sex appeal and grit to make her quite memorable, while Ben Mendelsohn and Steve Le Marquand offer comic relief in between the nail biting action and terror, with both convincing as stoner brothers in need of that rush of adventure.Rounding things off is Alexander Siddig, whose quite and calming presence is a welcome respite among the chaotic happenings.

So while no Oscars or awards for genre defining content will be awarded to Vertical Limit, it’s action and suspense keep you invested and man if it isn’t a thrilling ride.

The River Wild

Tags

1990's, Action, Curtis Hanson, David Strathairn, John C. Reilly, Joseph Mazzello, Kevin Bacon, Meryl Streep, The River Wild, Thriller

A well directed action thriller that isn’t breaking any original ground but at the same time isn’t trying to, The River Wild has tension, great scenery and fine acting headed by an athletic Meryl Streep.

Gail Hartman( Meryl Streep) is a history teacher for the deaf who used to be a river guide along the rivers of Idaho. She still occasionally practices something similar, albeit in Boston and with no sign of danger or adrenaline rush. Gail is married to the distant Tom(David Strathairn); a constantly busy architect who spends more time on his job than being there for his wife and kids, in particular Roarke( Joseph Mazzello). The young boy resents his father for never being around and believes that his approaching birthday will be another when his father won’t show. Gail takes Roarke to Idaho for some white water rafting, Tom surprisingly tags along but their journey down river is still awkward as Tom doesn’t know how to connect with his family. Along their journey and as Gail tries to repair her strained marriage, they come across charming Wade(Kevin Bacon) and his friend Terry(John C. Reilly) . They are having trouble navigating the river and are pretty ill prepared. Gail starts to help them, which causes them, especially in the case of Wade, to become closer to Gail and Roarke. Gail enjoys the company of someone she sees as needing help and being likeminded. Roarke finds someone to talk to in Wade, in comparison with his staid father who he doesn’t have the best of relationships with, stemming from Tom’s frequent absence and dedication to his work. Though they are friendly at first, the fact that Wade and Terry keep popping up along the river alarms Tom and later Gail, as does some questionable actions like spying on Gail and Tom when they briefly wander off and being cagey on the reasons they are on the river. A reconnecting Gail and Tom decide to ditch Wade and Terry as subtly as possible after becoming increasingly alarmed by the duo. Just as try to escape with Roarke, they are violently stopped by Wade, who begins to show his cruel and nasty colours . It transpires that the duo have robbed a large sum of money and to evade capture decided to go down the river. They really hadn’t thought their plan through very well as Wade can’t swim and they must advance further than The Gauntlet to get away. The Gauntlet is a death defying set of rapids that adventurous Gail went through in her youth, but it has since been declared too dangerous following a death to one rafter and paralysis for another. Threatening the family, Wade forces Gail to take them to The Gauntlet, despite her warnings of its impending doom and how barely anyone makes it out alive. The family is separated after a scuffle between Tom and Wade. Tom, beginning to shed his image as a boring, corporate drone goes ahead on foot through the wilderness, hoping to figure out a way to ensure the safe return of his wife and son. But just how long can Gail protect her son and herself from danger as treacherous water lies ahead? And can Tom catch them up and derail Wade’s deadly plans?

Curtis Hanson efficiently brings out the adventure, tension and drama at the heart of The River Wild with considerable skill. The story may seem familiar and some beats that you’re well aware of take place, but Hanson has you glued with his direction. He knows it’s all in the mounting of tension and then letting things take flight, complete with some surprises. The use that the family has of sign language is an inspired choice that allows them to communicate in a way unfamiliar to their kidnappers and wonderfully succeeds in being in the family back together in crisis. The first part of the film is all in the build up that effectively introduces terror through little hints that take on greater meaning once the kidnapping and forcing to help begins, the big set pieces come. And they are spectacular scenes as the beautiful yet treacherous landscape is observed( in a stunning showcase of cinematography) as a race for survival ensues. Though not every part of the story works and it can smell of contrivance, the overall content is pleasingly action packed yet has some emotion to make a difference. For a movie conveyed with action and thriller elements, The River Wild doesn’t scrimp on character development or getting us to know the central players in the story. There’s already some tension before anything truly suspenseful happens. The family unit is already falling apart and thankfully being well observed, while resisting the urge to go into full on soap opera on water territory. Jerry Goldsmith is on score duties and his skill in dripping suspense in is key to the atmosphere here; along with sneaking in some gorgeous pieces of moving symphony to compliment the lush surroundings about to be overtaken by nail biting tension.

The acting is of a high calibre it must be said. Heading things is the ever impressive Meryl Streep flexing a sense of physicality we are not used to from her while retaining a humanity that grounds things. Streep is a force of nature; glowing with a radiance and an intimidating stare, coupled with protectiveness, vigour and freedom. Simply stated, Meryl Streep is the driving force behind The River Wild with a dedicated role that shows off her dedication to her work, a great physical presence of toned arms and legs and how she can slot easily into any genre like the true professional she is. Projecting evil and oozing dangerous charm is the talented Kevin Bacon, whose boyish appearance is used to great effect in masking the true depravity and violence of his character before letting it out. Bacon just really knows how to unsettle here as he plays games with the other characters and tries to really get inside their heads. His frequent clashes with Streep are a highlight as they face off wonderfully in a thrill ride of a movie. I always enjoy seeing Kevin Bacon in a film and in The River Wild it is no exception. Also very strong here and an actor that I feel is often overlooked is David Strathairn, who is superb as the absent father forced into action. Strathairn gets the sense of a man too wrapped up in his life that he’s become desensitised to everything important to him and also credibly charts his rise to being a reliable thinker and survivor. Once Strathairn is separated from the others, his journey begins and its pretty great to see him change so realistically and excellently from a boring workaholic to quick thinking and unrelenting in his hope of saving his family. Its a classy turn from the gifted David Strathairn. John C. Reilly shades his supporting role as lackey with some nice grey areas, while Joseph Mazzello plays the plucky kid with the right amount of spirit and hear.

For my money, The River Wild is an underrated action/thriller that is spearheaded by a sensational Streep and generates some real excitement. By the numbers as sine of it is,

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Tags

1980's, Action, Adventure, Alfred Molina, Denholm Elliott, Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ronald Lacey, Steven Spielberg

Action/ adventure was given a new lease of life in Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark ; a rollicking, entertaining tribute to old adventure serials with a classic turn by Harrison Ford and all the right ingredients for an energetic blockbuster. Raiders of the Lost Ark is truly one of those iconic films that never gets boring no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Trust me, this movie is simply irresistible.

The year is 1936 and rugged Indiana Jones(Harrison Ford), often refereed to as Dr. Jones or Indy, is an archaeologist/adventurer with a dry sense of humour, skill with a whip, fear of snakes and ability to think quickly on his feet. He works as a college professor when he’s not facing immense danger around the globe. We first meet him in the jungles of South America where he procures an artefact, faces down danger and meets his slimy rival René Belloq( Paul Freeman), who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Back at the university he teaches at, his friend Marcus Brody(Denholm Elliott) a museum creator approaches Jones with two American agents. As Indy has knowledge of ancient relics and cultures the U.S government wants his help in dealing with the growing power of the Nazis. It’s come to their attention that the Nazis are fixed on discovering the burial place of The Ark of Covenant; an ancient and innumerable chest that according to the Bible held the two stone tablets bearing The Ten Commandments. Also housed in it is immeasurable power that the Nazis wish to harness to further advance their cause. Jones worked with Abner Ravenwood, his old mentor and had a relationship with his daughter Marion(Karen Allen). Travelling to Nepal, he meets the tough talking Marion once more and learns her father is dead. She is now in possession of a headpiece that when used properly shows the whereabouts of the Ark. She isn’t too pleased to see Indy as he romanced her and then disappeared, which leaves him with a hell of a punch across the face on their reconnection. The fact that Marion has the key to discovering the Ark puts her in the firing line for trouble. This in turns leads the Nazis to her door, headed by the very creepy and sadistic Gestapo agent Arnold Toht(Ronald Lacey). Escaping and discovering the Nazi’s, along with Belloq are digging in Cairo, Indiana and Marion head there intent on stopping them. With aid from loyal digger Sallah( John Rhys-Davies), it’s up to Indy and Marion to stop the Ark falling into Nazi hands and being wielded as a devastating weapon on the world. 

Steven Spielberg directs this action adventure classic with panache, wit and a rip-roaring sense of entertainment and it ranks as one of his best films. You can clearly see the love and feeling of breathless action he infused Raiders with to make it so rightfully iconic. His infectious enthusiasm to recreate 30’s adventure serials transfers to the audience who are swept along with Indiana Jones in his quest to retrieve the eponymous artefact from the clutches of evil. Raiders of the Lost Ark bristles with excitement right from the celebrated opening and continues on with breathless action that also houses great characters and many instances that have become synonymous with pop culture. You’ve got that opening with Indy retrieving a golden idol from a cave that’s laced with booby traps( including one menacing boulder), a journey into the resting place of the Ark which is littered with snakes, Indy hilariously shooting a show off swordsman in a nonchalant manner, a scintillating truck chase sequence that puts the A in action and the unveiling of the Ark itself. It’s hard to just talk about one moment but I’ll do my best. The cinematography has a warm glow of yesteryear and just adds further to this exciting and escapist adventure that never leaves you. The visual effects still hold up and make the finale a sight to behold in both wonderment and shock. And one of the finest and most fondly remembered parts of this movie has to be the score from the maestro that is John Williams. I’ve long been a fan of his work and his score here is one of the reasons why. I mean you only need to hear a few notes of the now famous theme to feel chills on your neck and know you’re listening to greatness that embodies adventure, danger and just that giddy feeling of something magic at work.

Essaying the role of Indiana Jones is the incomparable Harrison Ford. He’s got the humour down, the intrepid feeling of adventure, plus charm and smarts to burn. Ford is compelling and it’s pretty damn impossible to imagine anyone else playing the part because he makes it his own with star quality, wit and a certain level of old school, heroic cool. It’s hard not to warm to Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford in such fine form and creating one of the most recognisable heroes of the silver screen. Aiding him is the beautiful but strong presence of Karen Allen. She portrays Marion as feisty and not afraid to rough and tumble; thankfully she has more to do that just a be a love interest. Not that her chemistry with Ford isn’t impressive( it’s extremely good), but it’s great to see that she serves a purpose here and can take charge when needed. A slimy turn from Paul Freeman makes Belloq a cultured yet rotten to the core adversary for Indy, while is creepiness personified as the Nazi agent with the most unnerving demeanour. Humour and a certain lovable nature comes courtesy of John Rhys-Davies, making the most out of his supporting role as loyal friend. The refined Denholm Elliott also stands out in a small role with his well spoken air and sense of a gentleman. Watch out for a young Alfred Molina in the opening scene as a treacherous tour guide who meets a grisly end after showing his true, deceitful colours. 

With compelling action, imagination, fine acting and a masterful director at the helm, Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of the most rip-roaring pieces of adventure entertainment you’re likely to see and trust me, you’ll never tire of it.

Heat

Tags

1990's, Action, Al Pacino, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Crime, Danny Trejo, Dennis Haysbert, Diane Venora, Heat, Heist Film, Jon Voight, Kevin Gage, Michael Mann, Mykelti Williamson, Natalie Portman, Robert De Niro, Ted Levine, Thriller, Tom Noonan, Tom Sizemore, Val Kilmer, Wes Studi, William Fichtner

The delightful Gabriela asked me to take part in a blogtahon about Al Pacino. As he’s one of my favourite actors, I couldn’t refuse. So here’s my late entry with a review of Heat.

An engrossing action thriller with a sheen of depth and sense of character to it, Heat, with the talented Michael Mann at the helm, takes the heist film and fashions something breathtaking, surprisingly intelligent and always riveting.

In Los Angeles, Vincent Hanna(Al Pacino) is an overly dedicated, arrogant cop. His obsessed work rate has strained his third marriage to the tired Justine( Diane Venora) and made sure he can’t connect with his troubled stepdaughter Lauren( Natalie Portman) . He becomes aware of skilled thief Neil McCauley( Robert De Niro) when he and his team, consisting of talented but troubled Chris Shiherlis(Val Kilmer), edgy and pumped Michael Cheritto( Tom Sizemore) and new member crazed Waingro(Kevin Gage) steal bearer bonds from an armoured car. Things escalate when loose canon Waingro shoots a guard, causing two others to be killed to avoid being a witness. Neil is furious as he wanted a smooth operation and now they are wanted for felony murder. Mainly, Neil wants a way out of crime and lives by a code that says he can walk away from absolutely anything when he feels the heat coming from the law. This has largely made him a loner and someone who doesn’t form personal attachments. But things change when he falls for pretty and endearing Eady( Amy Brenneman). His right hand man Chris is good at the criminal job but can’t kick a gambling habit, which has estranged him from his understandably angry wife Charlene(Ashley Judd). Meanwhile, Hanna starts putting the dots together and unearths more plans of Neil’s to stage more heists, culminating in one last big score . Both men will collide and discover a strange parallel with the other, though they can easily take the other down if either encounters the other along the way. The game of cat and mouse gets more dangerous as the film progresses, also showing that  both men are people who live by their own code that has directed them in life

Michael Mann is firing on all cylinders with Heat; conjuring a story of cops and robbers with more on his mind than just action. Not that Heat ever shortchanges is on action, but the dedication to plot and the little details that form are simply sublime touches. I especially enjoyed how Heat opens; setting up the characters and revealing just enough to set the appetite then discovering how it’s all linked. It’s a little thing, but it really cements your attention on the film. Back to action and Heat delivers it in spades, with particular praise being reserved for the running shootout on the streets. With quick cutting, pulse pounding imagery and a general feel of genuine danger, it’s one of the finest set pieces put on film as bullets fly and bodies fall. On the point of how Heat looks, the moody colour palette and danger with which Los Angeles is depicted with is second to none. The setting becomes just as important as the characters in the story with Los Angeles appearing as dark, unforgiving and melancholy. And for a movie that is almost three hours long, the time flies as we are that engrossed by the film that we are witnessing. Sure it might seem an excessive run time and a few minor bits ramble, but every frame feels warranted as does the enviable attention to detail that I live for. It’s one of the most action packed but inventively detailed and I enjoyed how it weaved the characters and their lives together so it fitted. It’s hard to find fault with Heat, with only a few minor parts that ramble a bit. Apart from those very small things , it’s simply masterful as a film and I can recommend Heat enough.

Where Heat truly shines and rises above many a generic action thriller or heist/ crime flick, is in its unusual dedication to giving the characters substance and a sense of having lived life. We truly get a chance to know these people and watch how their lives unravel as violence, dedication and duality collide. The relationships at the core of the film, Vincent and his wife Justine , the chance of love for Neil and Eady and Chris’ damaged union with Charlene, all add something and are explored with rare insight .Credit is down to Michael Mann for fleshing these parts out and allowing us to go between who we want to succeed. It’s most unusual to watch as our sympathies and sense of loyalty swings like a large pendulum. They are two sides of the same coin and we get to see it in full bloom in the now famous coffee shop scene. We finally see two iconic actors meet on film( they were both in The Godfather Part II but never shared scenes) and the results are sublime. Everything comes together beautifully as two men bare their souls and find an unexpected sense of respect with the other, despite their current opposition. Elliot Goldenthal is the composer and his music is sublime at matching the varying moods on screen, with a certain percussive shimmer and drums taking a large part of things. Plus adding strings brings out a certain feeling of sadness as the main men find that their lives and have morphed into stubborn ways from which each tries to escape. It’s atmospheric and action packed all at once, without forgetting human emotion.

Heat scores highly for its impressively extensive cast, headed by man of the hour Al Pacino and fellow acting Titan Robert De Niro. Al Pacino is excellently convincing as the  strutting, obsessed cop who has all but destroyed what’s left of his personal life. With Pacino in the part you get the showmanship of a man who’s good at what he does and knows, tempered with underlying regret at how he’s obliterated anything close to him. It’s a fine showcase for the great man and layered too, displaying some of Pacino’s finest work. Matching him as the criminal counterpart is Robert De Niro as the master thief. Possessing a steely look, ruthless intelligence and a hidden gentleness, De Niro breathes life into the part of criminal with a code who finds it changing in never expected ways. Put simply, he’s electric in a subdued but powerful way. And whenever he and a Pacino meet, it’s simply extraordinary. Val Kilmer brings forth a weariness to his part of a skilled thief but hopeless gambling addict. For Kilmer it’s all in the eyes, which exude alternating strength, action and vulnerability throughout. Tom Sizemore has the dangerous persona and sense of inducing fear, particularly skilled when it comes to the action that erupts.

Though the film is largely composed of men, the women of Heat hold their own and are pretty integral to the story. Amy Brenneman, with her fresh faced charm and sense of kindness is the main woman in Neil’s life and though she doesn’t realise it, she starts to change his way of thinking. Ashley Judd, with a combination of grit and sadness, essays the part of a wife fed up with her husband’s inability to change. The part could have been a throwaway and thankless one, but Judd gives it dimension. The same can be said for Diane Venora, who is also a wife who wants more from her husband. She’s fierce and not afraid to confront him on it which I like. A young Natalie Portman, though only seen in a brief few scenes, still stands out as a troubled youngster struggling with life and not feeling like anyone is listening. Although seen for only a short time, Portman is pivotal to a later part of the story that impacts on Hanna.

The rest of the supporting cast is a regular who’s who of familiar faces who give life to the characters surrounding those at the centre. Standing out is William Fichtner as a slippery man in too deep and not knowing it and Kevin Gage as a very creepy guy who is part of the reason the team feels the heat from the cops. Then you have Jon Voight as the fence who you know has been doing the job as long as anyone can remember and Dennis Haysbert as a former criminal trying to do good but finding it tempting to slip back into a life of wrong. Plus that’s not forgetting Ted Levine, Wes Studi, Mykelti Williamson, Tom Noonan and a memorably pivotal Danny Trejo. It’s a stacked cast, but it’s Pacino and De Niro who are the centre and boy do they make Heat soar.

A dazzling, stylish yet unexpectedly human crime/ action thriller, Michael Mann’s Heat is a film that always gets your attention in nearly every department. Simply put, it’s unmissable.

Action Series Chosen

Tags

Action

Thanks to everyone who voted in my poll about which action series I should cover. The winner was The Fast and the Furious Series, so I’ll review them soon.

Escape from New York

Tags

1980's, Action, Adrienne Barbeau, Donald Pleasence, Ernest Borgnine, Escape from New York, Harry Dean Stanton, Isaac Hayes, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Science Fiction

The ever wonderful Gill invited me to take part in a blogathon to honour Kurt Russell and I simply couldn’t refuse.

Director

John Carpenter

Starring

• Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken
• Lee Van Cleef as Bob Hauk
• Ernest Borgnine as Cabbie
• Adrienne Barbeau as Maggie
• Harry Dean Stanton as Brain
• Isaac Hayes as The Duke
• Donald Pleasence as the President

John Carpenter’s science-fiction action film Escape from New York is rightfully held in high regard for its vision and plot. And with atmosphere, imagination and a bad ass lead character to boot, it’s hard to disagree.

The year is a then futuristic 1997. Manhattan Island has been turned into a maximum security prison where once you go in, you never come out. In the main area that was once the central hub, anarchy reigns supreme with violence and destruction. When the President’s plane is hijacked and he crash lands in Manhattan, he is taken hostage by the local crime boss The Duke and his goons. He was supposed to be attending a peace summit with the Soviet Union, but that goes completely out the window with the events that unfurl. Sneaky and manipulative Commissioner Bob Hauk then strong arms the most unlikely person ever to rescue the President from an almost certain death. That person is Snake Plissken, a cynical ex soldier, serving time for theft. Snake is understandably not at all on board with this plan. But after being told that if he rescues the President within 24 hours he could be pardoned, he accepts reluctantly. Though Hauk makes sure he will do it as he has micro explosives implanted in Snake’s neck that will detonate if he doesn’t complete the mission. Hauk knows that Snake would use the opportunity to escape but has him by a tight leash now. With time ticking away, Snake enters the city where he encounters violence from various factions and some assistance by a rag tag group of renegades. They consist of a joking cab driver, hard edged lady and know all.

John Carpenter keeps events imaginative and engaging, with his ingenuity on clear display. I’ve always admired what he brings to a movie and he has the story be one that is very taut and entertaining. Some will say that the film has dated parts, which it does in areas, but the anachronistic touches really add to the oddball personality of the film that it isn’t easy to see why it’s a cult movie. Carpenter plays up the outlandish aspects of the story and the desecration of humanity, mainly in the case of Snake and his no cares attitude towards everything. On the visual front, the practical effects have aged well, with the shots of New York through a futuristic lens being particularly inspired. We get a grimy dystopia to witness and one that has certainly influenced many a film since. Escape from New York is often billed in some quarters as an action movie(which in many cases it is), but for me it’s more about the moody atmosphere than anything else. The cyberpunk echoes and vision of a world in free fall really make sure that Escape from New York is a film to remember. John Carpenter himself provides the pulsing electronic score that compliments the futuristic setting and has just the right notes of darkness there too.

Kurt Russell completely owns the screen as the growling, scowling yet sardonically witty bad ass that is Snake. Russell provides the cynicism and swagger of a man who doesn’t believe in anything and is proud of it. He is ironically the last person you’d think of to rescue a president and that is what ultimately drives the plot. Seriously, Snake ranks as one of the most charismatic and bad ass anti heroes there is. Lee Van Cleef is on nasty form as the scheming and controlling Comissioner who uses Snake to his own advantage. Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau and Harry Dean Stanton flesh out the crew that Snake falls in with excellently.With some serious style, Isaac Hayes rocks it portraying the crime boss who stands in the way of Snake succeeding. And there’s Donald Pleasence appearing as the President, who it is revealed is not as squeaky clean as he seemed.

Exciting, inventive and engrossing, Escape from New York is John Carpenter at his imaginative and full blooded best, aided by a fine performance from Kurt Russell as one of cinema’s best anti-heroes.

Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle

Tags

2000's, Action, Bernie Mac, Cameron Diaz, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Comedy, Crispin Glover, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, John Cleese, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Luke Wilson, Matt LeBlanc, McG

Film Title

Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle

Director

McG

Starring

• Cameron Diaz as Natalie
• Drew Barrymore as Dylan
• Lucy Liu as Alex
• Bernie Mac as Bosley
• Demi Moore as Madison Lee
• Justin Theroux as Seamus O’Grady
• Crispin Glover as The Thin Man
• John Cleese as Mr. Munday
• Matt LeBlanc as Jason
• Luke Wilson as Pete

More sassy attitude, kicking ass and sex appeal adorns Full Throttle, the sequel to the entertaining first film. Like its predecessor, it’s completely brainless and illogical but so watchable due to that very fact, it’s difficult to not enjoy it.

The Angels( Natalie, Dylan and Alex) return to fight crime and go undercover to thwart dastardly plans. We pick up with the girls as they rescue a US Marshall from captivity in Mongolia. Returning to America, the girls are informed of what their latest mission will entail. This time the unseen Charlie sends them to recover a pair of titanium rings. Encoded in these rings are the names and real identities of everyone in the Witness Protection Program. It appears that someone wants to sell the rings to the highest bidder; which just so happens to be any of the major crime outfits in the world. Gearing up for action with an array of costumes and skills, the girls encounter former Angel Madison Lee, who has clearly turned her back on the side of good and definitely has something to do with the plot. Added to the mix is Irish mobster Seamus O’Grady, who happens to be Dylan’s former boyfriend who she put away in prison years ago before changing her identity. This revelation hits Dylan hard as she fought so hard to escape her past, only for it to now resurface. From fast car chases to martial arts fighting, The Angels are back doing what they do best; stopping bad and shaking things up.

McG is back making things bigger and employing his music video skills for the montage heavy and frankly ridiculous movie. Once again, it’s a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously and on more than one occasion, rips itself off. The plot is essentially a riff on the first movie yet is a little tighter( I say little because it’s still pretty all over the show but still highly fun). The plot is the least of anyone’s concerns when the action and innuendo filled lines hit override. That’s where the fun begins as the gorgeous girls go from a dirt biking race to performing in strip club, all in the name of stopping crime. Various sub-plots of their love lives are superfluous and don’t go anywhere, the colourful fights and array of disguises is where the film is at. Like the title says, Full Throttle is what it gives in terms of silliness and amusing sequences that are pure ludicrous and candy coloured from head to toe. The film can best described as the equivalent of a sugar rush. You know you shouldn’t enjoy it, but the sweetness is difficult to resist. And even though it is a major rehash of the first film, is anyone actually paying that close attention? The soundtrack is lively and pumping, granted there is nary a second music isn’t playing.

Cameron Diaz, with her mega watt smile and perky energy, is delightfully goofy and animated in the best possible way. Drew Barrymore stands out the most as tough chick Dylan, who has to deal with the ghosts of the past. The film is hardly deep at all but the little bits of drama that reveal more of her( whenever the chance is given) are played remarkably well by Barrymore. Lucy Liu provides many laughs and feistiness as the brainbox of the troika, who can really deliver Once again, the three share a good rapport and have sparkling levels of energy. Some actually effective laughs come courtesy of Bernie Mac playing Bosley; his loud and frequently hysterical outbursts are just what the doctor ordered in this fizzy cocktail of a movie. Demi Moore, looking gorgeous and acting diva like, has fun as the vampy former Angel now on the side of evil and taking no prisoners. She seriously has a good time as the villain of the bunch and suits the over the top nature of the film. Justin Theroux, though underused, is pretty menacing as Dylan’s psychopathic ex who wants revenge on her for turning him in. Crispin Glover returns as the inherently creepy Thin Man, unfortunately he is ill-served by the film that doesn’t make the most of his unusual appearance and mannerisms. In support, John Cleese gets a few good moments Alex’s oblivious father. Once again, Matt LeBlanc and Luke Wilson are not really necessary or well used in the film and their parts could have easily been trimmed.

 

Virtually a variation on the first film with more explosions and killer stunts thrown in, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle is guilty pleasure viewing of the highest echelon. You wouldn’t tell a friend you like this movie, but you’d secretly bask in its sheer dumbness when you needed a popcorn movie.