In Space No One Can Hear You Scream: Review of Life

Life

Director: Daniel Espinosa

By Alex Watson

Daniel Espinosa's movie Life is a movie that has the material to become a great thriller, but never makes the most of its potential. Although the influence of Gravity and Alien is strong in this one, Espinosa's picture is plagued with a mediocre script. Once more space is the ultimate enemy and there are some sequences which are genuinely chest-tightening. Sadly what should have been a tight claustrophobic sci-fi flick is left with a rather flat aftertaste.

Aboard the International Space Station, a team of six astronauts comes across the ultimate score. A probe successfully retrieved from Mars have given them bonafide proof of life on this planet. While studying the life form (nicknamed Calvin), it soon becomes apparently that this organism might not come in peace. Before long David Jordan (Jake Gyllenhaal), Miranda North (Rebecca Ferguson) and Rory Adams (Ryan Reynolds) are trapped with nowhere to go.

The main problem with Life is that Daniel Espinosa seems in a big hurry to get things done. His build-up to the big reveal feels rushed and we are given zero time to learn anything about this mission or our heroes. When the killings begin (shock horror!) it's hard to feel any kind of nerves or terror because this all feels so damn familiar. There are constant doubts and suspicions from the get-go about what intentions Calvin harbours? Biologist Hugh Derry (Ariyon Bakare) believes it to be peaceful and is determined to research it. The company back on earth wisely refuses to let it anywhere near the atmosphere and being stuck in deep space is one element that adds some needed tension. When the hunt begins, there are some magnificent tracking shots but Espinosa fails in the suspense department.

It's also hard to route for our heroes because they are so thinly written and many of them come off as bland and uninteresting. We know Jordan prefers life up in space due to his mistrust of humans and that Japanese crew member Murakami (a wasted Hiroyuki Sanada) is expecting a child. Calvin comes off as the main star of this picture and his ever growing body is a source of constant worry. The growing smart and awareness he displays make us want to marvel at his brio as he constantly thwarts his pursuers. With his translucent skin and bone-crushing abilities, he is able to slip around the ship with ease. This new type of antagonist makes this a more a watchable film than it should be. Espinosa does make full use of this and in the zero gravity of space, it makes for a number of interesting confrontations.

One big plus about Life is that Espinosa does ensure that his movie is given a strong finish. It might underwhelm during the movie's first three-quarters, but the finale is worth sticking around for. Survival goes out the window long before and it soon becomes about containing the threat. Calvin is a creature with the ability to wreak havoc on earth. Jordan, North and others are all determined to keep this creature in deep space- no matter what the cost might be. The ending is the one element that will stick with you. Will anyone see it coming? Maybe you will but you still won't be prepared for it. Espinosa shows no mercy during the last act and as Calvin grows biggers, the odds of success are continually slashed. This might be your typical popcorn thriller, but there are moments which guarantee open mouthed shocks.

Somehow the top draw cast manages to get more mileage out of the meagre characters they are given. Jake Gyllenhaal, in particular, is very watchable as the strange yet personable Jordan. Disliking human nature and more at home among the stars- he emerges as the lone hero of this piece. Rebecca Ferguson is sadly given little to do other than sound bossy and follow protocol. However, her Miranda North is possible the most honest character of the bunch and her desire to follow the rules might be what saves the group. Ryan Reynolds despite adding some charm to proceedings is unable to add much as Rory Adams. While the most outspoken of the group, we are given none of ballsy gusto that he delivered in buckets while playing Deadpool.

Life is a movie that really could have been something more. However, it is let down by its overly familiar premise and its inability to make the most of its potential leaves us disappointed.

Ice Guardians: Review of Goon: Last of the Enforcers

Goon: Last of the Enforcers

Director: Jay Baruchel

By Alex Watson

While the characters who made the original so memorable are there physically- Goon: Last of the Enforcers feels disappointingly flat. Jay Baruchel's direction misses the subtle touch needed and the use of satire is strangely absent. Seann William Scott's Doug Glatt is still a wonderfully idiotic hero and this is what saves this sequel from total banality. While the first movie was a tribute to the tough guys of the game, this one seems more concerned with showing bloody battles than strengthening character development.

Halifax Highlander's enforcer, Doug Glatt has recently been forced out of hockey after a brutal fight with fellow player Anders Cain (Wyatt Russell). Now working in an unrewarding insurance job and expecting a baby with wife Eva (Alison Pill), Glatt longs to be back on the ice. When Cain joins the Highlanders, Glatt reaches out to old nemesis Ross 'The Boss' Rhea (Liev Schrieber) to get him in shape again.

The principle issue with Goon: Last of the Enforcers is that Baruchel seems to be going all out for laughs. While it's great to see Xavier LaFlamme (Marc-Andre Grondin) and coach Ronnie Hortense (Kim Coates) back together- what made these characters so strong has been lost. Original director Michael Dowse did a fine job of balancing the laughs, Baruchel seems unconcerned with giving things a lighter touch and the film creaks over his heavy-handed direction. Glatt starts this movie getting savagely beaten by Cain and living up to the realisation he isn't as tough as he used to be. Cain is a nemesis who feels drastically underwritten because he is a threat who can score and fight simultaneously. His relationship with his father- who coincidentally is Highlanders owner Hyrum Cain (Callum Keith Rennie) goes nowhere.

Forbidden by Eva to return to the game, Doug has to face up to the reality of life after hockey. Getting older seems to be the key message of this piece. Old rival Ross Rhea makes his living by participating in rock-em-sock-em tournaments again other old goons. Both men's bodies are crying out for them to stop but both cannot fight their true nature. Playing on the same team as Cain plants a deep rooted hatred on both sides. Cain is loathed by all Highlander players due to his selfishness on the ice and poor leadership. We know this movie is a glorified countdown to the eventual fisticuffs between the two men. However, it lacks the suspense of the original Glatt-Rhea rumble. There are also other unnecessary subplot diversions such as the introduction of Eva's outlandish sister Mary (Elisha Cuthbert). The fine supporting characters are utterly wasted away- particularly wacky goalie Marco Belchoir (Jonathan Cherry) whose perfectionist tendencies are overly exploited.

Sequels are a tricky business and in the case of Goon: Last of the Enforcers it feels like we have lost what made the original so appealing. Doug Glatt is still a character who can hold his own, but this piece will struggle to find appeal outside of hockey fans. If Baruchel had exercised some restraint on the movie's comedic side, this might have been more memorable. Seann William Scott is still appealing and makes for a lovable douchebag as Doug. Liev Schrieber is the movie's strong link again as the ageing Rhea- easily stealing each scene he appears. Like Glatt he struggles with his identity outside the rink and taking a punch is all he knows how to do. Wyatt Russell is also proving to be a great presence and as Anders Cain, he makes a compelling goon. A former hockey pro himself- the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn could be a great star in future.

My advice is everyone to have the DVD of Goon on hand for when you get home because you will need a reminder of the things you miss.

Choose Life: Review of T2: Trainspotting

T2: Trainspotting

Director: Danny Boyle

By Alex Watson

20 years in the making, Danny Boyle's Cool Britannia reunion is one that feels very welcome. While T2: Trainspotting may be lacking in story, seeing the gang back together feels incredible. The passage of time has been a real test and frequent delays made us wonder if we would ever see this sequel? Danny Boyle's direction isn't quite strong or passionate as the original, but no-one else could have brought this to fruition but him.

After betraying his friends years ago, Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) has been living in Amsterdam. Compelled to return to his native Edinburgh, Renton revisits his old 'so-called mates'. Sickboy (Jonny Lee-Miller) is still living a seedy life running a ramshackle pub. Francis Begbie (Robert Carlyle) escapes prison in a furious rage and is out for revenge on Mark. Luckless Spud Murphy (Ewan Bremner) is still addicted to heroin and estranged from wife Gail (Shirley Henderson).

"So what have you been up to for 20 years?" asks Sickboy during the big reunion. That is the question all audience members minds through the opening half of T2: Trainspotting. The characters are as we remember them, but Boyle doesn't investment long enough on how their lives panned out over the last two decades. Both Renton and Sickboy are the movies centre piece and the lurking threat of another double cross looms large. The original dealt with the follies of youth and repercussions of living dangerously. In this instalment, Boyle deals with the reflections of middle aged men and the questions that come with life. Spud sadly is the one our sympathies go with as he has been unable to kick the habit. His reunion with Mark is the one that causes both shock and hilarity in equal measure. One of the principle issues is that three of the four characters seem to be lacking depth. Both Sickboy and Renton feel like older versions of their old counterparts while Spud is exploited simply for comic effect.

Cinema's favourite psycho Begbie has lost none of his firepower. A human ball of continued rage, Begbie is like a bull in a china closet from his opening scene. Rather than making him the movie's main threat, Boyle goes deeper by introducing his wife and son. In one moving scene, our sympathy for him increases when we hear about one faith night in a decrepit Leith train station. The side plot diversions are a mixed bag, the one about Sickboy's prostitute girlfriend/business partner Veronika (an excellent Anjela Nedyalkova) works well. A tug of war of between friends start for her affections but we are never sure which way she leans. There is also the notion of 'watching history repeat itself' and as old friends delve in old pastures things threaten to get out of balance. Sickboy and Renton's comradery during these sequences is what gives this sequel its glow. In one sectarian pub, they are forced to improvise a song about the Battle of Boyne. What follows is a bizarre but catchy song about Catholics deaths.

It cannot be denied that it feels good to finally see this on screen again. Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge's tailoring of the characters has a slightly flat feel. Getting older and figuring out how their lives brought them to this point is the real selling point. Reflecting on the past and how they used to be, some painful past ghosts are revealed. Renton's previous betrayal has left a deep seeded resentment in many of the characters- they have each dealt with it differently. Renton's reasons for coming home are frustrating ambiguous- what is out of duty? Or did his past guilt become too painful to bear? By throwing himself back into his world, Mark is not just reopening his old wounds but is threatening to push other over the edge. As Begbie skulks around, we anxiously await the inevitable showdown. Danny Boyle has taken his sweet time but thankfully his pride remains intact in this sequel. Now for the debate about whether T3 will come around?

Ewan McGregor is a wiser and more assured Renton this time around. Still showcasing the same cocksure attitude that won him so many admirers- McGregor feels born to play this character. After a nasty fallout with Boyle over the movie The Beach, their reunion is a great thing. Jonny Lee Miller is also wonderful again as Sickboy and his morally complex approach again is magnificent. Is Sickboy simply drawing his friend in for the kill? Or does he relish this second chance at friendship? Robert Carlyle once more is a tour de force as permanently angry Begbie. Not losing an ounce of intimidation, Carlyle commands the screen. Though this time, he is allowed more room to explore and the root cause of his problems are brilliantly presented. Ewan Bremner however, is wasted as the lovable idiot Spud. He is given little else to but be the group buffoon when so much else could have been possible.

T2: Trainspotting might not be the unforgettable experience that we wanted, but still it is a movie that brings us full circle. Cool Britannia is still alive and well.

The Young and The Restless: Review of Hello Destroyer

Hello Destroyer

Director: Kevin Funk

By Alex Watson




A shattering look at the dashed dreams of Youth, Kevin Funk's Hello Destroyer is unlike any hockey film you will ever see. Making the most of the little dialogue, Funk excellently creates a haunting silence and lets the actions of young actor Jared Abrahamson tell the tale. Showing the effects of what happens when coaches try turning their players into warriors- this downfall is one that is truly painful to watch.

Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson) is a rookie playing for a junior hockey team in Prince George, British Columbia. From the get go he is trained by his coach that this game is like a battlefield. One night he obeys his coaches request to play aggressively and seriously hurts an opposing player. When word gets out about the severity of the player's injury, Tyson is quickly thrown on the scrap heap. Facing serious consequences from his actions- the young man must rebuild a new existence.

Shot in a low and murky light, Hello Destroyer is far from being an upbeat and heartwarming story of redemption. In the opening scene, we see Tyson locked in combat with another player. Shot close up, you can feel each blow hit and his status as a wild creature on the ice becomes apparent. The movie's opening quarter is dedicated to how the players are trained in almost military style aggression. These boys are drilled hard about how hockey is a game where only the strong survive. The new rookies are hazed roughly by their teammates by being held down and having their heads shaved. Urged on by his coaches and praised for his physical toughness, things look promising. Tyson is an introverted member of the team and although he fits in nicely, looks all at sea when the boys swap manly stories. When he illegally boards the opposing player, the horror that washes over his face is unforgettable. Tyson has adhered to the violence he was commended for, but this is also what makes his world come crashing down.

The silence that surrounds this picture is the real element that sticks in our minds. After the incident, both his host Wendy (Sara Canning) and the team quickly gets rid of Tyson under the guise of it being for his protection. Forced to sign a statement taking full blame, the young man can only silently look on. Locals who once cheered him now pick fights with him in diners. Quickly he is thrust into a world of silent contemplation where people are happy for him to rot away taking the blame but are unwilling to provide comfort. Funk makes excellent use of the long quiet stretches, here we can feel Tyson's desperation build in his numerous unanswered calls to coach. Building to almost stifling levels, the lack of words are a far more powerful blow than Tyson's hit. Forced to go back to his old job at the slaughterhouse- one scene sums up his situation perfectly. We see a cow trapped in a grate and put to death, Tyson is a defenseless animal in this world and soon he will be lead to the slaughter.

Now treated almost like an endangered species, the lack of support that meets Tyson is devastating. Even his father Ron (Paul McGillon) holds his son at arm's length. Soon he gets him started on destroying his Grandpa's old house, People see little use in this man other than him using his fists. The long awkward exchanges between Tyson and others are what cause the biggest concern. When he finally finds a sympathetic co-worker, he finds himself having a meltdown and his buddy can only say "It's going to be alright!" Funk gives us a movie where people don't look at the big problem on display. Hello Destroyer is a devastating picture of the effects of raising our talents around institutional violence. Tyson did everything he was asked to do, but the same people who admired him are the ones who pushed him away. He also wants to address the loneliness and isolation that comes with taking the rap. Tyson is a young man still struggling to accept his situation, but all around him fail to address his actions.

Jared Abrahamson emerges as a great talent and his turn as Tyson is one you are not likely to forget. A performance that is more physical than spoken, Abrahamson speaks loudest with his actions during the movie's numerous quiet times. Through his performance, he channels the young man's disillusion with the world and his growing anxiety and despair. Tyson is a young man who is paying an unfair price and through Abrahamson, each moment of this feels heart-wrenching.

Hello Destroyer is one of the strongest offering Canadian cinema has to throw at us in 2017. An unconventional sporting tale, this picture will leave you fearing silence as you exit.

Ape-A-Popping: Review of Kong:Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

By Alex Watson

As Warner Bros works its way towards an ultimate showdown between Kong and Godzilla- Kong: Skull Island makes for a decent start. While not as faithful or eye opening as Peter Jackson's most recent version, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts makes King Kong a real presence. Moving the action to the end of Vietnam war does work surprisingly well, but this movie is let down by some poorly written characters.

As Vietnam draws to a close, government official Bill Randa (John Goodman) leads an expedition to an uncharted island in the South Pacific. Randa believes this system contains creatures never seen by humanity. Along for the ride are tracker James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston), notable photographer Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) and Lt.Colonel Packard (Samuel L Jackson) whose Sky Devil's squad is providing escort. Once on the island, they will come face to face with one particularly large ape who is less than pleased with their arrival.

Although Kong: Skull Island provides thrills in abundance, it's also lacking in several areas too. Jordan Vogt-Roberts shows us a magnificent new Kong who from the moment he is introduced, chaos rains down. Ascending out of a hellish storm, the helicopters are greeted by a lush and breathtaking landscape. While they play their rock n roll music and carelessly drop their explosive  'scientific instruments' an ungodly sight will soon roam into view. Within moments of his arrival, the full force of Kong is unleashed. This eye-opening introduction is literally like watching the wrath of God and the movie revealing its trump early is a very smart move. This Kong comes off as the deepest personality in this jungle after his real motives are revealed. Vogt-Roberts also literally makes him bigger than ever before. Protecting his realm with a furious passion, this giant ape is one we definitely cheer for.

In this adventure, Kong is not the most dangerous creature lurking. Giant spiders, squids and gigantic insects are just a few of the threats that stand in their way. The biggest danger of all comes from the Skullcrawlers, an almost dinosaur-like creature whom Kong has been brawling with for years. Coming from deep beneath the earth, the human's arrival has lead to them being awakened and Kong becoming pissed! They may look innocuous at first but soon their threat is made clear. Vogt-Roberts' movie might be a glorified run through the jungle (Yes that Neil Young song does appear) but it makes the most of the thrills offered. This edge of your seat stuff makes this a better movie and anyone just wanting a dosage of dumb fun will feel right at home.

Packard's desire for revenge does add some colour to proceedings. Bloodthirsty after watching his men fall to Kong, he threatens everyone's chance of survival. Vogt-Roberts does well to cling to the B-movie origins in the movie's final third and there is a pure joy watching him scrap with Skullcrawlers. Although it lacks the depth and emotion of Peter Jackson's version, it isn't any less entertaining. This picture is merely a warm-up act for the main act and once WB and Legendary get there, that's when things get interesting. Kong: Skull Island might have some misfires, but it is nonetheless still a solid piece of work and the big ape has never looked better.

Part of the issue with this movie is that the characters on display are rather drab. Conrad is an ex-SAS soldier who spends the movie just making plans.Tom Hiddleston has a great presence but is given little to work with.  Brie Larson's Weaver is a character clearly meant to fill the old Fay Wray mould, but instead merely comes off as blank and uninteresting. Samuel L Jackson comes off as the movies strong link as after the death of several of his men turns him into a vengeful Captain Ahab figure. Marooned WWII veteran Frank Marlowe (John C Reilly) adds some needed comic relief to proceedings and his guidance proves key to survival throughout.

Kong: Skull Island might be lacking a few key areas but for sheer enjoyment, it is a great start. Sit back and enjoy Kong, nothing else required.

The Man Comes Around: Review of Logan

Logan

Director: James Mangold

By Alex Watson

While his first two on-screen outings were underwhelming, Logan provides Marvel fans with a wonderful swansong. Director James Mangold delivers an unexpectedly poignant and heartfelt finale which see Hugh Jackman's beloved character come full circle. Unashamedly high on violence and sporting possibly the greatest ever pre-credit sequence (spoilers withheld), this is one ride we don't want to end.

Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is now a drunken down and out working as a limo driver while tending to his sick long term friend Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). He attempts to live anonymously in the desert alongside mutant ally Caliban (Stephen Merchant). However, the powers and strength he once held are slowly wasting away. One day he stumbles across a money making chance by aiding a mother and daughter crossing the border into Canada. Taking this chance brings him into the path of dangerous Transigen employee Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook). To his shock the girl, Laura (Dafne Keen) is demonstrating some familiar abilities.

Watching Wolverine in this picture is a thing of great sadness. In Logan, his ageing body is betraying him and he spends his days easing the pain with booze. His purpose in life has become truly lost and now Charles seems to be succumbing to a degenerative brain disorder that has seen him classified as a 'weapon of mass destruction'. From the opening scene where with great difficulty he fends off a gang of tough hombre's- he just looks like a wounded animal struggling to survive in the wild. Everything we love about this character seems to have gone and his a stumbling wreck. When Pierce veers across his path, the tone of Mangold's movie shifts drastically. Wolverine and friends are soon on the run, which has become business as usual in his world. Noticeably more at ease with violent content, Mangold firmly refuses to make this an adventure for the kids. In this Marvel universe, very little is clean and let me tell you, there are few things more glorious than hearing Patrick Stewart drop the F-Bomb!

The side story of the girl Laura is one that seems to kick start his beliefs. At first happy to abandon her, when he comes to see her abilities his world is shaken to the core. The girl may be of few words, but her actions speak volumes. Logan is divided between two worlds at this stage. Charles encourages him to seek out a better future but having lived a life at war with himself and the world Wolverine is conflicted. Mangold's movie is about Wolverine wrestling with his soul because although he wants to do good and make sure Laura is safe, his killer side still calls to him. Although this movie resists the urge to throw one of the X-Men's baddies into the mix, the story of evil corporation Transigen engineering mutant kids from birth feels too tacked on. Led by permanently smirking villain Pierce, they do inspire some fine battles. The introduction of sinister scientist Zander Rice (Richard E Grant) and mutant X-24 is earth shaking at first but eventually fizzles out.

Perhaps the most joyful part of Logan is Wolverine finally being allowed to let loose. In this picture, he slashes, dismembers and often brutally kills his aggressors. His healing ability might be fading, but the old killer instinct is alive and well. Proof that R-Rated action movies can be successful, Mangold also finds a heart in the most unlikely of places. After two pictures hampered by artistic inferences, finally, Marvel fans have gotten the Wolverine picture we always wanted. Its focus in showing him at his lowest ebb makes the film far stronger outing than the Samurai confused nonsense of 'The Wolverine'. Mangold also gives his audience an emotionally charged finale we will never forget. Few Marvel characters have been as memorable as this clawed character- this final film is a tribute to savour.

Hugh Jackman in his last performance as Wolverine goes out with one hell of a bang. Since starting an unknown actor in 2000, Jackman has shaped this character into something truly special. Playing Wolverine as a decaying wreck who is caught between two lives is a thing of rare beauty. This character has been continually evolving and Jackman seems determined not to let the side down. This could possibly be a career high performance and we are unlikely to see this kind of emotion in a superhero movie again. Patrick Stewart makes for a delightful sidekick as Xavier and for once he is allowed to play this character with a sense of humour. An old mind that is now a ticking time bomb, Charles is a much of a dying creature as Wolverine.

Logan is quite simply the strongest movie in the X-Men universe. Days of Future Past and Apocalypse just showed that big CGI doesn't always solve the problem, James Mangold's stripped down and humane approach ensures its best character gets the adventure he always deserved.