There's No Easy Way Out: Review of Creed II

Creed II

Director: Steven Caple Jr

By Alex Watson

While it is a little by the numbers and predictable- Creed II is a still solid and enjoyable sequel. The last effort by Ryan Coogler was one devastating hook that floored even the most die-hard Rocky fan. However, with Coogler heading to Wakanda, his replacement Steven Caple Jr is still able to deliver a gutsy bout. Now officially Stallone's final ever outing as the Italian Stallion, Michael B Jordan assures us that this franchise is now in safe hands.

Adonis Creed (Michael B Jordan) has taken the heavyweight division by storm since his defeat in the prior film. Now the champion, he is keen to set about years of domination and building a future with girlfriend Bianca (Tessa Thompson). However, lurking in the shadows is the brutal and hulking Russian fighter Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of the very man who killed his father, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). While keen to avenge his father's death and create his own legacy, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is not so keen on this matchup.

While Creed II, for the most part, is a well-acted and nicely executed piece, there is a sense they are just looking to draw out the mileage. A large portion of the movie is bogged down by any number of motivational speeches by Rocky about how Adonis has to go outside of what he knows. The last installment injected real heart and soul in places fans were surprised by. This time there seems to be a little too much brooding going on in between fights. Adonis is a character who slowly is growing on Rocky fan's and to be fair, the movie does capitalize on his rash and impulsive desire to beat Drago. Barely crowned champion, Rocky knows he is walking into a world of trouble.

When in the ring, the movie packs all the needed punches. Viktor is a man 'raised by hate' and Ivan's failure to beat Rocky robbed him and his son of a prosperous future. Their first bout together is a painful affair to watch and Viktor has more than inherited his Dad's brute force- he has gone above it! Adonis' challenge is made horrifically obvious here. While there is an excellent but all to brief reunion scene between Rocky and Drago, the father/son duo is mostly confined to being background villains. Which is a great shame because there is a wealth of story available about Drago's decline and desire for resurrection. This sequel is much like many of the previous Rocky outings and outside of the punches thrown, the story tends to lag.

Part of the issue is that Caple Jr seems more concerned with diverting the movie into unnecessary subplots. Bianca's story is one of the moving ones as her progressive hearing loss is becoming more potent. However, Creed II also loses valuable over whether Adonis and Bianca's newly born daughter will also inherit the same condition as her mother? Viktor and Ivan are also dealing with their own issues as Viktor is being embraced as a hero by Russia. Ivan is keen to return to the fold, but Viktor is wary of playing the puppet figure after his own Dad's notable failure. Any gripes we have are easily thrown aside with the number of enjoyable training montages. This sets the scene for a return to Moscow for another East vs West (or man against man) showdown. Like Rocky IV before it, the odds are stack against our hero and this is where the picture feels at home.

Michael B Jordan is finally making the character of Adonis Creed his own. In this installment, he is able to channel the swagger and confidence of the character and take it another level. Jordan also hones in on the self-doubt that Adonis possesses. Mentally conflicted and feeling obliged to avenge his father's honor, we see a newer and more vulnerable side. In many ways, it feels devastating that Stallone will never again grace our screens as Philly's finest. As Rocky, he gives a wonderful if not lower key send off. A man weary of the fighting world, Rocky is forced to look at his life and Adonis' decision to fight Drago is one that shocks him to the core. Still agonizing over his decision not to thrown in the towel for Apollo, Rocky is keen not to see another Creed perish.

Creed II has its faults, but at heart, it has all the enjoyment and charisma that one might expect from this franchise. Farewell Sly, you did it!

Into The Abyss: Review of Annihilation

Annihilation

Director: Alex Garland

By Alex Watson

Ex-Machina showed that Alex Garland had the visual flair to make a promising director. Annihilation boosts his credentials further and this picture is a visually jarring affair. Throughout this picture, there is a haunting and malevolent ambience surrounding the events. Garland's story is one that has a continually ticking brain and forces us to consider what could happen with any possible encounters with un-human species?

Lena (Natalie Portman) is a biologist who is still reeling from the disappearance of her soldier husband Kane (Oscar Isaac). When he unexpectedly returns home, he begins acting begins acting distant and strange then suddenly collapses. Taken to a secret location, Lena is told by the mysterious Dr Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) that Kane's prior mission took him inside 'The Shimmer', an area which is always widening and has claimed the lives all of who enter. Driven by curiosity and desperate to save her husband. Lena agrees to enter 'The Shimmer'.

Aided by an unsettling atmospheric score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, Annihilation continually finds ways to make our hairs stand on end. There is a sinister presence from the moment Kane first enters Lena's home. At first, she is overjoyed to see the man she loves, but his aloof demeanour soon spoils the party. Garland spends minimal time with backstory and everything we need or want to know about our characters is given to us. Refreshingly, the characters aren't a bunch of 'get some' soldiers looking to off the baddies. Instead, we are given a group of intelligent females who are all from different walks of life. Lena is a biologist, Ventress a psychologist, Josie (Tessa Thompson) is a physicist, tough-talking Anya (Gina Rodriguez) was a paramedic and the quieter Cass (Tuva Novotny) is a geologist. All of these women have afflictions in various ways, but serious question marks point to Ventress' involvement. A soft-spoken yet sly leader, she may not be in this for 'gathering data'

This picture takes a well-trodden story of military people entering the woods and being picked off and turns it on its head. There are some real shocks in store for the audience and some truly horrifying visuals. One particularly graphic scene sees a soldier's intestines turns into a living creature. There is also the pressure question of what precisely is 'The Shimmer'? Inside it seems like perfectly normal and overgrown rainforest, but lurking in the distance is a mysterious presence. Material wise, this movie takes some big diversions away from the novel by Jeff VanderMeer. However, Garland keeps the narrative intrigue with some frequent and shocking turns. There is no interest in jump scares or any cheap trickery, so he makes full use of his bold and smart script.

There is an intelligence to this story that still remains intact despite being in horror territory. Garland forces his audience to consider the possibility of what could happen should another species arrive. Only when do we learn the true meaning of movies title does our blood run slightly cold. Our band of heroines must contend with the likelihood that this is a one-way journey. Lena in particular struggles to keep her marriage a secret so as not to unsettle the others. The final act of Annihilation is the one which will be imprinted on audiences minds. Giving us no end of tension, we are given some hard and shocking truths about earlier events. Salisbury and Barrow's score is particularly effective during this stretch and adds to the increasingly horrific feel.

Natalie Portman gives a central turn which is both tough and immensely compelling. As a woman determined to complete the mission and save her lover, she gives the movie's its heart. On the surface a collected and assured person, Portman gives her a vulnerability that makes her relatable. She's also supported by the excellent Jennifer Jason Leigh. As Ventress, she is a blank slate and her motives are always impossible to determine. Speaking barely above a whisper, she succeeds in giving an air of mystery that never once dissolves. Tessa Thompson also provides excellent support and is fast becoming one of Hollywood's most dependable talents. Likewise with Jane the Virgin actress Gina Rodriguez, who is a lifetime away from the sweet-natured character we are so familiar with.

Annihilation is a clever and unbearably edgy thriller, Alex Garland is now officially a talent to be reckoned with.

Hammer Time: Review of Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok

Director: Taika Waititi

By Alex Watson

After the underwhelming sequel, 'The Dark World' many Thor fans were left wondering where the Thor could possibly go next? Getting Taiki Waititi in the director's chair was the smartest move imaginable. Thor: Ragnarok is a sharp and funny ride that finds its humor in very unlikely places. Unlike previous director`s, Waititi is given free reign and the success of the movie comes from his lack of reliance on action scenes.

When estranged sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) aka the Goddess of Death returns, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a tricky situation. Exiled the garbage planet of Sakaar, he finds himself forced to fight as a gladiator for the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). However, while on this planet he finds himself reacquainted with his old buddy Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and once more facing off against troublesome brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

After showcasing his unique brand of funny in his acclaimed movie `Hunt for the Wilder People`, Waititi was an unusual candidate for Thor: Ragnarok. He proves to be an inspired choice because he is the first director to really channel the comic gold this character has. Watching a dangling Thor slowly enraging villainous demon Surtur (voiced by Clancy Brown) during a threatening monologue immediately sets the tone. In other hands, the mashed together plot involving usurping, past murders and slavery could have been a messy affair. Waititi makes it seems like a breeze and keeping the focus on comedy makes this a much better viewing experience.

When Thor literally arrives with a bump on Sakaar, much of the comedy is found here. Grandmaster is the most Goldblum role that Jeff Goldblum will ever play. A smooth-talking tyrant with his fingers in many pies, Thor's entry into being a gladiator couldn't have been worded more nicely. The showdown in the arena between Odinson and the Hulk gives us a hilarious verbal and physical battle. This also lasts outside the walls as the pair squabble throughout, including a brilliant reaction by Thor to seeing the Hulk's green dick. Waititi, also plays the scene-stealing rock gladiator Korg, in his soft-spoken voice he provides the bulk of belly laughs. There's also the added problem of Loki being around. Morally ambiguous at every turn, once more his brother makes it hard for him. In this installment, sibling rivalry is present but almost takes a backseat. Although we do learn how they play the game 'Get Help' (recommended for all to try at least once).

As a villainess, Hela feels like Thor: Ragnarok's weak link. Although central to the plot she just comes across as just a moody and bitter relative. Banished from Asgard after her genocidal desires outgrew her father's, Hela has the potential to have a cold, malevolent presence. While she physically matches Thor, she lacks any kind of real threat. Although there is a fine supporting turn from Tessa Thompson as a former Valkyrie. Scarred by her past encounter with Hela, Valkyrie has resorted to heavy drinking and slave capturing to get by. Getting her on board to protect Asgard is a major hurdle and she makes Thor work for it. The emotional content of this movie also makes Ragnarok creak slightly. Waititi effortlessly blended heavier content with a light touch in Wilder people but for a picture like this, it feels unnecessary. When a movie crams so much into one film, they can't all winners, unfortunately. Aside from this, there are few grips to be had and Waititi is welcome back to tickle our ribs anytime.

Chris Hemsworth has molded Thor so well it fits him perfectly. One of the few action movie stars capable of both great depth and sheer comedy, Hemsworth once more stands out. Tom Hiddleston again makes a great love/hate figure. His facial expressions alone make his character impossible to pin down and Hiddleston is clearly loving every minute. Cate Blanchett should have been a fine nemesis but finds herself stranded in a one-note role. Mark Ruffalo is also able to find his funny side as Banner. Hilarious neurotic and forced to wear Tony Stark's tight pants, he is barely keeping his green friend inside. Anthony Hopkins in one very brief scene still shows just why he is one of few remaining greats. In a single monologue, he can conjure up feelings of remorse, fear and ultimately hope. It's a shame the central pairing didn't get more time alongside him.

Thor: Ragnarok is very much the strongest of the trilogy so far. Taika Waititi proves he can handle the big-budget pieces and let's hope the Marvel Universe brings him back for the next installment.

Creed: Legacy: Review of Creed

Creed

Director: Ryan Coogler

By Alex Watson

Smartly staying away from being trapped as Rocky 7, Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler has scored a knock-out blow with Creed. Possessing a raw and lively energy that fuels it from the opening frame, this tale of Apollo Creed's son Donnie is one that ignites interest. Coogler demonstrating his love of Philly's favourite son keeps Rocky close enough in the frame that he doesn't steal the show. However this tale has a refined emotion that has lacked in previous outings. 

Adonis 'Donnie' Johnson (Michael B Jordan) is a hungry young fighter from LA attempting to make it in the hard world of boxing. Unlike his opponents he holds a secret- he is the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed. When he is rejected to join a prestigious gym, Donnie travels to Philadelphia hoping to connect with his fathers old rival and friend Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Living in the shadow of a man he has never known troubles the young man, particularly when faced with fighting fierce champion Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew). 

Coogler and co-writer Aaron Covington closely match the centre story line with the original story. In Creed, Donnie is a talented but direction less fighter looking for a fighters life. Taken in as an angry juvenile by Mary Anne (Phylis Rashad), the wife of Apollo, he has lived with a burning desire his whole life to fight. There is a wonderful simplicity that Coogler is able to bring forward in this character along with a troubled vicious streak to fight anyone who gets in his way. Mary Ann is wary of this feeling and since her husband died fighting Ivan Drago, she wants to stop him from following a similar feat. Throughout Donnie gets labelled such derogatory names as 'False Creed' and critics snipe at his attempts to fight. The only effect is it propels him further on.

Finding Rocky is not as straight forward as one would hope. The Italian Stallion is a jaded shadow of yesterday and getting back in the ring in any capacity is not welcome. Through their early conversations, both men are establish a common ground and Rocky still feels pangs of guilty over his role in Apollo's death. Loss is the potent theme and it is expertly maintained through Rocky himself as in this instalment all that he holds dear has truly gone. He will later deal with the most devastating blow off all. For once this character is stripped back to basics and under Coogler emotionally conflicted and gentle soul of the first instalment. Other characters such as Donnie's new girlfriend Bianca (Tessa Thompson) is dealing with hearing loss that will eventually become permanent. Despite this she is still determined to sing and 'feel alive' and this central love theme may not have the parallels of Balboa and Adrian but is nonetheless extremely sweet-natured. 

Creed feels its most alive during an impressive array of fight sequences. Coogler is unafraid to stand back and let his camera do work. Getting in close and allowing the slow-mo punches fly and the blood splatter, the result is electric. Setting up and all or nothing fight with champion Colon, who is shortly going to jail is a tricky prospect. Donnie feels he is only getting a shot because of his lineage but the champ needs a big pay-day after an over zealous movie before his previous fight. Interestingly the finale is held at Goodison Park, home of Everton FC and with a crowd against him the fight seems one-sided. What follows is some of the most enthralling boxing action we will see in 2015 as we feel the effect of every big blow. Outmatched by the larger and experienced Conlon, Donnie has a ton of heart in his corner and this will prove the difference. 

Michael B Jordan proves he is the new lifeblood of this potentially profitable new franchise. After showing a rare quality in the disastrous new Fantastic Four, Jordan is given a character that fits him well. Through a magnificent (and Oscar worthy) performance, the young man is able to tentalisngly bring forward all the pent-up frustrations and needs of Donnie. Ably holding his own against his more experienced colleague, Jordan show us the qualities Fruitvale Station hinted at. In what is his finest work in sometime Sylvester Stallone gives an understated but quality performance. Rocky in this episode is haunted and losing hope on life. Struggling with a body that slowly betraying him and conflicted by the loss of Adrian, his outlook on life is slowly darkening. Stallone shows that given the right direction he can be wonderful. 

Creed is one of the most refreshing surprises of 2015- many people (such as yours truly) sneered at this idea when announced in 2013. Ryan Coogler has shown us that he is a director for the future and this kind of talent is one worth keeping tabs on. Rocky Balboa Lives Again!