My Family: Review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Director: James Gunn

By Alex Watson

James Gunn proves that blending quirky humour with sci-fi is still a winner. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is another joyful ride with our favourite amigos. Rather than just sticking to the tried and tested formula, there is also an emotional undercurrent. Family and belonging is the key message of this picture. While our band of misfits might slowly becoming one- there is also the notion of how they will stick together.

After being forced to run for their lives from the golden Sovereign race aliens led by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki). Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) are soon rescued by an unlikely ally. Revealing himself to be Quill's father, Ego (Kurt Russell), Peter feels a big sense of conflict about bonding with a man he never knew. The others have deep suspicions over what daddy's real intentions are.

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 doesn't feel as original as its predecessor, it is still fun nonetheless. Starting with a great and offbeat opening sequence that sees Baby Groot dancing away in the midst of the others battling a huge beast. Gunn's faith in his material is evident and once again he does well to keep the focus on these great characters. In this picture, we see our heroes slowly being driven apart from another. Their individual streaks are causing rifts, especially Rocket's unadvised stealing that has pissed off the Sovereigns. Ego's appearance is literally earth-shattering and we feel every inch of Quill's conflict. Although together father and son are an easy going dream, this whole introduction feels very rushed through. Caught between two fathers, blue pirate Yondu (Michael Rooker) emerges as the real father figure in this movie. Underneath that surly facade is a man with a heart of gold. Ego's real ambitions are what divides this group, is he just wanting to make up for lost time or is there something in Peter's genes he is more interested in?

Undeniably this picture feels itself when the group is in conflict. The unspoken romantic tension between Quill and Gomora is still affecting. Rocket is still a riot as a character and his snarky and impulsive thievery never fails to make us smile. Yondu is quick to recognise this guy is little more than an animal version of himself, whose psychological troubles run deep. Several supporting characters each set their own mark including vengeful sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) who finally gets a weighty story under her belt. We also finally get to see a human side underneath her robotic parts and an understanding of her hostility. Drax also shares a sweet and funny side story with simple minded alien Mantis (Pom Klementieff). The one area these movies always fall down, however, is in the villain department. Although Kurt Russell is able to inject every ounce of charm and grit as Ego- he just doesn't come off as memorable. Gunn sadly fails to make the most this reunion and unfortunately, we can see the big twist looming like Drax.

The second half of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 sadly is nowhere near as entertaining as the first. While there is an emotional poignancy that was severely lacking in the first, an overly long final battle make us restless. There are also some ill-advised inclusions early on, Sylvester Stallone's Ravager Stakar Ogord is barely given any screen time. You also get the sense that Gunn is trying to cram too much in to set us up for Vol.3. Despite these flaws, Gunn has still crafted a sequel that stays very true to itself. The Marvel Universe has found a set of unique character who each are coming into their own. This is one family you will love to be a part of.

Chris Pratt still shows that his Peter Quill is the funniest guy in the galaxy. Showcasing his trademark wit and sarcasm, Pratt has found his onscreen soulmate. Andy from Parks and Recreation has come a long way! Bradley Cooper nearly steals the show again as Rocket, losing none of his comic touches. In this episode, Cooper is allowed to explore a more complex side of his nature and we see that below there is a racoon longing for more. Michael Rooker comes off as the pictures main hero as we begin to realise the hard time he gave Quill as a child was for a much bigger purpose. One of Hollywood's most underrated supporting men, Rooker steals the hearts of Marvel's fans everywhere.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2 is once again an offbeat and winning experience. Bring on Vol.3 soon Mr Gunn, if only for another Awesome Mix soundtrack!

Ocean of Oil: Review of Deepwater Horizon

Deepwater Horizon

Director: Peter Berg

By Alex Watson

As a director Peter Berg is able to convey disasters well, his previous effort Lone Survivor with Mark Wahlberg was a thrilling yet poignant tribute to man's instinct to survive the odds. His latest picture Deepwater Horizon chronicles the 2010 disaster which resulted in the biggest oil spill and the worst oil rig disaster in history. After original director J.C Chandor stood done, many wondered how precisely Berg would approach this subject? This picture full analyses how greed by big corporations and unsafe practices can result in things going array very quickly.

Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) is a Chief Electrician on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. When arriving with his superior Mr. Jimmy (Kurt Russell) and co-worker Andrea Fleytas (Gina Rodriguez), they realize that the contractors BP are massively behind schedule are trying to recoup lost time by sidestepping important measures for rig safety. Although their superiors assure them all is fine, their negligence will soon result in a disaster that will put all lives on the line.

The first hour of Deepwater Horizon is a finely tense affair and Berg ensures our anticipation and dread is cranked up to the max. The opening is a calm and blissful affair as we see Mike bonding with his wife Felicia (Kate Hudson) and his daughter. Out of the grizzled rig vets on screen, Mike is the only one we really get to know and seeing his family again becomes an important character strength. When the crew arrives on site, things begin to technical and Berg doesn't hold back on jargon such as blowout preventers, kill lines, and negative pressure tests.  Mr. Jimmy is highly suspect about the methods being used by his BP bosses and when he notices they are 43 days behind, his suspicions are confirmed. Every little creak and bump that we hear in the rig could be a potential hazard.

Donald Vindrie (John Malkovich) is an arrogant BP bigwig who acts as if he knows the drilling business like a second nature and his over confidence and shortsightedness are what derails events. He is the very face of corporate corruption that values the dollar over their worker's safety. The underwater pipes are heavily overloaded and could burst at any second. To master the tension, each shot we see of a negative pressure test and the gasket meter running in the red zone makes our hearts jump. Vindrie sternly refutes that the pipe is the problem, not the overloading, Mr. Jimmy can see a disaster brewing but is powerless to intervene due to the stubbornness of the people above him. All around us, we cannot tell whether the workers or the rig will blow first?

When the explosion occurs at first it is a horrifying mixture of mud and flames, but asides from a quick burst Deepwater Horizon is unable to make use of the needed action. Everything that can catch fire does and what starts as a minor explosion soon becomes a fiery tomb. There are some nervy moments watching Mike sulking around corridors of the wrecked rig looking for any survivors. Unfortunately, these moments are seldom seen and it leaves a dampener on what has been a great ride. Each time either Mike, Jimmy or anyone attempts to kill off the flames, we all know that saving this place is a foregone conclusion. For the final segment, it just feels like Berg is attempting to draw more minutes out when it should focus on the workers running for safety. Aside from this slight lapse, this is still a fine tribute to the bravery and courage that people demonstrate when things are on the line.

Mark Wahlberg proves to be Peter Berg's go to guy when he needs acting chops and as Mike Williams, he gives a fine performance of an every man faced with an impossible task. A likeable family man, Mike is the one look we get at workers off the rig and his quiet intensity is what sets him apart. Kurt Russell also makes for fine supporting fodder as Mr. Jimmy, his weary and frustrated manner with his BP superiors is what gives this picture some friction. His character might appear to be a typically cliched one, but Russell owns every minute of his screen time. Skilled at villainy, John Malkovich is perfectly oily (no pun intended) as Donald Vindrie. Coming across the kind of self-serving swine you always cross in corporate offices, Malkovich perfectly emphasizes the meddling forces at bay.

Deepwater Horizon is a fine disaster piece and firmly demonstrates the heroics taken on what has become one of the worst disasters this century.

Best Kurt Russell Roles

Snake Plissken: Escape From New York

Sporting possibly the most original name in film, Russell was cool personified as the former special forces soldier. Making the eye patch look like a must have accessory, Snake is the anti-hero that the 1980's needed and through his almost breathless speech, he stands firm to authority.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgHZubM7M-I



R.J MacReady: The Thing

John Carpenter succeeded in getting two career high performances out of Russell and as R J MacReady this pairing brought Carpenter's 1982 horror piece to life. Stuck in a nightmare out in the Antarctic wildness with a shape shifting monster lurking close by, MacReady is the one member bold enough to take control when all are losing their heads.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZzS9hBwaqg


Dean Proffitt: Overboard

A reminder of his great comic talents, Russell teamed up with his long time partner Goldie Hawn in this 1987 comedy. Getting revenge on an amnesiac woman who once wronged him is tough grounds for laughs, but Russell injects so much life into this things he makes all seem so right. Together the pair work like a dream, just don't ask her to cook for you!

Jeff Taylor: Breakdown

In Jonathan Mostow's underrated 1997 thriller piece, Russell proved he was still very much able to anchor a piece. Husband Jeff is left confused and shaken when his wife disappears while on a road trip and no-one seems able to find her. Running afoul of vengeful truckers was a big mistake and as the movie progresses, Russell's performances grows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YNlWDv95EY

Stuntman Mike: Deathproof

In what is considered QT's weakest effort, Russell was the strong link. Stuntman Mike is a charming guy when you first meet him. Get into his car and he turns into a very different kind of beast and is fixated on the adrenaline that comes with driving recklessly. Just watching him hungrily plow into another vehicle makes your blood run cold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFVDjXr60CU

Eight Misbehaving: Review of The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight

Director: Quentin Tarantino

By Alex Watson

Shot in glorious 70MM Cinerama, Quentin Tarantino's eighth movie is his strongest showing yet. The Hateful Eight is a lengthy task at over three hours, but the ride never once feels long. A blood splattered but hilarious outing, his Wyoming set mystery both charms and shocks at any given time. Confined the action largely to one room, Ennio Morricone's catchy score helps let the tension build gradually. Over eight separate chapters, this story shows the firm divide over Union and Confederacy and how violence is sometimes the ultimate authority.

John 'The Hangman' Ruth (Kurt Russell) is escorting wanted criminal Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be hanged at the town of red rock. Fleeing from a looming blizzard he comes across former war veteran Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson) who is in the midst of the claiming his own bounty. As the storm worsens, the pair is forced to take on board the problematic Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins) who claims to be Red Rock's new sheriff. Taking shelter in Minnie's Haberdashery, the foursome becomes acquainted with four other mysterious souls. Among these include English hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), Mexican Bob (Damien Bachir), quiet cowboy Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) and former Confederate General Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern).

The violence on display in The Hateful Eight is a rare breed of thrilling, all the figures inside the room are each armed. With insults being traded, the N-Bomb dropped frequently and lines being crossed- one outcome is certain. What this picture does remind us of is what a great writer Tarantino can be and his script on display conjures a different surprise each line. Each scene or chapter stands out in its own way and each time we find ourselves second guessing events. The acid-tongued and unrepentant Daisy is the catalyst from the first frame. Destined to hang, she seeks to create us much of a nuisance as she can muster. Meeting each other in the snow, the mistrustful Warren and Ruth bond over a chance meeting years prior. Warren is a veteran with a questionable record but also has in his possession an alleged letter from Abraham Lincoln.

While stuck in the midst of the blizzard, the room becomes heated quickly and with no clear leader figure present, each man looks exert authority. The smallest details become the biggest as time goes on such as where precisely is Minnie and why would she leave Bob in charge? Gaps begin to appear in stories and alliances break as quickly as they form. Some stories told completely paralyze us, Warren's 'Black Dingus' story will linger in the memory for long after. Mannix is responsible for much of the core action. Swooping into the story with the energy and cockiness of an excited child, Mannix thrives on the chaos. In awe of General Smithers, his mutual hatred and secret admiration of Warren leads to an unforgettable climax before the stories intermission.

With some clever twists and back stories, Tarantino keeps the thrill factor constant in The Hateful Eight.  The words carry the most power in this tale and the verbal duals make this picture crackle. The thick animosity and mistrust that lurks between these eight souls are reminiscent of Tarantino's debut Reservoir Dogs. With no escape from the blowing winds and falling snow, each character is still threatening and cold even with bleeding from a gunshot wound.  Every man is for himself or are they gunning for Daisy? Constantly the suspicion is on each man for being in cahoots with the murderess. As the shots fly and the blood sprays (it wouldn't be Tarantino without it), our presumptions are left dumbfounded.

Of the series of fine performances on display, it is Jennifer Jason Leigh who makes the most impression. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she controls each scene with a slippery malice. Odds on for a supporting nomination, Leigh makes the stories tick and is possibly the closest thing this piece as to having the main villain. Samuel L Jackson once again makes for fine casting by Tarantino and his trademark swagger electrifies events. Warren is a man stripped of his honor, but still is a man you wouldn't cross. Walton Goggins for the first time emerges as a major star and those who know his work from The Shield know his ability to antagonize. Coming across initially as a troublesome and hyperactive monkey, Goggins skillfully becomes an unlikely antihero by the film's close. Though his motives are always closely examined.

The Hateful Eight is the most enjoyable Tarantino effort in some time and thrills us like no other. Fine writing, unique wit and an array of capable stars, it will be hard to have a better experience in 2016!

Great Movie Coaches

Gordon Bombay (Emilo Estevez- The Mighty Ducks)

A former peewee hockey prodigy turned big time drunken lawyer, coach Bombay was possible the only man in Minnesota who could relate to his misfit team. Sporting not only a fierce desire to turn this team around, coach Bombay also made sure everyone was having fun doing so! Only a coach like Gordon could have made naming his team after a Duck seem cool!

Lou Brown (James Gammon- Major League)

A grouchy old timer of the minor leagues, Lou Brown was brought to the Cleveland Indians to ensure they finished last. But instead he completely failed and instead united his horrifically mismatched team. His lack of favour towards the fancy side of the game, which includes pissing on players contracts. Brown is very much the old fashion, no gimmicks coach, but his rigid style sets the Indians on a hot streak.

Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell- Miracle)

Based on the real life coach of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell brought to life on of hockey's great figures. Brooks is a man who wants the best out of his team and will drill them hard no matter what the cost. Just watching him repeatedly making his team skate up and down the ice as punishment for blowing an easy game pushes this point home! But his coaching style will come in handy in their crunch game against the USSR.

Norman Dale (Gene Hackman- Hoosiers)

A passionate but controversial coach, Norman Dale as coach of Hickory Basketball is a man on his last chance. His confrontational style sees him ejected from more than one game and tests the town's patience. But he is also deeply committed and very humane, his giving a chance to town drunk Shooter (Dennis Hooper) demonstrates he belief in redemption! He may have blown his big shot, but this one is one chance he will not miss.

Herman Boone (Denzel Washington-Remember The Titans)

As a coach not only dealing with a town with heavy tension, but also a team divided by race. Herman Boone has his work cut out for him. But against all odds, he finds a rhythm in which to connect with his team and they learn that by working together, great things happen. However, his team are not the only worry he has as T.C Williams High School old boys seems more interested in the team failing!