A desert planet with a fabled resource is given new custodians: a messiah figure may be among them. Impressive if slightly po-faced partial adaptation (Part Two is to come) of the Frank Herbert allegorical SF classic. Takes its time: the pacing is televisual rather than cinematic. However, it looks great, and a good cast plays to their strengths.
Here’s the trailer. And here’s another view.
A spectacular new version of the Frank Herbert novel. The planet Dune is the source of Spice – a substance with profound properties and insatiable galactic value. As a new regime assumes control over spice production, they find themselves under attack from all sides as they discover the secrets of their new world.
A crew is assembled to pull a vault heist against the clock in a zombie-infested Las Vegas. High-concept, messy, bloated and undisciplined action-horror. There’s a tight 95 minute flick in the material: while this is undemanding genre fun while it’s on, it’s second-hand stuff all the way.
Here’s the trailer.
A student and an ex-Forces janitor cross a city during a martial law clampdown. Smart, political action thriller, shot as though in one take and in more-or-less real time. Maximises its low budget with good location work and a committed approach by its leads.
An American ex-soldier battles Eastern European separatists holding a football stadium to ransom. Hugely enjoyable Die Hard knockoff that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and which delivers in genre terms, as well as in representing football pretty well in a movie. Fun.
A replicant assassin uncovers a decades-old conspiracy. A worthy follow-up to the Ridley Scott classic; 2049 is deliberately-paced, but stunning in places and gorgeous to look at throughout. Recommended.
Fancy another 255 opinion? Here’s Xussia’s take.
A political attempt to neuter M16 is found to be the work of an enemy organisation. The first two acts work well, but the last hour falls apart through trying to stitch the Craig-era Bond films into a single narrative with an awkwardly-revealed Blofeld at its centre.
Peter Quill meets his father. Somewhat underpowered sequel, relying on soap operatics and the banter between crewmates plus audience goodwill to mask a weak narrative. Some fun while it’s on, but this is no great shakes; a disappointment, really.
255 Review 