Film: Harry Brown

Michael Caine stars in this UK equivalent of Gran Torino.

Harry lives on an estate ruled by the local NEDS (Non Educated Delinquents) and decides to take a stand after the death of his friend.

This film is perhaps a bit too realistic for my liking and the story mirrors todays news headlines and real life tv cop shows so accurately that the experience of watching it kinda drags you down and doesn't lift you up again.

Caine's performance is fantastic but the whole film is just too depressing for me to recommend.

Rick's Rating: 42%

DVD: Blood And Bone

Michael Jai White (Spawn, Exit Wounds) takes the leading role in this
fighting extravaganza.

Isiah Bone (White) finds that illegal street fighting earns him a quick buck on his release from prison and it also lets him get close to someone who needs taught a lesson.

The story, keeping a jailhouse promise, is secondary to the action as White demonstrates his considerable martial arts skills and physical prowess.

Featuring cameos by real life fighters Kimbo Slice and Bob Sapp this is an
undemanding Saturday night beer and take away movie that fans of any
type of action flick will enjoy.

Rick's rating: 65%

Book: Dead Men's Dust by Matt Hilton

Matt Hilton introduces his hero vigilante Joe Hunter in this thriller.

Hunter's brother is missing and our man with the plan has to track him down.
Unbeknown to Hunter, his brother John has crossed paths with serial killer The Harvestman and this leads to the inevitable confrontation.

Joe Hunter reminds me of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, another super-tough ex soldier and this is a fine introduction.

The Harvestman is an interesting character too and the final third of the book cranks up the excitement.

If you enjoy this format and fancy starting a fresh series with a new character check it out.

Rick's Rating: 70%

Film: Saw VI

Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) carries out Jigsaw's dying wishes
in the latest installment of this franchise.

Fast paced right from the opening sequence this one doesn't let up and it is better than no.5 as more flashbacks reveal aspects of John Kramer's life leading up to him becoming Jigsaw.

The game this time involves an unscrupulous health insurance salesman who must survive each trap in order to reach his family.

Tobin Bell turns in another good performance as the cancer stricken Kramer but the amount of flashbacks and the timeline does get a bit confusing.

Box Office returns and Tobin Bell himself suggest that there is more to come from this story so look out for Saw VII next year.

Recommended if you liked any of the other movies but I'd advise starting at the beginning and watching them all for the story to make sense.

Rick's Rating: 71%