tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55499562808005980402024-03-05T15:10:07.058+00:00Ric's ReviewsNo-nonsense reviews of films, books & TVRickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.comBlogger508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-19795299451158625132017-04-20T21:06:00.004+01:002017-04-20T21:07:36.123+01:00Book: The Four Legendary Kingdoms by Matthew Reilly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g9AV5NymMRKZ3ILGgq8Tei6CNeJDvelKU4B0ne5omoiOukZIsws4ETt3qbVTMkLI5JSJotzqev4SLFOa4CGVPTu3TF99tEL1d3iMzsUBZqvBNZWdEkQb9nPCJ3_-Dry5AOvZWR0E2HV7/s1600/4+LK.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g9AV5NymMRKZ3ILGgq8Tei6CNeJDvelKU4B0ne5omoiOukZIsws4ETt3qbVTMkLI5JSJotzqev4SLFOa4CGVPTu3TF99tEL1d3iMzsUBZqvBNZWdEkQb9nPCJ3_-Dry5AOvZWR0E2HV7/s200/4+LK.png" width="135" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a wait of around 7 years Matthew Reilly returns to the Jack West Jr. series and
the adventurer finds himself in a whole lot of trouble from the get go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">West
awakens with a shaven head and shoeless in a prison cell and is quickly
attacked by a Minotaur!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> How’s that for an opening?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From
there its all familiar Matthew Reilly territory as we are treated to a series
of challenges (complete with descriptive maps and graphs) that West must
complete in order to save the planet from impending destruction. There are
hazards and lethal opponents galore but Jack finds an ally amongst all the
dangers in the form of a character that fans of Matthew Reilly will be very
familiar with. It’s a guest appearance that contributes greatly without ever
stealing the show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Reilly
acknowledges the time gap since the last novel as the characters have all aged
accordingly. Jack’s daughter Lily, a little girl in the previous books, is now
20 years of age. Thankfully Horus the Falcon, a hero in the first book of the
series Seven Ancient Wonders, is still around even if not quite so heroic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Fans
of adventure stories and conspiracy theories will have a blast but I </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">wouldn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> recommend jumping in without having read the previous novels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Four Legendary Kingdoms by Matthew Reilly is available now in Hardback and
e-book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ric’s
Rating: Highly Recommended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-15888666102357766252015-10-09T21:37:00.002+01:002015-10-09T21:37:43.426+01:00Short Story: The Chosen by Trevor Schmidt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2yahptPWyIJsPU2bQIfco5fLNi_EOvmGLAsbey5R1LITVKi_DuO-HW_kmLa6NVQ_wrxE8_kNufKuS7FuoZKl0Lm0UNhSciPPl6oUttQWjJKTbZYQ60IWN1fABgE2nflnl9JHUWJGEt9q/s1600/The+Chosen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2yahptPWyIJsPU2bQIfco5fLNi_EOvmGLAsbey5R1LITVKi_DuO-HW_kmLa6NVQ_wrxE8_kNufKuS7FuoZKl0Lm0UNhSciPPl6oUttQWjJKTbZYQ60IWN1fABgE2nflnl9JHUWJGEt9q/s200/The+Chosen.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
In the near future the world's population is drastically reduced by a mutated form of the AIDS virus. A billionaire claims to have found the cure but journalist Marty McDaniel doesn't quite believe it.<br />
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Trevor Schmidt, author of the fantastic Memory Leak, delivers a quick tale of a bleak future where all is not as it seems and Marty himself is immune to the virus, he is one of The Chosen.<br />
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At only 43 pages long this is all over pretty quickly but makes for fantastic lunchtime or commute reading.<br />
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Ric's Rating: Highly Recommended. Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-62082773979392504012015-08-16T17:15:00.001+01:002015-08-16T17:15:48.272+01:00Film: Pixels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzzpLUVLc6YBHYU5_hEqog87VA192IlxvNhFAXaAcvMl97GydERAYJ2QFt3wgdbnWrFrFTJPOAuT-yEJpHlyDAJxJMH2-3EByaWB_IThp7g2vJBWqXgXEIgG2bYsTJnZTqByN7T9AXPnE/s1600/Pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzzpLUVLc6YBHYU5_hEqog87VA192IlxvNhFAXaAcvMl97GydERAYJ2QFt3wgdbnWrFrFTJPOAuT-yEJpHlyDAJxJMH2-3EByaWB_IThp7g2vJBWqXgXEIgG2bYsTJnZTqByN7T9AXPnE/s200/Pixels.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
Aliens are invading and this time they are in the form of classic 80s arcade games.<br />
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At this time of desperate need it's lucky that the US President (Kevin James) just happens to be best friends with 80s video game ace Brenner (Adam Sandler).<br />
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Brenner recruits his old friend "The Wonderkid" and even reaches out to old adversary Eddie "Fireblaster" (Peter Dinklage) when the soldiers provided fail to have the necessary gaming skill.<br />
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For anyone who grew up visiting arcades then this is an absolute treat. Seeing old favourites like Galaga, Centipede and Pac-Man marauding around the big screen is great fun.<br />
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Pixels has had lots of bad reviews but I suspect that those delivering them never experienced the sheer joy of achieving the high score on a proper arcade game in a real arcade. Too bad for them.<br />
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Ric's Rating: Highly Recommended Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-38985915176217896152015-07-06T21:09:00.001+01:002015-07-06T21:09:46.986+01:00Film: Charlie's Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIEGaRAidqzeHVxUlDx7AhHBWSI2SiH2D00Q8yVFakMnyQsHPpGtRfM3mIbYy4yZQ7DG_87luktE-UkH0oRMmrASwz4RmgMac7vRipd4whLa7gWC-cuxwus27fBQFGTa5Pj_orWVz4gW_/s1600/Charlies+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIEGaRAidqzeHVxUlDx7AhHBWSI2SiH2D00Q8yVFakMnyQsHPpGtRfM3mIbYy4yZQ7DG_87luktE-UkH0oRMmrASwz4RmgMac7vRipd4whLa7gWC-cuxwus27fBQFGTa5Pj_orWVz4gW_/s200/Charlies+farm.jpg" width="140" /></a>Four friends head off on a road trip but when they mention their intended destination to the locals they are met with strong advice to turn around and go home. Do they listen? Of course not.<br />
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American Pie's Tara Reid heads the cast of this Australian slasher flick which also features former WWE wrestler Nathan Jones and Jason Voorhees himself, Kane Hodder.<br />
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This is standard slasher movie fare but there are some nice touches of humour and performances from all involved that elevate it above the usual straight to DVD efforts.<br />
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Horror fans will also be pleased at Hodder's mask free turn and the fight between him and Charlie (Jones) is a highlight.<br />
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Available on DVD now.<br />
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Ric's Rating: Good.<br />
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-53411464705650455352015-05-24T19:24:00.000+01:002015-05-24T19:24:09.027+01:00Film: Greyhawk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkTQOinWgrQVBsq_HLhlhNGvZftqdhiDhxnRWrz0OY6uVepiggaH41AISPLVqkK1paaiVt9jO1fHvh5VlY5lDhqafEzQrtCvqxOgiWCBMn_W_tGJBKEu7AQpr6kzqacV20f5d0NVphj_g/s1600/Greyhawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkTQOinWgrQVBsq_HLhlhNGvZftqdhiDhxnRWrz0OY6uVepiggaH41AISPLVqkK1paaiVt9jO1fHvh5VlY5lDhqafEzQrtCvqxOgiWCBMn_W_tGJBKEu7AQpr6kzqacV20f5d0NVphj_g/s200/Greyhawk.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Mal is a blind war veteran who meanders through life on a
daily dose of alcohol, tobacco and the services of local sex workers. The only
positive he has is his relationship with Quince, his guide dog.</div>
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When Mal’s army compensation comes through he decides that
it’s time for a fresh start for him & Quince and he immediately makes plans
to leave the dour Greyhawk estate where they live.</div>
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Unfortunately the pair are separated during a routine game
of fetch and Mal finds himself alone and vulnerable, but determined to find his
loyal companion.</div>
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After an excellent start this intriguing tale of one man and
his dog becomes just another trawl through the type of tough council estate
that we are all pretty used to seeing in urban thrillers nowadays. On his travels
Mal encounters a variety of characters, some good and some downright nasty.</div>
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Alec Newman (A Lonely Place To Die) is excellent as the
former soldier who refuses to give up on his only friend but the procession of
surly tracksuit wearing street thugs does become slightly tedious. Some relief
does come in the form of Zoe Telford as Paula, a long suffering Mother who does
her best to help.</div>
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Greyhawk is available on DVD in the UK from 25<sup>th</sup>
May 2015.</div>
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Ric’s Rating: Good </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-89345751853613183562015-04-26T22:11:00.000+01:002015-04-26T22:11:36.130+01:00Film: Avengers: Age Of Ultron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF_KvtNceN-piQ25nwx_hPDB8kUbmmesslmthKzzEexwPxxm_cCuRsnRywA93MH3OTekFBzY-_ElFkNPh-WIvkYw6z_7DimoQPqBQXiHizP64mzAoejCTN5-WLl7d8yMQwut-Ltbhykz6/s1600/Avengers+Ultron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF_KvtNceN-piQ25nwx_hPDB8kUbmmesslmthKzzEexwPxxm_cCuRsnRywA93MH3OTekFBzY-_ElFkNPh-WIvkYw6z_7DimoQPqBQXiHizP64mzAoejCTN5-WLl7d8yMQwut-Ltbhykz6/s1600/Avengers+Ultron.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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The Marvel movie juggernaut rolls on with the latest
adventure for their team of superheroes.</div>
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Tony “Iron Man” Stark persuades Bruce “The Hulk” Banner to
help him develop a new form of artificial intelligence but things go awry when
the machine decides that it doesn't want to be constrained.</div>
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Ultron is born and he proceeds to take control of the
planet’s computers causing all manner of mayhem. Supported by an army of robots
he takes control of a city and threatens to wipe out the human race.</div>
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Cue many scenes of heroes vs robots and also some scenes
where the good guys fight each other. The introduction of Scarlet Witch and
Quicksilver freshen things up but it’s Paul Bettany’s show stealing turn as the
android avenger Vision that really livens things up.</div>
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Age Of Ultron is very entertaining and marvel fans will love
it but the movie lacks the charm and wow factor of Avengers Assemble and
doesn't quite match the epic action of Captain America: Winter Soldier.</div>
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Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended.</div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-7733796124430355452015-04-26T22:06:00.001+01:002015-04-26T22:06:58.934+01:00Film: Fast & Furious 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mwLjoEy9YL19hIOhG6Q-tip7EWetzNewRnc_d4sbh7OXviftWAWzumT1X-dAaMRrnUc70CtL5ZxOqp1A0KNvafZuv1Y75k1xuEm6w1EFq5gWVfLRtZAIJFXceaNzBzZ0DG6CDVyk9EW7/s1600/Fast+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mwLjoEy9YL19hIOhG6Q-tip7EWetzNewRnc_d4sbh7OXviftWAWzumT1X-dAaMRrnUc70CtL5ZxOqp1A0KNvafZuv1Y75k1xuEm6w1EFq5gWVfLRtZAIJFXceaNzBzZ0DG6CDVyk9EW7/s1600/Fast+7.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
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Following a slight dip in form with number 6 the Furious
gang return in Paul Walker’s final film and they are up against Jason Statham
who plays the brother of a previous adversary who is out for revenge.</div>
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The action kicks off from the start as we are treated to an
excellent battle between Statham and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s FBI Agent.
From there the fists keep flying along with extravagant car chases and big gun
battles culminating in a city wide trail of destruction.</div>
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If you are a fan of the series you will love this, it even
manages to close the silly time loop that excluded the Tokyo Drift movie so
Lucas Black gets an appearance, albeit a cameo.</div>
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Martial-arts star Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak) also appears and adds
much to the already top-notch action. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker deliver their
standard but always terrific turns and there is hardly time to take a breath
until this instalment comes to a moving conclusion.</div>
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Catch it in cinemas now.</div>
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Ric’s Rating: Essential </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-20144768227190053102015-04-20T17:34:00.000+01:002015-04-20T17:34:25.460+01:00Film: Road To Paloma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDpIxGN7xu_gaXkjnWtmvUMFWNpT6W0MTWqDzg621Z_3jHlaOCZGi5qk0oJpdEMRWchShAkPK154t6YmbzFbMRuvn2W7PpI59txmrfkLvxXDP26LfEuOjJH0uLzXg9b0tTXW71jLVmSs8/s1600/Paloma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDpIxGN7xu_gaXkjnWtmvUMFWNpT6W0MTWqDzg621Z_3jHlaOCZGi5qk0oJpdEMRWchShAkPK154t6YmbzFbMRuvn2W7PpI59txmrfkLvxXDP26LfEuOjJH0uLzXg9b0tTXW71jLVmSs8/s1600/Paloma.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
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Jason Momoa (Conan The Barbarian) makes his directorial
debut in this off-beat road movie.</div>
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Momoa is Wolf, a native American on the run from the law
after exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his Mother.</div>
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Unfortunately we don’t see these events and the film concentrates
on the relationship between Wolf and fellow traveller Cash as they embark on
their journey. The casting of Momoa’s wife, eighties sex symbol Lisa Bonet,
only seems to confirm this as somewhat self-indulgent as her character adds
little to proceedings.</div>
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Watching this film I have learned that there may be nice
scenery on The Road To Paloma but you’ll spend the entire journey waiting for
something to happen.</div>
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Available on DVD and Blu-ray now.</div>
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Ric’s Rating: Dodgy.</div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-83065992543073251542015-03-22T17:07:00.000+00:002015-03-22T17:07:10.393+00:00TV DVD: Hostages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dr. Yael Danon is about to perform routine surgery on the Prime
Minister of Israel when her family are taken prisoner by a gang of masked men.
The hostage takers have one demand; Yael must ensure that the Prime Minister
does not survive the operation.</div>
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This Israeli series was recently shown on BBC tv here in the
UK following a previously screened American version. Not having seen the US
version I won’t make any comment or comparison.</div>
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In this version, as expected, the plan doesn't go smoothly. Dr. Danon has a whole host of family issues to
deal with during the most testing of circumstances and internal rivalry amongst the hostage takers threatens the whole mission.</div>
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This leads to various different scenarios which play out
over the course of the 10 episodes. The bad guys are all slowly revealed as
human, with their own problems, which adds depth to an otherwise simple
storyline. </div>
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The Israeli cast will be
pretty much unknown to most viewers but there are some fine performances, none
better than that of Ayelet Zurer in the leading role.</div>
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Hostages is another example of great foreign tv and easily
rivals the recent successful Scandinavian dramas when it comes to cranking up
the tension. However, the storyline may have been more suited to a 2 hour movie
than a 10 part show as it does feel slightly drawn out. </div>
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Available as a 3 disc DVD box set in the UK now.</div>
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Ric’s Rating: Good. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-5337976030155625402015-03-21T10:50:00.000+00:002015-03-21T10:51:37.756+00:00Film: Chappie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6roX_7r-q2D8grBrkklCQlnKe5rL8ytEJ1eGgQ8ZAs2FEqlChL6RsS_mH-hBWOeInPIMYxlRUKZCJ_hOuuwcrqY9xPbJlZxAQ382C14wDM-BQ5VyLPR7s4mKcgk2ezLmamdyGCgzxxxv/s1600/Chappie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6roX_7r-q2D8grBrkklCQlnKe5rL8ytEJ1eGgQ8ZAs2FEqlChL6RsS_mH-hBWOeInPIMYxlRUKZCJ_hOuuwcrqY9xPbJlZxAQ382C14wDM-BQ5VyLPR7s4mKcgk2ezLmamdyGCgzxxxv/s1600/Chappie.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the near future South Africa has robot police officers.
The engineer behind them takes their development further when he manages to
install full artificial intelligence into a damaged droid meant for
destruction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This has already been described as Robocop meets Short
Circuit and I have to agree. We have the robot cops running around arresting and
shooting the bad guys, complete with Peter Weller-esque voices and then we get
Chappie, who enters the fray as a child in a robotic body.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chappie is “born” surrounded by criminals determined to use
him for their own ends but his maker Deon (Dev Patel) manages to give him a
sense of right and wrong from the outset.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
District 9 director Neil Blomkamp has again called upon the
services of the star of that film Sharlto Copley, who does a fine Andy Serkis
(Gollum, King Kong, Ceasar from the Apes movies) job as Chappie. Copley’s
performance gives the robot a much needed human quality that the idea of
artificial intelligence alone could not.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver also add their
considerable presence as a rival engineer and head of the electronics
corporation respectively. Jackman is excellent as the sneaky, sneering Vincent
who has always been upset that his own design was not used for law enforcement.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Funny, exciting and sad, Chappie delivers everything you
would expect but does stretch the imagination a little too far with its ideas
about human consciousness towards the end.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Catch it in cinemas now.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-76111706246352463902015-03-15T18:49:00.001+00:002015-03-15T18:49:44.467+00:00Film: Enemy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvktYtbqXD7WyGobozLDgHC4uMGGYDn7_Jw-jBqiqghgs3U9gJwpkmLzShst0kbavRRqbWU3khPnwn3ns_XvgJJHN7AL2OdtWf1mSRkfuIwCeQOZhK13mPNr6VqFZF2HZbrqrcfNKr_kp/s1600/Enemy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvktYtbqXD7WyGobozLDgHC4uMGGYDn7_Jw-jBqiqghgs3U9gJwpkmLzShst0kbavRRqbWU3khPnwn3ns_XvgJJHN7AL2OdtWf1mSRkfuIwCeQOZhK13mPNr6VqFZF2HZbrqrcfNKr_kp/s1600/Enemy.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko) is Adam, a mildly depressed college lecturer who happens to spot that a little known actor looks just like him.<br />
<br />
When Adam decides to get in touch with his lookalike it sets of a series of events that don't look likely to have a positive outcome for anyone involved.<br />
<br />
Even though Gyllenhaal delivers a compelling performance this film moves at an incredibly slow pace and the interaction between his 2 characters is all a bit lacklustre until the last 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately if you stick around that long you'll witness an incredibly silly ending.<br />
<br />
Enemy is available on DVD and pay per view tv services now.<br />
<br />
Ric's Rating: Poor. Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-39689261826204750642015-03-15T18:35:00.000+00:002015-03-15T18:35:12.691+00:00Reviews News: Hostages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta1fwhr82do0qvTwwM3CdTUHebvYV7XxBLkWwplYUsBF4yED07C_sjBXePOTL7utmKWRzCYwYgnIBVvROqDPyuM0AZSVlNmhLxvnBpzYNIOibQnv06Fgozb1h6dez7JQpR03Gosj2953i/s1600/Hostages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta1fwhr82do0qvTwwM3CdTUHebvYV7XxBLkWwplYUsBF4yED07C_sjBXePOTL7utmKWRzCYwYgnIBVvROqDPyuM0AZSVlNmhLxvnBpzYNIOibQnv06Fgozb1h6dez7JQpR03Gosj2953i/s1600/Hostages.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>
Following its recent screening on BBC 4 here in the UK this Israeli drama arrives on DVD on Monday 16th March 2015.<br />
<br />
Described as far superior to the US version this has also been compared to the thrills provided by Homeland.<br />
<br />
Noble PR have kindly provided a copy and as I haven't seen the Hollywood take on this I have no idea what to expect.<br />
<br />
Check back soon for a full review. Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-16903546444186323512015-02-17T21:52:00.001+00:002015-02-17T21:52:39.583+00:00Book: The Apostle by J.A Kerley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiliGeSWqIGsT6elebjylVXyUuDstZCVwqWGlIqbb_B9otuaDO3QxMdKE21ybqXTVKq2Bdg_dnzztST6MMgEWSkmqFJWGYirCLs9QWUFdzYJ_SJ3WlkKBSgzQFVDn1aRJDqaDIEp1ZeElD/s1600/the-apostle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiliGeSWqIGsT6elebjylVXyUuDstZCVwqWGlIqbb_B9otuaDO3QxMdKE21ybqXTVKq2Bdg_dnzztST6MMgEWSkmqFJWGYirCLs9QWUFdzYJ_SJ3WlkKBSgzQFVDn1aRJDqaDIEp1ZeElD/s1600/the-apostle.png" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strange religious murders and an ailing Preacher are the
focus of the latest Carson Ryder novel which sees the welcome return of his old
partner, Harry Nautilis.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newly retired Nautilis is employed as a driver / bodyguard
by an up-and-coming tv preacher who is soon summoned to stand in for the sickly
veteran. This takes Harry to Miami where he soon teams up with his old buddy
Ryder as they compare notes and attempt to solve the latest series of grisly
murders. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack Kerley took a chance when he decided to relocate his
novel series from Alabama to Miami. Uprooting the main character and
surrounding him with new faces was a test for even the most loyal fan.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the most part it has worked as the Miami novels have
been fresh but the absence of Nautilis has been noticeable and his
re-introduction brings a much needed grounding to the Ryder series v.2. The
promotion of Carson’s enigmatic brother Jeremy to a regular character is also
welcome.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 books in and these books remain as intriguing and
entertaining as ever but I wouldn’t recommend The Apostle as either a starting
point or a stand alone novel. Start right back to the beginning with The
Hundredth Man or join the Miami series with The Death Box to get the most from
The Apostle.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit <a href="http://www.jackkerley.com/">www.jackkerley.com</a>
for more information on the author and his books.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended </span></div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-55433393551245281222015-02-13T22:01:00.001+00:002015-02-13T22:01:27.189+00:00Film: Jupiter Ascending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGoAzPrPCinqWno_ooFVK4ezKyTB1JigZPnaQhdKZfPFjNutns63_A2VtT4aurIwnWsjrL_Eaju6BIkXyk0JSnmFiKGfqkXqc5LMHlFAehKqV-gB4BtkshZDYpLQ8VflNOVPHdbqAl8gi/s1600/Jupiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGoAzPrPCinqWno_ooFVK4ezKyTB1JigZPnaQhdKZfPFjNutns63_A2VtT4aurIwnWsjrL_Eaju6BIkXyk0JSnmFiKGfqkXqc5LMHlFAehKqV-gB4BtkshZDYpLQ8VflNOVPHdbqAl8gi/s1600/Jupiter.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An ordinary girl discovers she is the reincarnation of the
Queen Of The Galaxy..or something.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jupiter Jones is whisked into the middle of a war between
siblings of an inter-galactic race vying for control of the Earth in this
sci-fi adventure from Matrix directors the Wachowskis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nifty special effects and entertaining chase / fight
scenes aren’t enough to save this from the incomprehensible story and even
Channing Tatum’s flying boots grate after they save the day a few times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ric’s Rating: Dodgy. </span></span>Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-65354438204793244672015-02-13T20:35:00.000+00:002015-02-13T20:35:06.016+00:00Film: Mea Culpa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5549956280800598040" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhj60XM3lOeM8SWTv3LHijOOsFhxgQXSyO3sg0JEfICGHqPVwFn1qrOd4qYaxeltKrZFacjFFIUJDuJxXZy4hG_GScIHyQC5N8NdeW7PR9PgYfPW-Nms7qAN91jJddfqj5cd35AypsKdW/s1600/MeaCulpa_Inlay_HR-2014513124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhj60XM3lOeM8SWTv3LHijOOsFhxgQXSyO3sg0JEfICGHqPVwFn1qrOd4qYaxeltKrZFacjFFIUJDuJxXZy4hG_GScIHyQC5N8NdeW7PR9PgYfPW-Nms7qAN91jJddfqj5cd35AypsKdW/s1600/MeaCulpa_Inlay_HR-2014513124.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a>When his young son witnesses a gangland killing a disgraced
former cop enlists the help of his old partner to track down those responsible.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This French thriller features a powerhouse performance from Vincent
Lindon as Simon, a man troubled by his past who is also struggling to come to
terms with his current standing as an estranged Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it all kicks off the action is ferocious and there are
a few twists and turns along the way ensuring the story remains gripping
throughout.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mea Culpa is my first World Cinema movie of 2015 and it has
served as a timely reminder that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to only Hollywood
(or even English speaking) productions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended.</span><br />Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-73320208103090091462015-02-05T23:44:00.001+00:002015-02-05T23:44:29.443+00:00Book: Larry by Adam Millard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj250HVeMNOy6tvml9u7BDLqAgoyHbB-nfSh9KmHyEfiC4dMB2nMM6XjMXt4x904i27pV4V96CEXsOjX26tdRRSe6lYcjMh72CxVTBchH27G_TmiUSEnKDXVgRSn0oeHb_GJkgpG6DpJfm/s1600/Larry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj250HVeMNOy6tvml9u7BDLqAgoyHbB-nfSh9KmHyEfiC4dMB2nMM6XjMXt4x904i27pV4V96CEXsOjX26tdRRSe6lYcjMh72CxVTBchH27G_TmiUSEnKDXVgRSn0oeHb_GJkgpG6DpJfm/s1600/Larry.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the 70s Larry “Pigface” Travers was a prolific
serial killer who went on several Friday The 13<sup>th</sup> type summer camp
killing sprees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Move on 40 or so years and Larry is in his sixties and
living with his eighty year old Mum..but the urges have come back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry decides (against his Mother’s advice) to don his Pig
mask one more time and pay a visit to this years inhabitants of the camp. Are
his creaking old bones up to it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adam Millard has produced a serial killer comedy that works
pretty well. Larry is hilarious as he huffs and puffs his way around attempting
to terrorise some teenagers with names like Freddy, Jason and Myers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Laughs spliced into horrific murders make for a gory but
highly entertaining quick read and in the great tradition of cheesy horror
films a sequel will be with us soon. You can’t keep a decrepit killer down!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Good. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-5260778450840400372015-02-05T23:31:00.000+00:002015-02-05T23:31:28.191+00:00Film: Gone Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1kIkQseG2LpJW7woU9ANkZCX2Piswj81X5otmbKy75UONjSCCcz9zyGg7zsiPxWYUxAHkkUTzCFRK5k-U3Xfgf923q2nqouxLHLYBfOtM6CSN82L7-xLRXQ8tmVnl3XCK5M7t-IQEAy-/s1600/Gone+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1kIkQseG2LpJW7woU9ANkZCX2Piswj81X5otmbKy75UONjSCCcz9zyGg7zsiPxWYUxAHkkUTzCFRK5k-U3Xfgf923q2nqouxLHLYBfOtM6CSN82L7-xLRXQ8tmVnl3XCK5M7t-IQEAy-/s1600/Gone+Girl.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a seemingly happily married woman (Rosamund Pike)
vanishes without a trace suspicion quickly falls on her husband (Ben Affleck).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The couple’s happy façade is soon exposed as a sham as we
learn their troubles through a series of flashbacks. When we return to present
day proceedings events take a surprising turn as nothing is what it appears to
be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saying any more would risk spoilers but rest assured that
this is a compelling tale that makes it easy to see why the book of the same
name was a bestseller. Affleck and Oscar nominated Pike are excellent and there
is decent support from Neil Patrick Harris (Starship Troopers).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seven director David Fincher delivers a series of twists and
turns that should delight anyone who hasn't read the book although the finale
did feel like a little over-stretching of the imagination.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-89393135059078461652015-02-05T23:21:00.000+00:002015-02-05T23:21:06.961+00:00Film: Big Hero 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaZXlLm-mbnT17VCewl7FuK0SaJyBMg6nlQc8MKtmNzwW_hZsGk9zp48ZLx5SCZSwr4-m19ZcO-goaFkjkMcb9fPv5FYBrmCNwPn1dVu80pBQTnZPkH3dDREu3LYFL1nJSXuJL51FIcms/s1600/Big+H+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaZXlLm-mbnT17VCewl7FuK0SaJyBMg6nlQc8MKtmNzwW_hZsGk9zp48ZLx5SCZSwr4-m19ZcO-goaFkjkMcb9fPv5FYBrmCNwPn1dVu80pBQTnZPkH3dDREu3LYFL1nJSXuJL51FIcms/s1600/Big+H+6.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young Hiro’s dreams of joining Nerd School (his term for a
top level scientific learning facility) literally go up in smoke when a fire
destroys the building and leaves him mourning the loss of his brother.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, his brother’s invention, a robotic health assistant
named Baymax, lives on and soon becomes his best friend and ally as he searches
for those responsible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baymax is excellent as the hapless hero and the duo quickly
recruit additional members to their team.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This animated feature manages to explore the complicated
issue of grief without becoming too bogged down and always remembers to be
child friendly and fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great comic sequences, fantastic action scenes and a
touching story make this a must see for
kids of all ages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-71676002448496463632015-01-22T22:30:00.000+00:002015-01-22T22:30:15.172+00:00Film: Starred Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ1NY6McAt6UUr5fGp6wHgnBLu-HGXAUaigMU0pV2pJTxuEeeqPqY5bPtXHd-t3-h5Skplr29Es70piMqAvM8xFZWoCjepZxAdrx8_wLIQAKAQKj2myCA_5fGv9vooZ-ebAoe2tWiQrGz/s1600/Starred+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ1NY6McAt6UUr5fGp6wHgnBLu-HGXAUaigMU0pV2pJTxuEeeqPqY5bPtXHd-t3-h5Skplr29Es70piMqAvM8xFZWoCjepZxAdrx8_wLIQAKAQKj2myCA_5fGv9vooZ-ebAoe2tWiQrGz/s1600/Starred+Up.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A troubled young man is transferred from juvenile detention
to adult prison where he finds himself being shown the ropes by another inmate,
who just happens to be his Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This UK prison drama was lauded by critics and even scooped
a few awards but besides one or two decent performances this is pretty run of
the mill stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Attempts at rehabilitation consist of joining some sort of
peer group where the members repeatedly vent their anger and then come out
high-fiving each other as if to say prison life ain’t that bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More background on the main characters may have helped but
what we are left with is a series of violent incidents leading to a pretty
unsatisfactory conclusion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starred Up is available on all the usual formats now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Dodgy. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-37791998876038005352015-01-20T17:31:00.000+00:002015-01-20T17:31:09.968+00:00Film: American Sniper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe23-kVjZjLOEzsNDfh9KRhyphenhyphenv2e62pMb2CHzDFFfLNA2hAvV9LcgG_KZltXUgdWluzHCC3b9GQwxTjkVcTiEIIa_Gq8mS3tKU2M4FNvGKj4YiuWoT7CI_IuXgbKUKDFWAdM9cAdGPknv5/s1600/A+Sniper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe23-kVjZjLOEzsNDfh9KRhyphenhyphenv2e62pMb2CHzDFFfLNA2hAvV9LcgG_KZltXUgdWluzHCC3b9GQwxTjkVcTiEIIa_Gq8mS3tKU2M4FNvGKj4YiuWoT7CI_IuXgbKUKDFWAdM9cAdGPknv5/s1600/A+Sniper.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hangover’s Bradley Cooper delivers a superb performance
as Navy Seal Chris Kyle in this true story from director Clint Eastwood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The patriotic Kyle decides to enlist and after intensive
training is soon deployed to Iraq where he is used as a specialist sniper. His
role is to protect ground forces but the highly trained Kyle decides that he
must help his less experienced colleagues on the ground. A series of incidents
follow, each very intense and harrowing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These events coincide with Kyle attempting to maintain a
healthy relationship with his wife and young family but during periods of time
at home he is still consumed by the war.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can he leave the fighting to others after putting in 4 tours
of duty and can he adjust to life back in normal society?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew nothing of Chris Kyle prior to seeing this film and
there is no doubt that increased my enjoyment of it. It is easy to find out
details of this high profile soldier but if you don’t already know then steer
clear until after seeing this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doubts have emerged regarding the authenticity of events as
presented here but regardless of that this is a film that grips from the start
and doesn't let go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
American Sniper is in cinemas now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended. </span>Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-19762809502023094142014-12-24T15:35:00.002+00:002014-12-24T15:35:40.001+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3-ZThtg8ooiUBhn36snbntut7y0Ms-iuvpTXUvL0sYlh422lbTzy1TLupWIIwCCjKO9SlVrjRbITA9qNAN8VB6hNH4jRstZAH7GOmS1WsY_YpsTYMEjqtDIi4DFgnTbpFCgO4Kcl0qqn/s1600/Merry+Chri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3-ZThtg8ooiUBhn36snbntut7y0Ms-iuvpTXUvL0sYlh422lbTzy1TLupWIIwCCjKO9SlVrjRbITA9qNAN8VB6hNH4jRstZAH7GOmS1WsY_YpsTYMEjqtDIi4DFgnTbpFCgO4Kcl0qqn/s1600/Merry+Chri.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
Hello everyone. Has it really been 3 months since my last post here? Where does the time go these days? Lately I have been posting very brief review tweets on Twitter @ricsreviews so you can keep up to date there but hopefully I'll get back to regular updates here as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
I plan to do an end of year post (however light in content) next week so please check back soon.<br />
<br />
Have a fantastic Christmas.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
RickyRickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-48120027394088079502014-09-25T19:36:00.001+01:002014-09-25T19:36:31.299+01:00Film: A Walk Among The Tombstones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQGcM7uTS6X1tsfn4tMRLf5uIenupwRCTj9odOSCrNGjxUEtcdQlzTzmNK6l7p8rUS7sqkRAy1za5NWUV_prTkK4wx8ag_LjbfJx4Kqz93GCLbZSWEJJZ1WNooiQNrtCEkWpDG72X8vrM/s1600/Tombstones.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQGcM7uTS6X1tsfn4tMRLf5uIenupwRCTj9odOSCrNGjxUEtcdQlzTzmNK6l7p8rUS7sqkRAy1za5NWUV_prTkK4wx8ag_LjbfJx4Kqz93GCLbZSWEJJZ1WNooiQNrtCEkWpDG72X8vrM/s1600/Tombstones.png" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liam Neeson takes on the role of Private Detective Matt
Scudder in this film adaptation of the novel by Lawrence Block.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A fellow addict asks Scudder to speak to his brother
regarding a missing person. Turns out that the client isn’t exactly a law
abiding citizen and even though he paid the ransom asked for by his wife’s
kidnappers, they killed her anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite his initial reluctance Scudder takes on the case and
follows a trail that eventually leads to a pair of ruthless murderers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you aren’t a fan of Neeson then give this a miss as he is
in practically every scene and only briefly disappears from view throughout the
entire film. Thankfully I enjoy Neeson’s films (Taken and The Gray are recent
stand-outs) and he easily carries the film along on it’s atmospheric journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t read the novel but can guess that this film
incorporates elements from several books as we get the character’s history and
we meet TJ, a local street kid who I’m guessing is a series regular. Maybe
someone can confirm or correct my thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gritty, violent and completely absorbing, A Walk Among The
Tombstones only suffers by not providing more of a story for the villains of
the piece. Neeson gives a towering performance as Scudder and hopefully this is
the beginning of a franchise as I’d be keen to see more of this character.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Catch it in cinemas now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended. </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-81454024662654802922014-09-11T19:36:00.001+01:002014-09-11T19:36:40.129+01:00Book: The String Diaries by Stephen Lloyd Jones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yTo4Mo9TYSgkWqQRS-Oj9Nht3av8cHaOxtUtRyW-5QzaOqDBFfn9KKwgjWFv4stk-FoNYi9mbxYtFJLYaxFgOEeT3UeKY5SwNUwtkwcQvgwKlEHjGesprzk3DUODKK8MZ426kxy4b8LB/s1600/05-the-string-diaries-stephen-lloyd-jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yTo4Mo9TYSgkWqQRS-Oj9Nht3av8cHaOxtUtRyW-5QzaOqDBFfn9KKwgjWFv4stk-FoNYi9mbxYtFJLYaxFgOEeT3UeKY5SwNUwtkwcQvgwKlEHjGesprzk3DUODKK8MZ426kxy4b8LB/s1600/05-the-string-diaries-stephen-lloyd-jones.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stephen Lloyd Jones’ debut novel is a tale of murder,
revenge, love and erm Hungarian folklore. The Hozzsu Eletek are a rare breed of
people. Blessed / cursed with exceptionally long life they also have the
ability to replicate the appearance of any other person. One of their kind is a
misguided young man who is eventually outcast and hunted by his own. Desperate
and alone Jakab decides to dedicate his long life to tracking down and killing
the descendants of those responsible for what he sees as a terrible humiliation
and betrayal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book jumps between present day, the late seventies and
the eighteen hundreds as we follow all the relevant participants in the story.
We have a young Jakab, a university lecturer and his daughter Hannah, who along
with her family provide the most exciting chapters of the book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is quite the epic tale and a bit of a challenge for
someone used to regular crime fiction. The challenge was almost too much at
times but that was down to the slow pace of some passages, not the quality of
the writing, which is superior throughout.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The String Diaries is interesting and entertaining but lacks
the tension required to compel the reader to continue with the next chapter,
especially when it takes you away from the action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give it a try if you fancy something a bit different but be
prepared to stretch your imagination.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Dodgy </div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-43138314702861650122014-08-21T19:20:00.002+01:002014-08-21T19:20:57.704+01:00Book: The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcliaohNSh3c4yCYNxVAZsXVEYKF3_bda0ucfM40qdK3t8d24bLaV0IVx3v6qE9YgMAe3SoHbVjyoCqO5VQba-WZxv1jR9Ekp0q-oLYF4ekMPzS5hjzr6ByWFPCaeXP18Et4hO9EBP9_3D/s1600/The+Butcher.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcliaohNSh3c4yCYNxVAZsXVEYKF3_bda0ucfM40qdK3t8d24bLaV0IVx3v6qE9YgMAe3SoHbVjyoCqO5VQba-WZxv1jR9Ekp0q-oLYF4ekMPzS5hjzr6ByWFPCaeXP18Et4hO9EBP9_3D/s1600/The+Butcher.png" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meet eighty year old Edward Shank, former chief of police,
highly respected pillar of the community.... and serial killer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During his police career Shank famously cornered and shot
dead a serial killer but unbeknown to anyone it was Shank himself who was the killer
known as The Butcher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long retired and about to move into an old folks home Shank
decides to let his Grandson in on the secret and although his body might not be
what it used to be the old man is helpless to prevent the urges which are
beginning to return on a frequent basis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jennifer Hillier’s first stand-alone thriller delivers an
anti-hero unlike any other. Edward “The Chief” Shank is a thoroughly despicable
but totally captivating character who completely dominates the book. The
supporting cast of grandson Matthew, his girlfriend Sam and detective Sanchez
add important elements but when The Chief appears it feels the same as when an
acting legend with great screen presence appears in a movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, The Butcher is prime movie adaptation material and
my ideal choice for the part would be Clint Eastwood. Until that happens make
sure you catch this absorbing and unique serial killer story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended.</span>Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5549956280800598040.post-14196132283097610512014-08-05T19:15:00.001+01:002014-08-05T19:15:42.158+01:00Book: The Cold Cold Sea by Linda Huber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhete-zGKGFRtJ0hehEjBFJOohgsNl-Mb1_ezH0ViOFhOzYw7X4ANl8iZLzAN5tqeyNKgqz0G5ZQ-1ZWRik_GrDvRVNfr9AbgZrwdMle0-x7z-8B4qtjdOp9bU_oq4UTxV7wc2p8y2t8NgV/s1600/The+Cold+Cold+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhete-zGKGFRtJ0hehEjBFJOohgsNl-Mb1_ezH0ViOFhOzYw7X4ANl8iZLzAN5tqeyNKgqz0G5ZQ-1ZWRik_GrDvRVNfr9AbgZrwdMle0-x7z-8B4qtjdOp9bU_oq4UTxV7wc2p8y2t8NgV/s1600/The+Cold+Cold+Sea.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A family day out at the beach takes a tragic turn when 3
year old Olivia Granger goes missing. Time passes and with no sign of Olivia
she is presumed drowned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile 5 year old Hailey Marshall starts school and her
Mother Jennifer couldn’t be any more proud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we follow both families it isn’t clear where this story
will take us but slowly the horrible truth begins to reveal itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following her impressive début novel, The Paradise Trees,
Linda Huber returns with another tension filled tale depicting a young girl in a
very worrying situation. As the growing sense of dread builds you anticipate
certain things happening, only for events to transpire somewhat differently.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not entirely sure that this sits comfortably under the
crime fiction umbrella. Yes, there is a crime being committed, but there is no
sign of the hackneyed genre favourites of serial killer and streetwise detective. This is
far removed from those types of novels but it is no less entertaining whilst
also managing to instil an excruciatingly uncomfortable feeling in the pit of
your stomach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Cold Cold Sea also gives us a wonderful main character
that has you completely emotionally invested in her. I haven’t rooted for a
character as much since Thor the dog in Wayne Smith’s story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With only her second book Linda Huber has written a
wonderful tale that puts the reader through the wringer and then drags them
back again. Thankfully every suspense filled page is worth it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Cold Cold Sea is available now from Legend Press. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ric’s Rating: Essential</div>
Rickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374332895590659880noreply@blogger.com2