Ric Recommends: Rise of the Guardians

Check out the trailer for the fantastic Rise Of The Guardians and see my full review below.

Reviews Interviews: Nick Nevern

New British drama ‘The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan’ arrives on DVD this week and in a first for Ric’s Reviews the star of the film Nick Nevern stopped by for a quick chat.

Despite the title, ‘The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan’ isn’t a tale of football hooliganism. What’s your take on your character, Mike Jacobs?

You’re right it’s not. I guess it’s much bigger than a simple tale of football hooliganism. Mike is a humble guy who just gets caught up in the scandalous web of money and deceit. When such opportunities of getting large amounts of money at quick speeds are given to you, it sure as hell takes a strong will to turn a blind eye and not give in to temptation.

The film is based on a true story. Do you know anything about the real-life events?

Working on these sorts of films you do get to meet some, let’s just say, shady people. I actually met the real ‘Mike’ on the set of a different movie. He seemed nice enough you know, but I wouldn’t want to see the dark side of him if you know what I mean!

You directed and starred in ‘Terry’. How comfortable are you taking direction?

Very easy bro as it’s my job you know. It absolutely helps that Paul [Tanter] and I have a great working relationship and so taking direction from Paul is always very trouble-free. I understand that there are challenges many actors face when working with some directors but hopefully I never experience the lows you know.

What’s next for you?

There’s a whole host of new projects in the pipeline but I’m hoping to get back in the Director’s chair very soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

As you know I’m a massive fan of ‘Terry’. Any plans to return to that character?

That’s so kind of you to say so thank you! I love that character so much. He will always have a special place in my heart you know so perhaps we’ll see him again one day. You never know!

Good luck with ‘The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan’ and your upcoming projects.

 You can follow Nick on twitter @NickNevern and take a look at him in action by clicking the trailer below.

Ric Recommends: Rio Breaks

This powerful documentary movie arrives on DVD in the Uk on 3rd October 2011.

You can find a full review elsewhere here but in the menantime check out this brief trailer which sets it up nicely.

Ric Recommends: Terry

Check out the trailer for this fantastic British documentary style film featuring a brilliant performance from Nick Nevern (who also wrote & directed) in the leading role.

The film is so realistic it often makes for uncomfortable viewing but this just adds to the overall experience.

Highly recommended for fans of gritty drama. You can find my full review elsewhere here.

Ric Recommends: Spiral

It's been ages since I posted a trailer so here is a real treat.

I reviewed this a while back, just click the "little known gems" label and you'll find it on the second page.

Joel David Moore (Avatar) is fantastic as a troubled man in this tense drama.

It's available everywhere on dvd. Check it out !

A - Z Challenge: S

S is for ..................................Surveillance.

Check out the trailer for this disturbing drama from Jennifer Lynch, daughter of David.

I won't give too much away but it involves corrupt cops, serial killers and features Michael Ironside alongside Julia Ormond and Bill Pullman.

Highly recommended but not for the squeamish.

A - Z Challenge: H

H is for.........................Hidalgo. This is a good old fashioned family film starring Viggo Mortensen from The Lord Of The Rings as Frank Hopkins who agrees to ride Hidalgo, his Mustang, in a 3000 mile race across the desert. Will the duo's bond be enough to help them survive, or even win? Check out the trailer.

Ric Recommends: Outcast

Trailer for the surprisingly good Scottish horror film Outcast.

Full review in previous post.

Music: Dolph Lundgren singing !!

I don't normally do this but this video is so good I couldn't resist. I mean where else can you see Ivan Drago, Freddie Kruger, The Hulk, Ricardo Tubbs, Norm from Cheers and Mahoney from Police Academy (to name but a few) sing a ballad.

Apparently it's a promo for a chatshow from Norway and some of the celebrities involved aren't too happy about it as they reckon they've been duped in some way.

I think they should lighten up as it's really funny........and kinda cool. If it doesn't brighten your day nothing will.

Check it out, you'll be surprised at who you see.

Ric Recommends: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Trailer for the fantastic Rare Exports. Full review in previous post.

Ric Recommends:The King of Kong: A Fistful Of Quarters

A documentary movie about two guys competing for the world record on an 80's video game just shouldn't be this good but you will be captivated as Steve Wiebe challenges 20 year record holder Billy Mitchell and begins an intense rivalry that continues to this day.

The game in question is Donkey Kong, one of the most difficult games to master from the golden era of the arcades.

Any child of the 1980's (especially any that spent time in arcades playing the likes of Space Invaders and Galaga) will love it but it comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a real life drama, albeit one that features some very eccentric individuals.

Check it out:

Ric Recommends: District 13

This French action film stars Cyril Rafaelli (Die Hard 4) and David Belle as cop and criminal who team up to track down a nuclear bomb. Featuring some amazing free running and action scenes this film has been imitated many times, notably by Casino Royale's opening scene but nothing comes close. The theme is pretty close to the John Carpenter classic Escape From New York but that kind of imitation I can live with.

Highly recommended for action fans.

Ric Recommends: Made

Prior to this film Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau had enjoyed success in Swingers but this time out Favreau takes the helm and the result is this fantastic crime caper comedy.

Ricky (Vaughn) and Bobby (Favreau) are struggling to make ends meat when they get an offer of work from local mobster Max (Peter Falk). The duo head to New York and trouble ensues.

Constant quickfire dialogue that contains so many gags make this one worthy of multiple viewings.

All the cast are on top form with the two leads well supported by Famke Janssen, Sean Coombs and David O'Hara who manages to play a Scotsman (from my own city of Glasgow) that thankfully isn't portrayed as a kilt wearing idiot.

Check out the trailer.

Ric Recommends: The Bear

For my latest recommendation we go all the way back to 1988 for this amazing adventure story.

Don't be fooled into thinking it's for kids (although some might like it), this is a unique movie about an orphan Bear cub's struggle for survival.

Told entirely from the young Bear's perspective it mixes high drama and wonderful footage with cute moments all wrapped up in what is ultimately a tale of redemption.

The quality of the trailer isn't great but the film is available everywhere in it's full glory on DVD. Check it out.

Ric Recommends: Exit Wounds

To celebrate the return of the Steven Seagal: Lawman tv show (see review elsewhere here) this week's recommendation is a film regarded as Seagal's last decent movie.

It involves Seagal investigating police corruption and also stars DMX, Anthony Anderson, Tom Arnold, Isaiah Washington, Jill Hennessey and Michael Jai White. There are nice comedy moments with Seagal and Arnold and the action scenes are pretty good too.

As for Seagal escaping the direct -to-dvd market, one can always hope. He does have a part in Machete so you never know......

In the meantime, check out Exit Wounds, it's a decent cop action thriller.

Ric Recommends: Tony

More commonly known as Tony: London Serial Killer this is one of the best British films of recent years.

Peter Ferdinando gives an award-worthy performance as the unassuming loner with a dark secret.

It's very well written with nice slices of everyday life thrown in and you never know what is going to set Tony off next.

I gave this a full review a while back so click the serial killer label for that. In the meantime check out the trailer.

Ric Recommends: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

This film was so unfairly treated on it's release, it fell into being thought of as a cartoon that wasn't for kids and because of that it had poor box office.

It was, in fact, a fantastic sci-fi adventure way ahead of it's time. Just think how amazing it would look using today's 3D technology. In saying that, it still looks pretty fantastic.

Don't let the Final Fantasy name put you off either, it has nothing to do with the video games, it's an original story and features the voices of Alec Baldwin and James Woods among others.

Check out this cool trailer.

Ric Recommends: Brotherhood Of The Wolf

In a new blog feature I will post trailers for films and tv that I highly recommend.

Starting at the top here is my all time favourite film, the fantastic Brotherhood Of The Wolf.

It's a truly unique French action horror that doesn't easily fit any genre.

I urge you to see it.