CharltonBoy Reviews

Penn & Teller Get Killed (1989)

What was that all about??

[2/10 · 29 April 2004]

The first five minutes of this film are quite interesting when we see them in the television studio but that is the only half descent thing we see. The rest of the film is so pretentious it is unbelievable.The story is about a set of practical jokes which are not funny and half the time dont make sense and the ending is awful. The female actress turns up in the last half an hour out of nowhere and takes the film down another notch. They should have killed themselves at the beginning! Dont get me wrong i like Pen & Teller and their Bulls*** TV series is fantastic but sorry guys this stinks! 2 out of 10

Sin (2003)

Two great actors , one average movie.

[6/10 · 8 April 2004]

Considering the caliber of both the main actors it is difficult to understand why they both decided to take this project on. The story is neither new or gripping and if you have seen Gary Oldman before playing a bad guy ( Does he play any other character?!)then this will be nothing new to you.He is rapidly being typecast . Ving Rhames comes out of this better because at least his character has some substance. If you are expecting a classic i'm afraid you are going to be dissapointed. For Ving and Gary fans only. 6 out of 10.

Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)

Predictable Fair

[6/10 · 8 April 2004]

I wondered why they ever considered making a Jeepers Creepers II considering how poor the first film was and how stupidly it ended but alas they decided to try again. To be fair this isn't as bad as the first but what is is is very predictable . If your into teen horror then this is for you especially because anybody over 25 gets eaten before we get to know them. The way the monster can die is confusing and the end is way too predictable.

It is never explained how one of the girls is all of a sudden pychic and there is also a timeline confusion.What exact year is this taking place? It makes you wonder sometimes at what age do kids leave school too in America? The students must be 22 +. full of contridictions but never the less better than the first. 6 out of 10

Blade II (2002)

Fangtastic!

[8/10 · 8 April 2004]

Well what a cracking film Blade II is. I must admit i wasnt expecting too much considering the first film was average but this blows the first film out of the water! The story is superb but what makes this film is the action and special affects. The computer graphics are of the best i have ever seen. The way the Vampires turn to smouldering ash when attacked by silver is quite amazing and looks so real. This is also very gory so i would not recommend this for kids but if you love action horrors that keep you gripped i cant recommend this highly enough. Quite Brilliant. 8 out of 10.

Ghost Ship (2002)

Not quite a sinking ship

[6/10 · 29 March 2004]

Ghost Ship is by no means the worst horror i have ever seen in fact some parts of this film are quite entertaining, the problem seems to be some of the poor digital computer special affect that make this film look like a bit of a B Movie. Some of the affects are good expecially the opening scene where we see the crewe of the ship killed by a steel rope.The acting is ok and the characters are good so that when they are picked off one by one ,you care. There are a lot of question left unanswered though and in stages the scenes apear to have been put in any old order . If you like Horror and dont want a film you have to think about too much then i sugest you give this a go. 6 out of 10.

Deliverance (1972)

Deliverance didnt deliver what i was expecting

[7/10 · 25 March 2004]

I suppose ,Deliverance at the time of release in 1972 would have been seen as one of the most violent films seen at the cinema but 30 years on it seems quite tame. I was expecting a Southern Comfort type of film only better but it didnt really happen. In fact you could say that apart from the first 45 minutes nothing really happens at all! The acting is good and the film looks good but where were the Hill Billies chasing the men? Still worth a look though. 7 out of 10.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Superb Querky movie

[8/10 · 24 March 2004]

The Royal Tenenbaums is a film that is hard to understand how it was made because the story isn't your typical Hollywood script but that is part of the charm of this superb film. Gene Hackman is fantastic as per usual as Royal Tenenbaum and proves he is just as good at comedy as he is serious roles. The entire cast , in fact , are very good and they dry way they deliver their lines are fantastic. The story is about life and family and how you should be able to forgive but most of all this film has the feel good factor and not many films can say that. Very good. 8 out of 10.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Great old fashioned action movie

[8/10 · 18 March 2004]

Although Pirates of the Caribbean is not a film likely to win acadamy awards this is a film that you really cant find fault with. The story is fairly simple , a little like a fairy tale , which gives it charm.The cast is magnifiscent. Jeffrey Rush is superb as the baddie as is Johnny Depp as the comic hero. What is good to see is that he seems to have mastered the English accent unlike in the film 'From Hell'and he is charming with it. This film reminds me a little of Jason and The Argonaults but with more humour and recommend if you have not seen it do so. 8 out of 10.

Final Destination 2 (2003)

Suprisingly good

[7/10 · 9 March 2004]

What a pleasant suprise this film was.Having seen the first film and having been underwhelmed by it this had a different affect.Although the story is no different from the first the manner in which the people die are refreshingly gory and imaginative .If that makes sense! There are some questions that are left unanswered and there are holes in the plot but thanks to the gore factor these do not matter. The acting is above average and the special affect are good. The blood count is high as it should be in a film like this. I would recommend this to any horror fan. 7 out of 10.

Roger & Me (1989)

Scandalous behavior from corporate America

[8/10 · 9 March 2004]

Michael Moore has a unique way of opening up american society.He does not rant and rave at his subjects.(he lets them do that) he does not accuse them of anything that is anyway untrue and he just speaks for the working class which makes his a hero in my book. Although this is no Bowling or columbine this is as interesting and considering this was made 13 years earlier his style has hardly changed at all. I presume Mr Roger Smith is now dead considering his age at the time of the film and i bet he at no stage wanted for anything unlike the people who's life he ruined in the name of profit.Rest in peace...Not likely.Good riddance. 8 out of 10.

Identity (2003)

Too far fetched to make it a good film.

[6/10 · 4 February 2004]

As so often happens a film starts really well, it gets the movie goer hooked and then? It dissapears up its own back side in the attempt to be to clever or to try and put in a breath taking twist that fails in this case , big time. This film had lots of promise and a good cast , lets face it we could watch anything with Ray Liotta in it couldnt we? But instead of this being an above average slasher/stalker type film it decided to go all deep and paranormal and in the end lost all credability. As for the twist , well , without giving anyhing away it will make you laugh out loud its so pathetic. Anyway , you might like it but it was way to clever for it's own good in my opinion. 6 out of 10.

Dreamcatcher (2003)

Sticks too true to the book.

[7/10 · 4 February 2004]

I quite enjoyed Dreamcatcher because i had read the book and unlike most adaptations it is almost identicle but because it is true to the book this might make the film look a little silly to a veiwer who has not read the book. For example we didnt really need to see the memory rooms of Jonesy although important to the novel it wasnt to the film and could have been shelved also the film fails to explain the Duddits thing very well and that could have been scaled down a little. I also think that Morgan freeman did not suit the role of the Head of the Blue Squadron. He was supposed to be evil but i dont think Morgan has thit in him to play the role. Despite these criticisms i still liked the film and thought it looked superb . It's about time some computer gore actually looked real unlike some poor attempts recently i have seen in films. Its a 7 out of 10 for me.

Cube²: Hypercube (2002)

Not as good as the first

[4/10 · 2 February 2004]

This film really did lack anything good to speak about.When you have a film that consists of people being bumped off you must have characters that you can relate to.characters that you care about.I could not care less if all the cast were bumped off in the first half hour. The other main let down is that Cube 2 instead of using good old fashoned gore make up for special affects they use computer animated gore and it's crap! There is one shot where a guy is meant to have his head knocked of and it is so poor it almost ruins the whole film. This is a c movie , with a C Cast. Give it a miss.

Showtime (2002)

De Niro's Stinkers continue.

[4/10 · 8 January 2004]

Let me put you in a position.If you was a well respected actor who,s career includes some of the best movies ever made but the last few films you made were complete tripe and your reputation was plumiting like a stone would you decide to make a lame comedy along side Eddie Murphy and the appalling Rene Russo?.No. So why does the once great man Robert De Niro keep making rubbish like this and believe me this IS rubbish.Is he making a film in the future about an actor who keeps making awfull films and this is the method acting experiance? Who knows? What i do know is is that Showtime is complete trash that is about as funny as hemeroids and less interesting. Dont go anywhere near this film . 2 out of 10.

Anger Management (2003)

I'm angry that i had to sit through this rubbish.

[4/10 · 4 December 2003]

What was this film all about??? It had no structure , no funny lines a pathetic story and apalling acting from Adam Sandler. I sometimes make the mistake of watching a film the has Adam Sandler in it thinking he has made a good film before, but he hasnt has he.I'm mistaking him for the funny one , Ben stiller!. Jack Nicholson cant even make this mish mash of a film work so i would advise you to give this film a miss unless you want to get angry with the shop assistant at the video store for actually having this on the shelf in the first place. 4 out of 10.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Bring on T4!

[9/10 · 4 December 2003]

What a cracking film this is.You would think it would be hard to match up to Terminator 2 but this film does.Despite Arnie looking a little old this has everything you would want in an action film. The special affects are fantastic, the story, especially the ending is way above average and it looks great. You cant help but not like this film as it takes your breath away with it's non stop action and i wouldnt put it past the big man to make on more appearance as the terminator.Lets hope he will be back! 9 out of 10.

Feardotcom (2002)

Forgetable rubbish

[4/10 · 15 November 2003]

It was 2 days ago that i watched Fear Dot Com and i am struggling to remember anything about the film worth talking about. Come to think of it i'm struggling remember anything about the film! This is a poor film. It has nothing in it thats scary , nothing in it that is interesting and the acting.... well what can i say. It is appalling.The lead female is one of the worst actresses i have seen in a very long while. She seems to giggle her way through the film and makes facial expressions that dont fit the moment.The horror is tame and the story has more holes in it than a fishing net. All i can say is give this a miss and go and watch your grass grow in your garden. You will find it more interesting. 4 out of 10.

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

This didnt work for me.

[5/10 · 23 October 2003]

3000 miles to Graceland is without doubt one of those films that top actors sling into their portfolio for one reason and one reason only...Money. This film has no great qualities to speak of although it is a terrible film it just soldiers on with plenty of action and dialogue all of which are forgetable. There are lots of big stars in the film and i dont expect any of them will be mentioning this one in their top films made. The good points are that Costner is good a the bad guy and Courtney Cox looks superb but that about it. I wouldnt bother if i was you. 5 out of 10.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Superb action , pretentious storyline.

[8/10 · 22 October 2003]

I wasnt really looking forward to watching Matrix Reloaded for a couple of reasons. First is that i didnt think the first film was as good as the hype sugested and secondly the reviews all said that the storyline was complicated and difficult to understand. After watching the film i was pleasantly suprised. I enjoyed it. It's true that the story is complicated and i didnt understand it for one minute but thats not really important as long as you know who are the good guys and who are the bad bad guys that is enough because the action is fantastic. Im not a lover of martial arts film but this is the best i have seen as regards the fight scenes. You have got to see the bit when the lead guy fights all the Mr Smiths in the courtyard, it is amazing. So if your not sure if to watch the film then i say , do so. Forget about trying to understand the story because you wont. Just enjoy the action. 8 out of 10.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Cracking thriller that loses it's way.

[8/10 · 4 October 2003]

The first hour of the Bourne Identity is as good as a thriller gets. Superb action, a great story and good acting and for the whole that is what the film is like but for me the ending is a bit to Hollywood for my liking and considering the story is good the end seems a major let down. Matt Damon is suprisingly good as in this lead role because you dont usually associate him as the beat em up James Bond type character but he pulls this off well.The car chase is one of the best you will see and a British Mini at that!Also the action scenes are superb and keep you on the edge of your seat it's just a shame the ending does not match up with the rest of the film. 8 out of 10.

Johnny English (2003)

Nothing new here.

[5/10 · 3 October 2003]

Rowan Atkinson made it big with the Mr Bean series worldwide and ever since he has been trying to make it big in the movies and in my opinion he has not made it so far and Johnny English proves my point. This film is ok and thats the best thing i can say. The gags are average i can only think of a couple that really made me laugh and the story is pretty silly. There is a film in the eighties called King Ralph that repeated nearly all the same jokes and the stereotypical royal gags that weren't that funny then so why dredge them back up? Not as bad as the awful movie , Ratrace, but never the less still not worth a veiwing. 5 out of 10.

Narc (2002)

Quite Brilliant

[10/10 · 3 October 2003]

This film is stunning.I find it hard to review a film when it is as good as Narc . It's easy to critisise a bad film but to describe a cracker is not easy. Let me start with the acting.Jason Patric and Ray Liotta are outstanding and deserve to be up for an academy award for their roles.They look like they sweated blood playing their parts and it is the best paring i have seen in a long, long ,time. The direction is fantastic as you see right from the begining. The way you see through the cops eyes when he is running after the suspect is amazing, you actually feel exhausted and feel like you are part of the action and the last time i felt that way while watching a film was during Lock,Stock and Two Smoking Barrels when they lost at cards and the room started to swirl.Quite brilliant. The story is great if not a little disturbing and uncomfortable , which is not a critisism and i cannot stress more that if you have not Seen Narc , DO SO! 10 out of 10.

The Recruit (2003)

Entertaining enough

[8/10 · 29 September 2003]

This is by no means Al Pacino's best movie or even Colin Farrel's but it is a good film that has you thinking all the way through and although the ending is predictable it dos not spoil the film. Farrel is fast becoming a big hit in Hollywood is quite rightly so and as far as i'm concerned he actually outshines the best actor alive at the moment , Mr Pacino. A good movie. 8 out of 10.

Jackass: The Movie (2002)

It's amazing how these guys dont get really hurt!

[8/10 · 22 August 2003]

If your a fan of Jackass the TV series on MTV then this will be fairly recognisable stuff to you.The only differance is that the stunts are a little bit more drastic and that the camera work is a lot better because of the big screen equipment. It is very hard to give a review without giving away what happens in the film so.... ** Spoiler Alert** If you are squeamish in any way then i sugest that Jacksass The Movie is not for you and here is why. We see such stunts as Electrodes on the genetals , Baby Aligator biting the nipple , A Toy car inserted in the rectum and worst of all for me the guys sat there and gave themselves paper cuts!!!

This might not sound like entertainment to some people but you couldn't be more wrong. This is engrossing and fun to watch and i would recommend that if your with a group of friends that have just got back from the pub, stick Jackass the Movie in the DVD player and laugh your socks off! 8 out of 10.

Phone Booth (2002)

Impressive.

[8/10 · 22 August 2003]

This is actually the first film i have seen that Colin Farrel has starred and if this performance is typical of the man then his hype is justified. Phone Booth is a very entertaining film that has a premise that has hardly been used before(the only time i can recall something like this is in Die Hard 3) and that is refreshing to see. 90% of the film is set in a Phone Booth and you would think this would get a bit tedius after a while but this is not the case and if anything the film was not long enough. It's unusual for a feature film to last only 80 odd minutes and perhaps the reason is that the director thought the audiance would not put up with a longer length of time in one place but in fact the short duration of the film is the film's biggest flaw. Good entertainment. 8 out of 10.