He'll be back - Terminator 2 Encore hits Tralee Omniplex next week!

26 years after it's initial release, James Cameron's tour de force Terminator 2: Judgement Day makes a welcome comeback to Tralee Omniplex for daily showings starting from Friday 1st September.
The 2017 updated version has been converted to immersive 3D by the master of technology himself James Cameron, in what should take this groundbreaking blockbuster to a new level of effects and introduce itself to the next generation of fans.
This seminal sci-fi classic has aged well over the years and proves that a clever narrative and special cast can give longevity to a film that was heralded for it's show stopping special effects first time around.
To have James Cameron's skillful touch added to this already timeless masterpiece is surely an opportunity too good to miss for long time fans of the the film and a whole new audience that will undoubtedly be left satisfied by this upgraded model!
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Encore) can be viewed in glorious 3D daily at Tralee Omniplex from Friday and tickets can be purchased @ www.omniplex.ie
Hasta la Vista Baby!

What was your favourite film of the Summer?

The Summer Blockbuster season is over and the results are in!

As the kids go back to school and the evenings get shorter it's time to reflect on another season of summer blockbusters and give the low down on what I felt was, overall, a slightly better than average spell of big budget popcorn movies designed to entertain the masses and give the brains that well deserved break!
As has been the cinematic pattern over the last number of years, the summer season is dominated by superheros, franchises and comic book creations and this year was no different.
On inspection of what was hitting our screens at the start of the sunny season, I have to admit, I was not too optimistic but what transpired were some pleasant surprises, some unfortunate let downs and a marked improvement on the quality of blockbusters that the cinema going audience have been subjected to over the last few years. Here are my grades:
The Good:
The superhero film saw a surprising surge this year with studios showing that a huge budget can also benefit from the assistance of a top class director not afraid to put their own mark on the genre with Patty Jenkins and Jon Watts doing exactly that with the surprisingly enjoyable Wonder Woman and the resurgence of spiderman in Spiderman: Homecoming.

Dunkirk - an unquestionable high of the summer cinema season

Other movie franchises enjoyed continued success as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 and War for the Planet of the Apes arrived to critical and commercial approval.
Cardboard Gangsters also proved the that the well runs deep in this country when it comes to film making also as Mark O'Connor's crime drama was another shining example of the quality of Irish film on show currently.
It was Dunkirk, however, that was the shining beacon in the array of films offered this summer as Christopher Nolan continues his golden streak in a film that simply has to be experienced to get a full idea of it's brilliance and will remain near the top of everyone's list come the end of the year!
The Bad:
Summer 2017 also threw up a few turkeys unfortunately with Tom Cruise's The Mummy leading the way. The reboot that nobody wanted was seriously flawed and despite a gallant effort from the reliable lead actor and some fancy stunts this film left a lot of it's audience cold! The jaded Pirates and Transformers franchises added some more, less than welcome additions to their series in two films that will (hopefully) drift from the memory fairly soon!

The Mummy - an undeniable low of summer 2017

Missed opportunities also in the Dark Tower and the House, two different types of films completely but both armed with a strong cast and a decent premise which failed to convert such riches to anything positive and will also be in the bargain bin before long you would think! Some hair brained schemes like the Baywatch and Chips movie got the reception they deserved in a period that will also be remembered for it's failures as well as it's triumphs!
The Rest:
There were numerous trips to the cinema this summer that whilst didn't disappoint -  didn't satisfy completely either. The overrated Baby Driver, Ripley Scott returning Alien Covenant and buddy movie The Hitman's Bodyguard were examples of movies that promised so much but ultimately came up short!
In conclusion, a somewhat enjoyable summer blockbuster season in comparison to years gone by and a lot of improvement evident from some of the sub standard material of previous seasons but undoubtedly still room for improvement!

Grade C+ - Read my reviews of these films by clicking on this A-Z Review Index

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What new release movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are three new releases for your consideration for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex with the movies available looking promising after a few mediocre weeks of new releases. In this weeks line up are two true life stories and a ensemble comedy and all for the giveaway price of just €6!

American Made:
Enjoying very positive critical reviews,this true life story sees Tom Cruise return to form somewhat after the disappointment of the Mummy and also features Domhnall Gleeson in what should be a compelling and entertaining movie! One of my 5 films to watch this month so it has to be good. Right?

Detroit:
A gut wrenching but essential retelling of a dark period in American history, which is all too familiar to present events, this latest offering from Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow has been getting rave reviews from the critics even though it may be at times a difficult watch, it is undoubtedly a  powerful one. Another solid choice this week!

Rough Night:
Highly flawed comedy that isn't sure whether it's Weekend at Bernies or Bridesmaids or Very Bad Things and ends up being very little indeed as a likeable cast are wasted on poor writing and a weak premise. Definitely the weakest of the new releases available so may be worth skipping this one. Disappointing!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Sherlock Holmes - (RTE 2  Monday 28th August 21:00)
Guy Ritchie adds his own unique touch to the legendary detective in a film that benefits from his original style and two strong performances from the lead actors Jude Law and the ever impressive Robert Downey Jnr in a role he was born to play as Sherlock Holmes. Highly entertaining!

Bad Neighbours - (RTE 2 Wednesday 30th August 21:00)
High spirited bawdy comedy that lands hits more than misses on the gag front, this Nicholas Stoller directed film benefits from it's solid comedic cast in a movie that is simply good fun and in the top bracket of similar comedies produced in the last ten years. Playful comedy!

The Hangover - (RTE 2 Thursday 31st August 21:00)
Another chance to see this classic comedy that (unfortunately) spawned two less than successful sequels. A clever script, undeniable on screen chemistry between the lead actors and a scene stealing turn from Zach Galifianakis this Todd Philips directed comedy is a farcical masterpiece. (Just don't forget to wait for the end credits!)

Review - The Dark Tower - McConaugheys mismash is a mess!

Based on the Stephen King novel series of the same name, The Dark Tower sees the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (played by Idris Elba), locked in an eternal battle with Walter O'Dim (Matthew McConaughey), also known as the Man in Black, and determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland (with the help of his sidekick Jake) can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.
Combining Stephen King source material with a two talented and reliable lead actors under the tutelage of a promising screenwriter and director in the shape of Nikolaj Arcel backed by a sizable budget and marketing campaign would normally be enough to guarantee critical and commercial success in the highly competitive market of big budget blockbusters. If however, you try and squeeze eight volumes (more than 4,000 pages) of source material into ninety five minutes of  a genre Rubik cube of a movie that appears to lose interest in itself half way through you end up with The Dark Tower.
No CGI effects or awe inspiring cinematography can save this monster mess of a movie that starts poorly and doesn't really improve.
The narrative and tone of this film are both incoherent and it seems to be undecided as to who the target audience is for this hugely disappointing feature.
Matthew McConaughey continues his unfortunate critical and commercial slide since the highs of his Oscar winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club as he gives his best panto villain impression as the Man in Black.
There are a few (if rather small) crumbs of comfort to be had here however. Idris Elba does his reputation no harm at all and almost single-handedly rescues this film from complete annihilation in his turn as the mythic Gunslinger and some of the fight sequences boast the usual impressive CGI effects evident in most big budget blockbusters nowadays but overall unfortunately after the highs of Dunkirk a few weeks ago and a reasonably solid summer blockbuster season the Dark Tower is an undoubted low and one most definitely worth avoiding. A bona-fide turkey!
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What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Detroit:
A heart breaking yet essential retelling of a dark period in American history, which is all too familiar to present events, this latest offering from Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow has been getting rave reviews from the critics even though it may be at times a difficult watch it is undoubtedly a  powerful one!



At Home: 

Free Fire:
Action packed Tarantinoesque thriller from director Ben Wheatley, this non stop siege feature contains a stellar cast including Cillian Murphy, Brie Larson and Arnie Hammer. An explosive eighty five minutes that is just unadulterated fun. Read my full review here.



On Telly

The Ides of March: (BBC2 Sunday 27th August 23:00pm)
Excellent political drama written, directed and starring George Clooney alongside a formidable cast including Ryan Gosling and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, this movie is a riveting tale set during the days preceding an Ohio primary that is rooted in political scandal. Excellent evenly paced drama!

Top 5 Fight Movies on Netflix

With the McGregor vs. Mayweather fight just around the corner, I've decided to delve through the annals of Netflix and come up with 5 great fight movies to get everyone in the mood for the big event. Some good ones here to choose from involving boxing, MMA, martial arts and wrestling - besides who can say no to a list containing JCVD?

5.Creed
Breathing new life in to what was a tired franchise, this 2015 film gives the Rocky saga a well needed kick start and a new direction. Featuring a Golden Globe winning performance from Sylvester Stallone this one is bound to get the blood pumping before Saturday night's rumble!

4. Warrior
This MMA based film may rely on many of the cliches previously seen in fight movies but the formidable cast that includes Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton and powerful action make this heart filled feature work. A compelling and energetic fight drama!

3. The Wrestler
Featuring another Golden Globe winning performance (this time from the outstanding Mickey Rourke) this compelling drama contains a rich and highly emotional narrative lifted to higher levels by Golden Lion winning director Darren Aronofsky and the aforementioned Rourke in his breathtaking lead performance. Highly Recommended!

2. Kickboxer
With a movie description that reads "Jean-Claude Van Damme enters a Thai kickboxing championship to avenge his brother, whom an evil opponent left paralyzed." - what is not to love ? A must for all fans of early 80's action movies, this film is a JCVD classic and well worth another watch for fans of the "Muscles from Brussels"!

1. Fight Club
David Fincher's contemporary classic is as remarkable today as when it was first released as this controversial satire anchored by two incredible performances make this a must see time and time again - just don't forget the first rule of Fight Club!

Waterville set for frolics and fun as 7th Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival begins this weekend!

This weekend, from the 24th-27th August sees the seventh annual Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival hit the streets of Waterville as this corner of South Kerry readies itself for a festival which includes a hugely entertaining range of events, screenings, workshops and Chaplin themed street entertainment and lots more.
According to the festival website, this is primarily a festival which honours the pioneering spirit of a great film maker and advocate for social change.
Highlights of this highly successful festival which takes place in a part of the world that was very dear to Chaplin and his family for many years, include the screening of many of the great mans short and feature films, an exclusive interview with Samantha J Power, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a comedy night featuring Alison Spittle, Fred Cooke and Karl Spain, the fabalous Fanzini Bros, Fossetts circus and not forgetting the World Record Attempt at the largest gathering of people dressed as Charlie Chaplin.

With lots more besides all ingredients are present for a fantastic fun filled weekend for all the family!
For full festival programme and details of upcoming events visit www.chaplinfilmfestival.com or check their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chaplinfilmfestival/

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What new release movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are three new releases for your consideration for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex and a good variety available to please most cinematic tastes. In the line up is a buddy action comedy, a multi-genre mish mash, and a young adult drama and all for the giveaway price of just €6!

The Hitman's Bodyguard:
A throwback to buddy road movies of yesteryear. This action comedy vehicle succeeds largely due to the on screen chemistry between it's two leads and the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously! Overall a good way to put the brain on pause for nearly two hours! Read my full review here.

The Dark Tower:
Overly ambitious project that has been savaged by the critics, this latest in the line of Stephen King adaptions suffers from a lack of direction and which results in a mess of a film despite the best intentions of a very talented cast. Maybe strictly for fans of the source material only (and even then....!)

Everything Everything:
Based on the young adult novel of the same name, this film has received a lukewarm  reaction from the critics despite formidable performances from it;s two young leading actors due to cliched and sign posted tricks at every turn. May be one to avoid!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Mud - (TG4  Monday 21st August 21:30)
Heartwarming drama written and directed by Jeff Nichols and featuring a star turn from Matthew McConaughey and his talented cast which includes Tye Sheridan, Reese Witherspoon and the late Sam Shepard. This modern fairy tale is both sweet and engaging an another example of the talent of it's creator Jeff Nichols and his wonderful ensemble cast. Worth a look!

A Few Good Men - SKY 1 Tuesday 22nd August 21:00)
Another chance to see this 1992 courtroom drama that includes some strong performances from the likes of Tom Cruise and Demi Moore and a scene stealing turn from Jack Nicholson. *Warning: this film is only for those who can "handle" the truth!!!

Shaun of the Dead - (ITV2 Wednesday 23rd August 21:00)
First in the Edgar Wright Cornetto trilogy, this superb horror/comedy works due to the smart writing, clever tricks and strong on screen chemistry between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. One to watch over and over again, this is simply a film that never appears tiresome. Brilliant!

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Hitmans Bodyguard:
A throwback to the buddy movies of the 80's as Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds star as the hitman and bodyguard of the title, who must overcome their differences (often to hilarious consequences) in the name of what is right! Reviews are mixed but this should be an entertaining enough romp starring two very consistent and watchable actors. Check out my full review on www.traleetoday.ie tomorrow morning.


At Home: 

Loving:
Starring Oscar nominated, Ruth Negga, this movie written and directed by Jeff Nichols tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who are sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for getting married. With a strong supporting cast including Joel Edgerton and Michael Shannon and its inspiring tale of love, courage and undeniable commitment through a time of unbelievable hardship and racism this is a touching piece of filmmaking.


On Telly

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: (RTE2 Sunday 13th August 14:45pm)
It may have to be recorded due to the showing of some important GAA match on Sunday but this is a bona fide classic comedy starring Steve Martin, Michael Caine and the late great Glenne Headly. This caper film contains multiple laugh out loud moments thanks to a great script and unmistakable chemistry between the lead actors. A must watch!

Review: The Hitman's Bodyguard:Reynolds and Jackson combine to serve up highly entertaining rollercoaster ride!

Once a staple part of the cinematic diet of the eighties, the buddy road trip movie has long since been absent from the big screen in the last number of years due to it's tired and cliched format but director Patrick Hughes, with the help of his two talented front men (Ryan Reynolds being the ying to Samuel L. Jackson's yang) resurrects this genre and thanks to explosive action scenes, high speed car chases and formidable chemistry between the stars serves up a highly entertaining near two hour caper that's quite simply a lot of fun.
Top bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) is tasked with guarding the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world's most notorious hitmen (Samuel L. Jackson), and taking him from the United Kingdom to the International Court of Justice in the Hague. On their way, they must avoid the unwanted attention of the deadly assassins that are pursuing them and are forced to work together in order to defeat a ruthless, powerful and blood thirsty Eastern European dictator (Gary Oldman).
Outlandish in nearly every aspect, this is a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and is all the better for it. Both Reynolds and Jackson seem to be enjoying themselves in their respective roles and their magnetism along with their obvious charm and comedic qualities are the main driving force behind this action adventure film.
Salma Hayek also adds to this enjoyable feature and nearly steals the show in her short but effective screen time.
Impressive fight sequences, shoot outs and chase scenes, along with some breathtaking scenic shots combine to make this a most enjoyable "popcorn" movie that enjoys more hits than misses in the gag count and should have enough to keep fans of both the leading stars and this particular type of movie entertained! Highly enjoyable!
🌟🌟🌟1/2

5 movies to watch on Netflix this August

I know we are already half way through the month but August serves up some very interesting choices movie wise this month and a lot of top quality features worth checking out. For your viewing pleasure I have decided to once again sift through the vast array of quality movies on show and recommend five classics so you don't have to spend half the night flicking through Netflix's choices before deciding that you are now too tired to watch a film anyway and vow to return at a later date just to do the very same thing.
Here are my movie picks for your enjoyment for this month:

5.Icarus
Fascinating Netflix Original documentary from Bryan Fogel who stumbles accidentally on a major Olympic cheating scandal when he, along with a Russian scientist, realize that their combined knowledge points fingers at Russia's secret sports doping program.
Garnering great public attention due to it's controversial subject matter, this is another in a long line of top drawer Netflix Original documentaries.

4. Handsome Devil
A shining example of the high quality of Irish films being produced at the moment, this coming of age tale gained rave reviews and performed well at the Irish box office earlier this year. A great opportunity to see it just months after it's cinematic release. Read my full review of this film here.

3. Love and Mercy
Fascinating and riveting biopic of Brian Wilson, told in two separate stages of his life. This compelling drama flourishes due to it's unconventional narrative and some extremely strong performances by it's lead actors.
Highly recommended.

2. Deepwater Horizon
Directed by Peter Berg and starring Mark Wahlberg this is the true story of one of the world's largest man-made disasters which occurred on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20th, 2010.This action thriller with the use of breathtaking effects and strong performances of its stellar cast pays tribute to brave men and women whose selfless heroism would go on to save so many lives on board.

1. Trainwreck
This hilarious comedy written by Amy Schumer and directed by Judd Apatow is appealing largely due to it's unorthodox approach to the romantic comedy format, together with some superb comedic writing and great performances (with the celebrity cameos almost stealing the show). Highly enjoyable!