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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Die Hard (1988) in Movies

Nov 30, 2019

Die Hard (1988)

1988 | Action

8.9

(78 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Peak action

I am absolutely incapable of understanding why anyone wouldn't like Die Hard. It's level of adoration is there for a reason.

The plot is simple and brilliant - When New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to meet his wife at her company Christmas party in Los Angeles, he is unwittingly caught in a hostage situation when the building is seized by terrorists, lead by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). With the help of a police Sgt. on the outside (Reginald VelJohnson), McClane takes it upon himself to save his wife, and take down Gruber.

Die Hard takes a little while to set up, as we're intorduced to all the key characters, and it takes a while for everyone to catch on to what is happening. However, when the action starts, it's literally non stop. The practical effects, and fantastic stunt work make the action scenes a stand out of the genre, and they still stand up today.
The script is hugely corny at times, but is pulled off with aplomb by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. John McClane is one of the most likable protagonists in cinema history. He's calm, badass, and stands up for what is right. It's hard to imagine anyone else but Willis pulling off some of his one liners.
Equally, Hans Gruber is one of the most likable bad guys in cinema history. He's ruthless, yet charming, and gives John a proper hard time.

Most importantly, Die Hard is just stupidly entertaining. What was released initially as another action film of the decade, with a then relatively unknown Bruce Willis, quickly became a legitimate classic.

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Andy K (10823 KP) Nov 30, 2019

Such an awesome movie!

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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Frozen II (2019) in Movies

Dec 7, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)

Frozen II (2019)

2019 | Adventure, Animation, Fantasy

7.9

(82 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Frozen II is a genuinely fantastic sequel that build on the original in every way.

It's feels more mature for a start. It's still a magical, kid friendly, animated adventure for sure, but the film manages to touch upon subjects such as death, loss, depression, how it's ok to feel angry, and all without veering too far away from a family feature.

The more mature tone comes with more mature animation - and it's really something. The animation is pretty much flawless. The contrasting colour pallets - the icy cold blues and white of Arendelle, to the autumnal greens and oranges of the forest - are all pleasing to look at.
I'm not one for musicals, and I wasn't keen on the songs from the original, but the music in Frozen II is way more tolerable. Well written, and sometimes epic, and that Lost in the Woods song is a banger - the fact that Weezer did a recording of it just earns the movie bonus points in my eyes.

The plot is easy to follow, whilst offering a twist here and there, but the overall message is once again, the importance of family, and the importance of writing wrongs from the last. Interestingly, there is no villain in Frozen II. The focus is purely on the good guys trying to make the world a better place for everyone. It's all rather wholesome.
The characters are all great in their own ways, and the creature designs are fantastic.

I have nothing bad to say about Frozen II. It's a damn solid sequel that easily surpasses the first film. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and listen to Weezer all night.

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JT (287 KP) rated The Inbetweeners 2 (2014) in Movies

Mar 10, 2020

The Inbetweeners 2 (2014)

2014 | Comedy, Family

5.6

(5 Ratings)

Movie Rating

This is as straightforward as you could possibly want it. Three lads go to meet up with one lad in Australia. It’s the sequel people begged would happen and they got their wish. There is not an ounce of disappointment as banter levels are raised.

Jay is on a gap year down under and catching up with the guys via email he lets them know he’s up to his neck in clunge and making a shit load of cash as a top night club DJ. All complete bullshit of course. But it’s delivered in a brilliant continuous shot that opens the film.

For the others the chance to break the monotony of their current lives could not come soon enough. Will who is decidedly more unpopular than ever, Simon looking to escape his psychotic girlfriend and Neil who is, well, same old Neil all feel that the time is right to go travelling (or on holiday).

It would be hard to review this without going into too much detail and if that were the case some of the best gags and laughs would simply be ruined. So I’m going to keep my mouth shut.

That said Damon Beesley and Iain Morris do their best to make sure this adventure leaves a lasting memory with some exquisite scenes and class gags. The cast all deliver as you would expect and there are a few nice supporting additions (Will’s Mum for one).

Given the success of this a third film would seem likely, but it’s going to take something pretty special to top it on almost every level.