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Lake Placid (1999)
Barely watchable B scifi
Lake Placid is arguably the most idiotic monster movie to arrive in multiplexes since the stunningly awful Deep Rising slithered in 18 months ago. If there's one thing to be said about this movie, which features a hapless band of humans tangling with a 30-foot crocodile, it's that the film makers are aware that no one in their right mind could possibly take this premise seriously. So director Steve Miner and writer David E. Kelley have constructed the film with their tongues planted in their cheeks. Unfortunately, adding a strong dose of intentional camp to a film doesn't necessarily make it an enjoyable experience. Lake Placid isn't so bad that it's good; it's so bad that it's really bad. Its strange to see big names at the time appear in such shlock but a good paycheck is a worthy cause. Lake Placid just lacks the frills and thrills these kinds of films need.
Trading Places (1983)
John Landis works his comic magic as Murphy and Ackroyd assist well
Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd star in this comedy drama where they both interchange their positions in society. Murphy comes from the dirtier poorer side of the street and Ackroyd the wealthier. The moral compass of the film aside it is also funny throughout and the script never lags. Trading Places has two stars, at the height of their powers, costarring in a movie directed by a director who would carve an identity for himself in the horror and comedy genre. It is also a take on Mark Twain's famous Prince and the Pauper story. This is a great early 80s comedy worth checking out.
Elysium (2013)
Elysium is top notch sci-fi
Similar to District 9 there is a heavy dose of political commentary underlying a commercial story that we see. In this instance it is a look at the economic injustices that he decides to play out. The film is set on a space station orbiting Earth and our lead, played by Matt Damon lands there to save his own life. He realizes the difference between the rich who inhabit the ship and the not so well off and decides to fight the injustice. The film looks stunning and Bloomkamp's visual style can easily be distinguished. Matt Damon is adept in playing a mercenary and Jodie Foster is especially delicious playing against type.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Cruise in sci-fi mode
Edge of Tomorrow is a decent comedy science fiction but I am sick of Tom Cruise doing the same role over and over again. The aliens attack and he saves us- How many films have we seen it already? I can name War of the worlds and Oblivion at the top of my head. Having said that he is quite good in the film and the film itself is a breeze although nowhere as serious or pondering as either of the films mentioned. If you like science fiction films than this is a good diversion but its basically the same serving of what we've already tasted.
The Godfather (1972)
One of the greatest movies of all time
Rarely has a sequel been better than the original and in this case that is saying a lot. The Godfather 2 has Francis Ford Coppola bettering his original film which is such a tall task seeing as The Godfather was already so well received upon release. All emotions one can find in a life are presented here. Al Pacino is absolutely sublime as Michael Corleone who has taken over the business and family even though he is young. All the actors are so good you cannot fathom anyone else in their roles. The cinematography is exquisite and the direction so good it makes you wonder what happened to Coppola come the 80s. This is a must watch for any person who appreciates cinema.
The China Syndrome (1979)
(A great late 70s drama starring Fonda Douglas and Lemon).
The China syndrome starts with a bang- Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas are at a nuclear power plant when something goes wrong and they manage to capture it on camera. What follows is an investigation into the cover ups that ensues to make sure there is no panic. All the actors are very good here- Douglas and Fonda as the determined young reporters, Jack lemmon as the shift supervisor who unfortunately gets the blame. The pacing is great and the opening scene with the meltdown are genuinely terrifying.
Stuck on You (2003)
Watch only if you're a damon fan or have nothing else to watch
The Farrelly brother's stuck on you is a decent watch simply because of the bizzarity of the premise. As you'd have guessed this is a story of two brothers who are co-joined at the hip. The film is surprisingly decent despite the feeling that the jokes will fall flat or worse- offend. And this is down to the talent of leads Matt Damon and Greg kinnear. This film is mostly forgotten and that is because it isn't anything special.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
Megan shines
You can go watch it for Megan Fox and Diablo Cody fresh off her Oscar nomination and the film is pretty alright to be fair. It is better than most films of this genre. Just don't go in expecting too much. (Megan shines)