“If you want peace…prepare for war.”

After gunning down a member of the High Table — the shadowy international assassin’s guild — legendary hit man John Wick finds himself stripped of the organization’s protective services. Now stuck with a $14 million bounty on his head, Wick must fight his way through the streets of New York as he becomes the target of the world’s most ruthless killers.

John Wick Chapter 3 is sadly the weakest in the franchise but by no means is it not as enjoyable, as brutal, as badass, and as awesome as the first two movies.

Expanding on the ever growing universe of John Wick, John Wick Chapter 3 introduces new characters and elements such as the Adjudicator, Sofia, and the Elder. For me one of the things that lets this movie down is that Chapter 3 sets its self away from realism which is what I loved about the chapter 1 and 2.

John Wick Chapter 3 is more of a movie about Winston, The New York Continental Hotel Manager. Winston is a great character in his own right, but for me Chapter 3 is more of a movie about Winston than it is about John Wick.

A second aspect I found let Chapter 3 down, was that we learn much more about Wick’s past. I loved the mystery around John’s origin and Chapter 3 tried to explain and delve deeper into his past which is a weakness of this movie.

But enough about the weaknesses, lets talk about what makes this move still as enjoyable as the last two in the franchise. I loved the introduction to the Adjudicator and the high table, The John Wick movies base heavily on the idea of following rules, and the introduction to a sort of ‘Judge’ character makes the Wickverse even more badass than the first two chapters. Asia Kate Dillon plays this role perfectly, because I both hate and love the character at the same time. Halle Berry’s Sofia is awesome, as the Casablanca Contintental Hotel Manager. Bringing, Berry’s acting ability to the role and her awesome physical capabilities in the action set piece in Casablanca.

I can’t talk about John Wick without talking about the action. This movie defintley kicks it up a notch with the awesome action set pieces, from the Knife shop, Casablanca and the Raid on the New York Continental Hotel. With these set pieces brings new additions and challenges for John, such as the body armor in the raid of The Continental to The dog combat in the Casablanca action scene. This movie has bigger and better action scenes than the first two chapters and I cannot wait to see what they will do next.

Overall John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum, is still as badass as the first, however lacks the story aspects and mystery I loved about the first two John Wick movies.

Overall I rate John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum a solid 8/10.

“Don’t stab the devil in the back”.

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XGk2EfbD_Ps&t=15s

Renowned assassin John Wick sets out for Rome to duel with some of the deadliest killers to fulfil a vow he made. However, he soon learns that there is a huge bounty on his head.

The best movie in the John wick series, Chapter 2 is so much bigger, better and way more badass than the first. Chapter 2 journey’s deeper into the assassin organisation, showing us that the assassin organisation is worldwide and the awesome way that bounties are authorised, brings more style to the world of John Wick and the worldwide assassin organisation.

John Wick Chapter 2 has a tone similar, to that of a western and I would call the John Wick series a modern western. From the soundtrack including guitar riffs and its stand off’s. Chapter 2 feels very much a modern western as it does an action movie.

Chapter 2 delivers again with incredible action sequences. The action in the sequel is much more brutal, bloodier and just better. With action sequence after action sequence, this movie does not let up. The action is stunning, with better choreography, cinematography and stunt work. Chapter 2 is refered to as a stunt mans ‘wet dream’ and it shows, from the insane car stunts, choreography, shootouts, flips, grapples, hand to hand combat, gun-fu and its creativity. We finally get to see John kill with a pencil, “… a f**kin’ pencil…” and it is gloriously brutal. I have no idea how they did it but Chad Stahelski did more than just deliver with the action, he killed it.

Keanu Reeves did 95% of the stunts in this movie and that just goes to show how badass Reeves actually is. Reeves is one of my favourite parts of the action, as he is yet again, awesome and badass, showing purposely zero emotion when killing, because Wick doesn’t want to do this anymore and Reeves shows this with almost perfect. I have said it before but Reeves was born to John Wick.

The stand out performance for me was Common who played Cassian, Common is bad ass in this movie, rivaling Keanu Reeves in skill, Cassian believably holds his own against the “Babayaga” giving us two amazing showdowns between the two. Common also did his own stunts and thats why I love this movie so much, most actors in action movies aren’t really in it, they do jack, and its films like The Raid series and the John Wick series that create that immersion and realism behind the performances.

Overall, John Wick Chapter 2 is the best movie in the franchise to date, from its intriguing story, compelling world, awesome character and bad ass action scenes, Chapter 2 is bigger, better, bloodier and broodier than the first.

I rate John Wick Chapter 2 a perfect 10/10.

For more reviews like this check out my review of the first John Wick: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/13/john-wick/

“Well John wasn’t exactly the Boogeyman, he is the one you sent to kill the f***kin’ Boogeyman.”

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2AUmvWm5ZDQ

John Wick, a retired hitman, is forced to return to his old ways after a group of Russian gangsters steal his car and kill a puppy gifted to him by his late wife.

Keanu Reevs’s is back with his fourth huge action movie character along with Neo from The Matrix, Jack Traven in Speed and Johnny Utah from Point Break. Now comes Reeves best and arguably now most iconic character to date. Alongside Ted and Neo.

John Wick is an absolute thrill ride from the very first second. With its compelling story and world building, intense music, great acting, stunning imagery and of course breathtaking action. John Wick arguably shaped the foundation of what modern day action scenes should be. I have spoke about this before on what an action scene should look like and John Wick is a perfect example of this.

John Wick is the deadliest and most badass movie character of all time. Keanu Reeves gives his best performance to date. Some criticise Reeves acting ability. But Reeves was born to play John Wick, as Reeves gives Wick a depth that only Reeves could pull as he demonstrates all the pain, anger and emotion John feels not just through his acting ability but more through the way he fights and shoots his enemies. Wick doesn’t want to kill, he has too, he is forced too, out of anger, survival and a debt he has to pay, he wants to live for the memory of his wife. Reeves had real life military weapon training and has previously practiced martial arts for his role as Neo in The Matrix. This gives John Wick another layer of realism to the character and the movie as a whole. Keanu Reeves gives the character so much depth and makes the audience care for the character. In every action scene we are nervous for John but he is the “Baba Yaga” nothing can kill him. But Wick is still human, by showing us he can get hurt, that makes us care about the character even more and giving the character further depth.

The world building in the John Wick is one of my favourite things about this series of movies. From the Continental hotel, to the cleaners, this fantasy like world that Chad Stahelski has created is by far one of the best out there.

I absolutely love the dialogue in this movie from lines such as “I’m thinking i’m back,” and “Well John wasn’t exactly the Boogeyman, he was the one you sent to kill the f**kin’ Boogeyman.” The writers really have done an amazing job creating quoteable and bad ass lines.

A huge aspect I love about the first movie is that it leaves John Wick’s past mostly a mystery and its that mystery that makes him so badass and what makes characters so scared of him.

Finally, the action, oh boy is this movie glorious in that regard. The cinematography, choreography, stuntwork, editing and direction all working simultaneously to create perfect action scenes, allowing us to see all the brutal and kick ass action. The style in this movie is known as Gun-Fu and it looks incredible. The John Wick series is perhaps the most fun I have had in a movie series in, well ever.

My only criticism of this movie is the major antagonist he fights at the end, he is like a 50-60 year old bloke there is no way he would stand a chance against John Wick, but somehow he does.

Overall John Wick is, all in all bad f***ing ass, the story, characters, world and gung-fu all work together to create an incredible and possibly a perfect piece of action cinema. Chad Stahelski has done an incredible job in making an iconic movie character outside of super heroes which, dominate most of modern cinema.

I rate John Wick a perfect 10/10. This movie is a must watch for anybody and everybody.

For more reviews like this check out my review of The Raid 2 https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/13/the-raid-2-review/

Bigger, better and more bloodier than the first.

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ6yUHHfZ04

Rama, a cop from Jakarta, goes undercover as Yuda, a ruthless prisoner, in order to bring down a swarm of criminals and corrupt politicians and policemen.

The sequel to the Indonesian sleeper hit, The Raid. The Raid 2 picks up almost immediatley where the first one left off. However, whilst the first Raid was incredible and I encourage you to watch it before this sequel. It does not require you to have seen the first to understand what is going on and to fully enjoy the epic scale of the sequel is. The Raid 2 is so much bigger in scope which the story is bigger and better, and the action is bigger, better and even more brutal than the first.

Whilst the story is compelling, with one of criticism’s of the first Raid movie being the lack of story. The second 100% delivers on that regard. But lets face it, your not watching the Raid for the story. Your watching it for the kick-ass action set pieces.

The action is again awesome with my personal favourite action scene of all time. The kitchen scene, Rama and the assassin face off in this brutal, bloody, awesome fight scene. This scene has everything in what I look for in action movie, great stuntwork that are performed by the actors, no CGI, excellent choreographer and stunning cinematography by Gareth Evans. Just watch this scene and you will undestand how amazing it is.

Iko Uwais is again fantastic, after being changed by the events of the first Raid movie, Rama is more brutal and deadlier and he does not hold back, another thing I love about this movie is that he is fighting to see his family again which gives Rama a second dimention and gives the fight scenes emotion behind them. Iko Uwais plays this to perfection by also choregraphing the fight scenes himself along with other.

The characters in this movie are so cool, such as the assassin, Hammer Girl and Baseball Bat Guy. Yeah I am serious look it up, but honestly these characters are brutal badass’ in their own right. With my personal favourite being Baseball Bat guy.

Overall there is not really much else to say other than go watch this movie. With its compelling story, great characters and breathtaking action. What is not to love about this movie.

I rate The Raid 2 a perfect 10/10 I highly recommend you watch this movie. The Raid 2 is simply one of the most perfect action movies ever made.

For more reviews like this check out my review of the Raid: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/06/the-raid-review/

The action in most of todays movies is massively underwhelming from the CGI slugfest’s, the poorly structured scene and the worst offender’s of them all the use of ‘shaky cams’ and overly edited scenes.

1. Cinematography and Editing

For me, this is one of the most essential key aspects of creating an amazing action scene. Scenes with the best camera work and cinematography include:

• The corridor fight scene from ‘OldBoy’.
• The church fight scene from ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’.
• The Stairway fight scene from ‘Atomic Blonde’.
• The POV fight scene from ‘The Villainess’.
• The house invasion from ‘John Wick’
• The prison riot from ‘The Raid 2’

These scenes were all planned to perfection. These are all examples of what an action scene can be if planned thoroughly. Directors such as Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and Gareth Evans (The Raid) plan each and every shot of an action sequence so the audience never miss a thing.

Some may argue that the ‘shaky cams’ in ‘The Bourne Trilogy’ where great, however I argue that ‘The Bourne Trilogy’ is overrated. Whilst not awful I just think that ‘shaky cams’ and overly edited scenes should have never exsisted. But I must admit Paul Greengrass (director) showed us the best use of ‘shaky cams’ ever seen in hollywood. In movies such as ‘Taken’ the action is just sickening.

The action should be shown as a dance with the camera-men and stunt-men working together beat by beat to create a beautiful flawless action scene similar to a dance. By taking the camera off a tri-pod and allowing a cameraman to freely flow around the action. This means that the cameramen have marks to hit on time just as much as the stuntmen, creating an immersive and better action scene. This then creates action scenes that closely resssemble that of a dance. There are varying intensities and styles of this type of action sequence. For example, I would compare the camera work to the ‘John Wick’ films to ballet, its classy camera work follow whats in Wicks field of view, such as the guns he reloads and the enemies he shoots. Similarly the camerawork in ‘The Raid’ films is stylistic and upbeat camera shots and editing and twirls the camera to the rhythm of the scene, I would compare this to swing dancing.

To make a great action scene, you need to plan each shot and each angle. Allowing the camea to freeflow with the stuntman showing each and every action creating a sense of immersion. The cinematography is a key component to constructing a perfect action scene.

For me camera work and editing is a make or break an action scene for me, no matter how well choreographed it is, if i can’t see it whats the point.

2. Stunts

If the actor playing the hero or villain of the movie performs their own action or stunts or even both. The action becomes more believable and gives the audience a sense of immersion. Action stars who perform their own stunts and action include:

• Keanu Reeves: ‘John Wick’ and ‘The Matrix’
• Iko Uwais: All of his movies
• Tom Cruise: All of his movies.
• Jackie Chan: All of his movies.
• Charlize Theron: ‘Atomic Blonde’
• Brendon Fraser: All of his movies.

If the actor performs their own stunts it makes the action more believable no matter how outlandish the stunt really is. Even if the actors only perform their own fight scenes themselves but even leaving the real heavy hitting stunts, like being hit by a car, to the professionals it still creates the same sense of believability. For example, in ‘The Raid’ films Iko Uwais is one of the fastest martial artists in the world it makes sense to put him up against similar opponents and him coming out on top. However, in contrast to this in ‘John Wick Chapter 3’ Keanu Reeves faces of against two of the guys from ‘The Raid’ and it becomes a little unbelievable that Keanu Reeves, whilst an unrelenting badass can beat those guys. But its Keanu Reeves he can whoop anyones ass.

3. CGI

The use of CGI is not always bad in movies but sometimes it is just plain awful it just ends up being a CGI slugfest. The best CGI fights include:

• The fight against Thanos on Titan: ‘Infinity War’.
• The final fight: ‘Endgame’.
• Godzilla vs King Ghidorah: ‘Godzilla: King Of Monsters’.
• Spiderman Vs Mysterio: ‘Spiderman Far From Home’.
• Kong Vs Skullcrawlers: ‘Kong Skull Island’.
• Bumble Bee vs Dropkick: ‘Bumblebee’.

Whilst I don’t hate CGI, I do prefer good practical effects like Christopher Nolan. Some CGI action scenes aren’t that sickening to watch, and those to me are great usually from Marvel or DC movies with a huge buget. But personally for me, I am not a huge fan of CGI in action scenes unless it looks awesome.

4. The Action has purpose in the story and changes the characters.

What I mean by this is that action scene should be used to serve the purpose of the story and changes the characters in the action scene. Such as scenes like:

• The kitchen fight: ‘The Raid 2’.
• The nightclub scene: ‘John Wick’.
• The opening scene: ‘Logan’.
• The house fight: ‘Upgrade’.
• The fight against the prison guard: ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99’.
• The hallway fight scene: ‘The Raid’.

The character should not look or act the same when they emerge, either through exhaustion or perseverance the characters have changed and evolved.

These four tips of what to use and what not to use are to me what make a perfect action scene.

Leigh Whannel gives us another iconic horror movie that has already become an instant classic.

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WO_FJdiY9dA&t=1s

After staging his own suicide, a crazed scientist uses his power to become invisible to stalk and terrorize his ex-girlfriend. When the police refuse to believe her story, she decides to take matters into her own hands and fight back.

Elizabeth Moss does an incredible job as the protagonist, giving an emotional performance and being an absolute badass when needed.

The Invisible Man is an absolute must see and one of the best horror movies of the decade, competing with greats such as, ‘A Quiet Place’, ‘It 2017’ and ‘It Follows’. Leigh Whannel has created another instant horror classic. Leigh Whannel co created the ‘Saw’ and the ‘Insidious’ franchise and to me is one of best horror screenwriter and director out there, along with his co-creator of ‘Saw’ and ‘Insidious’, James Wan. I must admit, I had no idea that he was set to direct this movie, until 2 weeks before its release, and ever since I have been so excited to watch this. The Invisible Man is an absolute thrill ride, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats from the very opening second of the movie.

Leigh Whannel uses great imagery and beautiful cinematography panning the camera around the room and lingering the shot on ‘nothing’, making the audience believe the antagonist is standing right infront of us. Which creates a sense of eeriness and suspense. Leigh Whannel plays with the fear of the unknown and the unseen, which he does to perfection, as perfectly demonstrating one of the most tense, creepy, scary and eerie horror movies of all time.

Overall The Invisible Man is absolutley incredible, terrifying and intriguing and a worthy contender for movie of the year, and its only March. With a rocky start to 2020 in terms of horror movies such as the forgettable ‘Brahms: The Boy II’ and ‘Fantasy Island’. The Invisble Man definitley gives me hope that 2020 will be a decent year in horror movies, with releases such as ‘Spiral, From The Book Of Saw’ which I am super excited for.

I rate The Invisible Man a perfect 10/10. There is nothing else I can really say because, The Invisible Man is a perfect horror movie, and a worthy nomination for movie of the year.

Rated R

For more reviews like this check out my review of Brahms: The Boy II: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/06/brahms-the-boy-ii/

After 7 years of development and horrifying design, the Sonic The Hedgehog movie finally gets released. But was it the worth the wait ?

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=szby7ZHLnkA

Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend — a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.

Starring Jim Carrey as Dr Eggman, James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, and Ben Schwartz from Parks and Recreation voicing Sonic, the trio admittedly make this movie quite enjoyable. Jim Carrey is having the time of his life playing the egotistical Dr Eggman. He brings, an energy only the veteran comedy actor could bring, from his performance in ‘The Mask’ and ‘Liar, Liar’, I had no doubt Carrey would be great. Ben Schwartz was a huge suprise in this movie, I went into it thinking he wouldn’t do such a great job as Sonic, but wow I was so wrong. Ben Schwartz is perfectly cast the blue hedgehog, bringing emotion and his comedic timing.

The story is essentially Sonic trying to find a friend after being on his own for many many years. He finds that friend with Tom ‘The Donut Lord’ Wachowski, played by James Marsden. The story of Sonic The Hedgehog was suprisingly emotional. I went into this movie with low expectations especially after the horrific trailer that released in April 2019.

Sonic The Hedgehog, is not without its faults. Some of the jokes land very thin, some of the action seems forced and boring, and the pacing is off.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Sonic The Hedgehog due to its great cast, beautiful animation and a quite emotional story. The blue hedgehog is perfectly portrayed by Ben Schawartz, and the watching Jim Carrey having a great time as Dr Eggman made me enjoy the movie even more. I do recommend this movie, whilst its not a must see movie, if you want a good movie to watch with the family. I thoroughly recommend Sonic The Hedgehog.

I rate Sonic The Hedgehog a solid 7/10. With is backlash before this movie was released and the fact that its a movie based off a video game character. Sonic The Hedgehog completely surpassed my expectations.

For more reviews like this check out my review of Onward: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/04/onward-review/

Unconfidentially Bad!!!

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bgKEoHNi3Uc

To unravel a twisted murder conspiracy, a former police detective returns to Boston’s criminal underworld.

Mark Wahlberg stars in this crime thriller alongside Winston Duke, Alan Arkin and Post Malone. Whilst the cast do a great job in this movie its the action and story that lets Spenser Confidential down.

What can I say other than, that this movie is a complete turd pile. The “mystery” was blatantly obvious, the action was a mess. I mean if you have nothing else to watch, watch this turd pile. But i encourage you to watch other great Netflix originals such as Uncut Gems, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie or if you wanna kill 4 hours The Irishman.

Spenser Confidential has nothing, its just as bland as hospital food. I am sitting here writing this review struggling to remember what I actually just watched, I can’t remember a single scene.

Overall Spenser Confidential is a must skip movie. I encourage you to stay as far from this movie as possible because otherwise you will waste nearly 2 hours of your life.

I rate Spenser Confidential a poor 1/10 from its obvious “mystery” to its bland action, Spenser Confidential is really not worth your time.

For more reviews like this check out my review of The Night Comes For Us: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/05/the-night-that-comes-for-us-review/

An action movie with a basic plot. But who the hell cares this movie is AWESOME.

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Q7KnXpNOg

This Indonesian movie centers around Rama (Iko Uwais), a police officer who’s unit is sent to infiltrate a hellish apartment block to arrest a crime lord who occupies it. Rama and his unit must fight for survival as the raid goes horribly wrong.

I did not go into this movie with high expectations but damn did I come out of it pleased and The Raid became one of my favourite movies of all time. The Raid released in 2012 and revolutionized action movies of the last decade. The Raid had a huge infulence on movies such as the John Wick series and it shows as some of the actors from The Raid feature in John Wick Chapter 3.

Some may argue that The Raid has a basic plot. This movie to me feels a lot like a video game but that is a good thing, because it is a completely immersive experience. The action set pieces are incredible from the hall-way showdown, to the SWAT’s ambush, to the final showdown between, Rama, Mad Dog and Rama’s brother. Every action scene has a purpose and is not just in the movie for the sake of action. Going into this movie you can tell Gareth Evans (director) had a clear vision of each scene as the scenes are perfectly shot and perfectly choreographed. Compared to other action movies where the director just leaves it to last second without even planning the scene fully. Thats what annoys me about most modern day action movies with all the “shaky cams” and quick cuts. Hollywood just please stop it. I can’t tell what’s actually going on and who’s who. But The Raid doesn’t shy away from showing you every punch, kick, shot, stab and bone crunch. I just absolutely love this movie and appreciate the work that went into making this movie possible.

By far the stand out performance was Iko Uwais as previously he was very much an unknown working more behind the scenes as a fight choreographer. Iko Uwais kicks so much ass in this movie, he to me is the best action star to ever grace the silver screens. This movie deserves to be seen by way more people and Iko Uwais deserves more roles in action movies.

Overall, Gareth Evans has created one of the best and influencial action movies of all time and introduced the world to Iko Uwais. The Raid is an incredible, adrenaline fueled, no holds bared action movie. Gareth Evan’s (director) describes the movie as more of a survival horror and it shows as The Raid will leave you on the edge of your seat but leave you room to sit back and enjoy the beautifully choreographed action scenes.

I rate this movie 10/10 nothing more needs to be said. JUST WATCH THIS MOVIE.

Rated R

For more reviews like this check out my review on The Night Comes For Us: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/05/the-night-that-comes-for-us-review/

Oh Boy!!!

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytxEldPKnyA

When a young family moves to the Heelshire’s residence, terror strikes when a boy from the family discovers a doll called Brahms that appears to be eerily human.

Whilst not a very scary movie. The Boy II still has some creepy elements, that being with a very creepy and victorian design of Brahms and not much else. The scares come when Brahms doesn’t move or the audience doesn’t see him move. But when the audience see Brahms move, for example his eyes move to look at the camera, breaking the fourth wall. The movie loses alot of its scare factor and creep factor that the first one kind of had. Whilst not being a scary horror movie in itself. I like the idea behind the first Boy movie. You never actually saw Brahms move and for me that gained extra points. Yes, the audience saw him disappear but we never saw him physically move. The cast in this movie did excellent with the material they were given. Although, Christopher Convey is great as the young boy who befriends Brahms and slowly starts to become under control by Brahms.

The Boy II has no really memorable scenes other than the opening burglary scene, wheere the main family get burgled. Thats the most terrifying scene in the movie and even that isn’t scary. The scene doesn’t even involve Brahms, the main plot hasn’t even begun and from this point the story and the scares become begrudgingly worse. The ending is absolutely piss-poor, I sighed at the ending of this movie, it tried to lead on and go somewhere, but too be honest nobody really cares. I mean no body asked for a sequal, even though I enjoyed the first one. I would never have asked for a sequel.

Overall Brahms: The Boy II has no redeeming qualities going for it other than the creepy design of Brahms. The cast all do a great job with what they were given but unfortunatley it wasn’t good enough to save this movie. For a horror movie, it was not scary and expected audiences to be suprised at some overly obvious and cheap jump scares. I found Brahms: The Boy II to be a piss-poor and lack luster sequel.

I rate this movie a mediocre 4/10. I found myself getting bored at parts of the movie and looking at the time. Although I did find the design of Brahms a little creepy and the opening scene intrigued me and did scare me. This sequel did not need to be made.