Mac's Movies

UK Release Date:  27 December 1971 Certification:  18 Director:  William Friedkin Cast:  Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi, Gene Hackman, Bill Hickman, Frédéric de Pasquale, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider Rating:   68 % Review: Two years prior to the release of esteemed horror The Exorcis t, director, William Friedkin took to the streets of New York crafting a gritty crime thriller very much of its time. The French Connection picked up five Oscars at the 44th Academy Awards as well as introducing the world to Roy Scheider.  The French Connection is complete with sequences of great quality action, a predecessor of the thrill of Michael Mann's Heat . Numerous devilishly designed and thought-out set-pieces unprecedented for 1971 that surprisingly still hold up. The intricate, prolonged car chase stands out. No dialogue plays as the film lets the sheer power of the engine and the overhead train tracks put the audience on edge.  The film often relies on its stu...

UK Release Date:  23 September 2022 Certification:  15 Director:  Olivia Wilde Cast:  Kate Berlant, Gemma Chan, Nick Kroll, Kiki Layne, Chris Pine,  Florence Pugh, Timothy Simons, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde Rating:   56%                                                                                                                                                                                          Review: Cl...

UK Release Date:  04 January 2002 Certification:  15 Director:  Rod Lurie Cast:  Steve Burton, Clifton Collins Jr., James Gandolfini, Delroy Lindo, Robert Redford, Mark Ruffalo, Robin Wright Rating:   50% Review:   Arguably the most distinctly average film of all time. Receiving mixed reviews initially and bombing worldwide at the box office, grossing $27 million with a budget of $72 million, The Last Castle has largely been forgotten.  Everything in this film lacks originality. It has all been seen, in some shape or form, before. A fairly formulaic prison break reminiscent of Escape from Alcatraz or The Shawshank Redemption . Events on screen are filmed to a fairly decent standard and for the most part entertaining but it is completely lacking in both inventiveness and imagination. Thoroughly devoid of any new ideas and largely predictable from start to finish. Alongside dated CGI that ruins the third act.  Released during a...

UK Release Date:  02 November 2001 Certification:  12 Director:  Alejandro Amenábar Cast:  James Bentley, Elaine Cassidy, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan, Nicole Kidman, Alakina Mann, Eric Sykes Rating:   79 % Review: What a pleasant surprise. Supernatural-horror, The Others , is certainly deserving of a higher appreciation when it comes to discussing modern horror.  Nicole Kidman is tremendous in the lead role. Playing, Grace, mother to Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley), just weeks after her public divorce with Tom Cruise. That doesn't detract from her performance whatsoever as she shines in The Others . Frightened but at the same time completely unhinged. Understandably so, doing everything she can in the film's runtime to protect her children. Amazingly, first-time child actress Alakina Mann is just as good. Perfectly capable of acting alongside Nicole Kidman, looking comfortable in each interaction. Such a fear-ind...

UK Release Date:  28 July 2023 Certification:  15 Director:  Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou Cast:  Chris Alosio, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Alexandra Jensen, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, Sophie Wilde Rating:   79%                                                                                                                                                                                               ...

UK Release Date:  08 May 1992 Certification:  18 Director:  Paul Verhoeven Cast:  Daniel von Bargen, Michael Douglas, George Dzundza, Wayne Knight, Sharon Stone, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Bruce A. Young Rating:   61 % Review:   Basic Instinct consists of an awful, awful script. There are several laughable moments as a result of cringe writing, uninventive and insufferable dialogue. It results in quite a few cast members simply phoning it in or over acting in an attempt to get something out of the wooden material that they have to work with.  The late Jerry Goldsmith composes the film's score. With an illustrious filmography consisting of Alien , Chinatown and Planet of the Apes - receiving a total of 18 Oscar nominations including one for Basic Instinct . Personally, the score feels overused and overwhelming even if it is complete with decent pieces of music.  Michael Douglas is solid enough in the lead role - he garnered fame for simi...

UK Release Date:  10 July 2023 Certification:  12A Director:  Christopher McQuarrie Cast:  Hayley Atwell,  Tom Cruise, Henry Czerny, Cary Elwes, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames Rating:   66% Review: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One released last week to nothing but positive reviews and opened to $310 million worldwide. The troubled production was well documented with filming halting several times as a result of COVID-19. An infamous rant from Tom Cruise leaked online due to the frustration. Criticised for his aggressive approach but praised for his attitude towards following the strict guidelines.  However, despite the controversy that surrounds him, it can't be denied that Tom Cruise is the last of a dying age of cinema, the last true movie star. He's a great actor - demonstrating that early on in his career as he worked with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick and Paul Th...

UK Release Date:  26 December 2011 Certification:  12A Director:  Brad Bird Cast:  Tom Cruise, Samuli Edelmann, Vladimir Mashkov, Michael Nyqvist, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Léa Seydoux Rating:   70% Review: 2011's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is when the franchise truly became the action behemoth that it is renowned for being today.  After a five year hiatus from Mission: Impossible III , many were quick to assume that Tom Cruise was too old to continue in the role.  However, this is Tom Cruise hitting his peak. The  stunt work he throws himself into is absolutely absurd. Why on earth would anyone sit down one day and think let's scale the Burj Khalifa? Filmed predominantly with the use of an overhead helicopter depicting Tom Cruise strapped to a safety harness as he ascends the tallest building in the world. It's a phenomenal showcase of Cruise's dedication to his craft. An exhilarating spectacle built to en...

UK Release Date:  04 May 2006 Certification:  12A Director:  J.J. Abrams Cast: Billy Crudup,  Tom Cruise, Laurence Fishburne, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Michelle Monaghan, Simon Pegg, Maggie Q, Ving Rhames  Rating:   62% Review: Mission: Impossible III saw a return to form for the action franchise after the mishap of Mission: Impossible II . With a whole host of fresh faces both in front of and behind the camera,  a new breath of life helped Ethan Hunt's story stand out from his previous outings. Firstly, rest in peace Phillip Seymour Hoffman. That man could act. It is by far the best performance within the series. Convincingly menacing with every action, Owen Davian poses a realistic threat to Ethan's morals and ideals. His relentless nature for suffering is frightening. He is never challenged, more feeling bothered and inconvenienced by it all. The new additions to Ethan's crew are entertaining. Really enjoy both Jonathan Rhys Mey...

UK Release Date:  07 July 2000 Certification:  15 Director:  John Woo Cast:  Tom Cruise, Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Thandie Newton, John Polson, Ving Rhames, Richard Roxburgh, Dougray Scott Rating:   29% Review: Mission: Impossible II is the only mis fire of the whole franchise. Brian De Palma choose not to return to direct the sequel - quoting, "One of these is enough." In the case of this film that statement would be correct, a massive step down in quality from its predecessor.  With a whole new team of writers behind the development of Mission: Impossible II (bar one)  the film   completely mischaracterises Ethan Hunt. In the first, Hunt is a little cocky but he has an undeniable charm surrounding his persona. Whereas, with this outing he's unbearable. Jealous throughout, rude to his crew and making frequent bad decisions that result in life-threatening consequences.  Thandie Newton and Dougray Scott give two of the worst act...

UK Release Date:  05 July 1996 Certification:  PG Director:  Brian De Palma Cast:  Emmanuelle Béart, Tom Cruise, Henry Czerny, Vanessa Redgrave, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Kristen Scott Thomas, Jon Voight Rating:   68% Review: Quintessential 90s cinema. A film that kickstarted a continuous action franchise that has since grown in ambition, stature and quality. Based on a TV series of the same name that first aired in 1966, Mission: Impossible released 30 years later to, at the time, record breaking commercial success.  Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt. There is near to no separation from actor and character. Although the stunts get more extravagant and death-defying as the franchise progresses, his dedication at this early stage is unreal during his first real delve into the action genre. Deciding to hang on top of a moving train for the benefit of the film.  Even from the first entry, Cruise was involved in the making of Mission: Impossible as a...

UK Release Date:  04 November 2022 Certification:  15 Director:  Lee Jung-jae Cast:  Jeon Hye-jin, Kim Jong-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jeong Man-sik, Heo Sung-tae, Jung Woo-sung, Go Youn-jung Rating:   69 % Review:   Hunt is Lee Jung-jae's directorial debut, within the runtime he shows a lot of promise behind the camera. Widely to mainstream audiences for his portrayal of Squid Game contestant 456, Seong Gi-hun. Lee Jung-jae decided to take full control of the film directing, producing, writing and acting. He handles most of the technical aspects superbly, executing each to a fairly high standard. The locations are vibrant, unique and the way its shot heightens the feel of the film.  Frequent collaborator with Korean director, Park Chan-wook ( Decision to Leave , The Handmaiden and Oldboy ), Cho Young-wuk provides the film's score. An enthralling main theme that only gets better as it progresses. A buoyant piece of music that pulls out all the sto...

UK Release Date:  16 June 2023 Certification:  15 Director:  Sam Hargrave Cast:  Adam Bessa, Tornike Bziava, Idris Elba, Golshifteh Farahani, Tornike Gogrichiani,  Chris Hemsworth, Olga Kurylenko Rating:   70 % Review: Expanding upon the success of 2020 Netflix original, Extraction , that saw stuntman turned director, Sam Hargrave turn out one of the best pure action films of the 21st century - Extraction 2 replicates the majority of achievements of the first whilst not doing much else to elevate the material.  The first word that comes to mind when describing Extraction 2 is ambitious. The first set the bar with a 'one-take' action scene lasting a total of twelve minutes. There are a few hidden cuts during the scene but it is often seamless. In an attempt to outdo its predecessor, Extraction 2 involves a twenty-one minute action scene filmed as if there are no cuts. The audience can't take their eyes off the screen during the never-ending sequen...

UK Release Date:  24 April 2020 Certification:  18 Director:  Sam Hargrave Cast:  Golshifteh Farahani, David Harbour,  Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, Rudhraksh Jaiswal Rating:   77 % Review: Extraction is one of Netflix's most ambitious productions - a budget of $70 million - and it pulls no punches. Clearly influenced by the success and acclaim of the John Wick universe, the film is a marvellous modern action feature.  The action choreography is truly phenomenal. Director, Sam Hargrave spent time previously working as a stunt coordinator on The Avengers , The Accountant and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire  and that bleeds through onto the screen. Every set-piece executed impeccably, it's as close to perfect as humanly possible. Non-stop, brutal and stylistically eye-catching.  Antagonists take multiple shots before dying.  The camera movement adds to the experience, almost swaying from side to side to try and keep up with what's happ...

UK Release Date:  24 October 2008 Certification:  18 Director:  David Hackl Cast:  Tobin Bell, Julie Benz, Greg Bryk, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Mark Rolston, Betsy Russell Rating:   28 % Review:   Really disappointed with Saw V because I genuinely enjoyed Saw IV despite it's flaws but this is a huge step down.  Saw V doesn't spend nearly enough time on the traps - the traps almost play like something out of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory  in this entry - the most interesting aspect of the film. Each level ups the stakes and has new, 'fun' deaths that keep the on-screen horror captivating. But this is a detective melodrama rather than a horror film. The back and forth discussion of corruption within the police force can't be done well without good dialogue, it's not engaging whatsoever. Although, saying that, I respect the characterisation of Agent Strahm because somehow he knows what's going on at all times.  From a techni...

UK Release Date:  26 October 2007 Certification:  18 Director:  Darren Lynn Bousman Cast:  Tobin Bell, Lyriq Bent, Louis Ferreira, Athena Karkanis, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Donnie Wahlberg  Rating:   50 % Review:   Favourite sequel of the franchise so far. Saw IV isn't a good film by any means but I enjoyed what I was watching during the vast majority of the runtime. Saw IV takes the series in a whole new direction whilst still delivering the infamous traps.  The best aspect of the film is that it is bold enough to completely change the tone from prior entries. This is a detective story. Saw IV plays like a dramatic serial killer documentary rather than a parody of one. Following Detective Hoffman, Detective Rigg and Agent Strahm all try to achieve the same goal with differing adversities to face building until it reaches the climax - all the clichés of a solid thriller.  Saw IV had to follow up a dire entry in the...

UK Release Date:  13 September 2013 Certification:  12A Director:  Roland Emmerich Cast:  Jason Clarke, Jamie Foxx, Richard Jenkins, Joey King, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lance Reddick, Channing Tatum, James Woods Rating:   39 % Review: Channing Tatum became signified attached to the role of Mike Lane in the eyes of the public following the release of Magic Mike in 2012. A role that could have ruined an actor's career - ridiculed for the sheer absurdity of it. However, Channing Tatum is the best aspect of White House Down as John Cale. He displays all the characteristics of a leading action man in Hollywood. The looks, the charisma, the charm, it's all there. The reluctant but skilled hero 'gimmick' is convincing here with Tatum going as far as to do most of his own stunts for the film. Channing Tatum's chemistry with Jamie Foxx is infectious throughout.  On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Joey King is frighteningly bad. One of the worst child acting pe...

UK Release Date:  01 June 2022 Certification:  15 Director:  Alex Garland Cast:  Jessie Buckley, Paapa Essiedu, Rory Kinnear, Gayle Rankin Rating:   36% Review: Men was made to look like a modern horror classic when A24 revealed the first trailer for the film   last year in February. Unfortunately, the film failed to reach the heights set out by its trailer. Men takes a promising concept with an eerie build-up and totally wastes it.  A short film is defined 'as an original motion picture that has a runtime of 40 minutes or less'. Men would've worked better as a short film for me because t he first hour of this film, exceptional - a few scenes could've been cut to fit the criteria.  Incredibly anxiety inducing, u tterly terrifying to the point where it becomes a draining watch due to the constant unease.  The score heightens the tension incorporating sounds made from a character earlier on in the film into the music.  The film is beaut...

UK Release Date:  27 October 2006 Certification:  18 Director:  Darren Lynn Bousman Cast:  Tobin Bell, Angus Macfadyen, Dina Meyer,  Shawnee Smith, Bahar Soomekh, Donnie Wahlberg Rating:   22 % Review: What a mess of a film. Several abandoned subplots, an incoherent story and a band of incredibly unlikeable characters. This is where I think the franchise will lose my interest.  Other than a few scenes towards the beginning of the film that were slightly unsettling, Saw III isn't scary and a huge departure in quality from the first two. Saw III relies solely on gore in an attempt to scare/shock the audience. But when the traps appear unwinnable and so much blood is shown it becomes desensitised.  Horror films often get a bad rep for having their characters making the worst possible decisions in important situations. I think that's unwarranted but it is certainly the case in Saw III . Jeff (Angus Macfadyen) is the most frustrating character in horr...

UK Release Date:  14 August 2019 Certification:  18 Director:  Quentin Tarantino Cast:  Austin Butler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, Margaret Qualley, Margot Robbie Rating:   95% Review: Esteemed director, Quentin Tarantino, explores 1960's Hollywood putting his own spin on history in his ninth feature film, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood . The world created feels immersive, transporting the audience back in time, due to intricate set-designs and a vibrant, swinging soundtrack.  As the film progresses, characters become entangled with certain members of the Manson Family.  Obviously, the Manson murders are a horrific part of history. It's a huge challenge to be able to explore the Manson Family in a sensitive manner. If done incorrectly, there would have been a real danger of  Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood  becoming exploitative but I thought it was handled well. Scenes aroun...