Robert Rodriguez. James Cameron. One Directing. One Producing. Two legends of Hollywood, working together for the first time. It was surely a match made in heaven, but despite some triumphant technical efforts, they both forgot the most important rules of filmmaking. Give your film a good plot, and an actual ending. No, really…
The Transformers franchise has, for a long time, been a joke among film lovers. While the films are entertaining enough, they are some of the worst written films of recent years, saved only by their pioneering CGI effects. Bumblebee, the latest in the series, has taken clever steps to ensure the characters are more important than giant metal creatures smashing together. Though it still doesn’t quite work, if you’re a fan of Transformers and The Iron Giant then this is the perfect film for you.
Shane Black is one of the highest regarded writer directors working currently, known for writing ‘Lethal Weapon’ 1 and 2, and for writing/directing ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘The Nice Guys’ and ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (all great films). Unfortunately, his latest film continuing the Predator franchise is a break from his pretty consistent track record, and one that features a dull story, ropey CGI and offensive stereotypes.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Sharknado quality film would look like if it cost $150 million, then The Meg is the film for you! While admittedly enjoyable, this appalling film drags all the post-Jaws troupes through the water, but leaves viewers dry.
The unthinkable has happened. According to most box office reporters, Solo has become the first Star Wars Film to officially flop. Despite not being a huge super-fan of the franchise, I can’t deny I do enjoy most of the films and am deeply shocked that a Star Wars film hasn’t broken the box office. More surprising, however, was that the box office survived the new trilogy (Phantom Menace etc.) and instead fell apart on Solo, a film which I found to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Following on from 2015’s great reboot on the classic Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom delivers some fantastic set pieces, but is ultimately let down by a bland and boring script.
Ready Player One is the new blockbuster film from Steven Spielberg, the man responsible for defining what a blockbuster film actual is. Having to follow up hits like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, just two of his countless hits, is a monumental task. It is with the biggest smile on my face that I announce that he has managed to add another amazing film to his legendary back catalogue.
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 