Review - Only God Forgives, Mud, Oblivion

A few short movie reviews on some new and old releases that I watched recently. These include Oblivion, Scary Movie 5, Mud, Only God Forgives, All The President's Men, Fletch, Europa Report, Dogma, Chasing Amy and The Last King of Scotland. Check them out.

Oblivion (2013)

Tom Cruise stars in this apocalyptic thriller about a man who uncovers the truth about the world around him. Oblivion boasts some breathtaking visuals but this movie was pretty lifeless from start to finish. Flat, boring and a premise so stupid that not even a twist could fix it. Every character in this film felt seriously underused. 

Rating: 2/10

Scary Movie 5 (2013)

The fifth installment of the Scary Movie franchise is the worst one to date and arguably the worst movie of 2013. Every thing about this movie was terrible; the stupid narration, the acting, the script and the piss poor editing. It is a spoof of movies such as Mama, Paranormal Activity, Evil Dead, Inception, Black Swan and it does a great job of being an embarrassment to them all. Every actor and actress associated with this sequel committed further career suicide. The spoof era is certainly dead.

Rating: 0/10

Europa Report (2013)

Europa Report is an okay sci-fi effort. The movie highlights a group of astronauts who partake on a mission to a distant moon of Jupiter called Europa where they uncover strange happenings. The movie utilises both a documentary and found-footage style and was effective enough with it. Europa Report had some tense moments, the visuals were okay but I felt it lost some steam towards the end. 

Rating: 6.5/10

Mud (2013)

Matthew McConaughey has really redefined his acting career. He plays a fugitive hiding out on a small island in the Mississippi and is discovered and aided by two young boys. McConaughey was solid in his role but it was young Tye Sheridan who stole the show for me and did a good job in carrying this film. Mud is director Jeff Nichols second film and even though it is a slow paced, you never feel bored at any point.

Rating: 8.5/10

Only God Forgives (2013)

I am one of the few movie lovers that wasn't fond of Drive. However I was still looking forward to watching Ryan Gosling and director Nicolas Winding Refn team up again - but this movie was very disappointing. The movie follows Julian (Ryan Gosling) who goes on to avenge his brother's death. Only God Forgives features lovely cinematography, a weird score, a few uninteresting characters with long awkward silences and stares. There were moments I liked but this movie tried way too hard to be Drive.

Rating: 5/10

Chasing Amy (1997)

I thought Clerks was director Kevin Smith's best film but Chasing Amy just might be the one. Chasing Amy is a perfect mix of raunchy humor and romance. Ben Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams had great chemistry. The acting was great overall and the dialogue even greater. Very insightful film on sexuality, relationship and friendship done in a funny way.

Rating: 10/10

Dogma (1999)

Dogma takes a knock at religion but in an oh so funny and clever way. The movie features Kevin Smith's signature raunchy dialogue and humor - and as usual a solid cast. Even though it makes fun of religion, underneath it all, it still finds ways to highlight its relevance to society. I thought the lead actress Linda Fiorentino was uncharismatic and a weak link but the movie is still enjoyable and funny.

Rating: 8/10

The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

James McAvoy stars in this political thriller based on real events surrounding the cruel reign of Ugandan dictator - Idi Amin. Forest Whitaker does a splendid job in portraying Amin and the movie features a surprisingly unique and upbeat score to go along with its story. The only disappointment in this film was that it never felt like there was a sense of urgency towards the end.

Rating: 7.5/10

Fletch (1985)

Chevy Chase stars in this fast-paced comedy thriller about a persistent investigative reporter trying to solve a crime. The movie is funny, smartly written and has memorable lines. Definitely one of Chevy Chase's best roles and a hidden comedy gem of the 80s.

Rating: 9/10

All The President's Men (1976)

You couldn't ask for two better leading actors in a movie. All The President's Men stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as two journalists determined to uncover the truth behind the Watergate burglary. Based on a true event, the acting and writing was superb. It was an interesting ride uncovering the truth with both lead actors. A well done realistic political drama.

Rating: 10/10