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Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard

Posted on March 23, 2010 Written by ripitup

Iron Man poster with Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard — Robert Downey Jr. is the Iron Man. Just as smart, cocky and funny as any good superhero should be. Photo: filmdiziseyret.net

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is living the good life. As the CEO of Stark Industries, the biggest weapons manufacturer of the United States, he is filthy rich. He is also good-looking, smart and has a wicked sense of humor; which makes him irresistible to women.

However one trip to Afghanistan makes him realize how insignificant all these are. He is kidnapped and all the soldiers protecting him get killed. His kidnappers want him to build his latest weapon for them and that he has a week to complete it. Moreover, his heart is only working because it is attached to a battery, stopping bullet splinters from going into his heart. But instead of building the weapon, he builds something that will help him escape: an iron suit that will later be improved by him to be more efficient, stylish and kick more bad ass. But his radical decisions back home, will cause more complications than he ever imagined…

The movie does a magnificent job of depicting Tony’s life style, his predicament, how he builds the suit to survive and the change of heart he goes through. It is full of action, humor and good effects. Oh, the acting is wonderful as well. I mean Jeff Bridges is playing Obadiah, Gwyneth Paltrow portrays Tony’s loyal and more than efficient assistant Pepper Potts and Robert was just born to be Iron Man. Terrence Howards also has a major part as Tony’s good friend Rohdey. His natural mischievousness and own naughty past are combined with his acting chops and voila: You get one of the most entertaining comic book adaptations ever.

Jon Favreau is typically known his on and off-screen collaborations with Vince Vaughn. The duo recently wrote and starred in Couples Retreat. Here Favreau steps away from his usual fast-talking, know-it-all character to direct Iron Man and I have to say, his direction is much better than his writing and acting. I enjoy watching him but he sure as hell kicks ass directing. He also has a small part as one of Tony Stark’s employees.

8.0 on IMDB, voted by over 158.000 people I’m giving it a solid 9. This is how entertainment is done, folks!

Iron Man is about how the suit and the hero were born. Iron Man has more action and even more worthy enemies. Check out the review and the trailers for the second film here.

Enjoy the trailer:

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIFaeqwES1Y[/pro-player]

Kingdom of Heaven starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green

Posted on March 5, 2010 Written by ripitup

Kingdom of Heaven- Orlando Bloom. Photo via lightscamerahistory.files.wordpress.com

1184. Blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) is not a happy man. He has recently lost his kid, and his wife has committed suicide, not being able to bear the death of their child. Moreover he has to listen to the town’s priest (Michael Sheen), who goes on and on about how his wife is in hell. But his life completely changes when he meets his father for the first time. The absent father is Lord of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), and he is there to take Balian with him. At first Balian is unwilling but circumstances force him to go. From then on, he learns a lot from his father. He will also need to prepare himself to take his father’s place. He now doesn’t even have the time to grieve- he has to be a knight, a worthy lord, deal with Prince Guy (Marton Csokas) who absolutely despises him, travel to Jerusalem…

Kingdom of Heaven. As glorious as an epic should be. Written by William Monahan. Directed by Ridley Scott. Photo: images.allmoviephoto.com

Balian’s journey is exciting and never dull for a second. In Jerusalem, he easily makes friends with the Marshall Tiberias (Jeremy Irons) and earns the trust of King Baldwin (Edward Norton). He also intrigues and attracts, Sibylla (Eva Green)- The King’s sister- who also happens to be Guy’s wife. Not to mention, Guy is thirsty for blood and is dying to fight the Muslims- much against the will of the King.

Kingdom of Heaven- a battle scene — I love a good old battle scene. Well, what did you expect? My favorite movie ever is an epic war flick, Braveheart. Photo: film.com.tr

This movie is a really good example on how an epic should be. It has all the complications and the amazing battle scenes. It has the peace-loving villager-turned lord-who doesn’t let go of his virtues, even though it might cost him dearly. Orlando Bloom fits Balian perfectly and the rest of the cast is simply brilliant.

Fun Stuff:

Liam Neeson only appears in the first 25 minutes or so.

Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Father and son bonding moment. Cool for Bloom. Those sword-fighting lessons from Pirates of The Caribbean must have come in handy. Photo: hecinemasource.co

King Baldwin has leprosy. So you never see Edward Norton’s face. But it is fun to have him nevertheless.

Edward Norton in Kingdom of Heaven. Yep, this is how Edward Norton looks throughout all his scenes. For all we know, he could have recorded his voice. Just kidding. It is always nice to have him in a movie. Even when you don’t see him.Photo: cinecultist.com

The (only) leading female is Sibylla, played by the gorgeous Eva Green.

Eva Green in Kingdom of Heaven — Trust me, this picture doesn’t do her justice at all. She is simply radiantly beautiful in this cool epic from 2005. Photo: http://www.atoww.com

There is also Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) from Grey’s Anatomy, plays one of Liam Neeson’s soldiers.

Brendan Gleeson plays exactly looks like his character in Braveheart– where he played Hamish, Wallace’s best mate. Although here, he is pretty much the bad guy.

Brendan Gleeson, Braveheart — This is Brendan in Braveheart. One of the good guys.

Brendan Gleeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Apart from 10 year gap between the films, he is instantly recognizable and reminded me of Hamish. Here, he does a great job as a mean bastard. Photo: filmdope.com

Reasons to see Kingdom of Heaven:

– You mean apart from Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Orlando Bloom and Eva Green?

– Director is Ridley Scott- who also directed Gladiator, Body of Lies, American Gangster, White Squall and Thelma and Luis.

– Good script, good acting, wonderful direction and pretty cool battle scenes.

– If you are not convinced yet, I am giving up.

Cons:

– I didn’t see any, but you might be bothered by the stuff that is not historically accurate.

– Why have Edward Norton play a character with leprosy in the first place? But being the cool and interesting guy that he is, it was Edward who specifically requested that role. Let’s keep fingers crossed that he does star in an epic one day, with his face showing…

– If you do hate Orlando Bloom and think he can’t act, obviously you will get annoyed watching him for 144 minutes. Or for 190 minutes in Director’s Cut.

Orlando Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven — Yep, a lot of Orlando Bloom. He is pretty good, though. He carries his role with grace and innonce. Photo: wallpaperbase.com

My biases: Love the whole cast and I am a big fan of Ridley Scott. White Squall (starring Jeff Bridges) is one of my favorite movies ever and I am yet to dislike anything Ridley worked on.

IMDB verdict: 7.1

My verdict: 7.8- 8.0

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The International starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts

Posted on January 31, 2010 Written by ripitup

The International with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts — Clive Owen and Naomi Watts make an excellent team in The International.

Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) is an Interpol agent. When one of his collegaues dies suspiciously in front of him, he is sure it is not a natural cause. He asks the help of DA Eleanor (Naomi Watts). They realize that a very powerful bank is behind all these and they are very well-protected. You think just because you heard the name bank this is a boring movie about financial conflict? Think again.

This bank has tremendous power. It controls conflicts and debt and billion-dollar-worth weapon trading. The bank will do anything to get rid of anyone that stands in the way. Plus, the justice system Louis and Eleanor believe in might be supporting the bank after all. Their families and careers will be at risk. But then again, Louis is determined to get everyone responsible, even it means disobeying everyone.

The film is a quality political drama/thriller. If you have soft spot for movies where agents are both street and gun-smart; where they can survive both an armed fight and put people in their places in conversations, Louis Salinger is your man. Who better than Clive Owen than to play the strong yet emotional, disheveled yet cool- to play Louis? Naomi Watts is as beautiful and good as usual.

The movie takes you on a ride across the globe. You will see Italy, USA, Switzerland, Germany, France and Turkey. I might even be missing some. You will hear foreign languages and get into smart complications. And be warned: Louis and Eleanor are not lovers!! They are good friends and frankly, this is refreshing to see in such a thriller.

How would you like to watch an amazing shoot out that takes place in the Guggenheim Museum?

And my readers from Turkey:

Be ready to see Haluk Bilginer in a very,very cool role. Plus, wouldn’t it be lovely to see Clive Owen chasing his men around Istanbul?

So, have I intrigued you yet? Below is the trailer:

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mDi49Qj1xk[/pro-player]

Other Clive Owen movies:

If you want more of Clive Owen’s movies, click the name of the movie to go the reviews/trailers.

Elizabeth The Golden Age

Derailed

Foolproof starring Ryan Reynolds

Posted on October 26, 2009 Written by ripitup

Foolproof starring Ryan Reynolds — Ryan Reynolds in Foolproof. This movie is just fun, fun, fun.

How do you feel about heist movies? I personally have a weakness for the good ones. I love all that planning and gadgets, the adrenaline and excitement. And if the movie has characters that we can relate to, even better.

Here we have Kevin (Ryan Reynolds), Sam (Kristin Booth) and Rob (Joris Jarsky); three buddies who have known each other since college. They are also a part of a secret society that theoretically plans and executes heists. They plan every single aspect: the timing, the chemical products needed, the athletic performance expected. It’s fun and harmless; until their robbery plan of a diamond store is captured by an actual bad guy (David Suchet). He is aware of the group’s genius. So he makes a plan of his own and delivers the perfect blackmail: Either the friends execute a 20- million- dollar-heist of bonds for him or he sends the plan to the cops and they go to jail.

Kevin and Sam seem to be taking it worse than Rob. Rob seems to like and respect Leo. And moreover he is getting more and more enthusiastic about his cut. Sam wishes Leo dead; she’s not the type to enjoy taking orders. Their nerves are pretty strained too. This time the heist is going to take more guts, more risks and it is a fun ride to watch the gang do all the tricky work.

I like Ryan Reynolds. I am not sure if he is a great actor, but he is no doubt good. I liked his comedic timing when he was one of the guys in the sitcom Two Guys and A Girl. He definitely has the built and charisma to play the action hero which he shows in Wolverine as Wade Wilson, Blade Trinity and many more. He has starred in some very interesting, not- so- easy- to- be- categorized films such as The Nines; which will in fact be my next review. He is cute and handsome enough to pull off romantic leads as well; such as The Proposal. He is one of my favorite Canadian actors. Speaking of Canadian actors, the other two leads are also fellow Canadians and so is the talented writer/director William Philips – the movie was shot in Canada as well.

My point? The movie has the perfect combination of action, comedy and friendly banter – leading to wonderful twists and suspicious behavior. It is fun and deserves a viewing. Go team Ryan!

for the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3qndVGGsM4