Films worth a watch.

[Kingy]

Taken 3.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2446042/

Quote:Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose long awaited reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his "particular set of skills," to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now - his daughter.

You know the script for these films and you probably fall into one of two camps - Love or Hate.

Looking back at the trilogy, my thoughts ...

Taken 1. Loved it. Great film, full of cliches but I loved it.

Taken 2. Crap.

So, onto Taken 3. I didn't expect too much as I expected the same (now tired) format. I was pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong, the cliches are still there and it's much of a muchness, but they have tweaked the plot and I just enjoyed the ride. If you enjoyed Taken 1 it's well worth watching this third film. Unplug your brain, sit back and enjoy the ride. 7.5/10.


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The Gambler.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2039393/

Quote:Jim Bennett is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank, a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett's future. As his relationship with a student deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance...

Hands up from the start - I'm not a Wahlberg fan. I don't think he is a good actor and I think he is too self important for his own good. He appears to be flavour of the month though, so I thought I'd give this film a go.
Wahlberg doesn't disappoint. By that I don't mean he is good. He is typical Wahlberg. Indifferent acting with an annoying voice. His character is someone you just want to slap. And then slap again ... and repeat.
I didn't enjoy the film. I didn't feel sorry for an addicted gambler because the character didn't warrant sympathy. The end was too convenient and all in all thats 111 minutes I won't get back. Crap. 3/10 (and that's bloody generous).


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Dumb and Dumber To

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096672/

Quote:It's been 20 years and Harry Dunn has found something out - he has a daughter! Lloyd Christmas, his equally dim witted friend, takes one look at a picture of her, develops a crush, and insists the two track her down. What ensues when Harry finally agrees is a bizarre encounter with an old lady and more hilarity because of their sheer stupidity.

I'd promised the kids I would let them watch both D&D films. Most have seen the first so I've not bothered with that. The kids found it hilarious, but they are the target audience so I left them to it and fell asleep.

I watched most of the new, second one. Half way thorugh I'd pretty much seen enough to not be arsed if I missed some of it. It really is quite painful to watch two old men trying to act young and funny when they aren't and neither is the script. You will laugh occasionally as it has its moments, but that's not the norm. It's quite cringey in places. Clearly a sign that I'm getting old and my kids are it's audience. They thought it was funny and would give it a 7/10 whereas I thought it was a bit crappy and would be 4/10.