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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Karen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:18:22 +0000

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D has now been released to a world that has probably seen the film that many times they know it off by heart.. I remember that day when the original Star Wars was released in 1977, waiting in a queue for a film that was going to be something different and a film that would change Sci-Fi movies forever, followed by two sequels and three prequels, Star Wars still brings fans together for films that stand the test of time.

Image via Wikipedia

Now Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D has been released in a converted 3D format, ok we know that The Phantom Menace isn’t the best in the Star Wars saga, but I suppose George Lucas decided that this time around he would release the films in episode order, rather than before in the original releases of episodes 4, 5 and 6 then 1,2 and 3.

Personally for me I would have liked A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and then Return Of The Jedi released first, but that could be something to do with that’s how I saw them first time around and yes I did see them in their original non-updated releases, which I do prefer!

So anyway, let’s get on to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D, as I said earlier this is probably the Star Wars film that gets a lot of criticism from film goers worldwide, on its original release the critics didn’t like it and poor Jar-Jar Binks came in with so much flak it was hard to believe that a character in a film could be so hated!

But besides that, we have to tip our imaginary hats to George Lucas for bringing the origin of the Star Wars saga to life, though it can be a little daft in places and hugely hated by the professional film reviewers (but hey what do they know anyway!).

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

So for this review I’m not going to review the film as new film, because it isn’t, I’m going to review the film on what it is, it’s a relaunch in 3D and that’s the point of the review!

Now I have always been one that will shun a converted 2D – 3D film, but as this is Star Wars, and I do love Star Wars, I did have to see the movie to see if George Lucas had pulled off the 3D conversion process or would it be another one of those films that even in 3D still seemed flat!

Wearing my Pod Racing 3D glasses and ready for a night out at @ApolloCinemas Rhyl, I sat with abated breath for the Star Wars introduction text to appear and get myself in to the Jedi mood, if all else failed I could succumb to the dark side of my Gingerbread latte.

So here we have a 2D converted movie and believe me you can tell, yes the film is in 3D but barely, most of the film still feels “flat” with only a few scenes showing off the depth that a true 3D film would show, which to be honest is very disappointing.

But you are bound to get this with a converted film, but being a Star Wars fan anyway I still enjoyed the experience, it was great to see Star Wars on the big screen again.

My hope now is that as technology advances through the next five years George Lucas will be able to make better Star Wars 3D conversions of the next five films in the Star Wars saga.

But for now, just enjoy seeing the film on the big screen with amazing sound and if you’ve never seen it on the big screen then it an added bonus.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall Rating For Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D

‘Star Wars’ fans look forward to weekend’s 3-D release of ‘Phantom Menace’ (VIDEO) (goerie.com)
Awesome Fan-Made STAR WARS Art for THE PHANTOM MENACE (geektyrant.com)
STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D Interview with Joel Aron (CG Supervisor THE CLONE WARS) (collider.com)

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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Chronicle – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Karen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:32:58 +0000

There have been so many films that are based around the recording of events on a hand-held video camera, with most of them lately being paranormal type movies, so after seeing the trailers for Chronicle it looked like this could be something a little different. But is it? Or is it another one of those home-made movie looking films?

Chronicle – Blazing Minds Movie Review

So last night I braved the cold weather and ventured out to @ApolloCinemas Rhyl to see Chronicle film which has had a lot of social networking promotion and hype via Twitter and Facebook, the story of three college kids who stumble upon a strange object underground that gives them powers beyond their wildest dreams, but soon, not everything goes as well as they would expect.

Has Chronicle Lived Up To The Hype?

For me I would have to say yes, I’ve seen Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity, two films that are in a similar style of film making and I have to say that Chronicle is far better, 26 year-old director Josh Trank, who has been hailed as the youngest ever director of a chart topping movie, has done a superb job and you do really start to believe that isn’t a film, it’s a home movie recording the events of the three college students.

The slow start of the film does put you off a bit and you do start thinking “Is this actually going to be any good!”, but as the film progresses and the boys develop their superpowers and learn from mistakes they make and what they are capable of doing, the story just pulls you in. The idea that shy teenager Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is recording everything from the beginning when his drunken father tries to get in his room is the start of the recording process, hence the title “Chronicle”.

The use of the camera develops as the film moves along with it no longer being a hand-held but a free-floating camera able to film from any position, all down to Andrews superpowers.

Through the movie things do go sour and the final battle sequence, which reminded me of a video game, Akira and Superman up against General Zod is amazingly done, the use of CCTV, police cameras etc is so well done, it’s hard to think that Chronicle was made with only $15 Million, but it’s enjoyable and probably one of the best movies I’ve seen in this style for a long time.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall Thoughts For Chronicle

Though the film is slow to start and at times you do wonder if it’s going anywhere, it’s a well made film, which builds and builds as it goes up to the final all out sequence for the superpower face off, if you enjoyed Cloverfield or similar films then this is certainly the one for you, if you haven’t then give this a shot as it’s much, much better

Final Rating 4/5 (Yes I am using a new rating system

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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Underworld Awakening 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

The Grey – Movie Review On Blazing Minds

Chronicle – Blazing Minds Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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The Grey – Movie Review On Blazing Minds

Karen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:34:35 +0000

Some time back I saw the trailer for The Grey and just couldn’t wait to get the chance to see the new movie starring Liam Neeson, so the other night I popped in to @ApolloCinemas Rhyl for my weekly dose of movie viewing to check out the movie.

So here we find Liam Neeson and a bunch of oil-rig workers surviving after a horrific plane crash, as if that wasn’t bad enough they now have to contend with not only the cold but also from the threat of a pack of wolves hell-bent on protecting their territory.

The Grey – Movie Review

Image via Wikipedia

Now a note to anyone expecting this film to be an all out action packed non-stop moive, it isn’t, yes there are those fast paced, heart pounding moments in The Grey, but it is fairly slow-paced and upon leaving the cinema I did hear a few people saying that is was “too slow”, “there wasn’t enough action” and “they preferred Taken!”

The Grey isn’t meant to be an all balls out action movie, it’s more of a journey, yes there is a lot of narrative around the camp fires, but for me this only built on the characters that we were slowly getting introduced to as they are viciously picked off in some really gruesome ways. The story, based on a short story “Ghost Walker” by the co-writer Ian Mackenzie Jeffers, is not going to appeal to everyone in this action packed, sci-fi age of movies, but it’s gripping all the same.

Agree Or Disagree About The Grey

I know there are those that will totally disagree with this review and my thoughts, but for me, The Grey is a film that can be enjoyed in its style and production values, CGI, real and animatronic wolves are used extremely well as are the superb scenery and camera work, show he fast emptiness that the survivors must navigate to try to find safe haven from the wolves. Even the 7.1 surround sound gave you a feeling of being in the snow storms and being completely traps from all sides from the bone chilling winds.

Ok, some may find it boring, but not every film has to be so fast that you can’t keep up with what’s going on, isn’t it nice just to take things a little easy for a while, look at the scenery, get engulfed in the conversation and then get the shock of your life as the peace and tranquillity is shattered by a massive wolf chomping down on human flesh!!!

I personally loved every minute of The Grey and can’ wait for it to come out on DVD so I can see it again.

So my overall rating for The Grey has to be 8.5/10.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Related posts:

Underworld Awakening 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Chronicle – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

The Grey – Movie Review On Blazing Minds is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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A Monster In Paris – Apollo Cinemas Film Review

Karen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:30:23 +0000

So there I was the other night Tweeting and Facebooking as I do most of the time when one of my friends from @ApolloCinemas asked me if I fancied going and seeing A Monster In Paris, how could I resist, I do love a good animated movie and this did look quite charming from the trailers that I had seen.

A Monster In Paris – Apollo Cinemas Film Review

Based in Paris during the great flood on 1910, a monster, created by two bumbling friends while delivering to a scientists address, is let loose on Paris, but his love for music and his Jazz playing guitar brings him to nightclub singer, Lucille (Vanessa Paradis) and so the adventure begins with the mayor trying to capture the Monster, so Lucille, Raoul (Adam Goldberg) and Emille (Jay Harrington) try to save his life.

So here we have a touching film, that was originally released in French and then dubbed in to English for a wider audience and being that the film is CGI, you aren’t really looking for those awkward lip-synced moments, those all the writing in the film is in French, but that’s not a problem.

Now when I originally saw the trailers for A Monster In Paris, the first thing that crossed my mind was that this is a working of The Phantom Of The Opera, how wrong I was!

The film is nicely done and the CGI is lovely, as is the film, I was laughing at parts of the film and thinking to myself, what a lovely film for the kids to see and I bet they would love it, it’s quite fast paced and they really isn’t a moment when I child could get bored, though they are those moments when little boys will say “Ewwwww they’re kissing”, but that’s part of the charm of the movie

You’re not going to get a Beauty and the Beast style movie here, yes there is a monster, yes there is a beautiful girl and yes there is an evil villan, but the film is in itself very French and charming

A Monster In Paris – Worth A Viewing?

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the film, both adults and children will enjoy it together as well, it’s charming, fun and extremely enjoyable, so if you are looking to see a film this weekend in your local cinema, then I would certainly recommend A Monster In Paris.

So my overall rating for 8/10

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A Monster In Paris – Apollo Cinemas Film Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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Underworld Awakening 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Karen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:15:10 +0000

Studio: Screen Gems (Sony)
Director: Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein
Screenwriter: Len Wiseman, John Hlavin, Allison Burnett, J. Michael Straczynski
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, Charles Dance
Genre: Action, Horror
Certificate: 18

I have to start this review of Underworld Awakening by saying that I am a big fan of the Underworld movies, yes even the prequel, so when I found out ages ago that there would be an Underworld 4 and it would be in 3D I was over the moon.

Underworld Awakening – Vampire vs Lycan Now Human!

Humans have discovered the existence of the vampire and lycan clans and are systematically wiping them out off the face of the earth and now it’s Selene (Kate Beckinsale) that is taking on the battle to save both from complete annihilation.

It’s All Out War!

Right from the start of Underworld Awakening it grabs you by the seat of your pants and says, “this is going to packed with action, blood and guts, vampires and lycan, so prepare yourself!”

It was a bout time that the Underworld franchise of movies was back and what is even better is the character that everyone loves is back in full action, yes Selene, men love her for her figure hugging outfit and woman love her for her power and strength over her enemies. I was expecting Michael to be there a bit more as well but sadly not, but I won’t go on about that, as it could spoil it for you.

I don’t really want to go on about the actually plot and storyline of the film as I could easily spoil it for a lot of you who are going to see the film, but I will say, there are some surprises in store for you, plenty of action, blood and gore.

Underworld Awakening is an all out action movie and my only disappointment was it wasn’t on long enough, running at only 88 minutes it just seemed to short, compared to Underworld (121 minutes) and Underworld Evolution (102 minutes) , Underworld Rise of the Lycans was also the same running time! But besides the short running time the film was brilliant, great special FX and the 3D used really well, with a great feel for depth in many scenes, none of that poking stuff at the screen rubbish and shouting “look this is in 3D”.

Great supportive roles coming from Charles Dance as vampire leader Thomas and bit of type casting for Kris Holden-Ried (Dyson from Lost Girl) as Quite, Lost Girl fans will get my drift on that one

Yes I Am A Fan Of Underworld!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am a big fan of the Underworld movies and so much so that I even had a marathon of the movies a few nights back in preparation for seeing Underworld Awakening, with the earlier three movies fresh in mind, I do have to say that this latest movie in the Underworld franchise has surpassed the previous ones, there is even word going around that there will be an Underworld 5 all down to the popularity of Underworld Awakening, I for one can’t wait for that to come out

Click here to view the embedded video.

So my rating for Underworld Awakening is an amazing 9.5/10, it lost half a point for not being on long enough

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The Grey – Movie Review On Blazing Minds

Chronicle – Blazing Minds Movie Review

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Underworld Awakening 3D – Blazing Minds Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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The Darkest Hour 3D – Review – Hit Or Miss

Karen — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:00:05 +0000

Wow! Two films in one day at @ApolloCinemas Rhyl yesterday, what can I say, I was in the movie mood so I checked out The Darkest Hour 3D!

The Darkest Hour 3D – Review

So the world is being invaded by aliens which can’t be seen and can only be detected by the electrical field that they give off.

Sounds a great idea for an invasion movie and has some great potential, but sadly The Darkest Hour falls a little short of being that amazing film that it could have been. Yes it has great special fx, but the story seems to lack something.

The Darkest Hour does seem to lose the pace at times and does become quite slow and tedious at times, at points when you think the a tip. Could really kick off with some serious alien ass kicking, it doesn’t. Which is a real shame.

The main characters in the film seem somewhat hollow and never really build up on their situation of an alien invasion and at times aimlessly wander through the script of the film, leaving you with an overwhelming urge for them to get reduced to ash by the alien invaders!

The Darkest Hour 3D or 2D

It does seem a waste of the 3D technology used for the film, though some of it is good, it still seems to be wasted on a film with little usage, see the 2D version, that’s my advice

The end of the film is a little disappointing as well, it’s almost as if the studio is saying, “you’ve seen this, now if you want to know how all this ends, you’ll have to wait for sequel, which may not even be made!”

I did enjoy The Darkest Hour, but not as much I hoped I would, I have seen much better alien invasion movies that have more to them. It is a shame that such a good idea was lost in The Darkest Hour.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So I’ll have to give The Darkest Hour 5/10.

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The Darkest Hour 3D – Review – Hit Or Miss is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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War Horse – Review – The Story Of A Horse And His Boy!

Karen — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:01:32 +0000

Yes folks it’s movie review time again and I’ve not long got back from seeing Steven Spielberg’s latest movie based on Michael Morpurgo‘s War Horse, the story of a horse and his journey through the battlefields of world war one.

War Horse – Review – The Story Of A Horse And His Boy!

Bought at auction by Ted Narracott (Peter Mullen), Joey is taken back to their West Country farm in a hope of using the horse on the farm, but son, Albert (Jeremy Irvine) takes a shine to the horse and becomes attached to him, even to the point of lying about his age when Joey is about to be sold off to the army in 1914, so that he can stay with Joey.

What I really found a bit of a disappointment with the film is that the narrative that is told by Joey, the horse, in the book wasn’t there and for me this would have been a really nice touch to the film, instead the film takes on the mantel of realism and just tells the story through the directors eyes.

There is also a strange feeling to the film, in that the lighting and scenery always looks a little strange, it’s not fake, but somewhat not really real, even though they are, I really can’t put my finger on the slight surrealism of it. Don’t get me wrong this isn’t a bad thing, just rather strange.

War Horse In To Battle!

You do get a feeling for Joey as the film progresses and I was started to well up at certain points and did find several parts of the film quite emotional to point of tears slowly running down my face and towards the end it got a lot harder to hold the flow of tears from rolling down my cheeks.

The battle sequences in the film are nicely done and the surround sound mix was spot on with bullets and explosions coming from everywhere, kind of reminded me of the beach landing on Saving Private Ryan. The image of so many dead horses at one point did have me in a state of “Oh my God the poor things, that’s awful!“.

All this comes to a relaxed and somewhat emotional section of the film in no-man’s where a British and German solider argue over who gets to keep Joey, which was so nicely done and my imaginary hat is tipped to Toby Kebbell and Hinnerk Schönemann for such a wonderful performance.

War Horse – The Final Verdict

Ok, so after reading this you may think I hated the film, but you would be wrong, yes it has it’s flaws, but what film doesn’t, it’s an enjoyable film to watch and can be an emotional ride through the film. It certainly makes a change from all the action, horror, Sci Fi and animated movies that seem to be around at the moment. I enjoyed the time spent watching the film and think that this is another hit for Steven Spielberg, even though some of the critics have really slated it!

Click here to view the embedded video.

So I’m giving War Horse 8/10. Go see it and don’t forget, take some tissues with you

Another film seen @ApolloCinemas Rhyl

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War Horse – Review – The Story Of A Horse And His Boy! is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

The Iron Lady – Movie Review

Karen — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:52 +0000

Now there has been a lot of controversy over The Iron Lady lately as even David Cameron said it was “To Soon” for a film about Margaret Thatcher, but I beg to differ, so here are my thoughts of the film after seeing it last night at Apollo Cinemas Rhyl.

So here we have a “Biopic” of one of the most loved and hated powerful women in history, it’s the story of her rise in politics and the decisions that she made, where a nation loved her, then hated her and then blamed her for the state the country was in.

Controversial Or Not!

The controversy that surrounds The Iron Lady is the way that Margaret Thatcher is portrayed with Alzheimer’s and the way she talks to and sees her dead husband Dennis.

We are taken to Start of her career in politics from daughter of a shop keeper to the most first woman prime minister and most powerful woman in politics. This is all done via flash backs and conversations with her late husband Dennis, which for me was a rather nice touch, though as I mentioned earlier, controversial.

Image via Wikipedia

The thing which really grabbed my attention in The Iron Lady is Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, she’s superb, she has the voice and mannerisms perfectly and after a short while you do believe you are watching the real Mrs Thatcher.

Now I’m not usually one for films like this and when it comes to political type film I usually steer clear, but I thought I would see what all the fuss was about and I did enjoy the film, though it did jump around a bit with the memories, but besides that Meryl Streep certainly did an Oscar-winning performance.

Overall Thoughts Of The Iron Lady

Nice to see Something different for a change, a superb performance from Meryl Streep and interesting to look back on governments historic years.

Overall 8/10

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The Iron Lady – Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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Puss In Boots 3D – Movie Review

Karen — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:15:13 +0000

Now I do have to admit that Puss in Boots is one of my favourite characters from the Shrek movies so this film has been something that I have really been looking forward to seeing and though it has taken me a while to catch up with it at Apollo Cinemas Rhyl, I just couldn’t wait any longer!

Puss In Boots 3D Movie Review

As with the Shrek movies we find Puss in the world of fairy tales with a bit of a spaghetti western thrown in the mix, just for a bit of fun

Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) joins together with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Heyak) and old friend from his childhood, Humpty-Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) on a quest for three magic beans which will give them a chance to climb the magical beanstalk and steal the golden goose and become rich beyond their wildest dreams with the goose’s Golden Eggs.

But holding the trio back from such wonders is the evil Jack and Jill who are a sort of Bonnie and Clyde of the fairytale world, so it proves a little hard for them to just get the beans and climb the beanstalk.

“My thirst for adventure will never be quenched!”

Puss in Boots (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

The witty banter between Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws is quite funny and it reminded me of those days with Banderas and Hayek in Desperado and Once Upon The Time In Mexico, there are also couple of references that only the adults will get, such as a young Humpty-Dumpty telling Puss in Boots about Bean Club, “First rule of Bean Club, don’t talk about Bean Club. The second rule of Bean Club… don’t talk about Bean Club.”

Kids will love that the film has so many funny things going on for them that I don’t think they would be too bothered by the adults laughing at things the kids don’t get, but it’s a family film at the end of the day and as we know from experience from the Shrek movies, adults do get some rather saucy references thrown in just for fun

Puss In 3D!

Now I did go and see the 3D version of the film and yes it was quite good, depth was done well and though there wasn’t really that much that would make you duck and dive, it still did give you a feeling of being in some of the scenes, specially in the clouds at the top of the beanstalk and the chase between Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws.

But the 3D is really spectacular and to be honest I do think that the 2D version would have been just as good, maybe I’m just getting used to all the 3D in movies now

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall Thoughts For Puss In Boots 3D

As a first outing in his own movie, Puss In Boots is a lot of fun, though maybe their could have been a little more originally on the storyline, it did just seem like a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk to me and towards the end, without spoiling it, did seem very much like Beowulf, may be that’s just me.

But the kids will love the film and that’s the point to have fun with the kids, so Puss In Boots 3D gets 7/10.

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Puss In Boots 3D – Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

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Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol – Movie Review

Karen — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:56:27 +0000

Now just before I start the review of the movie, I would just like to mention several people with a big thank you, first to Tim from @EvoHosting for upgrading the hosting of Blazing Minds, secondly to @jodesmcgovern for letting me borrow @danmillerr to see the film with, both who work at the amazing @ApolloCinemas Rhyl.

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol – Movie Review

I have been a big fan of the Mission Impossible movies ever since the Tom Cruise brought Ethan Hunt to the big screen back in 1996 and directed by Brian De Palma, good grief was it that long ago, then we had two sequels. M:I-2 directed by John Woo and M:I:III directed by J.J.Abrams.

Now it’s the turn of Brad Bird, yes the director of The Incredibles, to direct the fourth movie in the series and this is his fist work as a director of a live action movie also coming with him from The Incredibles is composer Michael Giacchino.

So here now on the fourth movie we find Ethan (Tom Cruise) and his new IMF team Jane (Paula Patton) and Benji (Simon Pegg) framed for blowing up the Kremlin after tracking down a terrorist named Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), at which point the President has no other choice that to issue Ghost Protocol which in turn disavowals the IMF. So this leaves the team in the cold with no help or backup in any form whatsoever.

You’re Mission If You Choose To Accept It!

Now Ethan and his team are on the run and also trying to find Hendricks to prove their innocence and stop him from starting a nuclear war, which in turn sets them on the hunt to places such as Dubai them Mumbai with some quite amazing action pieces on the way and in true Tom Cruise style he doesn’t fail in giving some amazing stunts along the way, well he is Tom Cruise after all and those of us who have seen the Mission Impossible movies come to expect him doing his own stunts.

As I mentioned earlier there are some amazing action sequences throughout the film, such as the death-defying climb up the outside of the Hotel at Burj Khalifa (I can only imagine how that looked in IMAX). There also some light-hearted humour from Simon Pegg and his witty one liners do break the ice in some the more serious scenes, which I personally thought was a nice touch.

Mission: Impossible 5 – Gossip Or Truth!

I have heard gossip of a Mission Impossible 5! Not sure if that’s true or just something running around the rumour mill, but I hope theere is another one, I really enjoy a good action movie and the MI series of movies are enjoyable, though Tom Cruise may have to slack of the stunts as he gets older. May be the other gossip that Brandt (Jeremy Renner) will take over the helm as Ethan’s successor, but would Mission Impossible be the same without Tom Cruise, I don’t think so.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall Thoughts Of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol

I really enjoyed the 133 min roller coaster ride, it’s full of action, great set pieces, amazing locations and stunts. Though my only quibble was the title music, I don’t think it was as good as the version of the MI theme compared to the other movies, but hey that’s only a trivial thing.

So if you want a night of action with Tom Cruise thrown in, then give it viewing at your local cinema now 8/10

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Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol – Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Karen — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:33:24 +0000

So last night was my chance to finally get to see Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows at @ApolloCinemas Rhyl and I was hoping that the film would be better than the first one, which I thoroughly enjoy watching.

Guy Ritchie directs again with the wonderful Robert Downey Jr reprising his role as Sherlock and Jude Law back as Dr Watson, a match made in movie heaven as the dialogue and chemistry between the two is perfect.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

This time Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are up against the formidable Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), Sherlock’s arch-enemy, while on the trail of an unsolved case which could lead to world war, Moriarty strikes terror in the hearts of the public and creates tension between France and Germany in a hope are starting a world war!

One thing that stood out to me in the previous film was the way Sherlock would work out his attacks before they happened, with a slowed down sequence and a talk through of what he was going to do, there is. Ore of that in this film and also some amazingly film action sequences.

As an example, when Holmes and Watson are running through some woods, the sequence is slowed down to give you a feel of bullets and explosions, I suppose you could say it’s an advance on “Bullet Time” as originally seen in The Matrix movies.

Click here to view the embedded video.

But the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes is the chemistry of Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law is something that really makes the film even more enjoyable, but saying that, the film is so much fun and dare I say it it’s even better than the previous Sherlock Holmes movie from 2009

Look out for a rather funny sequence with the “Two Mules For Sister Sara” music, it’s quite funny

Although the film does have a running time of 129 minutes it flows nicely and those two hours just raced by, which shows how much I was enjoying the film.

Shall we compare moods, or consider what we know?

Great special effects, witty dialogue, superb action sequences and the wonderful Stephen Fry as Sherlocks’ Brother Mycroft, this film has it all, a thoroughly fun-filled action movie that has even surpassed the action and adventure of the previous Sherlock Holmes.

If you’re after a fun-filled action packed movie, then this is certainly one to see. 9/10

Related posts:

Sherlock Will Be Back For A Second Series!

Shark Night 3D, Jaws For The 21st Century! – Movie Review

The Thing – Prequel Or Remake – Movie Review

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

Hugo Cabret 3D – Film Review

Karen — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:45:52 +0000

I wasn’t really sure what Hugo Cabret would be like after seeing the trailers, it seemed a bit of an action/fantasy movie, but after seeing the film, I would have to say I was completely wrong.

What I can say about Hugo is that it is beautifully made, great camera work, wonderful 3D, think a sort of modern-day Citizen Kane. Hugo is really a celebration of the wonders of cinema and the films of George Melies (Ben Kingsley)

Hugo is a young boy living in a train station after the death of his father (Jude Law), living on his wits to survive and one step ahead of the train inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen), until he meets the mysterious toy repairer which turns out to be Charles Melies (Ben Kingsley).

Hugo A Journey Of Fantasy

So the film follows the story of Hugo trying to finish repairing the automaton and find out the last message from his father, but the aspect of the film the idea of bringing to the audience the wonders that Charles brought to cinema and in turn is a celebration of his use of cinematic techniques that have enabled us to have the amazing special effects and cinematography that we see in our cinemas today.

For me Hugo is a wonderful celebration of Charles Melies and his film making and it’s such a shame that out of the 500 films that he made in his short career that only around 80 survived after he had a loss of faith in the industry and destroyed the original films, such a sad loss for the film archives today.

Could you imagine what he would think of the movie techniques that we have now, such 3D, 7.1 surround sound, IMAX etc. I think he would thoroughly enjoy how cinema has evolved and would love to know that his techniques in special effects and the colouring if film has inspired many modern-day movie makers.

So if you are looking to see a film that is not only interesting, but is also a slight twist of fantasy, then you will thoughtfully enjoy the film, not really a film for kids as the boredom may set in, but if you love film and find the industry a little interesting then I would highly recommend it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall rating for Hugo

A cinematic masterpiece 9/10

Related posts:

A Monster In Paris – Apollo Cinemas Film Review

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

The Darkest Hour 3D – Review – Hit Or Miss

Hugo Cabret 3D – Film Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

Strictly Come Dancing Final To Be Shown in 3D!

Karen — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:47:33 +0000

So have you heard, the final Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast live on the 17th in 3D on BBC HD and also in selected cinemas across the country and yes my local cinema @ApolloCinemas Rhyl is showing the live event and before you ask, yes I do have tickets to see the show.

Strictly Come Dancing Final To Be Shown in 3D!

The whole show is experimental, so it will be interesting to see if there will be any cock-ups It will also be interesting to see how the live final works in 3D using some state of the art 3D cameras for the show.

Bruce and Tess - Strictly Come Dancing 3D

Mind you there is a bit of a scary thought, will Brucie be playing to the camera a bit more than usual to try to show us the show is in 3D, I hope not as this sort of thing usual tends to spoil the enjoyment of something in 3D.

Though I am looking forward to seeing the dancing in 3D as the effect of the outfits worn by the contestants should be quite impressive, if all done correctly.

So if you love Strictly Come Dancing then why not pop to once of the local cinemas listed below and grab your tickets before they are all sold out, tickets are on a first come first served basis

Belfast

Birmingham

Cardiff

London Covent Garden

Dunfermline

Manchester Printworks

Torbay

London Piccadilly

Rhyl

Stroud

Altrincham

Leamington

Carmarthen

Burnley

Barrow In Furness

It Doesn’t Stop There If You Live Near Rhyl!

Not only is Strictly Come Dancing being shown in 3D live, but my local @ApolloCinemas is also having a Winter Weekend on the 17th and 18th with rides and stalls. The Taste Academy will be selling baked goods and Christmas themed goodies.

Local radio station Point Fm will also be broadcasting from the event, with several money-raising events for the Prestatyn Abandoned Animals Association. There will also be a few special surprises, lets just say X-Factor and leave it at that

So get on down on the 17th and 18th and join in the fun, you just never know you may just catch a glimpse of me and @SlappyBear having some fun

Related articles

Strictly final to be screened in 3D (thesun.co.uk)

Strictly Come Dancing Final 3D Trial (bbc.co.uk)

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Review: The Final Destination 3D

Strictly Come Dancing Final To Be Shown in 3D! is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

The Thing – Prequel Or Remake – Movie Review

Karen — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:05:53 +0000

I do have to start this review by saying that I am a big fan of John Carpenters brilliant 1982 movie The Thing, so I was a little apprehensive in seeing the “prequel” of the movie.

So the other night I visited my local Apollo Cinema to see the 2011 The Thing, some have said it’s a remake and some have said it isn’t, I would say it’s a bit of both.

The Thing – Prequel Or Remake

The Thing is based in 1982 in the Norwegian site that first discovers the alien in the ice and the alien craft that has been buried for around 100,000 years and brings the alien back to base to examine it.

Yes this does sound the same as the John Carpenter movie, but let’s be honest, it would really, those of us that have seen the 1982 movie will know how this new one ends, but it is great to see how it all started in the first place.

The problem with making a prequel that is so close to the other movie is that you have seen it all before and though you do get to see a bit more of the alien, the suspense that Carpenter gave us, isn’t here in this new film.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It doesn’t really have jumpy bits and the atmosphere is a bit lacking in the horror department, I do have to say that the effects of the alien are nicely done and do tie in well with Carpenter’s movie.

It is nice to see the movie tie in with the 1982 one and it is an enjoyable film to watch, if you haven’t seen the 1982 The Thing then when this one finishes you’ll want to see it to see how it continues. But, if you have seen Carpenter’s The Thing then you may not enjoy it as much as you possible could have done.

Overall Thoughts Of The Thing

Don’t get me wrong this is a good movie, but for fans of the John Carpenter’s The Thing, then you’ll have seen this all before, with a few exceptions, but those feeling of Deja Vu just don’t go away.

So overall a great movie, but probably a prequel that wasn’t really necessary. 7/10.

Related posts:

The Thing Prequel: Will It Be Scary or Will It Be Sacrilege?

Cowboys & Aliens – Yee Haa or Yeeawn [Movie Review]

Shark Night 3D, Jaws For The 21st Century! – Movie Review

The Thing – Prequel Or Remake – Movie Review is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter

Album Review – The Electronic Wonders of ‘Hectic Zeniths’

Karen — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:05 +0000

Being given the chance to review something new by an artist I haven’t heard of before is an honour for me here on Blazing Minds and recently I’ve had the chance to check out Hectic Zeniths with the forthcoming album of the same name.

So after receiving my preview copy of the album I got on to playing it for a few days so that I could give a good listen and decide my thoughts on it and whether I liked it or not, but you’ll have to read on if you want to know my thoughts on this new album from Hectic Zeniths

Who Is Hectic Zeniths?

Hectic Zeniths is the work of bedroom producer and multi-instrumentalist Adam Morgan Prince. Nearly three years in the making, the densely layered project builds around original piano compositions with an atmospheric collage of chopped and pitched dollar-bin vinyl samples, live instrumentation, synths, and haunting vocals. Featuring violinist Patrick Bailey, guitarist Dave Cohen, and The Yetti on drums.

‘Hectic Zeniths’ is an anagram for the German word ‘Zeitschichten,’ meaning “layers of time.” The artist has previously released a free EP and an array of hip hop and electronic remixes under the name ‘amplifya.’ Born in Brooklyn, NY, he is currently teaching high school math in Philadelphia, PA.

The Electronic Wonders of ‘Hectic Zeniths’

My first thoughts of the album after the first track started was, and I have to admit this, “Now this is going to be weird!” But how wrong I was, after the first track “intro” finished I was brought in to an electronic and hip hop work of wonder.

The album featuring some rather dreamy piano sequences with some great beats bring you, the listener, in to a journey of well made tracks, which keep you fixed throughout, even though the tracks may not be that long, they all seem to be timed so perfectly to suit from one to the next.

Even with haunting vocals on the track “zeitschichten” hold you in delight as you listen to them wafting around the room with a feel of something not quite right, but lovely at the same time.

By the time I got to the end of this eleven track album, I was at the point of wanting to start it all over again, suffice to say that Hectic Zeniths has been on my iPod playing in my car, in work, at home and just about anywhere I can take it with me.

Overall Thoughts Of Hectic Zeniths by Hectic Zeniths

The album is well produced with an overall feel of a passion that has been placed upon it to produce music that everyone can enjoy, from start to finish each track is an enjoyable listen and asking to be played more and more.

So if you are after something fresh and enjoyable, then give this album a try. 9/10.

Hectic Zeniths is released on January 10th.

No related posts.
Album Review – The Electronic Wonders of ‘Hectic Zeniths’ is a post from Blazing Minds Copyright 2008-2011. Please link back when using this source material.

If you enjoy reading my blog, then please support me with a donation and Follow @BlazingMinds on Twitter