Reviews

The Expendables was exactly what it sold itself to be. A very standard action movie with a number of cameos from the greatest action movie stars of all time. It was loud, over the top, and at times ridiculous - exactly as it should be. I liked this movie, but you'll only like it if you love movies lots of gunfire and explosions. So if you're an action movie fan and it comes around, you should make time for The Expendables.

Well this one seals it. I can't stand Steven Soderbergh. I keep giving him a chance, but he just really misses the point. Rule number one of making movies: Before you worry about making it artistic, focus first on telling a good story. Quite frankly, he sucks at telling stories. With the notable exception of Erin Brokovich, Soderbergh just doesn't get his point across without trying reallly hard to convince you that he's a visionary director. This movie is a dull story about a guy that doesn't capture your interest. Skip it. Skip any other Soderbergh movies you run across too, they'll just annoy you.

The Last Castle is the story of a 3-star general (Redford) who is disgraced and sent to a military prison after a screw up in Bosnia. When he gets there he clashes with the warden (Gandolfini) and quickly falls into his natural leadership role among the other inmates. The prisoners gradually talk the general into helping them do something to confront the corruption and brutality of those in control of the prison.

The acting in The Last Castle is it's strongest point. Marvellous performances are put in by Gandolfini and Mark Ruffalo and the supporting cast of unknowns does a terrific job. The story is interesting, but the movie as a whole just didn't quite capture me. Maybe they were trying a little too hard, maybe it was just a really difficult subject to do well. Either way, if you're in a spot to see it, do. Otherwise don't go out of your way.

Taking characters and cars from the original movie, The Italian Job is simply your average heist movie with loads of action and car chases. If you like that sort of thing, then you'll like this movie, otherwise it's just kind of average.