John Wick: Chapter 2

Keanu Reeves is back with a bang and kicking ass in this action sequal, where he plays a super assassin. It has more fight scenes, more explosions and more hit men than its predecessor where we saw John Wick take vengence on some thugs that murdered his dog.

This chapter follows on directly from the previous film as we see John Wick’s plan to retire cut short (again) when an Italian gangster shows up on his doorstep demanding he repay a debt to him.

My husband and I both loved the first film, it was definitely one of our favourite action movies to date and this follow up didn’t dissapoint. I’m also pretty sure than John Wick managed to kill hundreds of people in this chapter, pretty unrealistic but awesome none the less.

I personally think that the latest James Bond films should take a few notes from John Wick. Mr Wick rocks a black suit, he knows a range of different fighting styles and is unstoppable with a gun. It’s also nice that although he’s an assassin, he follows the code of the secret assassin society The Continental, which is why he must repay the debt he owes.

Whilst this film is a great and some what gorey action movie it still pulled at our heart strings. I just wish these guys would give John a break and let him retire and live the quiet life with his new dog like he so desperately wants. He lost the love of his life and now he’s having his house blown up and his life threatend by the worlds best assassins.

I was worried that this sequel wouldn’t live up to the first film, but in many ways it was even better. The only thing I didn’t entirely get was Ruby Rose’s character, we already had a bad guy in the form of an Italian gangster and she was sort of his body guard in some ways, I don’t think she really added anything to do the film except I suppose for some good girl power but still it seemed a bit random.

This is the perfect movie for every action fan and the ending leaves it open to a third film, which I hope will show John Wick working with other people rather than just on his own, maybe chucking in a new relationship so he can move on from the loss of his wife.

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

P.s can I just add that Keanu Reeves is in his 50’s – how mad is that? He’s still got it!

8/10.

Fifty Shades Darker

Based on the massively popular Fifty Shades books, the second film in this saga follows a wounded Christian Grey as he fights to get back the new woman in his life, Anastasia Steele.

As the two try to build back a relationship they face some bizarre trials, but they still manage to have a ton of sex.

I’ve never been much of a prude but some of these sex scenes, specifically one including some ‘silver balls’ were a little bit cringey. But there were some goofy laugh out loud moments and it stuck to the books storyline really well.

My main concern with this film is how it scathes over some of the troubling people they face from Christian’s past. They’re sort of like the villians of a movie, but instead of us getting to know one villian well and watching them battle the problem, they have three ‘villians’. Because there’s so much going on in this movie and so many past relationships to face it kind of brushes over them a bit too quick – basically this movie has some structural issues.

One thing I can’t complain about is a bit of topless Jamie Dornan, who does a great job at putting on an American accent and looking brilliant in a suit as well as out of one.

It’s a bit cringey at times but it’s worth a watch, it exceeded its predecessor in some ways but in many ways could have been better.

Loved the film sets and fancy costumes/ face masks also, Dakota Johnson looked amazing in her long silver dress and face mask in the masquerade scene.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing how they’ll round off this saga in the final movie.

6/10.

Coming soon….

Just wanted to give you all a heads up about what I have in the pipe line…..

Firstly, as I’m sure you’re all aware, 50 Shades Darker is currently out at the cinema so I will be watching that on Valentines Day (how stereotypical of me, I know) and reviewing it soon.

Also, there are new Reign episodes on Netflix, I’ve just watched the first episode of season 4 and it’s great – so get on that.

I wanted to get started on a new series so I’m trying out the superhero series that is Flash, once I’m all caught up I’ll let you know my thoughts on that too.

So stay tuned and hope you all have a lovely Valentines Day – sending my love.

Sing

An animated Koala who runs what was once a grand and bustling theater is faced with difficult times as it slowly comes to a crashing end. Ever the passionate business man (or Koala should I say?), Mr Moon creates a singing competition to gather the masses back to his theater.

Throughout this film it touches on many adult themes and problems that we face on a daily basis, including a mother who feels like she is unappreciated, a son who is forced into the family business and a young girl (or elephant in this case) who suffers with anxiety and stage freight.

This cute comedy follows the story of several animals who are working to conquer their fears whilst dreaming big and covering some hit songs. Although it often feels like a bit of pop music over load, it still made me want to get up and dance, and clearly I wasn’t the only one as a young boy was continuously trying to stand on his chair and dance along – much to his families displeasure.

Sing has a great star filled cast, with the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Matthew McConaughey and others making their presence known.

This talking animal film is a great one for the family, even one that parents can enjoy without being driven too mad trying to keep their kids entertained. Although if you don’t like singing competitions and pop music perhaps this isn’t for you.

It’s energetic, it has a great message for kids and adults alike, and it had me laughing out loud at some moments.

So if you need something to do to keep your kids entertained one Saturday afternoon I would highly recommend this. Admittedly I went to see this with another adult and no children, it was pleasant and made me feel good but not one I’d be making an effort to see again unless my small nephew demanded we watch it.

7/10.

Teen Wolf

Teen Wolf is based on the story of a rather awkward high school teenager who is attacked by a werewolf whilst walking in the woods one night. The werewolf curse makes him stronger, more confident and brilliant at sport – gaining him popularity and girls, but Scott McCall soon learns that it’s not all fun and games as he has to fight other supernatural creatures to keep the people in his town safe.

I chose to start watching this series on Netflix one evening when I had nothing else to watch, thinking it wouldn’t be my cup of tea and that I’d watch one and get bored – that was not the case. I became hooked and watched the first three seasons in an incredibly short amount of time and became glued to the sofa.

The werewolf faces/ makeup seems a little cheesy at times but the overall special effects weren’t too bad and the acting is brilliant in my opinion.

Stiles, who is Scott McCall’s best friend (played by Dylan O’Brien), is hilarious and witty and the goofy but loyal best friend that anyone could hope for, especially when faced with confronting supernatural creatures you never even thought could exist.

What’s is great about this series is that it doesn’t follow your typical supernatural storyline, there are no vampires and fairies, but there are unusual creatures like the Ghost Riders and the Dread Doctors, which are fantasticly well inserted into the show.

The only bad thing I really have to say is that I was disapointed by how the last season ends, I wanted more details about how Scott and Stiles’ life turns out as they head off to college and I hoped to see the return of Scott’s fox/ ninja girlfriend (you’ll get that reference if you’ve watched it) – but I guess that is just me wanting more of a great thing.

I could easily rewatch this entire show, it’s brilliant and captivating and so easy to get stuck into – there’s plenty of attractive actors to enjoy in this series too so if anything it’s worth a try for that at least.

8.5/10.