Moustache on the Orient Express

This is a movie which takes much of its inspiration from another movie, which gets inspiration from a book by Agatha Christie. Hercule Poirot, who considers himself to be possibly the greatest detective alive (debatable) is in the middle of solving yet another troublesome case- he just can't seem to be served two eggs of the same size for breakfast, and a relic has been stolen from Jerusalem with three religious leaders the accused. Turns out none of the suspects are guilty, and when Poirot brilliantly solves the case, he's off on a well deserved holiday, where he hopes to find himself with too much time on his hands.

Poirot gains a place on The Orient Express, along with a number of colourful characters, and it soon becomes clear that a man by the name of Ratchett plans to make himself known to the detective very quickly. Ratchet is on the run from more than a few dark characters, but Poirot smells a rat and refuses to protect him, despite the many "enthusiastic requests" issued by the amateur art dealer.

Yet Ratchett doesn't have to worry for long, since he is rendered very dead by an enemy. The journey of The Orient Express very quickly comes to a halt, as does the short-lived holiday of the great detective, and  Poirot begins the great process of questioning all the suspects. 

Through the very detailed accounts of each passenger, it isn't long before we and Poirot release that each alibi is steadfast, despite the very vast grounds for motive each individual possesses. The case becomes more a question of morality than guilt.

For the most part, the characters, landscapes, storyline, direction and soundtrack were outstanding. Each character was superbly brought to life so as to warrant individual movies, but consequently, it seemed that each was constantly pitted against the other for centre stage. While the provision of detailed character origins can be considered a merit of this film, they also get lost in the back-and-forth design of the plot, so that it becomes difficult to piece the facts together. One cannot help but think that if the film had been delivered in the form of a play it would have been all the more riveting,   considering that in the format of a film, characters teetered on the edge of being so theatrical so as to almost be unrelatable. 

Don't get me wrong, this is a good film. It was an enormous feat of all involved to take so much complicated material and turn it into such an elegant piece, especially with so little time to work with. I can help but feel that all the elements worked wonderfully on their own, but simply didn't come together as neatly as they could have. Did I enjoy the film-Yes, am I anxiously awaiting the release of the DVD so I can watch it again- Probably not (sorry).

3 out of 5 

Thunder and Lightening

Immediately we find our hero dangling from the ceiling, bound by chains in a fiery cavern, and just when we think he is breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to us, we realise that instead he is striking up a conversation with... a skeleton. The scene is then set: Asgard is doomed to face Ragnarok (the end of all things) and Thor's current predicament suggests his imminent fate is not too far off from that of his homeland. An epic battle ensues between Thor and Surtur (the blazing captor) and ends with Thor claiming the crown that had the power to wipe out Asgard, and finally returning home.

Cue one of my favourite Marvel characters ever: Loki (Who gets a lot of screen time in this film I am very pleased to say) The god of mischief has been very busy building his kingdom since Thor has been away searching for Infinity Stones, and there are a lot of new family issues to overcome. There is a quick appearance from Doctor Strange, and father and sons are reunited and made aware of the arrival of  Hela- the goddess of death who also happens to be Thor and loki's older sister.

The Grandmaster soon takes control of the brothers, but while Thor is forced to have a battle to the death with the Hulk, Loki is welcomed into his inner circle. This won't be a return to old ways for Loki though, and when the opportunity presents itself, he is a key player in organising an escape. 

Many very exciting battles down the track, and we find the Asgardians on the brink of extinctinction- and this is where I leave you, as I have already given too much away!

My advice: go and see this film... right now! I have to say that when the movie first started, I was a little worried about the tone, it seemed a lot more comical than previous Thors, and even other films in the Marvel Conematic Universe; but it soon found the perfect balance. The film is action packed with the right amount of heart and there is a lot of character development, which was super enjoyable to watch. You'll find that your perceptions about certain characters and their place in the battle to come may have changed by the end of this film, and that is quite amazing at this point in the story. Well done Taika and all those involved.

4 out of 5 

Simian Rivalry

Last time we left Caesar he was in a bit of a tight spot. Having just made enemies of a number of humans, war against the apes was certain. Was it fair that the actions of a few apes had turned humans against them, would the few humans on the side of the apes be able to protect them? Such were the questions we were left with as the credits started to roll and we feared for the future of our (pri) mates. Fast forward to War for the Planet of the Apes and we are thrown into the thick of the predicted battle.

There is a rumor going around that the great Caesar is in the process of building and strengthening his army in a hidden and well protected stronghold. The humans find that this is at least partially true, and yet are surprised to discover that the aim is defence and peace. A powerful act of mercy on the part of the apes teases a tentative chance at harmony between the not-too-different species, and yet once again it is the humans who foolishly seek out a fight. 

Fear and its cruel collateral damage threaten to shake the great leader's core principals, and he finds himself separated from his apes and his home, out in the wilderness on a doomed mission along with a few of his closest allies, some new (very cute) friends, namely Bad Ape; and a young girl infected with a disastrous disease threatening to wipe out the human race as we know it.

Caesar soon discovers his fatal flaw in leaving his people to pursue an act of revenge, something which haunts him just as keenly as the ghost of Koba. A very emotional series of events ensue, with Caesar both trying to save as many apes as possible and fighting a battle within himself.

Once again I am very impressed with this latest addition to the Apes universe. This film is intensly emotional and gritty simultaneously, and convinced me once again to feel for the plight of the apes despite the human race being the opposing force. I am inclined to even go so far as to suggest that this is the best in the series yet and cannot wait to see what the creative team has in store for future additions, of which the director has promised there will be many.

Well and truly sold- five stars.

  

     

Web-Slinging Surprise

Spider-Man Homecoming. It alluded to a lot through its title alone- it was the centre of great expectation and discussion, there were some in full support from the first mention of its impending arrival, and others doubting... so what was the epic about a man-spider hybrid like? (the fifth or sixth time around)

When Marvel announces an addition to their ever-expanding and aptly named Universe, the excitement butterflies begin to flutter. In a testament to their loyalty to and appreciation of fans, they never disappoint, but I must admit, I was a bit concerned when I heard they were giving Spider-Man, a new, new Spider-Man I might add, another movie. I assume that I was not alone in thinking it would be hard to consider the new-kid-on-the-block as Spider-Man, since we've had so many swing into the role in recent years.

With characters like Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor, who we get to follow from their beginnings, we're able to connect with their story and plight, but with Spider-Man's future seemingly always in "hanging-in-the-balance" mode, it's been hard to welcome him into the family.

Cue sigh of relief here- this new Spider-Man made it clear from the beginning that it wasn't going to be a remake, it wasn't going to pretend that the origin story had never been told and go through Uncle Ben's downfall- no,it was going to be independent and very, very clever.

Homecoming finds Spider-Man anxiously waiting to hear from Iron-Man about his next Mission, but like all internships, nothing is happening in a hurry. So a 15 year old Peter Parker very bravely decides to take on tackling crime in his own way. 

From the onset, it must be mentioned that Tom Holland is an exceptional actor who takes on the role, makes it his own, and brings new dimension to both the humanity and super-heroism of Spider-Man. With Holland at the helm, the film and character are new and more believeable in many ways. So too, when things go pear shaped, it's hard not to feel sorry for the kid, whose idol doesn't seem to want him involved in the action anymore. Couple this with unrequited love and a best friend too excited about his mate's alter ego to keep a secret, and he's got a lot on his plate- not to mention a new villain set on destroying him and a lot of other things. 

There is a perfect balance of comedy, heart felt moments, and action in this film, and not once do you feel as though the story has been told before. The pace is maintained by uncertainties, a new Spidey suit that keeps our hero on his toes, and a determination from the characters to give the story new life through believable interaction. 

Hopefully this new Spider-Man is here to stay, as I daresay it will be an impossible feat to replace him AND maintain any sort of following. With at least one sequel already confirmed, fingers crossed Marvel recognise a good thing when they see it.

Four out of five.