Sheep Movie Review: The Raven directed by James McTeigue

The Raven, directed by James McTeigue, stars John Cusack, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson and Alice Eve. While I left the movie entertained and enjoyed parts of the film, the major plot holes and tedious accents left me disillusioned overall.

Plot:

The macabre and lurid tales of Edgar Allan Poe are vividly brought to life - and death - in this stylish, gothic thriller starring John Cusack as the infamous author. When a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Poe's darkest works, a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) joins forces with Poe in a quest to get inside the killer's mind in order to stop him from making every one of Poe's brutal stories a blood chilling reality. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, which escalates when Poe's love (Alice Eve) becomes the next target.

From the beginning this film establishes itself as a work of fiction, with whimsical balls and over-the-top killings taking place in 19th century Boston. While the dark cinematography and impressive attire help build a believable baseline, there's definitely something essential missing: story! The killings are interesting and gruesome, but the dialog leading up to and directly after the slayings are unbearable to sit through at times. Poe as a character needed a little more development and a lot less manic ramblings in pubs. I adore John Cusack and I know he acted to the best of his ability on this one and possibly there's not much you can do with a script that goes nowhere.

Putting all the issues I had with plot and goofy dialog aside, let me say that I was thoroughly impressed with a few things in this film. First and foremost was Luke Evans, who just looked amazing on screen. The man's got some talent and proves that if given the chance there will be no issues with his ability to take on a leading role. Acting aside he's just gorgeous to look at, I could stare all day at the prime cut of beef! Second was actress Alice Eve, who some readers may know from the funny flick She's Out of My League. Alice doesn't play the typical airhead damsel in distress, no no this gal's got some chops on her and the beauty to back it up. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in coming films as well.

Getting to the climatic ending I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that I was able to guess who the real killer was, which I always hate! Keep me guessing, people! The Raven reminded me a lot of movies like V for Vendetta and Sherlock Holmes but it is definitely nowhere near the same level of quality. Middle of the road movie for me, trust me folks I WANTED to get behind this one so much more then I did. Fans of the previously stated films might find this enjoyable, but even then that's a pretty big maybe.

Getting 2 and 1/2 'professor Plum in the kitchen with the meat cleaver' Sheep

KD

Sheep Movie Review: Safe House directed by Daniel Espinosa

Safe House, directed by Daniel Espinosa and starring Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson, Vera Farmiga and Sam Shepard is an action-packed suspense-mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Plot:

Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds star in the action-thriller Safe House. Washington plays the most dangerous renegade from the CIA, who comes back onto the grid after a decade on the run. When the South African safe house he's remanded to is attacked by mercenaries, a rookie operative (Reynolds) escapes with him. Now, the unlikely allies must stay alive long enough to uncover who wants them dead.

Like a good conspiracy theory movie that's also jam-packed with action and bone-crunching fight scenes? Then you'll really like Safe House. Denzel and Ryan are two compelling characters to watch in this one, both coming from different points of view but with equally gripping storylines. This film gives you absolutely no time to "settle in" or even get bored for that matter. It's paced perfectly to carry you along and gradually unravel the mystery of this story.

Some good twists and turns will you keep you guessing on who's working for whom and where on earth can you go when everyone seems to want you dead. It's a spy thriller in the basic sense and sure if you've seen one you've seen them all but the actors came ready to do their job and the script keeps you right in the thick of it. If you like these types of films then it won't be money wasted and I thought it was enjoyable enough to risk the high ticket price.

Thank the heavens for NO corny dialog or LOL moments when the actors try to "make a funny" in those ever-intense scenes which would have ruined the overall mood of the film. This movie gets gritty and dirty almost to the point where you think you're watching a street brawl. The fight choreography shows in some parts but more so in Denzel's character than in Ryan's, with the younger of the two taking the brunt of the action scenes. Not to say Denzel dosen't bring it with his skills, both as an actor and in the fight scenes. Magnificent car chases which are not burdened with an overuse of CGI, this one's all thrill with the dialog to back it up.

Our secondary characters bring the movie around as Brendan and Vera head up the typical CIA big wigs you want to slap! How many conspiracies is the government covering up? Hollywood seems to think it's more then we'd care to acknowledge but hey, it makes for great film. If my teddy bear (Brendan) is in a film and backed up with the likes of Denzel, you throw in some action and things that go "boom" and I'm sold. An exceptional job with sets and on-location shooting leave me pleased with Safe House I got everything I could have hoped for plus a little more.

Getting 4 'help, help I'm an innocent American being taken hostage' Sheep

KD