Movie Review: Cold Pursuit

Cold Pursuit (2019)

Release Date (Theaters): Feb 8, 2019 
Release Date (Streaming): May 14, 2019

Director: Hans Petter Moland
Writer: Frank Baldwin

Cast: Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Tom Bateman, Tom Jackson, Emmy Rossum, Domenick Lombardozzi, Julia Jones

Rating: R (Sexual References|Drug Material|Some Language|Strong Violence)

Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Runtime: 1h 58m
Distributor: Lionsgate Films, Summit Entertainment

Nels Coxman's quiet life as a snowplow driver comes crashing down when his beloved son dies under mysterious circumstances. His search for the truth soon becomes a quest for revenge against a psychotic drug lord named Viking and his sleazy henchmen. Transformed from upstanding citizen to coldblooded vigilante, Coxman unwittingly sets off a chain of events that includes a kidnapping, a series of deadly misunderstandings and a turf war between Viking and a rival boss.

My husband and I didn't know what to watch one night. I'm not a Liam Neeson revenge movie fan. BUT we settled on Cold Pursuit. It was a nice surprise! There is a dark comedy side not found in his other movies. There is a lot wrong with the movie, lol, but the action parts are pretty fun. Lots of unexpected moments. Weird character development...nothing deep. They just want to get you to the next action scene. The way the cast is shown in the credits is hilarious.

If you can watch it for free on a streaming platform and enjoy action/revenge movies with very little angst and a touch of WTF?! then give this one a watch :)

Husband: 4 sheep

I give it 3 1/3 "chicken wire" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Taken 3

Taken 3

Directed By: Olivier Megaton

Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief strong language)

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min

Cast: Liam Neeson, Forrest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Dougray Scott, Famke Janssen

Plot: 

Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his "particular set of skills," to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now - his daughter.

Bryan Mills is back. Father of the Year. Ex-husband of the decade. Kicking some ass and taking some hard to pronounce names. It's torture shack time 2015. Via way of Malibu, California. Hey, we all need a nice locale for water-boarding! Don't you judge him. He's been through a lot! 

Liam Neeson is the man. Gruff voice. Cool gadgets. Fun old-timer friends who have each others back. Be it liquor store or penthouse floor with tightly whites, Liam will knock you silly and spit in your face. He's all kinds of action hero goodness wrapped in a lovable panda bear. 

Did you know he also does a lot of his own stunts? Yes. This man goes for it. He's not jumping fences and sure wont be falling from buildings, but when it's time to fight in close quarters….he brings the fists of fury! 

Haters gonna hate, other reviewers are going to look at this over-the-top franchise and roll their inflated egotistical prudish eyeballs.  Taken 3 is predictable. You absolutely know what's going to happen. Most of the characters have little depth, but who cares, if you enjoy action movies and some super gooey cheese, then that's all you need. 

Forrest Whitaker is so much fun to watch in this one. He was nicely paired up to the play role of the lead detective on the hunt to catch a murderer. Adding in some comic relief are his band of merry police brothers. They're always one step behind Bryan Mills. Better luck next movie boys! 

The Taken films (all three) are meant to be fun! Meant to make you root for the good guy and boo at the bad men. Naughty boys taking away Bryan's family like that! Time and again you all mess with this fella. Well, he's had enough and he's going to kick everyones butts till they understand this! 

Sure Liam is getting old, but so are other actors out there STILL making action movies. Who cares?! I would love to see Liam and Denzel Washington team up in an action flick. That would be my action-hero wet dream come true! But I digress, if you just want to munch on a snack and watch some fun cheesy action then get yourself to the theater and check this one out. 

Getting 4 'stop looking at my panda' Sheep 

KD 

Movie Review: A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)

A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
R
116 min - Comedy | Western 

30 May 2014 (USA)
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Writers: Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin
Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson 
As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.

There’s a million ways to die in the west and I’m pretty sure this movie hits them all. With random kills that take you by surprise and crude in your face one liners Million Ways to Die in the West isn’t your typical western. 

It’s got your typical love triangle but the romance is made bearable by gory deaths that make your jaw drop to killer farts (yes you read that right). 

I've compiled a list of things that make this movie great. 

· Sheep, literally everywhere

· Moustache (these are very important)

· ‘baked beans’ and not the kind you want to eat

· The prostitute girlfriend with the virgin boyfriend

· Sheep dicks….I’m not kidding

· Doing drugs in a group!

· Kick the condor in the balls

· “People die at the fair”

· Yes they’re still going to use the ice

· More sheep

· TAKE YOUR HAT OFF BOY THAT’S A DOLLA’ BILL

· Daisy in the ass

· Sheep puns

If you don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, and I’m sure you don’t you should go see this movie. Reframe from eating or drinking because you might just end up laughing, inhaling your food and learning a hard way how to ‘die in the west’.

4.5 "even more" Sheep

Ren Stogner

This trailer is rated R

Sheep Movie Review: The LEGO Movie

The LEGO Movie

Directed By: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Staring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson 

PG

Plot: 

"The LEGO Movie" is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO adventure. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet (Chris Pratt) an ordinary, rules- following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. 

It's always a blessing when kids and adults alike can enjoy a fun warm hearted flick. The Lego Movie delivers all the brick laying foundation of being one of the best kid comedies I've seen in a very long time. It's hilarious with non-stop laughs! Everything is awesome!

Aside from the laughs, kitten posters and fun variety of LEGO action figures, you have a story about being creative. Follow your own path and use your individual imagination to make something new and awesome. Cause everything is awesome!

This is truly a meaningful story at it's core and that journey takes a kids toy and turns it into a whole world of wonder. Sure, Toy Story did that too but this is Legos....and they are awesome! The ending was surprising to me, which only endears this tale even more. 

It's a witty, crazy, excitingly manic ride of CGI awesomeness, including a moody Batman and Liam Neeson having a split personality disorder, all wrapped up in a lesson on letting go and I loved every second of it! 

Try to get this song out of your head after watching the movie. I dare you! 

Getting 4 and 1/2 'space ship' Sheep

KD 

Movie Review: Taken 2

Taken 2 (12a)
Directed by: Olivier Megaton
Starring: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace
Running time: 91mins

In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.

Standing over the graves of his family members killed by Bryan Mills (Neeson) in the first Taken movie, Murad Krasniqi (Rade Serbedzija) swears revenge for his family and their loss. He wants Bryan and his family to suffer and sets in motion his plan to kidnap Bryan, his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace).

Cut to Bryan and his family, Lenore (Janssen) and Kim (Grace) on holiday in Istanbul, where, without any time wasted, Krasniqi’s plan is put into motion. Caught up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Bryan and Lenore are taken, leaving Kim running for her life. Will she escape or share the same fate as her mother and father?

Taken 2 follows on directly from the events of Taken with athe burial in Albania, then transporting the viewer from LA to Istanbul. The returning actors fall easily back into their roles from the first film. This is not film for fans of interesting and conversing dialogue; this is an action film, pure and simple. All of the cast perform their scenes admirably, but it’s Liam Neeson as ex-CIA Bryan Mills that steals the show.

Much like John McClane in the Die Hard films, the audience has come to expect a certain amount of action, fight scenes and gun play. Fans will be pleased to hear Taken 2 does not disappoint. The fight scenes and car chases are meticulous in their planning and execution and viewers can appreciate the fast cuts in editing for incredibly well staged action pieces.

Sadly though, the film tries on one hand to be intelligent and realistic and yet falls down in simple plot holes and glaringly obvious inconsistencies. At times you have to suspend belief that while the main action is going on, the background may not be correct – for example, where are the police as grenades go off all over the place?

That said, the cinematography is superb as is the editing and soundtrack. Sadly the script is weak, but then again, why speak when bullets and fists can say so much more!

If it’s just a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller with great editing and good action scenes, then this is the film for you.

3 out of 5 Sheep 

Guest Reviewer: Big Phil from Following the Nerd

Movie Review: Battleship - a double review

"Milton Bradley's enduringly popular strategic board game makes the leap to the big screen in Hancock director Peter Berg's epic sci-fi adventure pitting an international naval fleet against an army of invading aliens. When the two forces find themselves evenly matched, each must rely on strategy and cunning in order to emerge the victor. Taylor Kitsch and Alexander Skarsgard head-up a cast also featuring Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, and Tadanobu Asano."  Directed by Peter Berg.

Who knew a board game of pegs could conjure up such a vision! And a fun one at that. The graphics and CGI effects were grandiose and (in my opinion) nicely done. There was one bone I had to pick, and it seems so silly but it bugged me; the shark they show in the water when panning down to show how deep the alien mothership was planted. Out of all the CGI work done, they throw in a terribly fake looking CGI shark. Shark aside; the movie has its tender moments, its funny moments, and it does a nice job of balancing the CGI action with the human scenes.

There are a little bit of man candy for the ladies, yes girls, Skarsgard and Kitsch get shirtless! Woo! For the men you have Brooklyn and her Deckers, and if you like silver foxes, there's Neeson who is in full Neeson-not-to-be-messed with mode. He is one boss man whose feathers I would NOT want to ruffle, that disapproving stare alone...understandable why Kitsch's character has trouble confronting him about situations. In a sea full of men I felt Rihanna held her own and did pretty well as Petty Officer Cora 'Weps' Raikes. The character I really liked (besides Kitsch's abs) was Jesse Plemons as Boatswain Mate Seaman Jimmy 'Ordy' Ord (who wins the award for having the longest title, yay Ordy!). Ordy was the most expressive and had the good lines. I felt he was one of the more genuine characters.

At one point I thought I was watching Titanic (you'll know the moment if you decide to see movie) and was waiting for some heartfelt tender moment between Captain Nagata and Kitsch's Lieutenant Hopper, alas I was let down when no such moment occurred. However worry not; there are tender moments for those who want more than just blowing up action. Such as during the 11th hour when the fleet returns to shore, hopefully to recruit the battleship (and museum) The USS Missouri. Cue awesome classic rock music! On board we find a crew of bad ass veterans who are ready to curb stomp these ridiculous aliens once and for all! In my opinion these fellas steal the rest of the show with their one liners and go-get-em' attitude. Of course it's the seniors who have to come save the young whipper snappers because someone (not you Kitsch!) decided to press some kind of button to unleash some outrageous alien war.

Yes, the fact that they made such a movie based off a board game (where the pieces are always getting lost and of course, you're barefoot walking around and oh! hello game piece that's now impaled into a foot!) at this capacity is pretty crazy. It's a far out concept but you know what... I thought it was a fun summer movie. I wouldn't give it an Oscar nod or anything, but it's a great way to beat the summer heat and get to see some $%@! blown up!

I give it 2.5 alien sheep heads

Sharon’s thoughts: 

I pretty much agree with everything Bunni said. I was thoroughly entertained for 2 hours. The special effects are heart thumping (the man effects are too <G>) and the music score is rocking! My problem was with the dialogue. OMG, so cheesy! I had to roll my eyes at some most parts, but it was with a smile on my face. This is like all those 1990’s Tom Cruise movies. You know, Top Gun and Days of Thunder? My husband was quite pleased with it. If you like action movies then this is one you don’t want to miss. Come ready to smile, roll your eyes and yell “BOO-YAH!”

I am being a little nicer and giving it 3.5 BOOM Sheep!

Sheep Movie Review: Wrath of the Titans

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus-the demigod son of Zeus-is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus' godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus' remaining godly powers are siphoned... -- (C) Warner Bros.

Wrath of the Titans was so close to being a good movie, but it just missed the mark with me. There were scenes that blew me away with their special effects and wonderfully-timed remarks by the characters, but all the other stuff was kind of dumb and boring. My 10 year old daughter, who loved John Carter, noticed that the Warrior Queen Andromeda was wearing earrings into battle and thought if she couldn't wear earrings during a soccer game then Andromeda shouldn't be wearing them while going to war. She kind of has a point, but I think the important thing is a 10 year old was bored enough to notice earrings.

lava throwing goodness!

Spoilers

But I am really funny in this part

smexy bad boy Ares

The premise was a good one. A long time ago…in a galaxy, wait. Once upon a time…no, that’s not it. Before the dawn of man, Kronos was imprisoned in Tartarus by his sons Zeus, Poseidon and Hades using their unique weapons: the trident, pitchfork and bolt. Well, turns out Zeus’ son Ares (Edgar Ramirez), the God of War, has serious daddy issues and teams up with Hades, who has serious brother issues, to release Kronos. Kronos is one badass of a creature, made of earth and can sling lava with his hands. He was one of my favorite characters and his escape and destruction near the end of the film was one of the best visual parts of the movie, even if it did drag on a bit. Perseus teams up with Poseidon’s son Agenor (Demi-gods, activate!) and Queen Andromeda to go into Tartarus and save Zeus, who is being drained of power to free Kronos. They free him, but Kronos has already broken out of his prison. Zeus and Hades make up and help fight Kronos. Perseus and Ares don’t, and with the help of Helios, Perseus’s son, Perseus kills Ares. Which really was a shame, 'cause he was pretty hot; even though he was a back-stabbing jealous diva. Notice I haven’t mentioned Poseiden? That is because he dies and not only that, they kill Zeus too! Can you say no more sequels? Liam Neeson can.

see the Hasselhoffness?

Perseus, Sam Worthington, was kind of a disappointment in this film. In Clash of the Titans he was super cool and sexy, in this one he was kind of Hasselhoffish in appearance and acting ability. Agenor, played by Toby Kebbell, was fabulous and the source of most of the humor. I also didn’t buy the attraction between Andromeda and Perseus. He is burying his wife in the beginning of the movie and making kissy face with Andromeda at the end. The creatures they did have in the movie were pretty horrific, and I mean that in a good way, but the Cyclopes acted like the three stooges (which I won’t be seeing by the way). I could have used more evil creatures and less daddy and son issues.

End of Spoilers

I think they could have taken all the really awesome parts and made a kick-ass 30 minute movie I would give 5 Sheep to. Instead, there was dorky dialogue and scenes scattered throughout, making it worth renting, but you will be kicking yourself if you pay 3-D or IMAX prices. If you want to see all the cool stuff check out the website.

3 angry colossal Sheep

SharonS 

Unknown, or also know as the Bourne movies.

Unknown, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra stars Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones and Aidan Quinn. While the first part of the film holds some promise by the middle you are left feeling like you've seen this movie. It was called Bourne Identity and Matt Damon did a kick butt job in those films. This one makes you feel like you're watching his Dad take a swing at the oh-my-gosh-I woke-up-from-a-comma-and-dont-know-who-i-am game. *yawn* Kinda boring.

Storyline:

Man wakes from a comma, wife does not know who he is. He goes looking to prove he is who he says but finds out that he has another Identity. (sounds kinda familiar right??) And can you believe it! He works for a secret part of the government! Didn't see that coming did ya? lol Okay, we did. :)

Unknown had some awful camera shots, all over the dang place and not at good angles. I mean really under the steering wheel? *breaks neck* Ouch! Story line, as previously stated, has been done and way better then this was. A funny line or two thrown in to give the film some flow was too little to hold it all together. *in Montgomery "Scotty" voice* I'm givin her all she's got Captain! The ONLY redeeming quality about this film was main man Liam, he rocks out with his junk out no matter what he does. But you can't throw a brilliant actor into an impossible movie that is lacking so much and just expect the film to be great. *buzzer* Don't work like that folks.

Miss this one, watch Jason Bourne instead or wait till you have nothing else to do and this film is showing free on TV. :)

2 Sheep for Liam and no other reason.

KD

I'm gonna kill you, fool! A-Team

Yes, yes I know....I went to see A-Team but wait for the review before you judge me!

A-Team directed by Joe Carnahan and staring Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face), Rampage Jackson (B.A.), Sharlto Copley (Murdock) and Jessica Biel (sexy military lady) hit theaters this weekend hoping to top the box office. Well... it feel a little short grossing $25

million coming in at 2nd behind the remake of Karate Kid. So not wanting to stand in weekend lines for the kid (and guys the lines we LONG), I choose the A-Team......

My expectations were at an all time low going into this movie, and to be frank (and u can be Ann) maybe that helped because I actually kind of enjoyed this film. Was I on something you ask? Yeah I had a cocktail but lets put that aside shall we, this movie was a decent popcorn flick.

Actions scenes were of course over the top, no-way-in-Hades-did-that-happen, I'll just catch the 9am flight to the moon and be back in 2 shakes of a lamb tail! :) The movie trailers pretty much let the audience know what is going to be in store for them. Wait? Tanks fly?

Some really funny comedy in this film from the main characters and secondary actors as well. Classic lines from the original series are thrown in too please fans, don't bite the hand that feeds ya boys.

Two things I worried about in this film, Murdock and B.A. could they deliver? I am pleased to say that yes they did! Rampage shocked me the most, I was hating not having Mr. T fill his role but after seeing the film I'm ok with how it worked out. Nice job my man. Murdock you had me bustin up numerous times, and no I have yet to see the blue man group.

And yes Rose, your man Bradley Cooper looked great without his shirt on. Bring your drool towels and paper bags ladies. :)

Overall its your average action popcorn flick, sit back relax and enjoy it for what it is.

KD