Max Payne

Why is it that Hollywood believes that something from a video game is not good enough source material for a film? This is the problem lately with many video game adaptations. Many video game adaptations take a different route then it's video game counter-parts, changing characters, script and story.

Max Payne is the freshest new arrival to screw everything up, but keeps it more fresh then then any other adaptation. This is still the best adaptation, but that's still not saying much.

The story is as follows. Max Payne's family is killed by some vigilantes, and he tries to find out who killed his family, but finds out that there is a bigger picture being painted, as a pharmaceutical company is behind everything.

Many characters are here from the game including BB, Mona Sax, Natasha, and Max's partner Alex. we also get new characters who didn't need to be introduced, and fit in about as much as Barak Obama in the Republican party. And are also as useless as a Canadian Minority Government.
The main problem with the movie is not the story changes from the game, it's the acting which is some of the blandest ever. Mark Wahlberg is the most boring Max Payne. Where is the dark nature, the kick ass attitude, and the no holds barred action Max Payne? In this movie we get some boring Max Payne, who talks and occasionally shoots a bullet or two. Even Mona Sax who was a great Femme Fatale in the game is horridly awful, everyone is just dull and boring, and don't make the movie all that great, and enjoyable, people would rather enjoy watching C-Span all day then watch these guys try and act.Another bad thing about the movie was the Demon Angel thing going on. Whenever anyone shoots up the drug Valkyure, they see these demon angel things, that either kill them or haunt them. It becomes so stupid and so repetitive and even dumb and not needed for the film. It was a cool concept considering one of the people in the game mention the flesh of the angels. But this was taken to far and used to much. and when max Payne takes the drug and stands up and uses that overly acted scream, graphics prove awful, as New York looks like some cardboard cut-out.

Another bad thing was the slo-mo used in the game to mimic many of the John Woo Movies made, but in this, if John Woo had seen this movie, I guarantee he'd say Hurry the hell up, Hell by the time Max Payne finishes a slo-mo sequence you could watch a whole Matrix movie. It takes them so long and is dragged out.

So did I hate the movie? Yes I did, I'm sure the razzies will be big with this film. I cannot even recommend this movie tom people who haven't played the game. The movie is boring, and will make no sense to them, and they will also be lost. It is hard to recommend this film to anyone, and I am hoping that some day soon, another max Payne is made so it can be more true to the source material.

Max Payne is a stay away. Don't even rent it when it comes out save yourself the 5 bucks. Instead download this horse crap, and piss off the director because a movie like this is a slap and spit in the face to many beloved max Payniacs like myself, and also a movie goer for insulting there intelligence.

Max Payne

This friday Max Payne comes to life staring Mark Walhberg. It has been getting mixed reviews lately but i'll check it out see if it's any good. I've always loved max Payne when i heard a film was being made, i literally wanted to kill Hollywood. But after watching the trailers let's hope that the film can do justice for it's original video game counterpart. Here's hoping.

The Dark Knight

It's very rare that a comic book movie breaks the boundaries of being kid friendly, and made more for the adults as intended. It's also very rare that a comic book movie is loved by so many when people don't even like comic book movies to begin with.

In 2005 Chris Nolan came in and revamped the whole Batman franchise, after Joel Schumacher ruined it with Bat Nipples, Mr. Freeze, Crazy colors and Alicia Silverstone. But Nolan was given the task to make and revamp the whole Batman series. Using people like Christian Bale,Morgan Freeman,Micheal Caine,Liam Neeson and even Katie Holmes whom everyone was surprised that she was still a bad actress. But no one cared when Nolan's Batman Begins came on screen people were wary but in the end applause went through, everyone was happy a true Batman film was finally made. Of course at the end of Batman Begins were treated to a tease that the next Batman would feature the Joker. Internet forums were going crazy as to who would play the joker, when the movie was coming out. And after a million people who auditioned for the role it was the late Heath Ledger who earned the role respectively. And after a million Internet promos and games July 18, 2008 would be a history maker for the box office.

The Dark Knight centers around a new found Gotham City, which looks less bleak and dark then then in the previous installment. Crime has decreased, and people are afraid, as the Batman wanders the night and patrols anyone who dare mess around in his city. But when the Joker arrives and causes problems not only for the mob but Batman himself and starts terrorizing Gotham City, Batman must pull together with District Attorney Harvey Dent to stop the Joker at all costs.

The first scene is an eye opener, a bunch of clowns dressed up, and robbing a bank but not just any bank, it's a mob run bank. Soon when all the clowns turn on each other and start killing each other so there's less money to share around, It's then when one of the clowns tries killing the other but is killed by a bus which crashes into the bank. It's here when we see the Joker reveal himself, makeup sort of worn out, his hair greasy and green and a cut in smile so that he's always laughing. This is the joker we have been waiting for.

It's not hard to see why Heath Ledger steals the show, so many rumors on the Internet and early reviews claimed his performance(as this was his last "COMPLETED" film not his last film) was nothing short of amazing and was even academy award material. I didn't believe it myself but when you see Ledger as the Joker, you'll be so shocked and amazed at how well the part is played you'll forget who the guy who is playing him is. This is the joker that really shines that we've been wanting. He kills anyone, doesn't care about himself, he's psychopathic and causes a hell of a lot of problems. One scene sure to stick out is near the beginning where The Joker visits the mobs after a meeting and does his now famous "pen trick". Another scene involving The Joker, where he's detained, and talking to one of the police guards asking him how many of friends has he killed. The guard doesn't really respond at first knowing Joker just wants attention, but the joker rambles on about how you can tell the cowards from the brave ones, and how when he kills them he knows which ones are the cowards, then looking back at the guard tells the guard "Want to know which one of your friends were cowards?". It's not hard to see why people praised Ledgers performance, it really separated his Joker from Jack's Joker in Burton's Batman '89. Of course debates still run rapid as many people argue which was the better Joker. But in this reviews opinion, having followed the comics, and having known Batman for many years, This was the Joker I came to really enjoy, and was even scared at.
Of course that's not to say the rest of cast doesn't do there part well. Christian Bale still takes his Batman and Bruce Wayne counter-part, and shows how different they each can be. As Batman he's raspy voiced(something which still annoys fans to this day), Strong and dedicated to taking crime down. But as Bruce Wayne he only acts like a spoiled brat, a rich billionaire playboy who can do whatever he wants. He really shows how different the two can really be. Bale does not disappoint again as Batman and Bruce Wayne.

Maggie Gyllenhal steps in to replace Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes with a few extra pounds packed on, but a better acting attitude. As much as I really liked Gyllenhal, I found the character of Rachel Dawes a bit boring, maybe that's because she wasn't really important, but Nolan never gives enough about her to care about her except the fact that she knows whom Batman really is, and to create sexual tension between Bruce and Harvey Dent.
Speaking of Harvey Dent, Aaron Eckhart steps in to play role flawlessly as well, as both Harvey Dent and even Two Face, yes that's right two villains in the movie. You can see where Harvey Dent shines as District Attorney, he wants Gotham to be a safer place, and even when criminals are trying to kill him, he still goes out there, to try and bring justice to any criminal thinking they can get away with it. He is the White Knight of the story, someone that Bruce believes, could mean he could live a normal life and not have to be Batman. Unfortunately when his turn as Two face comes, we see a different Harvey Dent, one who is merciless and, even grotesque. And the Two face make-up that they used, well much better then Schumachers play out of Tommy Lee Jones' "I have half a Barney the dinosaur looking scar on my face". This Two face is grotesque and ugly, and hard to look at, half his face is burnt off, muscles showing, and even gum's and teeth, it was an excellent job for Nolan to really have taken this in the true nature of what Two Face should really be.
So is there anything to complain about in this movie? I can't really think of anything. I loved this film so much that I saw it 2 times in theaters and am definitely buying it on December 08, 2008 on both Blu ray and Standard Def. This is one of the movies which is hard to miss, the great direction and action, and proving that CGI is not needed to make a film better. One thing to really say, but not to nitpick is, this was not intended for children, this was an adult Batman, the dark nature of the film, the killing of people. Not to say children won't enjoy it, but there is a lot of dark material in the film that parents should wary to be careful.

So if you haven't seen the Dark Knight, you owe it to yourself to see it in theaters if you can, wherever it's still playing and buy this one, yes BUY it because this is one film you can't argue with having a great satisfaction of seeing. Even if you hate superhero movies, pick this one up you will not regret it!

Awaiting the Chopping Block!

Next movies 5 Movies I will be reviewing

1)Mandragora
2)The Dark Knight
3)Transformers
4)Se7en
5)Running Scared

If you have any suggestions or want me to review a film even if it's god awful give me an e-mail at heartadam@gmail.com

American Gangster

Why do people pick fights with movies. I'll never understand, some people have they're opinions and I have mine. For instance Ridley Scott has proven time and again he can take any film, and make at least enjoyable from any genre. Think Alien,Black Hawk Down,Gladiator,Hannibal,Kingdom of heaven and even Matchstick Men.

Ok so they're not all great but when I heard about American Gangster I was less then thrilled and didn't care two hells about it. But it had a decent cast, Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Josh Brolin and hell even Carla Gugino makes and appearance.

The story which is about Frank Lucas'(played by Denzel) true crime story and how he became the most notorious man in Harlem back in the 70's. How did he become so notorious well he was firstly the protege and driver of Black gangster "Bumpy" Johnson whom we see at the beginning with Frank taking a match and burning a man alive, while Frank takes his gun out and shoots the hell out of him after. Bumpy later dies and Frank takes over by bringing in pure heroin from South East Asia, and selling it in Harlem, and calling it Blue Magic. It soon becomes the most popular drug and heroin used in not just Harlem but New York City itself.

Of course Detective Richie Roberts(played by Russel Crowe) who is also studying to become a lawyer, wants to find out who is making Blue Magic and catch them. It's rare to see honest cops especially played to a Tee! and by all means i was surprised by Crowes performance he shows the valiance of Roberts character, this is a cop who won't take bribes or drugs and makes an honest pay by getting cheques from the Police Department. How honest well, one scene in the movie shows Roberts and his partner finding a trunk of money with over a million in cash, but he doesn't take any of it. Of course Roberts is not a perfect man, he's got family problems and sleeps around a lot, you can see where Scott puts him as the good guy character, but not overly good as we see he has his fair share of problems at work, at home and even with the ladies. But his main mission is taking down Lucas and his drug exports.


Going back to Lucas, I must say Denzel does a perfect job, he is loud,smart,angry but also a classy man. He's got the perfect line between Gentleman and Family man but also the "Don't F***" with me attitude, and Denzel shows this. One scene including Lucas talking to his brothers about the business he runs, when Lucas sees an old rival of his he goes out, takes his gun out pointing it to his head, where the guy stares laughs and says "What you're going to shoot me in front of all these people here?" Lucas immediately pulls the trigger and walks away as if nothing happens. It's there where you see Lucas is not a man to screw around with, and he shows this throughout the film as well, but also showing his caring and smart side, as well as his sly remark "My Man" to many of the people, in which you can't pinpoint exactly whether he's mad or happy, or what he'll do next.


But the real award goes to dickhead Detective Trupo played by Josh Brolin. This guy amazes me and I believe he is the next big thing for screens, seriously No Country for Old men, Planet terror and the upcoming W, this guy has got real screen presence and in American Gangster he doesn't disappoint. Trupo is a corrupt cop taking money from drug dealers and using it for themselves, basically taxing the people who can't do anything about it. But you hate his character, so badly, even when you dislike Lucas for what he's doing, Trupos character is even worse, he's the person you want justice to come to. One scene involving him trying to take down Lucas on his wedding day by harassing him, just the exchange of lines between both of them is incredible, how they pester and insult one another back and forth, just great dialogue exchange.


Of course that's not to say American Gangster is for everyone. Some people will complain it's to long in parts. Yes it can feel a bit long and sure they could have shortened it down by excluding some scenes, in fact the Unrated DVD has even more scenes to which I found where useless, and was glad they didn't make the final cut. Others might complain that is just a snooze fest, and just trying to rip off other well known Gangster flicks, and that it takes to long to get to the conclusion.

In my opinion if you've enjoyed other Gangster flicks, you won't go wrong with this one, it's great, has amazing dialogue and direction, and is a great piece of crime drama to won especially one with a true black gangster as "Harlem" was just an awful waste of film portraying black gangsters, where as American Gangster fulfills both the story and characters making it a great opportunity that many missed out on, a definite check out for this one!

Smokin' Aces

This Movie rocks!!!!! This is pretty much the whole review, the movie is awesome and it rocks!!!

....Ok so maybe you would like to find out why this movie rocks? Here goes!

The movie about a magician working for the mob named Buddy "Aces" Israel, unfortunately he doesn't work the mob anymore as he's become a snitch and decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob. Of course the mob takes this rather harshly and sends out a hit on Israel for One Million Dollars.

Well just about every hitman hears about this, they grab there guns get ready to go to the Hotel where Israel is staying just to be able to blow him away. As much as the plot is simple it's the Hitmen who make this a worthwhile flick as they all have different characters. Alicia Keys shines as Georgia a beautiful yet dangerous killer who is paired with her partner Sharice who has a bit of an eye for Georgia, but stays in the hotel across the road with her huge 50 cal. Sniper rifle. In one scene where georgia signals Sharice to her rescue and you see her firing shots everywhere, all hell breaks loose as you see guys flying here, peoples legs and knees being blowing off it's just pure great fun.But the ones who really cause a scene are the Tremor brothers. These neo-nazi redneck punks who are as insane as they look. They go around killing whoever, whenever. In fact one of the first scenes we catch them in is, while some other hitmen are using a plan they drive up shoot all of them get out and act insane and happy with what they did. The Leader, Darwin goes up and starts playing with one of the corpses, apologizing by mimicing talking to himself while using the corpses mouth. It's a crazy insane scene, that it's also so funny at the same time, you kind of laugh and also realise after on "Jesus, these guys are abunch of lunatics".


While there is a whole slew of other Hitmen going insane entering the Hotel, two FBI agents are trying to hold the place down by protecting it, but when everything comes together and they're in the middle of it all, literally all hell breaks loose, including one of them getting killed in one of the coolest shoot-outs in an elevator ever!

It does take a while for the story to lift off the ground as everything comes together but hey, can't start every movie off with a bang. But once everything starts happening it's a well worth while wait to have watched.
As much as the movie is amazing it has a few flaws. One of the victims that the Tremor brothers shoot up in the beginning named Hollis, survives and take hospice in this crazy lady's house, where she takes care of an annoying little brat named Warren, who is a rapping, martial arts master kid with ADD(I Kid you not). The scenes involving Hollis and Warren are useless and I found took good time away from the movie itself, it doesn't ruin the experience, but it sure is annoying to have in the film.

Though with a few minor flaws aside the movie is excellent everyone plays there part well. Jeremy Piven as Buddy Israel is incredible, he's a drunk, a bit of a jerk and acts like he's god of it all, in some scenes you actually hope someone succeeds in killing him for the way he acts and how he'll do anything to save his own ass, and leave his own friends behind.

Even Lost stars Matthew Fox and Nestor Campbell have small roles, and to the big Lost fans, when they get together and one of them is killed immediately, it should put a smirk on your face. And of course Jason Bateman as the pervert Rip Reed, he's not there for long but makes a pretty good impression as to who he is and what he does.

In conclusion I enjoyed the film from start to finish. It has a great noir feeling to it, and the action is really fast paced and brutal. All the actors even Alicia Keys and Common who prove that even being rappers, you can also be a decent actor or actress. It also has a twist at the end which might make viewers either upset or satisfied with it. But in my opinion take it for what it is, a good throw back to Gangster and Noir films, with a good cutting edge action and brutality and insane scenes that will not be forgotten very soon.

Body Without Soul

It's very rare that a movie haunts me, especially a documentary. Usually I take most documentaries with a grain of salt and very rare that many scare me or even make me enjoy the life I have.

Eneter Writer/Director Wiktor Grodecki who also wrote and directed Mandragora(Review coming soon) a year after completing this film. The movie starts off with a note: "1000 Czech Crowns=35 USD".

We are then introduced to some boys all between the ages of 14-20. Many of them are runaways, some are good looking, and some are not. But they all have one thing in common they are all underage prostitutes living or trying to survive in Prague.Because of the poor economy there due to post-communism, sex,drugs and many other things which would probably cost us more then a weeks pay cheque, costs next to nothing there. We find out how most of them started, and where the popular spots are, including the train station, the pool and the park. Many of the prostitutes explain that even kids as young as 11 sell themselves just to be able to play in the arcade and do just about everything.

It's almost chilling to find out that many of this stuff happens, and how bad you feel for these boys, as much as they are naive, striving to survive by selling themselves to older men just to make a quick dollar by either spending it on drugs or food or even shelter. And when they can't make a quick dollar they see a man named Pavel Roussek, who by day works a coroner for the police, but at night makes pornography films with many boys who are underage.

When first meeting this man the first thing i felt was disgust for what he was doing. He explains how and who he directs for, mainly his audience are Germans, and also goes on to explain that many of the boys can't wear condoms because the audience does not want to see that leaving them open to many diseases. While he is talking we are also treated to a few scenes in which include him dissecting a cadaver. At this point i could have thrown up but I can assure you the worst was me losing my appetite, but many people viewing this may not take well to this.

While Pavel is a sick man, and what he does is sick none of the boys are innocent as well, some steal just to make a living others including one boy name Mark who is only 15 who has AIDS and not even caring about Dieing, that he accepts his faith. Many of the boys discuss how they feel about there body's, some think that there body is the only way to survive and can use it anyway possible to get a few bucks, other boy's say how there body is "S**t" and hate themselves for what they do.

Towards the end, the boys are asked what they think the soul is. Some say how they have a soul and would save it for someone special for whom they love. Others say they would sell it for 2000 Crowns, and one boy exclaiming how his body is a "Body without soul" just to be used by men and get an extra dollar.

The film conveys a powerful message one of my favorite parts that made me tear a bit was Young David, saying how he loves one person but has not seen him in over 2 years. There is an awkward silence, as you believe he is talking about a lover or someone else but he tears up a bit and looks straight at the camera and says "The one person whom i love and have not seen in over two years is..my father". you can see how he'd really love to see his family again, and that he hates the life he lives. At the end when the credits roll, you immediately see your life for what it is, and heck I can tell you for someone who has thought his life was crap, you get a feeling that at least your life has a future unlike many of the boys in this film. A very dark and intriguing documentary that should not really be missed anyone but wary for others as this is not an easy movie to take.