10s Movie Review - The True History of the Kelly Gang

Director: Justin Kurzel
Genre: Crime/ Action/ Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: George MacKay, Essie Davis, Nicholas Hoult, Charlie Hunnam, Russell Crowe

Description: Australian bushranger Ned Kelly (George MacKay) and his gang flee from authorities during the 1870s.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 39: A FILM WITH RUSSELL CROWE
 
Review: The story tells the rise of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang in the 19^th century.
The film has a really strong opening. We see the storyline of Ned growing up. This is the most compelling part of the story. The film has a bold tone and the visuals are beautiful. And the performances are good (Essie Davis and Charlie Hunnam in particular).

The second half really didn’t work for me. It’s less compelling, with less interesting dialogue and a general feeling of emptiness. The modern clothing feels a bit out of place in this historical setting. And the film sometimes feels fragmented, which doesn’t make the story flow smoothly. And the movie just didn’t grab me, especially in that second half.

This movie was not at all what I expected and I was a bit disappointed. Strong start, disappointing finish. A waste of great talent.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

20s Movie Review - Rebel Moon part 1: A Child of Fire

Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Anthony Hopkins

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 10: A SCIENCE FICTION FILM
 
Description: When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical force, a mysterious stranger (Sofia Boutella) living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.

Review: There are many films out there that have stories and a premise that has been done before. “Rebel Moon” is one of those movies. It’s set exactly like “Star Wars” and has the plot of “Seven Samurai”. Very lazy Zack Snyder.  

In an oppressed galaxy, there is a planet with a farming village that supplies grain. The oppressors have discovered that less grain is bing recorded than produced. They visit the village and demand almost their entire harvest. Kora, one of the inhabitants, decides to travel into space to gather a team of warriors who can train her people to become fighters before the oppressors return.

I guess Snyder had a high budget, but the CGI looks pretty bad. It looks like a B-movie, but just slightly better. There is a lot going on in this movie, but not a lot of it is memorable. And for a so-called sci-fi epic, it’s pretty boring at times.

It’s save to say that I did not enjoy “Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire”. The sequel is coming to Netflix in April, which I’m not really interested in.

Rating: 2/ 5

Movie Review - Jungleland

Director: Max Winkler
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell, Jessica Barden, Jonathan Majors

Description: Two brothers (Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell) try to escape their circumstances by traveling across the country for a no holds barred boxing match that becomes a fight for their lives.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: A MOVIE WITH A ONE-WORD TITLE
 
Review: We meet two brothers: Stan, a man who once had a charming charisma, but lost it and owes some shady characters a lot of money. And Lion, a boxer who seems to be depending on Stan. But little by little it becomes clear that it’s probably the other way around.
The poster and synopsis of the film make you think it’s yet another boxing movie. It technically is, but the focus is much more on the two brother then on the actual sporting event they are trying get to. We see their lives togethers, how they are always together. Their lives have never been easy, they had to be on their own when they were very young. The result is that they never really got to the point they wanted to be at. It looks like Lion can’t be without Stan, but it’s actually Stan that can live without Lion. Everything Lion does, is because of Stan. Most situations and problems they get into, are due to Stan. Lion’s life would probably be better without him. And a girl named Sky entering his life, makes him disconnect from Stan for the first time.
Charlie Hunnam plays Stan and is the highlight of the film. His performance is powerful and he knocks it out of the park. He doesn’t overshadow Jack O’Connell, who I strong too, but he has the upper hand.
Missed opportunity though is not using the song “Jungleland” by Bruce Springsteen, when there is another song by the Boss playing at the end.
“Jungleland” is a solid drama, carried by Charlie Hunnam.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Review - The Gentlemen

Director: Guy Ritchie
Genre: Crime/ Action/ Comedy
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Hugh Grant, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan

Description: An American expat (Matthew McConaughey) tries to sell his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, triggering plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him.

Review: After directing some more conventional films like “Sherlock Holmes” and “Aladdin”, Guy Ritchie returns with a movie that is more his style. More than 20 years after “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” Ritchie is back with a type of film that he’s best at. It’s a clever, quick and self-written British gangster film that is fast-paced and never has a dull moment.
A lot of the plot elements in this film a recognizable from movies like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”, where it’s about big deals. In “The Gentlemen” this deal is the sale of a British marijuana empire, lead by the American Mickey Pearson. Many people show interest and have their own reasons for it. And that sometimes a machine gun needs to be fired or a fist fight has to happen, only adds to the spectacle.
Like the other aforementioned movies by Ritchie, there are several plots going on. Essential is the one of tabloid journalist and movie director wannabe Fletcher, played by Hugh Grant, who I am thankful for leaving his romcom image aside. He isn’t a gentleman at all and doesn’t mind bribing or blackmailing a drug lord. Fletcher know exactly what is going on in this world and even writes a script for a film. This script is presented to Pearson’s right hand Ray, a gangster played by Charlie Hunnam (these two were definitely my favorite element of the film, they are so good in it). This is the main plot line in the film and is connected with several others. And soon you realize that almost everyone has a double agenda and isn’t as loyal as you might think. A lot of intrigue and betrayal. With that, the film has dry and dark humor, which Ritchie is known for.
The movie might not have the most original story, but if you are a fan of Ritchie’s previous work it won’t bother you. Because it has all the elements that his other crime films had and what make him such a great filmmaker. If you likes “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”, you will enjoy “The Gentlemen” as well.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Triple Frontier

Director: J.C. Chandor
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Crime
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, Garrett Hedlund

Description: 5 ex special forces soldiers plan to rob a cocaine cartel boss of all his cash $$$ at his house in the Amazon jungle area of the triple borders - Peru, Brazil and Colombia. Problems arise after the plan's initiated.

Review: Tom, also known as Redfly, has a hard time settling down in the suburban life as a veteran. He fails at being a father and as a realtor. His veteran friends aren’t doing better. Ben is an MMA fighter, his brother William ‘Ironhead’ speeches about PTTS and Francisco ‘Catfish’ lost his license to fly after a cocaine fiasco. Time for a last mission. Former colleague Santiage ‘Pope’ Garcia brings all of them together to travel to the Amazone and investigate the mansion of drug lord Lorea. They find millions of dollars in the walls of the house and decided to keep it all themselves. After all they’ve sacrificed, they have the right to keep. At least that’s what they say. But how do you get that much money through the jungle? And from that moment on, the action turns into a survival film.
“Triple Frontier” has been drifting through Hollywood for years and many names have been attached to the project. Eventually it was Netflix that showed the cash.
As an action film, “Triple Frontier” is pretty successful. The tone is somewhere between realism and heroic. The team is charismatic, but the characters are a bit cliché: the brain, the leader, the trusted sidekick, the jokes and the dumbass.
Tom tells the men that this time, they are no better than murderers or robbers. Greed eventually gets the better of them.
The film has a great cast and the story is strong, but it could have been more. There could have been conflict between the men, struggling with the morals. It’s not a bad movie, definitely not. But it’s good and it could have been great.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Reviews - Papillon

Director: Michael Noer
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Tommy Flanagan, Eve Hewson, Roland Møller, Nina Senicar, Michael Socha, Christopher Fairbank, Joel Basman, Fernanda Diniz, Ian Beattie, Brian Vernel, Nikola Kent, Yorick van Wageningen

Description: Wrongfully convicted for murder, Henri Charriere (Charlie Hunnam) forms an unlikely relationship with fellow inmate and quirky convicted counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek), in an attempt to escape from the notorious penal colony on Devil's Island.

Review: Without hope he would have never survived the fourteen years in prison. He had a purpose, a goal: he had to escape. Everyone must have heard about Frenchman Henri Charrière, nicknamed Papillon, because of a tattooed butterfly on his chest. Three years after his autobiography was released, director Franklin J. Schaffner translated it to film, with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman as his leading men. Now, the Danish director Michael Noer, tries it again. The story is still interesting enough and it’s a very strong film.
Paris, 1931. The French night life blossoms with Moulin Rouge and so does the criminal activity behind the scenes. The life of jewel thief Henri Charrière changes into hell, when he is accused of murder and sentenced for life. In large groups, men are transferred to a prison island. And according to the warden, only a fool will try to escape. Because there is hardly any chance of surviving it. But Papillon is still determined to escape.
To escape, he needs money. He meets millionaire Louis Dega. He is obvious bait for the other prisoners, so they can help each other. The contrast between the two is very big, but they share the same fate.
Charlie Hunnam plays his role very convincing, but it’s Rami Malek who is sublime. He impresses the most. The images are beautiful and the soundtrack as well.
It’s hard to translate fourteen years of someone’s life to movie, even with a long runtime. Noer had to make choices in what to show and what not. He managed to select the right moments and show the important aspects of Papillon’s life in prison. His years in solitary, his time on Devil’s island, his friendship with Dega.
I didn’t expect much, like most of the times with a remake. But I was pleasantly surprised and ended up loving this film. Very strong performances and a story that, to date, is still interesting enough to keep my attention for over two hours.

Rating: 4 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 135: The Lost City of Z

Director: James Gray
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Drama
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland

Description: A true-life drama, centering on British explorer Col. Percival Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who disappeared while searching for a mysterious city in the Amazon in the 1920s.

Review: It’s never without danger, but this expedition can clear his name, which was brought to him by his alcoholic father. Colonel Percy Fawcett is send to the heart of the Amazone, t show the Bolivians and Brazilians where the borders are. He isn’t there to explore, but when Percy arrives that’s exactly what he’s going to do. And there starts his search for a mysterious city.
During this expedition, which starts in 1906, Percy discovers unique archeological proof of an ancient civilization. Although his fellow British men see themselves superior of any other folk, Percy is determined to find the lost city of Z.
Director James Gray based “The Lost City of Z” on the book by journalist David Grann, who did research about one of the most well know English explorers. It’s an interesting story, with a lot of potential.
The film excels when we tag along with Percy on his magical quest. And Charlie Hunnam manages to portray a very charismatic Percy Fawcett. And Robert Pattinson is an interesting side kick.
The moments that he isn’t in the Amazone, are not as interesting and tend to drag a bit. Sienna Miller is an excellent actress, but she really doesn’t have a lot to do, as Percy’s wife. This makes the emotional moments a little bland as well.
“The Lost City of Z” is an overlooked film, I never hear anyone about this movie.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 131: Crimson Peak

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror/ Thriller/ Romance

Runtime: 119 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver, Leslie Hope

Description: In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author (Mia Wasikowska) is torn between love for her childhood friend (Charlie Hunnam) and the temptation of a mysterious outsider (Tom Hiddleston). Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.

Review: At the start of the twentieth century Edith Cushing lives with her father in Buffalo, New York. Her dead mother visits Edith at night and warns her for Crimson Peak. Years later Edith’s life is turned upside down when she meets the British Thomas Sharpe and his sister Lucille. After the mysterious and sudden death of her father, Edith marries Thomas an moves with him and Lucille to England. There they live in Allerdale Hall, a huge mansion which is ruinous. Edith wakes up at night by ghosts and learns Allerdale Hall is also called Crimson Peak. Edith learns there are a lot of secrets in that house and also with Thomas and Lucille.

After his Sci-Fi adventure “Pacific Rim”, director Guillermo del Toro is back with what he knows best. “Crimson Peak” has an amazing set and it can be compared to “Pan’s Labyrinth” when you just look at it. The big difference is the romantic touch this film has. Del Toro based “Crimson Peak” on the gothic horror genre. The mansion is beautifully made and is almost a character itself. Del Toro is known for his eye for detail and Crimson Peak was completely build in a studio. Because it all looks so real, the atmosphere is more spooky.

The developments in the movie are sometimes predictable. The middle part of the film is a bit repetitive, when Edith goes on her search for secrets at night. This happens several times. The movie has a slow start, but the second half of the film is the best. Especially that finale was extraordinary and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Mia Wasikowska is a fresh heroin, she does a really good job. Tom Hiddleston manages to switch between being irresistible and charming and dark and mysterious in his role as Thomas Sharpe. But it’s Jessica Chastain who steals the show. As the intimidating Lucille Sharpe she is almost unrecognizable and extremely scary.

“Crimson Peak” is a gorgeous looking horror mystery. It’s not as scary as the trailers led us to believe, but it’s definitely a movie you should see. Strong cast and visually beautiful.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 56: Pacific Rim

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 132 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Diego Klattenhoff, Burn Gorman, Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins Jr., Brad Williams Henke, Larry Joe Campbell, Joe Pingue, Milton Barnes

Description: As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and a trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.

Review: Gigantic aliens, called Kaiju, have stormed the planet. They come from a big hole in the ocean. Mankind fights back in big robots, called Jaegers, that are controlled by two pilots. But the Kaiju gets stronger and often come out of the ocean. That means they have to close the hole. It’s up to traumatized pilot Raleigh and the unexperiences Mako to save mankind.

“Pacific Rim” has a simple set up. If this movie would have been made by an average director, it would be terrible. But luckily for us there is Guillermo del Toro. The robots and monsters look fantastic and are very detailed. The opening is great and with the introduction of the main characters the story also looks more interesting. Sadly Del Toro didn’t manage to create characters without any clichés. Charlie Hunnam is well cast as Raleigh, but he is a bit dull at times. But he does have chemistry with Rinko Kikuchi. Idris Elba is marshall Stacker Pentecost and impresses. Although, I’m not sure about that cheesy speech he gave.

“Pacific Rim” is an overwhelming action movie, visually spectacular. The love that Guillermo de Toro has for monster movies is clearly present and that makes “Pacific Rim” a joy to watch. I was skeptical, but it was a lot better than I initially thought.

 

Rating: 3,3/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: "Sons of Anarchy" Characters

It's really a show for guys, but I love this show. I already showed my love for "Sons of Anarchy" once on my blog and now I will share with you my favorite characters of the show.

5. Jackson “Jax” Teller
He’s the main character, but he has never been my absolute favorite. I think Jax is much smarter than Clay and I also think that he would make a better president. I love him with Tara and his boys and his friendship with Opie.

4. Tara Knowles
My favorite female on the show. Tara didn’t really fit in in the beginning, but everyone could see she still had feelings for Jax. She is very brave, risking so much for the love of her life and actually adapting to the lifestyle. Tara is a great mother to Abel and Thomas and her relationship with Gemma got stronger. She now fits the group perfectly.

3. Harry “Opie” Winston
He was my second favorite, but got demoted. I still like Opie. He doesn’t really say much and when he does, he sticks with short and simple sentences. I like the fact that although he’s a tough guy, he cant’t deal with Lyla’s job.

2. Jean Carlos “Juice” Ortiz
He became more interesting for me and he has a bigger role in season 4. Juice’s character gets more depth. There is more to him than a lot of people think and I really like him. I also like him in combination with Chibs, somehow I see that they have a good bond. Juice is very good with technology, but an idiot when it comes to social skills. Definitely the hottest guy on the show.

1. Filip “Chibs” Telford
I liked him from the beginning. Chibs is a loyal man and someone the team can always rely on. Plus he has a great sense of humor and I love the accent (and the way he says Clay…) . My favorite moment, how cruel it may sound, is when he killed Jimmy O. He finally got his vengeance. Oh yeah, and the two-men-hugging-in-a-bathroom-scene with Juice. Loved it.

They almost made the top 5: Gemma Teller, Robert “Bobby Elvis” Munson and Piermon “Piney” Winston

Let Freedom Ride

I recently told you how much I love the TV show "Sons of Anarchy". My brother and I are totally hooked on it. I also got the DVD of the first season last thursday and now I thought it was time for a wallpaper. I had the Rachel McAdams wallie on for quite a while, and though she never bores me I thought it was time for something new. So here's my SOA wallpaper. And as always, feel free to use it on your own computer.

Reasons Why I Love Sons of Anarchy

OK, so "Sons of Anarchy" is not your typical girly-show. It's about a motorgang, lots of badasses and violence. But that doesn't mean I can't like it, because I do. It's my latest addiction and I'm always looking forward to the next episode like I did with "Lost" and I still do with "CSI". Here are some reasons why I love this show so much.

# 1. No one's perfect. I think we love the characters more for their flaws than their perfectness. For example Gemma. We love the fact that she takes care of her boys, but we love her even more when she kicks some ass. Or Jax, the loving father, who kills like it's a daily chore. All the character have imperfections, even sweet doctor Tara who didn't think twice when shooting that ATF creep. Even Tig, the craziest guy out there, gets some sort of sympathy.

# 2. The guys! It's nice to watch sweet, caring, clumbsy boys in "Glee", but I prefer a tough guy. Charlie Hunnam is enough eye candy for me to tune in. But we also have Theo Rossi, who playes Juice, far out the hottest guy on the show. But Ryan Hurst and Kenny Johnson aren't all that bad either. No sissy's here. All real menly men.

# 3. Katey Sagal. Isn't she just perfect in her role as Gemma. This is the role of a lifetime. A well deserved Golden Globe she won.

# 4. Even though they do a lot of bad stuff (fighting, killing, selling guns, cheating, you name it), you still root for the SONS. They have a backstory and you sympathize (almost) everyone single one of them.

# 5. The music. Starting with the fantastic theme song by "Curtis Stigers & the Forest Rangers". How cool is that? Together with "Supernatural" probably the show with the best music in it.

If you've never watched the show before, you better start now. You're missing out on a lot, because it's an awesome show. Really worth watching.