Those appalled by the way Clash of The Titans butchered Greek mythology should keep well clear of Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters a film that tries to ram those Greek Myths into the dubious world of teen romantic adventure. The result is rarely adventurous, romantic or mythic as the film lumbers through dull, noisy cgi action sequences and employs scenes
Read moreRegardless of the studio creating them, a lot of big-budget animated films are starting to look very similar. The well-worn plot template sees an innocent, loveable character with an ability to drive or fly quickly, aspire to break free of their staid conservative environment and against all odds and warnings from friends and family, compete in a dangerous high-stakes race.
Read moreThis week on Built For Speed we speak to Benjamin Zeccola, the CEO of Palace Cinemas about the upcoming Lavazza Italian Film Festival. We also review two special effects laden movie sequels Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and Riddick. There’s also plenty of fine music new and old including Kings of Leon and Aussie artists like Howlin’ Steam Train and
Read moreRiddick, which sees Vin Diesel return as the indestructible and indecipherable, intergalactic outlaw of the title is one of the least anticipated sequels of recent years. This is the third instalment in an ersatz trilogy that also includes 2000’s surprisingly effective Pitch Black and 2004’s awful The Chronicles of Riddick. Sitting somewhere between the two in terms of quality and
Read moreFollowing the disappointingly light and fluffy To Rome with Love, Woody Allen returns to form with Blue Jasmine, a confronting drama that explores the perils of downward mobility and self-delusion. Cate Blanchett, plays Jeanette or Jasmine French, a formerly wealthy Park Avenue snob who, as a result of her late husband Hal’s (Alec Baldwin) philandering and shifty business deals, has
Read moreSet in the same universe as Cars and featuring a loveable little mechanical character competing against ruthless opposition in a high stakes race, the latest big budget Pixar animated film Planes is basically Cars with wings. This slavish adherence to formula is disappointing but not a deal-breaker when a film is as endearing, exuberant and cleverly made as this. In
Read more