DVD REVIEW:Shank

Shank, the latest offering in the post-apocalyptic-themed batch of films to hit theaters, sees a 2015 London overrun by gangs.The main commodity is food and the means are less than lawful.

The rules are simple; get hard or get beaten. That is the lesson that Fourteen-year-old Junior , played here brilliantly by newcomer Kedar Williams-Stirling, has to learn when his brother Rager (played here by Grime superstar Bashy ) is murdered by gang rival gang members.He then sets out with his gang The Paper Chaserz,with only one thing on his mind:revenge.

Directed by music video producer-cum-film director Mo Ali,this is a typical grimy street drama but with a dystopian twist. The London accents are as thick as spoiled gravy whether it be in the dialogue or the pumping Grime soundtrack so be prepared not to understand everything the characters say unless you happen to be from london or familiar with the slangand the cinematogrophy is indie in feel.

The setting and acting (for the most part) is realistic, as is the violence.The first half of the film sets the tone with every character from different walks of life contributing to the emotional nitty gritty, marking as close to a political statement on federalism and capitalism as it is ever going to get.

Then the second half plods along unsure of where exactly it’s going so ends up giving the intended audience what they want/love from a film of this caliber; sex, booze, video game graphics and beatings.

Let that not deter you from watching it though as it is a thoroughly watchable film. Even though most of it may come off as a slightly eccentric polictial statement on gang culture, it's through the eyes of the disadvantaged in a world gone literally to hell that is the focus of the film.

RATING:***
DVD FEATURE:three behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast and crew interviews, footage from the premiere, a photo gallery, and a short film and music video.

DVD REVIEW: Kick-Ass

The latest offering from director/producer Matthew Vaughn (Who also produced Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and directed hit movies Layer Cake and Stardust) and none other than Brad Pitt, is Kick-ass, the new kid-on-the-block for the superhero movie genre.
Based on the comic book series by scottish scribe Mark Millar, the film takes a more realistic(if somewhat goofball) take on the philosophy of and what it means to be a superhero. SO don't expect to see heroes dodging bullets(or cars for that matter) or even having an iota of responsibilty.

Dave Lizewski, the movies main protaganist,played here by Nowhere Boy star Aaron Johnson,is a typical teenage boy, who wonders why no one has ever decided to become a real-life superhero like the heroes in his favorite comic books. His friends at a comic book store tell him that if anyone did become a superhero, they would literally get their "asses kicked". unperterbed, Dave dons a green wetsuit to fight crime.
After a disastrous first attempt his resolve is set and he meets other costumed heroes in his battle for justice, namely Big-Daddy (Nicholas Cage in brilliant form playing a Gun-toting knock-off Batman) and his foul-mouthed daughter Hit-girl(relative newcomer Chloë Grace Moretz)




The whole philosophy behind the rights and wrongs of vigilante justice and what it truly means to be a superhero take a back-seat somewhat to the awesome fight scenes with the antagonists and witty,albeit at times crude, dialogue.

This movie is funny and as true-to-life as it is possibe for a superhero movie to be and a great joy to watch.The humour is sharp at times and is a breath of fresh air after a slew of disappointing super-hero themed movies, proving their may be life yet in the genre.

No doubt a sequel will be (or is already) in the works and we get to see more of Kick-ass' antics in the future. Watch this space.

Rating: *****
DVD Features: Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Matthew Vaughn; Featurette: It's On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Ass; The Art of Kick-Ass Gallery