Latest news with #actionadventure
Arab News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
REVIEW: Guy Ritchie's ‘Fountain of Youth' — ‘Indiana Jones' wannabe fails miserably
DUBAI: You know those fake films you see in TV shows like '30 Rock' or, more recently, 'The Studio'? Guy Ritchie's latest misfire, 'Fountain of Youth,' captures that vibe perfectly. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ A chaotic, charmless attempt at action-adventure, 'Fountain of Youth' clearly takes its inspiration from 'Indiana Jones,' but ends up as a muddled mess of clichés, clunky dialogue, and a lead who never quite convinces. The latter is John Krasinski as Luke Purdue, an archaeologist-turned-art thief racing to uncover the location of the legendary Fountain of Youth — believed to be capable of bestowing eternal life — with the help of rich benefactor Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), a billionaire with a fatal illness who's ready to throw all his money into the quest. When things go awry, Luke reaches out to his younger sister Charlotte (a resplendent Natalie Portman) for help. The squabbling siblings then set off on a globetrotting adventure, while being chased by shadowy organizations and Interpol. The problem? Krasinski brings all the gravitas of a put-upon history teacher on a school field trip. There's a stiffness to him that means you never quite shake off the sense that he's just playing dress-up. Portman and Gleeson fare better. Portman, playing a sharp-tongued art curator and a mother on the brink of divorce, injects moments of tension and vulnerability that almost make you care about the story. Gleeson, meanwhile, steals every scene he's in as he descends into villainy. But even their combined charisma fails to inject life into the limp script. Other noteworthy performances come from Eiza Gonzales, who plays Esme, just one of the many people trying to stop the siblings from uncovering the Fountain of Youth; and Arian Moayed, who plays Interpol's Inspector Abbas. Ritchie's signature snappy style is drowned under a deluge of poorly choreographed chase sequences, same-y set pieces and exposition-heavy dialogue. The film looks expensive but feels lazy, with international locations reduced to postcard backgrounds. 'Fountain of Youth' wants to be thrilling, funny and smart. Instead, it's repetitive, cringey and talks down to its viewers.
Geek Vibes Nation
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Kick-Ass' 15th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook Review - A Twisted Take On The Superhero Genre
Not all superheroes wear capes — some don a customized wet suit and dub themselves Kick-Ass! Based on a beloved comic series, this 15th anniversary release of the twisted, high octane action-adventure from director Matthew Vaughn (the Kingsman films) follows a comic book-obsessed teen (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who reinvents himself as a crime-fighting hero, with one glaring problem: he has no training or actual superpowers. In a near-death confrontation with a ruthless drug dealer, Kick-Ass is rescued by a pair of costumed, highly skilled vigilantes — Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and his daughter, Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz). When they all join forces along with another rookie avenger called Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a brutal mobster and object of Big Daddy's vengeance pushes their alliance and skills to the brink. For previous thoughts on Kick-Ass , please see our 4K UHD review of the film here. Video Quality The 15th anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Kick-Ass from the Lionsgate Limited line comes in its original 2.40:1 in 2160p with Dolby Vision. The film was first released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in 2017, a release which was repurposed in 2020 for the Best Buy exclusive SteelBook. This new 4K UHD Blu-Ray is not the exact same disc that was released previously thanks to new special features and a new encode, but the general viewing experience is not a notable difference from what came before. The fact that this does not come with an accompanying Blu-Ray may also be a drawback for some viewers. Unfortunately, there are still elements that make this one of the weaker titles on the format. The most notable improvement from the old Blu-Ray is in its vivid, heightened color palette which makes the film seem even more like a surreal dream. There are significant gains in visual pop and saturation that make the bold colors leap off the screen even more. Where the film falters more so are the pushed black levels that give the film an oily sheen in darker elements that are not appreciated. The argument that this could be a benefit to the fantastic ambiance of the film is valid, but it just looks a bit strange in the end. Any improvements in the compression on this 15th anniversary do not change this in a major way. The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Skin tones experience a tiny bit of DNR at times which gives a waxy appearance that robs some of the detail. The transfer reveals an increase in the depth of field in the varied locations that we visit around the city. In the wake of the various scenes of destruction, you can more clearly make out textures within the production design, not to mention the textures of the costumes. The grain in the film can be a bit problematic with some instances of unnatural swarming in a few instances. This coupled with some unsightly print damage in a few shots feels like a problem that should not be on the table for such a recent release. There are definite benefits to this 4K upgrade, but it is not the homerun some fans may have hoped for in the end, and those with the previous 4K UHD Blu-Ray will not be treated to a notable upgrade. Audio Quality This disc comes equipped with a dynamite Dolby Atmos presentation that will give your system a workout. This has always been a title that sounded practically perfect, but the addition of the height channels makes this one supremely immersive. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. The overhead channels are especially welcome during some of the fight scenes in a way that makes it feel more immersive. Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The score envelopes the room in a really pleasing manner that transports you into this world. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The gunfire and forceful hits provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is very active in a way that may have your neighbors complaining. The mix will more than satisfy fans of the film. Optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are provided. Special Features Lionsgate has provided Kick-Ass with an optional sleek new SteelBook that is truly lovely in person. The case comes with a removable clear slipcase with some additional artistic elements. The front artwork is a nicely animated depiction of Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Big Daddy, and the rear features a similar depiction of Frank D'Amico and Red Mist. The interior sports a comic book-style depiction of Kick-Ass with his jetpack flying through the city. Photos of the Steelbook can be found at the end of this review. Audio Commentary: Director Mathew Vaughn provides a decent commentary track recorded at the time of the film's premiere in which he lays out the development of the film and takes you scene by scene detailing some of the different elements that had to come together during production to create this film. A bit dry at times, but overall entertaining. Pure Cinematic Fun: A new 20-minute interview with director Matthew Vaughn in which he reflects on the creation of the movie and its legacy. Still Kicking Ass: A new 20-minute piece in which the stunt team for the movie discusses pulling off the action in the film. The Work Of Art: A new 13-minute featurette with comic creator Mike Millar in which he discusses the creation and inspiration for the original comic. Physical Media Kicks Ass: A nearly two-minute new excerpt from the Matthew Vaughn interview in which he discusses the importance of physical media on his young life. A New Kind of Superhero – The Making of Kick-Ass: An extensive four-part documentary clocking in at an impressive 1 hour and 53 minutes which details the creation of the film from the initial development of the source material through production and release. There are a vast array of interviews with the cast and crew that delve into the shooting of the stunts, the rendering of the special effects, the scoring of the film and much more. It is difficult to imagine any questions you have about the film would not be covered in this deep dive. It's On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Ass: A 21-minute piece that takes a closer look at the source material with a specific focus on the story and artwork as detailed by the creative team. Theatrical Trailer: A two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the film is provided here. Redband Hit Girl Trailer: The minute-long NSFW trailer focusing on Hit Girl is provided here. Final Thoughts Kick-Ass was a breath of fresh air when it debuted a decade and a half ago, and in most ways it still holds up as a supremely fun addition to the superhero genre. While some of the attempts at humor are a bit dated, there is still much to laugh and plenty of hard-hitting action to thrill you. The performances are pretty fantastic all around, and it is wild to see where some of these performers have ended up in the intervening years. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released the 4K UHD Blu-Ray in a stunning SteelBook package that collectors will love. The disc itself struggles a bit in the video department, but the audio presentation is top notch and the new and archival special features are very in depth. If you are a fan of the film, this is a solid release overall. Recommended Kick-Ass is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in Limited Edition 15th Anniversary Steelbook Packaging through Lionsgate Limited. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Stellar Blade' Sequel Confirmed, Possibly Coming In 2026
Stellar Blade Stellar Blade was one of my favorite games of last year, a stellar (ha) action adventure title that did not deserve the culture war nonsense that surrounded it. Now, fans have some good news. After previously saying a sequel could be in the works, developer SHIFTUP has posted a slide in a recent investor document labelled 'IP expansion on its way with high visibility.' That includes parts of a graph that label 'platform expansion' and 'sequel' which appear to be placed in the 2026 section of the chart, which would be about two years or so after the first game. That's not exactly common in the gaming sphere these days. Stellar Blade The reason for this is that Stellar Blade was a big success for SHIFTUP, financially, critically and with fans. Specifically, Stellar Blade landed a solid 81 metascore among critics and a very high 9.2 among fans. Stellar Blade has consistently been updated with new features like a boss rush but mainly a slate of new costumes where dozens have been added to the game, acquired in various ways. I am not quite sure what 'platform expansion' is, though the best guess is that the game may release on other hardware like Xbox, when previously it was a PlayStation exclusive. There's also the question of the upcoming Switch 2 which would likely have the power to run a new game in 2026, and obviously that console is going to sell quite well. However, it's unclear what sort of deal may be in place with PlayStation, whether it was just for one game or any potential sequels. The document does not address that minus the 'platform expansion' bit. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Stellar Blade This was not exactly some big announcement, buried in an investor document without expanding into detail, but it is not a surprise given past discussion of a potential sequel by the creators of the game. I am still impressed it could be here as soon as 2026, albeit as we know with AAA games, that may end up delayed past whatever the first date or release window is announced. Hopefully we will get more information soon as we head toward the middle of the year, but for now, I suppose we'll just have to be content with this slide and some speculation. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'A miserable, apocalyptic tract': Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning could be 'the feel-bad film of the summer'
The opposite of an escapist blockbuster, the eighth and apparently final outing for Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt is the doomiest and gloomiest yet in the action-adventure franchise. With so much tension and conflict around the world, it can be a relief when a Hollywood blockbuster distracts audiences with some escapism, some optimism, and some rollicking, good-natured fun. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is not that kind of blockbuster. The eighth instalment in Tom Cruise's globe-trotting action-adventure franchise, The Final Reckoning is a miserable, apocalyptic tract which is fixated on the subjects of how close we are to nuclear armageddon, and how quickly civilisation can collapse. Yes, you get to see Cruise having a fight in his underpants, and doing another of his hanging-off-a-plane routines, but even so, it could be the feel-bad film of the summer. "Truth is vanishing, war is coming," someone intones at the beginning of the film, and then we're subjected to shots of missiles launching and cities being obliterated. In place of snappy banter, there is cod philosophy about destiny and choice, and in place of Lalo Schifrin's adrenaline-pumping classic theme, there are orchestral minor chords on the soundtrack. What's disappointing about all this doom and gloom is that the franchise has made the kind of whiplashing U-turn you might see in its car-chase sequences. The last Mission: Impossible film, Dead Reckoning, was a funny, frothy Euro-caper sprinkled with mischief, glamour and romance – or as close to romance as you're ever going to get in a Cruise production – and the follow-up has the same writer-director, Christopher McQuarrie. Yet The Final Reckoning, set almost entirely in tunnels and caverns, and in the depths of the ocean, is the dullest and darkest film in the series, both literally and figuratively. It devotes an inordinate amount of its almost-three-hour running time to scenes of people sitting in shadowy rooms, explaining the story to each other in gravelly whispers. Again and again, we have to sit through these ponderous, portentous mutterings: the title might as well have been Exposition: Interminable. Usually, these scenes are punctuated with flashbacks to what's happened before, flash-forwards to what might happen in the future, and flash-sideways (if that's a term) to different people, in different shadowy rooms, explaining the same story in the same gravelly whispers. But instead of livening up the exposition, this frantic editing hints that McQuarrie and his team couldn't get the plot underway, and so they kept cutting the footage into smaller and smaller snippets in the hope that we might not notice. The depressing mood might have been forgivable if The Final Reckoning were a genuinely intelligent and complex drama. But it is, unfortunately, as stupid as Hollywood blockbusters get. The premise, which follows on from Dead Reckoning, is that an artificial intelligence called the Entity has taken over the internet, and will soon launch a global nuclear strike which will exterminate the human race. I'm not sure why it wants to do this, or how the good guys know its plans, but never mind. The point is that Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt, can eliminate this existential threat via some surprisingly simple means. All he has to do is click two small gadgets together, and the Entity will be a Non-Entity. One of these gadgets is a box containing the Entity's source code, which is currently in a wrecked submarine – hence a deep sea-diving set piece which gets full marks for spookiness, and no marks for excitement. (How long do you want to watch someone swimming silently through murky water with no villains chasing him?) The other gadget that Ethan needs to end the Entity is a "poison pill" – a thumb drive, basically – which has been invented by his pal Luther (Ving Rhames). In the world of Mission: Impossible, then, this poison pill is just about the most important object in history. It can literally save mankind. So why does Ethan leave it in the pocket of his unguarded, incapacitated friend, thus allowing it to be stolen easily by the bad guy, Gabriel (Esai Morales)? The irony is that the film keeps praising its main character to the skies. When we're not hearing speeches about how heroic he is (delivered in gravelly whispers, naturally), we're watching montages of clips from the other films in the series, as if someone were about to hand him a lifetime achievement award. But no one even mentions how catastrophically stupid he was for not putting Luther's poison pill somewhere safer. There are countless plot problems like this to get past before the film eventually reaches the one action sequence that viewers might want to rewatch, ie, the one on the poster, with Cruise clinging to a biplane in mid-air. As we're often told, Cruise does his own stunts – and he does them brilliantly – so if you love seeing his face being blasted out of shape by high-altitude, high-velocity winds, then you'll enjoy his latest feat of aerobatics. But it's not the most original set piece: essentially, it's the helicopter sequence in Mission: Impossible – Fallout mixed with the cargo plane sequence in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. And you do have to ask: biplanes? Really? The choice of such an antiquated vehicle suggests that the film-makers had ticked off every other mode of transport in the course of the franchise's three-decade run, and so biplanes were pretty much all they had left. If there is another sequel, then the gang will be forced to pedal around a park on penny-farthings, so maybe it's for the best that The Final Reckoning is being marketed as Mission: Impossible's grand finale. It's just a shame that the series' farewell had to be so solemn – and so silly. ★★☆☆☆ -- For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Geek Dad
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Review – Batgirl #7: The Testament of Shiva
Batgirl #7 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: The first arc of this brilliant title was a high-octane action-adventure, as Cassandra Cain was forced to team up with her estranged mother to go up against an army of assassins. In the end, the two were put through the wringer and Cass confronted the toxic legacy her mother had passed down and ultimately decided to cut her off – only to have the choice taken out of her hands when Shiva sacrificed herself to allow Cass to escape. With Shiva presumed dead, Cass is left to explore her complex feelings for her mother – and delve deeper into her life, as Shiva has left behind a journal that turns back the clock. Back then, Shiva was a young girl in a nomadic family that was one step ahead of a maurauding army along with her mother, father – and sister, who played a key role in her origin. The two girls ultimately escaped an attack as their parents bought them enough time to get to safety – and that's where the story really begins. Phone call home. Via DC Comics. The two girls find their way to a mountain village, a place filled with wise men, medicine women – and martial arts masters. While her sister fits into the village and embraces life there, the girl who would be Shiva dedicates herself solely to fighting and becomes a master to defend the village. But their bond leads them to cross a pair of cruel bandits, which brings down hell on the village – with the bandit leader having a shocking tie to the characters. Depending on how this story plays out, this character could still be alive in the present day. Isaac Goodhart guest-stars on art this issue, and I can't say enough good things about his style. His work is almost painted in places, and his characters are wonderfully expressive. We're seeing this story of Shiva's origin for the first time through Cass' eyes, and that adds a lot of emotion to the fantastical tale as it unfolds in bloody and fast-paced fashion. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
