Saturday, 11 February 2017

'Hidden Figures' Review


Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) were three of the brightest minds at NASA during the Space Race. The three women were vital to the launch of John Glenn into space, which justified the space program and really changed the world. The trio had to put up with segregation and racism as they powered through to help their country do something truly incredible.


When you think of films based around NASA or even space at all, you are inclined to think of the likes of 'Apollo 13' or even something like 'Armageddon'. It's safe to say that the more popular space films are based on disasters within space, providing enough tension and drama to create a stimulating experience. 'Hidden Figures' takes a much different look to the space race, opting to showcase a story that many will not have heard of. 

In a time where many African-Americans were still campaigning for equal rights in the U.S, there were many black men and women who did a lot of the hard work at companies across the country and frankly, didn't get the credit, the pay or the jobs that they deserved. With his latest film, Theodore Melfi looks to show the world who some of the true heroes were in a pivotal moment of history.

Melfi handles the situation on show tremendously well as the film shows the struggle that these women and many other would've faced all over America. The story shows how these hardworking women gave their all and showcased their abilities, yet got next to no recognition for their efforts. The treatment at times is shocking and horrible to watch at times as the discrimination on show doesn't make a particularly pleasant watch. There isn't anything that will make you turn away from the screen, it's just unnecessary pettiness that for me, is hard to think of why people thought like this. This is what makes this a very important film as it showcases what the world used to be like in a time period not too long ago. The human spirit and determination are on show here as these courageous women don't let themselves become lost in the fold. It could've been easy for these women to continue doing the same work with no chance of moving on. Instead, they knuckled down, put in the hard work whilst also campaigning for what they deserved. 'Hidden Figures' is a great credit to many people who went through this situation and overall, is a really uplifting story for all.

Portraying three of NASA's sharpest, most underappreciated minds are Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer - who earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role. All three could've quite easily become very stereotypical characters, with the first scene where we meet the characters edging dangerously close to doing so. As the film goes on, you grow to like the characters more and more, especially Taraji P. Henson's Katherine G Johnson, the main protagonist of the film. Each of the women is unique with Johnson being more of the quiet hard worker, Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) being the wisest and sort of the leader of the coloured section at NASA and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) being more of a comic relief character, bringing some good humour to the film. The three have tremendous chemistry, bringing that feeling of a true friendship within the workplace very well. Each are very strong characters throughout the film, doing a very good job at bringing these unknown heroes to the big screen.

Kevin Costner provides support to the three lead women in what was a very enjoyable role to see him in. As Al Harrison, the director of the Space Task Group, Costner only has one goal, to get something American made into space. Harrison does not care about who does the work to achieve this, carrying no prejudice against anyone and is key to helping break down barriers in the film. Costner was great throughout the film and very unlucky to miss out on a Best Supporting Actor nomination. 'The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons also provided a good performance, this time as more of an opposition to the women. Parsons character was one of the narrow-minded, brainiest people at NASA who didn't want help from the likes of Johnson. The character was very unlikeable which was necessary for the film as it made the success of Johnson that bit sweeter to watch.

After the debacle last year with #OscarsSoWhite, 'Hidden Figures' is a great response to claims that films with black leads can't be recognised. 'Hidden Figures' is more than deserving of its nominations this year and truly great and well-told story. The film is handled with real class and is a real uplifting story, huge credit must go to director Theodore Melfi and to the wonderful cast.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Hidden Figures'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the film or not. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor




Thursday, 9 February 2017

'Rings' Review


Julia (Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz) starts to think that her boyfriend Holt (Alex Roe) is in danger as he doesn't return her messages and another girl skypes her asking where he is. Holt has become a part of a dark subculture surrounding a mysterious videotape that kills the viewer seven days after watching it. Julia joins to save her boyfriend but it is soon realised that there is a film within the film that nobody has ever seen before that will unleash even more terror.



If you make a horror and the film simply is not scary, creepy or tense, you have failed to make a good horror movie. If you make a movie in general and it isn't interesting or entertaining, then you have failed to even make a decent film. With a genre like horror, you at least expect it to be fun if it fails to be scary. With 'Rings', it is very plain and unfortunately boring.

'Rings' brings a new tale of a college syndicate being created around watching the tape from the previous films that ends up killing you after 7 days. That alone is fairly absurd as you question why anybody would sign up but I'll give it its due. We are introduced to Jonny Galecki's character Gabriel, who looks to use the tape to prove the dark side of the afterlife. The story then follows a mystery surrounding the history of the tape and of the girl featured in the tape, Samara. Although the film does look to expand the lore of this horror character, it ultimately leads to the film becoming very, very boring. Our lead characters become sucked into finding what the truth is about Samara and how they can free her troubled soul. Due to this, the film doesn't make Samara seem like that much of a threat as she doesn't really do anything to the main characters as they seem to be looking to help her. The film can't decide what it wants to do as it jumps back and forth between horror and mystery. When it does so, it completely neglects the other, leaving both the horror and mystery to be half-hearted and not executed well at all.


In all honesty, there really isn't anything that memorable within this horror movie. The film doesn't offer anything new or exciting but it also isn't as bad as the likes of 'The Bye Bye Man'. That's perhaps the problem with 'Rings', there simply isn't anything worthwhile in the film. With horror, you usually get something creepy or something that is laughable. 'Rings' doesn't deliver either of these or anything for that matter. The story doesn't help as it is fairly complicated and doesn't really make much sense. The storyline of finding out more about Samara takes up most of the screentime. This doesn't leave much room for their to be many scares and if so, they are predictable jump scares.

To be fair to the cast involved, they do a fairly good job despite the script making them very basic standard characters. The characters are fairly disposable but the performances do enough to keep this from becoming a total disaster. Matilda Lutz does well as the lead in the film and doesn't fall victim to stupid character tropes or to overacting. Jonny Galecki is also fine, providing a believable intellect for the protagonists but not as much of the badass that he is made out to be. Vincent D'Onofrio was a surprise to see in the film as well. D'Onfrio like the others isn't giving much interesting material to work with but he brings a solid performance nonetheless.


It's hard to completely discredit this film for its failures. Unlike many others, the film does seem to try and add to the lore of it villain. Was it executed well? No. But it wasn't just a rehash of what had already been done. You can't accuse 'Rings' of being a lazy horror film, which it so easily could've been. In saying that, though, the fact that nothing really happens is its ultimate downfall, making 'Rings' a film you should probably stay away from.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Rings'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the film or not. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor




Saturday, 4 February 2017

'Moonlight' Review



'Moonlight' follows three stages of Chiron' life, from a young kid to high school and then as an adult later on. Chiron has to deal with family problems and issues with his sexuality as he makes his way through a tough, troubled life.



'Moonlight' is one of the leading contenders to do well at this year's Oscars, with nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor to name a few. The film is undeniably very well made with director Barry Jenkins direction combined with cinematographer James Laxton being able to create a beautiful film despite having a much smaller budget compared to most of its competitors. The streets of Miami are perfect for the film as Jenkins uses his experience from living there to get the best possible location for this tale. 

Director Barry Jenkins uses a unique form of a narrative by splitting the film up into three sections, one with Chiron as a young schoolboy, as a teenager in high school and then as a hardened adult. The three sections are split up equally carrying similar themes throughout them. The first and second parts feature Chiron in different stages of school showcase troubles he faces with bullies, as he deals with being harrassed constantly. The second and third both surround Chiron dealing with his sexuality in a neighbourhood that is not so understanding or kind about different sexualities. Meanwhile, the problems Chiron has with his mother and the bond he feels with close friend Kevin are apparent throughout the whole movie. Jenkins handles these social problems very well as she showcases the problems Chiron and many people in today's world may be facing. The film takes a new approach at a coming of age film, bringing a much darker and serious tone at times throughout the film.


One of 'Moonlight's biggest draws is indeed its story that does deal with a lot of issues in a time which is fairly fitting. Due to some of the content, it is hard to watch especially within the second part where Chiron is constantly picked on. The storytelling is clear and concise bringing some powerful moments. However, the film really does ride on the fact that you really get sucked in, attached to or relate to the character. As someone who prefers a more traditional story, I didn't love 'Moonlight'. I believe that this is a great film but it just never connected like it did for many others. There are great moments within the film but there does seem to be quite a bit of filler. This does make the film more realistic but it isn't necessarily the most entertaining or interesting, leaving a lot in between those moments filled with emotion.

Once you see what happens to Chiron in these stages of his life, you do automatically feel for him as some of the conditions he has to live and put up with are appalling. The character is played by three different actors in the film, Alex Hibbert as child Chiron,  Ashton Sanders as teen Chiron and Trevante Rhodes as adult Chiron. The three actors do achieve a genuine continuity throughout the film, carrying similar traits and qualities in each of the parts. In saying that, there isn't really anything that interesting about the character we follow. You feel sorry for him and that's about it, you don't grow to connect to the character as you don't really get to know him. For me, I didn't get that connection to the character that I really wanted. If so, it would have really nailed this film down for me but it just didn't fully deliver in that aspect.


As far as the rest of the performances go, there is a lot to marvel at. Naomie Harris is the standout of the film as the dysfunctional mother of Chiron. Harris is featured in all three stages of the film and fully deserves her Oscar nomination for her performance. Harris' performance is exceptional as you see her deteriorate through each stage, getting heartbreakingly worse and worse as the film goes on. Despite Harris being reluctant to take the role as this character, she shines brightest in the film by far. The fact that all of her scenes were performed in only three days with minimal rehearsals makes this performance even more impressive. Mahershala Ali is a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor award, especially after picking up the SAG award in the same category. Ali was enjoyable to watch on screen as he takes care of the young Chiron. However, I wouldn't necessarily agree that he should be up for the illustrious award. Ali is only in the film for a short period of time and although he does well, I wouldn't say there's enough for him to be considered as Best Supporting Actor. The character isn't explored or does enough for Ali to merit this accolade.

'Moonlight' most definitely is a worthwhile watch. It is undoubtedly a very powerful movie that looks to tackle issues that many face today. Amongst that is a clear coming of age film with the main character looking to find his way in life through many different stages. In the end, though, there just wasn't enough to make me love this film. It is incredibly well made, acted and scripted but just lacked that extra something for me.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Moonlight'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the movie or not. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor



Friday, 3 February 2017

'T2: Trainspotting' Review


Twenty years have passed since Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) took off with the drug money, leaving his friends behind. Renton is now back after living in Holland and Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and worst of all, Begbie (Robert Carlyle) are all still in Edinburgh as Renton looks to start his life again in the Scottish capital.


Danny Boyle and the original cast are back after 20 years to build upon the legacy of 1996's 'Trainspotting'. The original 'Trainspotting' is a huge deal in Scotland with it being a staple in British film over the last 20 years. The film is adored by both adults who seen it when it first came out and youths who seen it after they were born - like me. Whenever a sequel comes along many years after the first, there is huge fear that it will be worthless and a complete cash grab - see last year's 'Zoolander 2' and 'Independence Day: Resurgence'. Thankfully for viewers, Danny Boyle shows filmmakers how to carry on a story decades after the original.

The feeling from the original 'Trainspotting' is kept the same as Boyle brings a very similar shooting style as editor Jon Harris cuts the film much like the first film. The cast plays a huge role in the overall feeling as yet again they are portrayed wonderfully. With it being such a long time between the films, you can easily lose that feeling and it can become sad to see these characters once again. T2 has no problem with that as the characters you love from the original return and only build upon the greatness from the first. We don't see the characters rehash what they did in the first one, it's entirely new stories that are being created and new personal traits that are being developed. Of course, there are the classic traits from Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie to make it seem familiar but it isn;t completely rehashed and is kept fresh. Bremner's character Spud perhaps has the perfect blends as he still has the personality that you fell in love with at first but has enough new about him that allows the character to progress.


Spud actually propels himself into becoming a very key and main character in the film, unlike he did in the first film. The character is made more interesting due to the time gap with him having high and lows as he tries to find himself whilst Renton has gone. Sick Boy realigns himself with old best friend Renton yet again and similar to the first, you are not sure whether you can trust him or not. This becomes a key part of the story as 20 years has past but the relationship has not really. There is that close bond but you can't help but feel that there is something brewing within. The stand out performance yet again comes from Robert Carlyle as Begbie. Begbie is one of the most unlikeable film characters but you can't help but keep watching him as he is so entertaining and captivating. Carlyle captures the characteristics perfectly as the psychotic hardman who you enjoy watching but know is an awful human being. Ewan McGregor also shines as Renton who seemingly has everything returning back home but is still looking to fill that void and fit in once returning. Renton is arguably the least interesting character in the film but excels as the main character as he is the glue within the group, holding everything together.

In essence, the main theme throughout the film is regret. The regret of not sorting your life out, not having that family or job that you hoped for. Each character goes through this and it is something that the audience can really relate to. As the first film is 20 years old now, there will be people all over the world who had hoped to have done things differently. This provides a very strong point for those who have lived their life but not so much for those with life in front of them. However, there is still plenty for those younger to enjoy without getting the full experience as perhaps the likes of their parents would.


As a Scotsman, the film's comedy and humour work perfectly well for me and from the audience's reaction, them too. There are so many things that happen throughout the film that is genuinely realistic which make the film incredibly funny as you know people exactly like those portrayed in the film. The social issues within the film are executed incredibly well but again, this may not have the same effect on those not from the U.K or even Scotland alone. The likes of the loyalist pub scene may seem very odd to those not familiar with Scottish history and how it is considered in the present day. As someone from here, the jokes and scenes that are Scottish-specific could not have been executed any better.

'T2' does what a returning franchise should do. It brings back the characters but makes them fell fresh. It doesn't reuse the same story and shows a clear change in the characters lives. The fact that the film is highly entertaining is a huge factor that many sequels miss out on too. 'T2' is not quite the hit that the first was but is still very enjoyable with tamer themes and incidents throughout the film.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'T2: Trainspotting'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the movie or not. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor



Wednesday, 1 February 2017

'Denial' Review


When university lecturer Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) includes Historian David Irving (Timothy Spall) in her book about Holocaust deniers, he accuses her of defamation and libel sparking a legal court case. It is Lipstadt's job to prove that the holocaust did indeed happen as she assembles a team to make sure that the truth is known.


It's utterly baffling to think that somebody would try and make the allegation that something so awful like the holocaust never happened. That's the stand that protagonist Deborah Lipstadt takes as David Irving makes this absurd point against her works spawning this one-sided courtroom drama. The subject matter allows this drama to work only so far. Spall's Irving becomes an instantly unlikeable villain due to what is at stake and the subject matter brings some very emotional scenes. The trip to Auschwitz and the pleas from those who survived the terrible conditions are enough to make the audience feel for those involved in those awful crimes.

As for the cast, they do very well with what the film allows them to do. Weisz's character does very well, showcasing great emotion and will to keep quiet when she really wants to give Irving a piece of her mind. Weisz is incredibly likeable and finds herself a bit taken back at first but then proceeds to show great courage, passion and determination as the film progresses. Spall is great as Irving, bringing a squirmy, unlikeable character, much like that of his 'Harry Potter' character Peter Pettigrew. Spall is charismatic and brings across a genuine, authentic feeling that this man believed that the holocaust was an agenda completely made up. The two leads are the standouts by far and really carry this drama.

Despite the best efforts of the cast, there simply isn't enough content within this film to last a feature length film. The film starts off fairly well with the first confrontation between Lipstadt and Irving and from there, you expect the film to really kick into gear. The case is put forward but the film proceeds to jump days, months and years ahead as the film moves very slowly to the eventual cases. Yes, this may make this film more realistic due to how something like this can be drawn out. But that isn't necessarily the best thing for a feature length movie as it moves without many things happening or tension being created. Slow burn dramas can be executed very well as long as you feel it building up or that if it is interesting or engaging enough. The film would be much better suited to a shorter format, like a made for TV short film or a Netflix special.

The story doesn't really allow for the courtroom drama to have both sides going back at each other. Due to this, the film loses some of its drama and tension as it doesn't allow both sides to make arguments that make it look as if one side is edging in front of the other. The eventual case is all one sided and we are only given information that has not been showcased, mentioned or even hinted at before during the film. The reveals could've been handled much better to create a more impactful and shocking look at what Irving has done. Instead, it was just mildly effective. There's nothing game-changing in this drama in what felt quite safe considering the subject matter. There could've been a lot more done with this film but instead, there's a lot of meetings, jogging and not enough twists and turns.

A film based on a recent court case with such a serious subject should have been a lot more impactful. There are moments in the film that do make the most out of the subject but there simply isn't enough for this film to be memorable. Although there isn't anything done terribly and the film has some great performances, the film overall fails to deliver the impact that it was looking to do so.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Denial'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing this movie or not. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor

Tuesday, 31 January 2017

'Hacksaw Ridge' Review


The Second World War is well underway and young men are signing up to help protect their country, including young Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield). Doss is like no other, though, he is a strong, devoted Christian who will not carry a weapon nevermind take a life. Doss is cleared to go onto the battlefield without a weapon, providing service as a medic, as he looks to save people in this time of mass killing.


Mel Gibson's fifth feature film as a director brings us a different kind of war film. Instead of focussing completely on the killing sacrificial side, Gibson opts to bring the true story of one of the war's greatest heroes who didn't take a single life.

Desmond Doss was a devoted, seventh day Adventist who had no problem at all with serving his country during the war. A kind spirit who only wanted to help those in need rather than to cause harm. Doss is portrayed wonderfully by Andrew Garfield who shines despite seeming overly quirky at the start of the film. This seems to be the case for the full film as Doss seems incredibly cheesy at first, as does his reason and actions leading to his strong beliefs. There is no worry as there is a clear progression through the story, becoming more serious and emotional, adding more information to resolve any previous gripes. Garfield has cemented himself as a genuine, top quality actor this year with great work in this years 'Silence' and of course for his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Hacksaw' which is fully deserved. 

The character Doss is a very intriguing and interesting one. You feel sorry for him simply due to him leaving those who he loves to go to the war. Once he gets to training, he's berated and called a coward due to his beliefs, leading to him getting some very harsh treatment from his comrades. Doss' determination and spirit doesn't crack one bit as he continues to strive to do what he signed up for and eventually, to prove everyone wrong about him. The spirit of Doss brings heart to the film and to a genre which is generally associated mainly with brutality. The film captures Doss' beliefs perfectly, bringing some truly incredible scenes that are uplifting and incredibly humane. The scene where Doss spends the night alone on Hacksaw single-handedly saving soldiers - both American and Japanese - is perfectly handled. The actions, cinematography and score all combine perfectly to create something special and although no words are said, the message is loud and clear. It's scenes like this that make you wish Gibson had made more movies by now as he has a clear talent for creating inspirational, impactful and emotional large scale movies.

As it is still a war movie, the casualties are still very high and Gibson is relentless with making the war seem as brutal as it was. From rat feasting on corpses to maggots infesting skulls, slit throats to headshots and stabbings to suicides, the cost of war isn't covered up or romanticised at all. The first action scenes show the brutality of the war perfectly and how it isn't giving any mercy to anyone as many men are gunned down instantly in brutal fashion. The action is second to none with large battlefields showing the amount of destruction caused in only a couple of minutes. Gibson's direction in these scenes is incredible as he draws out plenty of emotion whilst showcasing the sacrifice but in a truly terrifying way. 

Hugo Weaving finds himself very unlucky to find himself without an Academy Award nomination. As Doss' father and army veteran come drunk, Weaving is incredible in every scene he is in. Whether he is at the graves of his fallen friends, scowling his sons or being pivotal to Desmond's duty, Weaving steals the show. It is a travesty that he hasn't gained his first Oscar nomination for his role in 'Hacksaw Ridge'. Teresa Palmer was criminally underused in this film as Doss' wife Dorothy. The first act follows the building romance between the two before Doss signs up and then for a short time during his court trial. We never return to her again as the film misses a huge chance to create a powerful and emotional moment by reuniting the two. Vince Vaughn also shines as the Seargent troubled with training the new recruits. His first scene in the film is gold and allows Vaughn to showcase his abilities as a comic actor but in a very serious manner. This is Vaughn's best performance to date and was highly enjoyable to watch throughout his moments in the film.

'Hacksaw Ridge' is most definitely one of the best films of the year, drawing great performances and emotion from those involved. This is a special kind of story in a brutal genre that should be appreciated by all.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Hacksaw Ridge'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the film or not which I recommend you do so. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor



Saturday, 28 January 2017

'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' Review


A deadly weapon known as the Pandora Box has been discovered, which allows those who control it to manoeuvre and crash satellites that orbit the earth. To combat this, Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) is brought back along with a team filled with thrill seekers to get this weapon before it is catastrophic.


The 'xXx' franchise returns after 12 years in a comeback that nobody was really clamouring for. The previous films have failed to create a huge impact in the action genre or in many people's memories. 'Return of Xander Cage' most definitely isn't a genre defining or revolutionary movie but it sure is a whole load of fun.


Vin Diesel returns to the franchise in a fairly similar role to that of his character in a fast-paced, ridiculous action series, Dominic Toretto (Fast & Furious franchise). Diesel's Xander Cage trades Toretto's morals about family for a group of lunatics with unique deadly skills. Diesel himself is the lead but similar to the 'Fast' series, he sees himself become lost in the pecking order due to more interesting, badass and entertaining characters. For the most part, Diesel is outshone by recent 'Rogue One' star Donnie Yen who outdoes Diesel in every aspect especially in the ass kicking and tongue in cheek lines. 

The film can boast some of the craziest and most obscene action scenes of not only the year but of all time. There's skiing in the jungle, surfing on a motorbike, fighting whilst floating in zero gravity and insane dives from high distances. The film is filled with crazy stunts and action that isn't realistic whatsoever but is it entertaining? Absolutely. If you can suspend your belief and just have sit back and enjoy these scenes then you will have fun for sure. Whether that's from the great spectacles or laughing at completely unbelievable events - you will for sure at a comeback within the film. The action scenes in 'xXx' are actually well shot, giving enough room to see what is happening without shaky cam and an unnecessary amount of cuts. This is most beneficial to the fight scenes which allow the likes of Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa to really show off their skills in some very well choreographed and executed scenes.


The main strength of this film really is that it doesn't take itself serious at all. With the action in it, it cannot afford to do so, otherwise, it just becomes hilarious the whole way through. The cast isn't made up of phenomenal actors who will deliver jaw-dropping performances. There are cheesy lines and humour that make this film feel like it would fit in with 80/90's action movies of the same style. The film's script, although not serious, isn't great with some of the one-liners not coming off well at all, making it incredibly cheesy at times. Nina Dobrev's character is the perfect example of this as the writing for her character at times is even too ridiculous for this movie. The script's writing of the female characters is fairly questionable at times as well. There are moments where the likes of Deepika Padukone and Ruby Rose seem like genuine badass characters but for every scene where it showcases that, there are two making women just object for men. The opportunity to create some female heroes is held back due to this which is a shame as it is an area they really could've capitalised on. Some of the crew also take a backseat especially the likes of Tony Jaa who could've been used to much better effect. In saying that, the film doesn't overdo it with its characters and doesn't try to give them all storylines. It keeps its story and focus fairly basic and sticks to it rather well.

At this time of the year when Oscar-bait films are filling up cinema schedules, it is nice to have a little change. Is 'xXx' a good movie? No, not really. But is it exciting and fun? Yes. Sometimes it's good to just go to the cinema and have a real good time and 'xXx' most definitely brings that. If you're looking for something to just switch off and enjoy watching, then this is worth checking out. As a form of entertainment, this most definitely succeeds. On technical aspects, not so much. 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' is most definitely a guilty pleasure.

Final Verdict = 


So have you seen 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the movie and that you have a great time if you choose to see it. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor