It is unfortunate that any film with serial killers and Anthony Hopkins is going to be compared to his previous role in Silence of the Lambs. In Solace Hopkins plays retired clairvoyant physician Dr John Clancy, enlisted by Joe Merriwether (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to use his physic skills to help catch a serial killer. While the serial killer context makes for obvious comparisons, the atmosphere and tone are totally different.
American Ultra
This definitely a film that I liked, rather than loved. It had the potential to be a much better film but never quite pacted the punch I was hopping for. So whats the story? Small-town stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) spends most of his time getting high and writing his graphic novel called Apollo Ape. What Mike doesn’t know is that he was trained by the CIA to be a lethal killing machine. When the agency targets him for termination, his former handler activates his latent skills. This felt like a romance with some violence added. Or a action film with too much romance. I loved the chemistry between Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe played by Kristen Stewart. Listen out for his Tree analogy about their relationship, it is really sweet. The action was also fun yet the whole film played a little at half speed for me. (No pun intended).
Transporter refueled
I have always been a big fan of Jason Statham and the Transporter franchise. When I heard the news about the reboot I was cautious. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Ed Skrein plays a younger version of Frank Martin, the transporter of anonymous packages and mad driving skills. He mixes cool unflappable confidence, with just a trace of cockiness. The age differences between Ed Skrein and Jason Statham is emphasised by the introduction of Ray Stevenson as Frank’s father. Cue father and son repartee and a little back story to Frank Martin’s character. Frank senior is as capable as ‘junior’, with a keen eye for the ladies.
