65. HURRICANE HEIST(2018)

HURRICANE HEIST

Language       -       English (United States)

Genre             -       Heist-Disaster

Director         -       Rob Cohen

*ing                -       Toby Kebbell (Willie), Ryan Kwanten (Breeze), Maggie Grace (Casey Corbyn)

IMDB Score   -       4.9/10

PLOT

·                                        After losing their father in a hurricane both Will Rutledge and Breeze Rutledge are leading a normal life. Willie is working as a meteorologists and Breeze who is an ex-marine is running a mechanic shop. At the same time Casey Corbyn who heads a $600million in three containers to the National Treasury for shredding. As a category 5 Hurricane approaches everyone deserted the beach town, but a gang of thieves uses it as a cover to rob the treasury. The only hindrance against the robbers is Casey who changes the Vault lock just before the attack. Now Casey along with the Rutledge brothers must survive the hurricane and prevent the heist of century.

·                                      “Hurricane Heist” is a latest outing in 2018, I preferred it due to its heist genre, but many times the movie had deviated from its main plot of robbing treasury. It tries to give some twists in some part of the movie and failed completely. The hurricane is termed as a category 5 catastrophe with 600mph but, such a hurricane can fit two earths inside it. So overall its not a good package but have some stunning visuals of hurricanes and trailer chasing. It only tops in terms of VFX work.

·                                       As a Disaster-heist movie, it also becomes a disaster in Box-office with $12million in gross against a $35million budget. Many critics coined it as it is a great competitor for the worst movie award. Even though it has many loop holes and some poor direction, it can be taken as a onetime watchable.

 Trailer-https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5360952/videoplayer/vi3874076697?ref_=tt_ov_vi

64. AIR FORCE ONE (1997)

AIR FORCE ONE

Language       -       English (United States)

Genre             -       Action, Thriller

Director         -       Wolfgang Petersen

*ing                -       Harrison Ford (James Marshall), Gary Oldman (Egor Korshunov)

IMDB Score   -       6.5/10

PLOT

 Ivan Radek, the dictator of Kazakhstan, was captured with the joint military operation of both US and Russia. After three weeks in a dinner at Moscow, American president James Marshall revealed his countries new “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism and dictatorship. On their way to home, terrorists take over Air Force One, the presidential carrier and takes the passengers hostages with an aim to release Radek. The terrorists threaten to execute one at each half hour until their demands are met, however with little time, the presidents who was a former Medal of Honor winner must attempt himself to retake the plane and to rescue everybody.  

                            Air Force One is the aircraft that have US president on board (theoretically any aircraft that carries US president may be termed as Navy One, Marine One, according to their defense force, since Airforce manages it gets the name Air Force One), and it is one of the most protected aircraft in the world. What will happen if this is Hijacked? This Wolfgang Peterson movie deals with such a situation. There is nothing to mention as far as acting is concerned, because we have two great actors on screen. James Marshal always remained as a president who upholds American patriotism and love for family at the same time. This character had impressed many people at its time of release, Ford’s character is the best President portrayal in Hollywood. Many US presidents had mentioned Ford’s character during their tenure. But I am impressed with Gary Oldman than the Ford’s character. Egor may be one of the underrated villain characters in Hollywood. Usually American movies portrays Russians as a well built giant figures, but Egor doesn’t have huge bodies like those Russians, but the viewers will not feel this because of his fine performance. He has all the violence, cruelty, and crookedness of a terrorists. His chilling performance earned him the name ‘Scary Gary’ during production. I didn’t impress with the background of movie, but still its very popular among American people. Donald Trump uses its soundtrack when he was elected as American president. It has some poor VFX scenes and graphics, but at the same time its really thrilling and an engaging movie.

                            “Air Force One” was blockbuster during its time of release, it generated more than $300million against a mere budget of $85million. We must keep in mind the political background of the movie while watching it, because it was released before 9/11 attack and before Iraq invasion. Petersen has said that, after 9/11, he wouldn't have felt comfortable making a movie about terrorists attacking America by hijacking jetliner, he believes that it would face a ban and will become a Box office disaster, if released after 9/11. Most of the plane’s features in film didn’t exists in the movie at that time like parachutes and escape pods, overall, it’s a very good movie for viewers.

Movie Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYCFaA4A8TI

63. BLACK MASS (2015)

BLACK MASS (2015)

Language           -      English (United States)

Genre                 -      Crime, Drama, Gangster

Director              -      Scott Cooper

*ing                    -      Johnny Depp (Whitey Bulger), Joel Edgerton (John Conolly), Benedict Cumberbatch (Billy)

IMDB Score        -      6.9/10

PLOT

                       Boston, late 1970s. The new FBI agent John Conolly is trying to free northern area from the holds of Italian Mafia, so he made secret alliance with the south Boston gangster “Whitey” Bulger and made him as an informant. In search of fame and promotions John Conolly concentrated only on Italian Mafia but failed to realize that he is being used as a pawn. “Whitey” Bulger use his informant identity as a cover to expand his business and becomes the undisputed crime lord and one of the FBIs ten most wanted criminals.

                       Black mass is a crime-drama based on the 2001 book Black Mass- An unholy alliance between FBI and the Irish mob by Dick Lehr. It shows the real life of south Boston crime lord and the leader of Winter Hill gang, Jimmy “Whitey” Bulger. "Whitey" Bulger is one of the toughest mobster that I have seen after Tony Montana in “Scarface”. I can barely remember any scene in which Johnny Depp laughs in this movie. Its really a slow-paced movie where you may feel sleepy at some point, even I stopped this movie after watching for some time. The reason is because of the style of conversation of the movie which purely reflects the South Boston moreover Jimmy is of Irish origin, and there are many terms in which a non-American may not be familiar such as Jai Alai (a kind of game like squash), IRA (Irish Revolutionary Army). Johnny Depp can completely immerse into any roles. Whitey is also an example of his that immersing capacity. His makeup and accent were all particularly done to suite the real-life mobster. He himself admitted that this is his favorite role among all other his movies. The director purely concentrated on the script rather than filling unwanted fights and any intimate scenes.

                            The movie was clear portrayal of real life, so it receives positive reception from everywhere and Johnny Depp’s role was considered as his best among the critics. “Whitey” Bulger had been on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for twelve years. The two million dollars reward the FBI offered for information leading to his capture, was larger than that for any other fugitive on the list, except Osama bin Laden. He was arrested on 2011. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will always be a favorite for those who love Godfather, Goodfellas and all those gangster movies.

 Movie Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3e3hGF2jc

62. THE PATRIOT (2000)

THE PATRIOT

Language               -       English (United States)

Genre                     -       War

Director                 -       Roland Emmerich

*ing                        -       Mel Gibson (Benjamin Martin), Heath Ledger (Gabriel), Tom Wilkinson (Charles Cornwallis)

IMDB Rating         -       7.2/10

PLOT

       In the year 1776, South Carolina, former French-Indian war hero Benjamin Martin who is haunted by his past brutal acts, now wants nothing more than to live peacefully with his children on his small plantation. South Carolina decides to fight against Britain for freedom. As a result, they formed new “Continental Army” and enrolled young boys into their force. “Gabriel”, the elder son of Benjamin signs up to fight without his Father’s permission. But Benjamin could not stay away from the war, as his family was threatened by war, so he steps into his soldier uniform to protect his children and to help in the formation of new, young nation.

                     “The patriot” is a movie which is based on the real-life soldier Francis Marion a.k.a. The Swamp Fox. The swamp fox taught soldiers Guerilla tactics. It also shows the American Revolution and the liberation and formation of a nation from Tyranny of Britain. It is one of the best movie that I have seen in the recent times, even though it’s a war movie, it shows the bond in relationships. Bond between son and father, bond between father and his children, bond between people and the nation. I had usually seen Mel Gibson in badass roles like Mad-Max and William Wallace, but “Benjamin Martin” is surely one of the fine character which shows the range of actor in him. The transformation from a protective father to a revenge seeking freedom fighter was portrayed beautifully by him. The name “Heath Ledger”only brings memory of an Anarchist in Dark Knight, but Gabriel is also a gem in Ledger’s carrier. The transformation from a reckless boy to a matured soldier was safe in the hands of him. Heath Ledger didn’t work for a year because he only got offers to play heartthrob roles. He was about to quit acting, when he was cast in the film. It is very hard to believe that this handsome guy gave soul to one of the most villainous characters, “Joker”. Roland Emmerich had given the apt title for the movie, it will boil the blood of any patriots; with many goosebumps scenes and many heart touching sentiments.

                                       Benjamin Martin is not only a pure image of Francis Marion, Emmerich says that they had made “Martin” as a composite character with the traits of many war heroes. The movie was not able to make huge profits due to the stiff competition from Warner Brothers movie. It had also raises many criticisms from historians especially from the side of English for portrayal of atrocities by British in the movie. The movie itself is not an honest work of history, it praises the American struggles and heroism and at the same time remain silent to the discrimination of Blacks and not mentioning the atrocities of Americans during the war. According to my point of view it’s a must watch movie in Hollywood.

Movie Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5u1am7pmrw

61. TOTAL RECALL (2012)

TOTAL RECALL

·      Language           -      English (United States)

·      Genre                 -      Sci-Fic, Action

·      Director              -      Lens Wiseman

·      *ing                    -      Collin Farrell (Douglas Quaid), Kate Beckinsale (Lori), Jessica Biel (Melina)

·      IMDB Rating      -      6.3/10

    PLOT

                                The use of chemical weapons made most of the place of Earth into an unhabituated place, survivors were divided into two parts with one in the developed United Front of Britain (UFB) and other in the underdeveloped colony where most of them depend on a transport called “Fall” to reach UFB to make their livelihood. Douglas Quaid is also one of the factory worker from colony, he was haunted by a series dream, so he goes to a place known as Rekall where they give memories according to one’s own wishes, as Doughlas is prepared to implant memories of being a Double Agent for both Government and the Terrorists, something goes wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man as he finds himself on the run from police. Is ita dream or Reality?

                      “Total Recall” is based on the 1990 film of the same name of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone.The first joint movie after the marriage of Kate Beckinsale and director Lens Wiseman.  It is based on a loose plot, with much importance to actions, CGI and VFX. Characters are always on the run, it can confuse viewers in many points. There are even multiple theories about the ending of the movie, even the director tries to make a point like “Inception” by releasing a Director’s cut with an added climax scene from the Theatrical Cut. But the real fact is that it didn’t even come near to the original “Total Recall” movie, that was even evident from its poor domestic performance. But it was managed to perform well in the foreign market and made an average box-office collection. It is just an another failed remake of a great movie, but can be a good option for pure entertainment.

 Movie Trailer-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GljhR5rk5eY

60. INTO THE STORM (2014)

Into the Storm 

Language       -       English (United States)

Genre             -       Disaster

Director         -       Steven Quale

*ing                -       Richard Armitage (Gary Fuller), Sarah Wayne Callies (Allison Stone)

IMDB Rating -       5.8/10

PLOT

A documentary team headed by peter is chasing storms for months to get a lifetime shot of the “Eye” of a tornado. Alison is a meteorologist in their team whose predictions are not favoring them for sometimes, finally one of her calculation became true and a huge tornado started to move towards Silverton where a school graduation ceremony is going on. But it was just a beginning of a massive tornado that none had experienced before.

“Into the Storm” was shot mainly in a found footage way. It is just like any other disaster movie which cause havoc to human population. But the exceptional factors were the specially built “Titus” armored vehicle which can withstand 170mph of tornadoes and even fitted with many cameras to capture the shot. It reminds me of the Dwayne Johnson’s Fast 5 armored car. The climax scene which shows the “Eye” of Tornado was also impressive.

It was a box office success by collecting $160m to a mere budget of $50m. “Into the storm” is a purely a VFX and CGI filled movie with lack of cemented characters, but sure it would not make you uncomfortable for 80minutes.

Movie Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Vkp77tVTM

59. Valley of the Wolves: Palestine ( Kurtlar Vadisi: Filistin)

VALLEY OF WOLVES: PALESTINE

Language       -       Turkish(Turkey)

Genre             -       Action

Director         -       Zübeyr Şaşmaz

*ing                -       Necati Şaşmaz (Polar Alemdar), Erdal Beşikçioğlu (Mose),

IMDB Rating -       6.3/10

PLOT

                                                    A fleet of ships from Turkey with humanitarian aid and constructions materials for Palestine people heads towards Palestine with the intention of breaking Israeli blockade of Gaza strip. But Israeli commandos boarded the ship and started a killing spree. So, in retaliation Turkey sends their elite commando team led by "Polar Alemdar” to kill the Israeli commander “Mose” who ordered the killing of Turkish people and there by stabilizing the Palestine region.

                          Valley of wolves: Palestine is the fourth film in the “Valley of wolves” media franchise. It was the most expensive film made in Turkish film industry at that time. The movie contains lot of gunfights and explosions, even though some looks illogical. It shows the sufferings of Gaza people whose houses are bulldozed by Israeli Military and put innocent people in jail. The movie is a pure portrayal of Israeli dictatorship and their idea of hatred towards everyone except Jews. I liked the antagonists “Mose” than the hero, because he has such a screen presence and attitude in the movie. Background music were all exact for the situations whether it is action or emotional. Locations were all selectively made to feel like real Gaza, and they have succeeded in giving that feel.

              Valley of Wolves media franchise is one of the most popular media franchise in Turkey due to its anti-Western scripts. This movie is initially made with a different script and was about to start shooting when the “Gaza Flotilla raid” occurred, another incident which shows the brutality of Israel when massacring humanitarian personnel from Turkey. The movie was successful both commercially as well as with its idea. It shows the world about the condition of Gaza and cruelty by Israel. It was blamed for being anti-Israel and inflammatory and was even banned in Germany.

           It can be a good selection for all those who love movies of Political and military background.

Movie Trailer-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1TsZjcF5LQ