REVIEW: THE CALL

3/5

Storm Lines.

96 Minutes. Starring: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Imperioli & Michael Eklund. Director: Brad Anderson.

Hello. Let me tell you about the call that changed Halle Berry's destiny...and let me tell you yes I am shamefully paying homage to the Backstreet Boys, but after James Franco and the guys did it in 'The World End' this year who isn't? The call that made Halle this year wasn't the one from Marvel and the 'Days Of Future Past' movie which looks to take the X-Men back in time and give her Storm character and career a second wind next year. No, right now it's traced to the 'The Call' that is getting great reception this year as Berry's 911 operator takes her from a career emergency into a real connection (and with her fellow mutant Hugh Jackman digging his Wolverine claws into this weeks arresting 'Prisoners', intense crime drama may be the new calling card for this original first class). It's time to pick up on something critics have been trying to put down. Are you with me? Please hold.

911 do you hear me? Yep that's tight Halle is on the line as the first response to an emergency and in this situation her desk job is anything but comfy. This is one tense situation room. Hung up, wrecked and racked with guilt after losing a kidnap victim on the other end of a line, our lead is disconnected with everything but who could have taken this innocent victims life. Unable to pick herself back up until a call that's all too similar comes through, will the person on the other side of the phone put an end to her closure? This movie is a race against the line that really shows the stress, panic, procedure and strategy that goes into an emergency call before the services of the law come into play. This is more than a behind the scenes manual of how this all works in this advanced age. Especially with it's clever ways of turning a desperate situation into a solved one that is anything but paint by numbers. This is a fresh ideal script for a diluted and recycled movie time. Now this is how it's really done.

Berry is back, bold and brilliant. Showing the brains she's always had behind the beauty, this is a matured and focussed performance. This is the most helicopter blade hovering tension you'll get not playing the latest 'GTA' on this world wildest highway ride. With a birds eye, directors view between the roads and skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles at night, to the tune of every emergency call on a Peter Parker like radius beginning that would make Michael Mann proud this is another Californian crime classic. Just like Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise showed in the taxi confides of 'Collateral', Berry proves that drama and tension can even be evoked from a seating position...albeit a braced one. With words refreshingly replacing weapons and hope calling in on fear this really will leave those able to hold the line on the edges of their gripped arm-rested seat. Halle would have helped make this movie one of the years best If released a decade ago, but even between all the Science Fiction and comic books of today the definitive drama created and crafted here makes this inspired independent picture stand out on it's own operation.

The little black book of the cast-list is full of familiar and favourable faces (the 'Bad Boy' and 'Goodfella' Michael Imperioli) too and with a vile villain (Michael Eklund) and a vulnerable victim (Abigail Breslin) all the individuals incoming on Berry's dial are set to make this a cord wrapped around fingers tense affair. Still it might be beat cop Morris Chesnut who wins over this patrol. The still young but veteran talent is having quite the comeback year after helping Jason Bateman track down his 'Identity Thief'. Now as a love interest and another strand of investigation to this service to call and response this is far from the end of watch for this actor. Cop this now because in years time this film will be called on for DVD and T.V. re-watches. Sure some parts may have you looking away from the call leaving a disconnect, but modern thrillers of horror and investigation don't come up with fresh leads like this. From 'Arlington Road' modern day, American suburban, aesthetics to a gripping taught tale of darkness lying beneath the L.A. shine, this is one Hollywood picture set to put it's star back on the digital times GPS map. Now to those trying to call time on the leads lines career...if you need help please try again. Goodbye...click. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: RUSH

4/5

Thormula 1.

122 Minutes. Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Natalie Dormer & Olivia Wilde. Director: Ron Howard.

Red Light.

Gentelmen start your engines...because this one fires on all physical and emotional cylinders. It's 'Rush' hour and sorry Paul Rudd and the rest of the 'I Love You Man' rock fans we aren't talking about the eighties band. Let's take it back another decade to 1976. Let's put Richie Cunningham in the directors driver seat and take a ride with a film that shows the best blockbusters of this brilliant and Sci-Fi/superhero creative year haven't run out of road. With a rush of gasoline to the engines, this high octane motored film is even too fast and too furious for that seven lane strong franchise. Thanks to the incredible path of direction laid out by 'Apollo 13' and 'A Beautiful Mind's' Ron Howard it's all happy days for Formula One fans and petrol heads. Howard's finished line product gives us the best Formula One flick since the moving documentary of late legend Aryton Senna. This biographical film and it's spot on portrayal of McLaren and Ferrari rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda is the closest and realest thing you could possibly get to being in the same lane as 'Senna'.

Red Light.

In pole position is Chris Hemsworth who could own the fall season of movies with a hammer and an engine. Next month will see him assemble his Avenger hammer for his third outing of the God of thunder 'Thor' in 'The Dark World' which sets to light up the magnificent Marvel universe once again. Still, this month Hemsworth switches his game of realms for a game of roads, taking his throne as one of the best new young actors who vibrates as many returned calls from casting agents as he does hearts. Jenson Button may just have a Formula One pin-up rival in the form of Hemsworth's perfect portrayal of womaniser, drinking, live fast and drive hard late legend James Hunt. Swaggering with the cocksure confidence of his 'Star Trek' son Chris Pine in the first fronteir film, this guy goes from the comic-book darkness to the light in 60 seconds. From the accented jokes to the puncuated charisma, James would be proud of Chris for the chemistry shared between character and the real thing. With every confident smile and anxious lighter flip, the Huntsmen has it down as Hunt. Still the potential leading man of the year has more to deal with than the scheming Loki.

Red Light.

That would be in the form of Niki Lauda who is given a chameleon like covering by Daniel Brühl. After giving 'Bourne' an 'Ultimatum' and showing he really was an 'Inglorious Bastered' the bold Brühl is seriously funny and sincerely dedicated as Lauda, the ying to Hunt's yang. The ice to the fire of his competitor, the essence of this true story between the two rivals with a respect deeper than everyone-including themselves-first saw is captured the right and earnest way by the director and his two subjects. From the peaks of the podium to the tragic lows of life risking crashes, Brühl gives Lauda's legend and legacy the due respect and diligence it deserves. Holding nothing back this actor could battle his co-star for an Oscar to the Academy Award finish line like the films two characters did for real on the track. Forcing each other to step up their game, Hemsworth and Brühl show more than just picture perfect and mannerism mastered parallels to their roles. What else from a director that mastered the 'Frost/Nixon' divide?

Green Light.

If you don't know the inspired and influential story about one of the greatest rivalries in motor sports and the life threatening time of Formula One and it's bomb on wheels cars and graveyard named tracks then it's time for a history lesson played out perfectly on film. We won't tell you anything because this classic film needs to be experienced as much as the real life accounts need to be learned. Formula One fan or not, you don't have to be a gear head to get around this one. Sure the race scenes are incredible, but anyone who is a fan of amazing action set pieces will feel the sight ravaged, rain soaked tension of this one. Behind all the burning rubber and screeching tyres, as well as the perfect seventies capturing from the clothes to the logos is a real human side to the story which shows just how much honest, emotional heart and soul goes into the competitive fire and will of those behind the wheel of a race car. With great support from Olivia Wilde and Natalie Dormer through the chicanes of love and loss this film is the Pit. Still it's time to shake and spray the champagne for the three men who take the podium and this car film to a whole other circuit. Caps off to Howard, Hemsworth and Brühl it's a trophy year for these winners. Still not up to speed?

Go!

TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: WHITE HOUSE DOWN

3/5

Olympus Has Fallen Again.

131 Minutes. Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gylenhaal, Jason Clarke, Joey King, Richard Jenkins & James Woods. Director: Roland Emmerich.

Ok, candidates there's a new Presidential race on in Washington D.C. It was fitting that 'Law Abiding Citizen' was on television the other night as this year Gerald Butler and Jamie Foxx go head-to-head once again in their fight for the White House...albeit in different movies. After Butler defended former Gotham City candidate Aaron Ekchart's president in 'Olympus Has Fallen' while one-time president of 'Deep Impact' Morgan Freeman looked on, Jamie Foxx now proves himself a worthy election as a peaceful and powerful president in this Obama changed world. Foxx may not be playing Barack or have the Will Smith ears to do so in a maybe forthcoming Spike Lee biopic, but the man who unchained Big Will's 'Django' role (Smith was offered but committed to 'Men In Black 3') shows some parallels. We aren't making this a race issue either, this President wants to be the next Lincoln (or maybe a fictional 'West Wing' Martin Sheen one) and whatever he is, he sure is a good one in a great way to end a big blockbuster Summer season of superhero and Sci-fi smash, red hot movies

Now Channing Tatum may not be Bruce Willis, but here the Hollywood hunk dons the string vest to show the next Willis in Gerard Butler that he can protect the President too, even if he didn't get that secret service job. The man who's career really took off with '21 Jump Street' shows he has action smarts as well as acting ones and that funny bone. More than just romantic comedy fodder or the 'Side Effect's of shaking it for change in a Steven Soderbergh picture (for the record we loved both the aforementioned and yes, shamefully 'Magic Mike'), Tatum mans up like that Simpsons boxer character of the same name punch for punch. He shows he's a heavyweight talent and his charisma and hilarious, brotherhood bond chemistry with President Foxx (for more search 'Channing all over your Tatum'...I know right!?) and his Air Force Jordan's are inspired. Straight out of the Foxxhole and into the line of fire, Jamie shows that the singer/actor is still one of the best in a year full of leading men candidates.

All this presidents picture men are brilliant too. From valuable veterans like James Woods and Richard Jenkins, to a gang of perfect psycho criminals led by 'Lawless', 'The Great Gatsby' star and next great character actor Jason Clarke and perfectly peculiar camped up computer nerd gone 90's bad Jimi Simpson. There's even a smart, cute kid, (Joey King) a die-hard but easy on the muscles, White House tour guide (Nicholas Wright) and many more action staples, including Maggie Gylenhaal's presidential aid that really could have helped her old 'Dark Knight' flame and 'Olympus Has Fallen' president. That would leave her in the wrong-albeit good movie-this one may have been the chicken to Olympus' egg, but it still shows the White House can fall just as good here. 'Olympus' has not sent it down. Between bullet rounds of action and an ammunition of comedy, 'WHD' has turned an inconvenient release to it's one-upped advantage. Man this film is cheesy, but boy do they know it and you'll love it. If you missed those big, bold Hollywood hot blockbusters of the 90's than this one should get your vote.

'Independence Day's' Roland Emmerich sure knows how to blow up the White House again...and pay homage albeit to himself. Still the man who gave us '2012' and 'The Day After Tomorrow' is not facing the end of his career as we know it...and he's doing R.E.M. fine. He's even taking a reboot return trip through the 'Stargate' three times over. That could be thanks to the dividends paid here by him throwing big bucks, explosions and everything into this film that makes your perfect popcorn Friday night whether in cinemas or DVD players. As this film goes nuclear that comedy jokes match the action jukes from back-seat rocket launchers to front lawn mowing down gardening. It's refreshing that a film about a critical issue doesn't take itself too seriously, bloody or brutal. What results is a film that takes off instead of being a scud missile. None of the action misfires and once this film takes itself to task it can be forgiven for being cheesy. This 'Die Hard' meets 'Air Force One' 'Rock' tight and tribute affair is all action, comedy and some heart as the White House has never looked or gleamed better. Washington, the city beautiful has never looked quite the picture as well, from the moving monuments to the magnificent mall. Sure, especially after 'Olympus Has Fallen' this film may be a rolling cliché, but it's an even more entertaining one. When it comes to pure popcorn movies for your excitement the ever likeable Channing and Jamie step it up for 'White House Down'. Now in this Hollywood, heavyweight, billboard boxing match the only question is, has Olympus fallen to Foxx and Tatum?.TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: RIDDICK

3/5

Franchise Furious.

118 Minutes. Starring Vin Diesel, Jordi Mollà, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, Raoul Trujillo & Karl Urban. Director: David Twohy.

"I don't know how many times I've been crossed off the list and left for dead...so this 'aint nothing new", grunts Riddick, in Vin Diesel's hallmark baritone. It's clear for actor and subject it's getting personal in this one. For years critics wrote off Vin Diesel-who entered the new millennium with fast cars and dark goggles-once he swapped the petroleum and darkness for kids movies and pacifiers. Still, despite everything Vin's Diesel power is still here and in the tank. After rebranding the 'Fast & Furious' in 2009 and motoring on to a sublime sequel in the 'Italian Job' meets 'Oceans Eleven' all-star 'Fast Five', Diesel refuelled and burned all notions he was 'Expendable' like the rest of the ageing action-heroes and 90's genres. Times look to be getting even better for Vin who has truly earned his parking space on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and is linked with the 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' sequel as well as another Marvel comic-book 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'. If that wasn't enough he's set to keep his head shaved to play the legendary bald detective Kojack. Still, that's the future, right now Vin joins maybe fellow Avenger Robert Downey Jnr's 'Iron Man' and 'Sherlock Holmes' by having two major franchises running strong. 'Fast & Furious 6' showed everyone this year that there is no running out of road and a seventh installment filming this fall looks to take it back to the 'French Connection', 'Bullitt' chases of classic car movies.

It's clear you can't stop the ignited Diesel when his engine is running and gunning. He's really injected the nitrogen into his fast paced return to the Hollywood race, which he's ahead of without running the risk of crossing the line. Before he gets back into the driving seat however, it's time for him to go out of this world with his 'other' franchise. It's time for another chronicle of 'Riddick'. Before he even started 'The Fast and Furious' career vehicle, he hit with another franchise catered to him. Riddick became a cult character in the dark space horror classic 'Pitch Black' in the year 2000 of the new millennium. Then came 'The Chronicles Of Riddick' which delved deeper into the story, throwing money, Judi Dench and tea cups at a big blockbuster. Some critics left for earth, but the cult status was enough for an aesthetically attractive animated movie ('The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury') and two vivid video games ('Escape from Butcher Bay' and 'Assault on Dark Athena') which Vin has valiantly been a part of (most actors would bolt or demand more dollars, but Diesel had more sense). Now in a stripped down, low-budget, almost minimum wage (actors wage that is...so still big bucks) film that looks like a cool, graphic video game in itself, Vin and director David Twohy take it back to the essence and formidable formula of 'Pitch Black', albeit with some 'Chronicles' hallmarks, to hunt down the perfect picture for the trilogy.

In a science-fiction, comic-book year that's seen Avengers, Men Of Steel, X-Men, Star Trek's and great original future science-fiction worldly ideas like 'Pacific Rim', 'After Earth', 'Oblivion' and Matt Damon's current trip to 'Elysium', 'Riddick' sits perfectly and pretty next to them all like his latest 'Fast' run. Different from the rest and with it's own legend, this survival guide/man-hunt still has enough block to bust it's way next to the big-budget films that sinks it's spends. Vin Diesel is on the form of his career too, facing down middle-age and any foe and scaring and scarring them all. This one man (and the cutest and coolest alien dog, shades of 'I Am Legend' companionship here) muscles up, fights and strives and survives through it all. Any threat foreign (all the amazing alien life out there), or domestic (a gang of humans playing for blood). On his own, Vin narrates and traverses the beginning of this picture and it's planets landscape perfectly and against them all he proves he's still the man. Funny and with other literal punch-lines to bruise more than just egos the action-hero idea is far from dead...it just moved planet. He's got a lot to deal with too and we aren't just talking about all those crazy crafted creature fears. There's 'Bad Boys 2' despicable villain Jordi Mollà and a buff, old Robin Thicke looking Matt Nable between the blurred lines. As well as the moxie of Katee Sackhoff and another Rock like WWF legend to wrestle with in Dave Batista (which steps up 'Fast Five's' wall-breaking fight club).

There's also great apperances from great character actor Bokeem Woodbine with his own brute baritone, R&B singer Keri Hilson (yep, that was her getting knocked down) and Karl Urban's legend from 'Chronicles'...although we would have loved to see more bones of the 'Star Trek' and new 'Dredd' star. This is Riddick-ulous...in a good way. With an indie feel the film dubbed 'Dead Man Stalking' in its screenplay stages, rewrites Riddick the right way following the trend and bringing the character and story back to life. From superb space ships, to brilliant bikes, the vehicles and awesome aliens help keep this fims velocity in a whole other world. Still, the nature of this beast is Riddick's revenge and the darkest, purest path of this character that has been explored vividly by Vin and the video game market for over a decade. As Vin laughs to himself and bangs his chains against the bars like a calling chant to the Gods it's clear this star has the mettle to make this franchise and film his own again. It's all trademark smiles now for the gruff warrior who's seen through the dark times to return to the light of a big success pay day and year. It's Riddick's world and Vin is playing his part like 'Pitch Black' was illuminated for the first time once again. To any critic out for the actor and character's bounty, who thought he couldn't do it again, shifting a gear from his toy car world..."time's up". The hunter will always emerge from the shadows and reveal what he's truly made of. "Now you aren't afraid of the dark...are you"? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

VIN DIESEL Feature-DIESEL POWER

Faster & Furious.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

"I don't know how many times I've been crossed off the list and left for dead" growls Vin Diesel's Riddick character to begin the new trailer for the latest chronicle. The same can be said for the man behind the 'Pitch Black' goggles. Still, despite all the critics you can't doubt Vin's acclaim. See him now, Diesel has stepped on the ignition yet again this year like an R. Kelly remix. Injecting nitrogen into the turbo charged 'Fast & Furious' formidable franchise that won't run out of road. This year saw the release of the super sixth episode that took us to the burning rubber streets of London and the crew are about to take to their vehicles again this fall to film the seventh sensational, Statham-stellar part.

If that wasn't enough there's V. Diesel's 'other' franchise as 'Riddick' is about to come out the dark and illuminate our screens. With a smaller, darker budget, Diesel's taken an actors minimum wage (still better than most peoples decades) to get the maximum output possible and it looks as great as it does gory. If that wasn't enough-the man who's having just as big a year as his 'Fast' franchise friend and solo/TGT singer and writer Tyrese-has been linked with Marvel more times than Chris Evans. Not only has he been linked with having the villain 'vision' for a grunting nemesis for the eagerly anticipated Avengers sequel, he's also got enough bark in that gruff voice to play a tree in the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'. He even has another trick up his new suits sleeve, having the shaved head and skill set to take the lollipop of bald, iconic detective Kojak. Which could result in another forceful franchise. He's rewriting the critics ink now. The petrol-head's favourite has even driven himself onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame...now that's accredited certification. You can find the post script pile receiving actor at the top of the A-list now. "This 'aint nothing new."

It all started up again with Tokyo, 'Tokyo Drift' to be exact. In the third, but chronologically last instalment in the 'Fast and the Furious' franchise. The cars, music, Sung Kang, Japan and that girl from the Bruno Mars video did a good job of keeping the series running on fumes, but still it was missing something. In the final scene of the movie our lead is challenged to one more race. As he pulls up to the starting line a beautiful, classic American muscle car flexes into view. Could it be? As we see the dome of the driver and we pan round and there he is in a fresh white tee in the driving seat, it's Dominic Toretto or should we say Vin Diesel, the biggest star of 'The Fast and the Furious' torque, adrenaline fuelled blockbuster. Even in this 30 second or so cameo we are reminded of the charisma and charm of this character and actor that had been missed since the great, but not the same feeling '2 Fast 2 Furious'.

Then came the big moment. The 'new model, original parts' ensemble that became the fourth 'Fast' movie that took everything back to the original so much that the similar title ('Fast & Furious') is still bound to cause confusion when ordered on DVD today. Diesel refuelled the franchise along with old friends Paul Walker, Jordan Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez for a thrilling ride that engine gunned this franchise into a formidable 'Fast Five' sequel. A movie so hot and cool it was filmed in the Rio De Janeiro in Brazil and featured more old friends in the form of the franchise favourites Tyrese, Ludacris and Sung Kang and a brilliant, new baddie to wrestle with in the form of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. 'Five' has become so famous with it's thrills, spills, action and visual entertainment that it's widely considered as the best in the series...so far. Still with all this 'Italian Job' meets 'Oceans Eleven' film has to offer it's the lead that brings everything together in this ensemble piece, that motored on to a sixth gear. It's clear to see that Vin Diesel is back in the driving seat with his career nowhere near the rear-view.

The Hollywood hard-man age seems to have died with the ageing of the 'expendable' Stallone's, Segal's and Van Damme's (even though they still make great movies) but there's just something about Mark Sinclair Vincent. Something that goes beyond his Brooklyn bouncer to actor, director, producer, screenwriter success. Something that goes beyond his forever young, 46 years of age and something that goes beyond his millions of inspired Facebook followers who are moved by his motivating and inspiring posts that could only be rivalled by 'Fast' co-star Tyrese's influential Tweets. It goes beyond social networking or Hollywood status. This charismatic character is today's leading movie tough guy, but with added smarts.

He anchors two major franchises in the 'Fast & Furious' and 'Riddick' and he was irreplaceable in the 'xXx' one (maybe it's time somebody made a call). His heavy star weight is so big that excitement is already buzzing for his next drive and flagship position fist-fight with fellow strongman 'The Rock' in 'Fast Seven' due 2014 in a series that doesn't seem to be running out of runway. Out of this world Vin's currently promoting the new sci-fi smash 'Riddick' movie for a franchise that featured the dark, classic 'Pitch Black' and the exciting 'Chronicles of Riddick'. Right now the only other man who leads two huge, box-office franchises still current is Robert Downey Jnr (with 'Iron Man' and 'Sherlock Holmes') arguably the most charismatic and popular figure in Hollywood right now, two characteristics that help Vin to not be far off.

Vin Diesel is one of your most marketable movie makers because the ladies love him like Cool James and the fellas love the lights, camera and action of his films. Diesel's far from unleaded as he can still roll wit the punches and special effects like he asked someone for what Bruce Willis was having. The hard-worker keeps his frame and creative pictures honed because of his love for his art. He keeps the love for 'Riddick' alive in computer games and animated spin-off features, (where most other actors would pay no mind and still take a cut) while even when critically panned he shows his underrated diversity and underground talent like in the harshly judged and actually good 'Babylon A.D.'.

Still it's the depth of his personality and character that bring out the deeper human aspects of his tough guy characters. Just take a look at another underrated gem of a movie for example in the revenge thriller 'A Man Apart' that stands right next to similar modern greats like Denzel Washington's 'Man On Fire' or Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard's 'The Brave One'. In this movie Diesel plays a man hell bent on revenge after criminals kill the love of his life. Armed with true grit and genuine heart Diesel perfectly shows both sides of a man, battling between love and hate and good and bad.

This conflicted performance was done with so much class that it seemed to inspire his character in 'Fast & Furious' who also looked to avenge the loss of his love. Showing that this one-time guilty pleasure franchise had more to it in moments of innocence, Diesel proved this movie was more than just candy for the average fuel-heads. Take a look at Diesel in 'A Man Apart' trying to save his girlfriend or watching his Dom Turreto character watching his girlfriend sleep and walking away in 'Fast & Furious' for more 100 per cent proof acting. Or how about how his character talks about losing his father and driving in 'The Fast & Furious' or re-telling his favourite memory of his dad in 'Fast Five' and you can see by the expression on Vin's face just how deep he digs to bring out the complexities and characteristics of his roles.

Born in New York City with Italian and black ancestry to a psychiatrist and astrologer mother, Diesel has had a wide multi-cultural upbringing. He made his acting debut at age 7 and has been performing, writing and directing ever since, his short film 'Multi-Facial' made waves at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995. Today his awesome resume doesn't just list some amazing movie he can also add the founding of production companies, One Race Films, Tigon Studios and Racetrack Record to his credits. Before Vin stepped into a car ready for a street race or a spaceship ready to save the world he made his mark in many other movies. From a tear-induced, moving but short-lived performance in 'Saving Private Ryan' (again with lump in the throat father and son consequences) to his strong, deep voice being used right in 'The Iron Giant' animated feature.

Still it was in the Ben Affleck led indie hit 'The Boiler Room' that Diesel really heated up. This cult classic had shades of a modern 'Wall Street' with these young wolves and the story of young greed featured a standout, scene-stealing performance from Vin who showed integrity even in this money-hungry movie. Then after taking the wheel in 'The Fast & Furious' movie the offers came rolling in at high-speed, from showing he could have fun and not take himself seriously in 'The Pacifier' to almost playing the film adaptation of the video game 'Hitman' (he's got the dome shots for it). With all this constant, Diesel energy (that's where the name comes from) it's little wonder he was handed the keys back to the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, or used in character to ignite the driving, action video game 'Wheelman'.

Vin Diesel continues to motor on whatever the medium. Whether it be showing his social conscious side by representing for his love of the Dominican Republic and its multicultural facets by appearing in President Leonel Fernandez campaign ads or by directing the short film 'Los Bandoleros'. Or whether it be motivating and inspiring the public daily with inspiration on the Internet or by keeping his private life exactly that by adopting as he's been quoted "the Harrison Ford, Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino code of silence". Vin has remained Vin, true to himself, the people and his work. Showing he is more brains then brawn, Vin just keeps going with no sign of slowing down. From more chronicles of 'Riddick' to 'Fast & Furious' shifting to a whole new gear stick and the critics running on fumes who can stop the Diesel?

REVIEW: ELYSIUM

4/5

The Bald Identity.

109 Minutes. Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura & William Fichtner. Director: Neill Blomkamp.

More like 'The Borg Identity' as Matt Damon has more metal and pieces of Meccano strapped to his bald head than Patrick 'Picard' Stewart in 'Star Trek-The Next Generation' here. Speaking of which it's been a comic-book geeks fantasy, science-fiction Summer and year of big blockbusters that has seen 'Star Trek-Into Darkness' lead the way at warp-speed for a formidable season of super and extra-terrestrial plots and budgets. We've seen Men of Steel, Avengers, X-Men, Lone Rangers, zombie wars. In addition to a 'rock 'em sock 'em', Transformer versus Godzilla like battle on the rim of the Pacific and some father Smith and Jaden junior 'After Earth' experiences to go along with Tom Cruise's plunges into the depths of 'Oblivion'. Still as one of Hollywood's best and most marketable stars joins dynamic 'District 9' director Neill Blomkamp, we're about to see a whole new world and science-fiction isolated themes that could even hunt-down Vin Diesel's 'Riddick' or ground the 'Gravity' of the forthcoming George Clooney and Sandra Bullock space vehicle.

Matt Damon is in search of 'Elysium'...and we're not talking about that place Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston found in 'Wanderlust'. Damon's wanderings (inbetween manufacturing the very robots that control him like the modern revision of 'Total Recall') find him in looking for a place after earth in what looks like a blinged out version of that "garage" in 'Deep Space Nine'. 'Elysium' is named after the concept of Greek afterlife reserved for God's and there really is some religious, political and social commentary and satire in this piece from the man who took immigartion and cruel regimes to task in the South African prawn cocktail of'District 9'. The great Blomkamp could be the modern day movie version of Phillip K. Dick. The out of this world habitat of Elysium here is reserved for the rich, while the poor remained downtrodden on Earth wasting away along with its resources. There really is trouble in this paradise. Finally after all these years of rehashed sci-fi concepts of apocalyptic futures, one comes along that is refreshingly tight as it is purely terrifying. On Elysium, anything goes for the blessed "better-off", along with free healing healthcare. It's no wonder Damon and everyone want in...even if they have to break into the most heavily guarded planet to get there. This health-care methaphor takes shots at everything wrong with todays world in it's look at the future and this is why this seperation story is in a class of it's own.

With Ben Affleck taking on Batman's cowl, it's only right we show some love to leading man of the moment, Matt Damon, who truly shines as this films star. Shaving his head and tattooing himself, whilst permanently inking his reputation as a cut above the rest, all-round nice-guy action hero, ready to fight and do anything for the right thing. In another universe this guy would have been the perfect Captain Kirk. After he awoke the late, great author Phillip K. Dick's vision of 'The Adjustment Bureau', Damon switches hats to an action matter that still has mindful themes to go along with the stronghold, no holes barred, pull no punches action-set pieces. With 'True Grit', the fearless cowboy actor who really showed Hollywood something this year with Michael Douglas, tenses through a taught and inspired, independent smash. The humanitarian strikes a bolt into the brain of this hardware generation with a real human issue. It hasn't been this scary since 'Contagion'. That is until you see Jodie Foster, who gives her coldest and most calculated multiplying performance since she killed it with Terrence Howard in 'The Brave One'. Besting Melissa Leo's on-screen performance for this years bitch, battle-axe wielding futuristic power, Foster would have been perfect for 'Oblivion'... although she would have probably shot Tom Cruise out the sky before he got to meet her like that 'hishe' ending.

This films tenacious talent doesnt end in Hollywood however. As the support is as strong as the underrated actors filmographys. 'I Am Legend's' Alice Braga in end of the world scenarios once again shows she's worth fighting for with the maturity beyond her years. Whilst inspired international talent Diego Luna and Wagner Moura can expect to receive some phone-calls and scripts now their talent is exposed to the worlds stage. There's even room for cult, character actor William Fichtner who returns to his 'Dark Knight' and 'Prison Break' slick and sick suited acting self after his great grizzly, vile villain in this Summers criminally underrated 'Lone Ranger' and 'Stargate's' Michael Shanks who makes a shift from the time to space continuum, for a cult fans cameo apperance. It gets even more horrendous, horrible, brutal and bad with the nicest guy Sharlto Copley. Yes, that's right the genuine talent from 'District 9' and 'A-Team's' Murdock aces his faced task of becoming the most despicable villain not named Gru, complete with a 'I just chopped down a Lumberjack' beard. You may have laughed at his accent in 'D9', but wielding a sword and a face that looks like he missed his beard and went for his cheeks with his morning shave, Copley's cold play is no joke here. He more than copes with his task of portraying his darker and more disgusting side after so many light and warm performances. He's so repellent here he's going to attract awards. Even Foster's ice-queen couldn't get this cold. After 'Star Trek's' Benedict Cumberbatch led the way with a villain year that looks to best last years Bond, Loki and Bane, it's clear the greatest of 2013 lies in the future of 2154.

With androids that could give you nightmares of electric sheep and blade work that could leave you running for the Hollywood hills this blockbuster is brutal as it tames all notions of a watered down modern, mainstream movie market. With wonderful 'Minority Report' like, pulsing, power weapons, comical and satirical robot representatives of parole officers this is a calculation of a technological world distancing itself from others. The more impersonal it gets, the more Blomkamp is getting personal with people. Therefore we are given the true nature of science-fiction in all it's essence. The same 'do the right thing before it's too late' themes that 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars' explored underneath all the sabres, phasers and fun. Those themes of how our past choices can echo into our future and how we can make things right and better in the present as everything connects. Set your faces to stun, because even in the 'Terminator' destruction, unflinching moments, this world warning is truly a gift...and as for the action...'Halo'...I mean hello! These shaky cam, along with first-person shooting, aerial attacks and hand to metal combat show this film has a lot of nuts and bolts beneath it's screwed on vision. This is the future of Sci-Fi movies. Hardwired and inspired, some may put this Blomkamp follow-up below 'District 9' as a sort-of sequel, but it's a whole new world...and even if it's not in the same district as its predecessor it's definitely in the same vicinity. That being out of this world and in a whole other universe and idea that may be closer to home and this reality, than you think. 'Elysium'...you really want to go there? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: 2 GUNS

3.5/5

Train & Gain.

109 Minutes. Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton & James Marsden. Director: Baltasar Kormákur.

"Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha' going to do? Whatcha' going to do when they come for you"? Now what do you get when you take two Oscar Academy certified thespians and let them loose on some comic and action set-pieces? You get '2 Guns' starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. An out of nowhere hit action/comedy that is hallmark 80's/90's, sitting pretty and perfectly between the Summer and fall seasons of big blockbusters. Bold with a bang in it's own right, '2 Guns' is based on Steven Grant's graphic novel, but unlike it's weeks competition, it's more necessarily fun than needlessly graphic...and it still kicks ass. Even Jim Carrey would find trouble discrediting this one. As classic American as the songs playing on the radio and the food served up in the diner they're sitting in, these '2 Guns' hit their target with more bang for your buck. Just make sure you leave a tip.

Here's the first tip...don't write off Denzel Washington. The Academy Award actor may be getting a little grey in the beard but the most consistent Hollywood heavyweight's performances aren't getting old in the gold tooth. Sure critics may try and try to write him off, but he grounded all of that this year with the Oscar nominated 'Flight'...and he's on course for a great year too. Complete with an 'Out Of Time' shirt, 'Inside Man' hat, a 'Training Day' law and disorder degree and 'Man On Fire' gun control, (as well as the engaging emotional breaks that make him such a silent weapon of the all acting action hero) this will sit amongst the actors most enjoyable flicks in those Denzel Washington seasons you see making the rounds on the tube. Still, the greatest actor of our generation is far from done. He's 'Unstoppable' like that train, about to join the hit-girl competition, Chloe Grace-Mortez next year for 'The Equalizer'. The divided critics are subtracted now, add this to his multiplying classic filmography. Oh...and thanks for the love for the name Harvey, Denzel!

The other gun is no sidearm either. From 'Broken City' to 'Pain & Gain' this is Mark Wahlberg's year and with his furry and robotic, 'Ted' and 'Transformers' franchises forthcoming, 2014 looks set to be a marquee. The straight shooter, revealing that 'Contraband' tension, with buddy comedy funny like 'The Other Guys' and 'Shooter' action, gains another shot and notch for his last true action hero's expanding belt (you see the 'Pain' and muscle 'Gain'). Still, complete with a wink, click and gun, the one-line king hasn't had a mouth this smart for years...and you thought his quips 'Departed' the moment he owned and burnt Alec Baldwin, Leo DiCaprio and everyone in Boston for the Scorcese epic. He's still the wise-cracking Chris Tucker, to Washington's Jackie Chan ass kicking in this 'Rush Hour' and don't worry no chickens were harmed in the making of this picture. The buddy-cop genre is back and better than ever, thanks to the connection made by these stars of different films. Now how about 'Another 48 Guns' anyone?

As big and best the two leads are there is more in the clip of these '2 Guns', just like the slick plot to go along with the dry humour. Two bank robbers with two guns turn out to be more than meets the thiefs masks eyes and from there what unravels and weaves is something you need to twist and turn through yourself...but you best believe there's some action relief to go with all the clips and quips too. From off-road car chases to the best use of bulls since 'Knight & Day' or Jordan and Pippen, this is one cops and robbers, seals and kingpins thriller that snipes it's target audience and blows them away right to the Mexican stand-off fantastic finale. If that wasn't enough, Mrs. Robin Thicke, Paula Patton, doesn't blur her lines, showing that 'Ghost Protocol' wasn't her only mission made possible, while 'X-Men's Cyclops, shoots straight as James Marsden swaps the red eyes for a Navy crew cut.

Still it's Bill Paxton's return to screens that really light ups the silver linings of this cinema hit. The all-round nice guy plays it redneck bad and convincingly cold in what's truly this movies greatest threat and hit. Out for blood and his money you won't want to play any games with this man...especially russian roulette. He may only have one gun, but boy does he do a lot with it. Taking a spin and a gamble Paxton gives us his bold and best in years...so much the next time you see him ill in 'Apollo 13' you wont feel sorry for him when he complains that it hurts when he pee's. Because here he gives everyone the runs for his money. Still he's a villain worthy of our two great heroes that take the basic formula of '2 Guns' with their chemistry and make it a potent mix of action physics and buddy-cop bond. The charisma here from the two leads in this old-school movie shows the new generation how it's done. "You fight for the guy thats fighting next to you", and that's how W and W, Wahlberg and Washington get ahead in this 'Expendable' action age. '3 Guns' anyone? Let's spin the barrell again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.