Transformers
Anthony Macali
Duelling alien races, the Autobots and the Decepticons, bring their battle to Earth, leaving the future of humankind hanging in the balance.
"Transformers" is a relentless blockbuster fuelled by comedy and powered by action. When the sentient robots transform, it's an opera of sight and sound, ten thousand moving parts clicking and turning to excite and astound. A geek's delight, the toy line has been credibly transported to the silver screen, fully realised with the magic of computer graphic designers that continue to reshape the cinema of today.
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Anthony Macali
The Fantastic Four learn that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.
The Fantastic Four have become a group of scientists without any chemistry. We don't see enough of our beloved Silver Surfer. If only the producers gathered even more conspicuous product placement, they could have extended his stay. Overshadowed by the Surfer, Reed and Sue's relationship is not interesting. The innocuous jokes that sustained the first film are all gone, and all we are left is another sequel that is high in special effects, and nothing else special.
28 Weeks Later
Anthony Macali
Weeks after the initial rage virus outbreak, the American Army have brought London into quarantine.
The first movie explored the realisation of civilisation destroyed. It starts promisingly with the same tone, forcing the characters to make vital decisions: family or zombie? It's about the time the Americans lose control that the film also loses it. The remainder of the film follows this fatiguing sequence: run, hide, kill zombie... run, hide, kill zombie... invariably losing extras on the way. At this point you lose interest and strain to sustain the gore. The movie does well to keep you in suspense, but I prefer armageddon over shoot-em-up.
Children of Men
Anthony Macali
In 2027, as humankind faces the likelihood of its own extinction, a disillusioned government agent agrees to help transport and protect a miraculously pregnant woman.
This is a disturbing look at London in anarchy, rife with violence and refugees impounded in cages. The future is glum when no children exist. The Bexhill refugee camp scenes towards the end are breath-taking. If you don't understand why there are no children in this movie, or continue to question it, this movie is not for you.
The Prestige
Anthony Macali
A story of two rival magicians. When one magician pulls off a miraculous trick, the other becomes obsessed in discovering the secret of it.
The performances in this film are terrific. From the actors, to the magicians and tricks, all are apart of a visual sleight of hand that will keep you mesmerized and enthralled. When the final trick is revealed, you will be anxious to watch it again.