Greenland Review

Greenland

Release Date: 18th December 2020 - Australia (Amazon Prime)

Production Companies

STX Films (present)

Anton (present)

Thunder Road Pictures

G-BASE

Riverstone Pictures (in association with)

Elwick Media (produced in association with)

Laura Macara (produced in association with)

Hassik Films (developed in association with) 

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: M

Runtime: 119 minutes

Budget: $35,000,000

Box Office Gross: $52,300,000 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

As a planet-killing comet

hurtles towards Earth,

one family struggles to

survive. John Garrity and

his family - his estranged

wife, Allison, and his

young son, Nathan -

embark on a dangerous

journey to their only

hope of refuge. The

Garritys experience the

best and worst of humanity

as they battle growing

panic and lawlessness,

amid chilling reports that

the comet's fragments

flattened the cities

worldwide. As the clock

ticks down to the world's

doomsday, their incredible

journey concludes with

a desperate, last-minute

flight to a possible 

sanctuary.

Cast

Gerard Butler - John Garrity

Morena Baccarin - Allison Garrity

Roger Dale Floyd - Nathan Garrity

Scott Glenn - Dale

Randal Gonzalez - Bobby

Rick Pasqualone - National News Anchor

Nicola Lambo - Morning Show Host

Alan Pietruszewski -

Morning Show Host

Scott Poytress - Kenny Jones

Claire Bronson - Debra Jones

Madison Johnson - Ellie Jones

Gary Weeks - Ed Pruitt

Tracey Bonner - Peggy Pruitt

Merrin Dungey - Major

Breen

Brandon Miller - Security Forces Sergeant 

Mike Senior - Staff Sergeant Ruiz

Hayes Mercure - Young Airman

Esosa Idahosa - Military Escort

Keegan G. Boos - Military Escort

Anissa Matlock - Robins AFB Airman

Andrew Huntoon - Robins AFB

Airman

Jarrett Spencer - Security

Forces Airman

Kurt Yue - C-17 Loadmaster

Kermit Rolson - Man with Gun

Brandon Quinn - Passenger on C-17 

Okea Eme-Akwari - James - Nice Looter

Gabriela DeNardo - Looter

Hope Davis - Judy Vento

David Denman - Ralph Vento

Andrew Bachelor - Colin 

Joshua Mikel - Lucas

James Logan - Micah

Randall Archer - Brian

Jay Amor - Blue-Collar Man 

Thomas Rosales Jr. -

Hispanic Driver

Rose Bianco - Matriarch

Aaron Gillespie - McGhee Tyson Soldier

Cate Jones - McGhee Tyson Soldier

Tanya Ballinger - F.E.M.A. Worker

Kendrick Cross -  F.E.M.A. Worker

Suehyla El-Attar Young -

Rebecca

Leeann Tweeden - Regional

News Anchor 

Al Mitchell - Ben

Marc Gowan - Paul

Carlos Lopez - Xavier

Holt McCallany - Twin Otter Pilot

Adam Cronan - Twin Otter

Co-Pilot

Jamie Andrews - Mother on Plane

Susan Williams - Passenger

Otis Winston - Snow Soldier

Danielle Williams - Bunker Airman 

Crew

Director - Ric Roman Waugh

Writer - Chris Sparling

Executive Producers - Nik Bower,

Brendon Boyea, François Callens, Adam Fogelson,

John Friedberg, Jonathan Fuhrman, Deepak Nayar,

Danielle Robinson, Robert Simonds and John Zois

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Carsten H.W. Lorenz

Producers - Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel,

Basil Iwanyk and Sébastien Raybaud

Co-Producer - Bill Wohlken

Co-Producer/First Assistant Director - K.C. Hodenfield

Casting Directors - Mary Vernieu and

Michelle Wade Byrd

Production Designer - Clay A. Griffith

Supervising Art Director - Cathy Maxey

Set Decorator - Frank Galline

Property Master - Curtis Akin

Costume Designer - Kelli Jones

Director of Photography/"A" Camera Operator -

Dana Gonzales

Second Unit Director (Uncredited)/Stunt

Coordinator - Brad Martin

Special Effects Coordinator - Joe Pancake

Visual Effects Supervisor - Marc Massicotte

Editor - Gabriel Fleming

Additional Editor - Rowan Maher 

Supervising Sound Designer - Victor Ray Ennis

Re-Recording Mixers - Beau Borders

and Scott Millan

Music - David Buckley

Music Supervisor - Laura Katz

Review

It's been years since I last saw a good disaster movie, but GREENLAND is a welcome return to form. Originally scheduled for a mid-2020 theatrical release, the film missed its date because of the global pandemic. Instead, it found a new home on Amazon Prime. Truth be told, I've never reviewed a movie on that streaming service, as I normally watch them on Netflix or Disney+. Before GREENLAND's release, disaster films were nothing to write home about, as they tended to prioritise spectacle over substance, featuring implausible scenarios, stilted dialogue, and one-dimensional characters. Thankfully, it avoided the stereotypical cliches that plagued other disaster films, such as 2012 and Geostorm, reinventing the genre with its personal storytelling and human drama.

The movie is more grounded than other asteroid-themed disaster flicks, such as Armageddon and Deep Impact. It follows a family's harrowing journey to survive the coming extinction as circumstances tear them apart amid chaos and destruction. It also serves as an apology to lead actor Gerard Butler, who previously appeared in the disaster movie Geostorm, which did him no favours. With director Ric Roman Waugh, who has previously collaborated with the Scottish actor on Angel Has Fallen, they brought a movie that's both intriguing and impressive. While other disaster films focus solely on spectacle, Waugh relies on emotional intensity and authenticity to create GREENLAND, shunning the traditional approach. It was a bold choice to reveal humanity's darker side, including panic, desperation, and moral dilemmas, but it adds depth and makes the film more compelling.

The cast did a wonderful job, particularly Butler and Morena Baccarin. The former is crucial to the film's success, delivering a spectacular performance as a desperate father grappling with tough decisions to keep his family safe. Baccarin excels as Allison, the mother, infusing the role with genuine emotion and inner strength. Their chemistry is spectacular. Roger Dale Floyd's performance as the deeply traumatised young Nathan Gerrity is captivating, especially during tense family moments. Scott Glenn's brief but impactful late appearance is a highlight. At 81, Glenn's performance proves he still has it.

The comet impacts feel genuinely terrifying thanks to restrained yet effective CGI that doesn't overshadow the human story. However, those expecting Emmerich-style action will be disappointed that this film features little large-scale destruction.

While it conforms to all the clichés of a disaster film at first glance, it is absolutely worth watching. However, GREENLAND offers much more once it reveals itself.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Snakes on a Plane Review

Snakes on a Plane

Release Date: 24th August 2006 - Australia

Production Companies

New Line Cinema (presents)

Mutual Film Company

Meradin Zweite Productions (in association with)

Eyetronics

H2L Media Group

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: M (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $33,000,000

Box Office Gross:

$62,022,014 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

FBI agent Neville Flynn

takes a plane from Hawaii

to Los Angeles to transport

a witness protected by the

government to a trial, in

the hope that the mob boss

will end up behind bars.

However, as soon as the

aircraft reaches an altitude

of 30,000 feet, several

hundred venomous snakes

burst out of the cargo and

attack everyone in sight,

causing violent mayhem.

With the help of a leading

snake expert from L.A.,

Flynn and a group of

terrified passengers and

crew must work together

to deal with the slithering

threat.

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson - Neville Flynn

Julianna Margulies - Claire Miller

Nathan Phillips - Sean Jones

Rachel Blanchard - Mercedes

Flex Alexander - Three G's

Kenan Thompson - Troy

Keith Dallas - Big Leroy

Lin Shaye - Grace

Bruce James - Ken

Sunny Mabrey - Tiffany

Casey Dubois - Curtis

Daniel Hogarth - Tommy

Gerald Plunkett - Paul

Terry Chen - Chen Leong

Elsa Pataky - Maria

Emily Holmes - Ashley

Tygh Runyan - Tyler

Mark Houghton - John Sanders

David Koechner - Rick

Bobby Cannavale - Hank Harris

Todd Louiso - Dr. Steven Price

Tom Butler - Captain Sam McKeon

Kendall Cross - Driver

Kevin McNulty - Emmett Bradley

Samantha McLeod - Kelly

Taylor Kitsch - Kyle

Ann Warn Pegg - Mrs. Bova

Byron Lawson - Eddie Kim

Darren Moore - Kraitler

Scott Nicholson - Daniel Hayes

Candice Macalino - Flower Girl

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe - Autograph Girl

Agam Darshi - Dell Girl

Lisa Marie Caruk - Ken's Girlfriend

Jack di Blasio - Kid Fan

Darryl Quon - Man In Suit

David Neale - Navy Dad

Mi-Jung Lee - News Anchor

Kyle Alisharan - Airport Worker

Christopher Bachman - Lei Guy

Drew Wicks - Passenger

Crew

Director - David R. Ellis

Story - David Dalessandro

Story/Screenplay - John Heffernan

Screenplay - Sebastian Gutierrez

Associate Producers -

Jeff Katz and Tawny Ellis

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager - Heather Meehan

Executive Producers - Stokely Chaffin, Toby Emmerich, Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins and George Waud

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Justis Greene 

Producers - Craig Berenson, Don Granger and Gary Levinsohn

Casting Director - Mindy Maren

Canadian Casting Directors - Coreen Mayrs

and Heike Brandstatter

Production Designer - Jaymes Hinkle

Art Director - John Alvarez

Set Decorators - Erin Boyd and Mary-Lou Storey

Costume Designer - Karen L. Matthews

Prosthetic Makeup Effects Designers &

Creators - Anthony Allen Barlow,

Ken Culver, Greg Johnson, Sarah Pickersgill,

Sam Polin, Brad Proctor, Dan Rebert,

Todd Masters and Jamie Salmon

Director of Photography - Adam Greenberg

Aerial Director of Photography - Hans Bjerno

"A" Camera Operator - Michael Ferris 

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator - Freddie Hice

Stunt Coordinators - Annie Ellis and Scott Nicholson

Snake Handler & Coordinator - Jules Sylvester

Snake Handlers - Brad McDonald,

Marco Solis Chavez and Marissa Schwierjohn

Special Effects Supervisors - Alex Burdett

and Matt Kutcher

Visual Effects Supervisor - Erik Henry

Visual Effects Supervisor: CafeFX - Scott Gordon

Art Director: CafeFX - Peter Lloyd

Digital Effects Supervisor: CafeFX - Jeff Goldman

Lighting TDs: CafeFX - Mike Fischer,

Manuel H. Guizar, Nic Spier, William H. Ball,

Scott Harper, Kirk Cardette and Luis "Chico" Martinez

Modelling Lead: CafeFX - Steve Arguello

Compositing Supervisor: CafeFX - Edwardo Mendez

3D Matchmovers: CafeFX - Paul Hopkins,

Kevin Hoppe and Ondrej Kubrick

Software Development Supervisor: CafeFX - Robert Tesdahl

Editor - Howard E. Smith

Supervising Sound Editors - Tom Bellfort

and Dave McMoyler

Sound Designers - Harry Cohen and

Tim Walston

Re-Recording Mixers - Rick Ash,

Kevin E. Carpenter and Justin Jose

Production Sound Mixer - Michael McGee

Foley Artists - James Moriana and Jeffrey Wilhoit

Music - Trevor Rabin

Review

SNAKES ON A PLANE is about, well, you know, as the title suggests, it lives up to its name. Admittedly, it wasn't a typical mockbuster movie; its plot was original. It came out before The Asylum started producing mockbuster films. Still, the film has the hallmarks of a mockbuster, with its over-the-top story and action sequences.

Before its release, word of SNAKES ON A PLANE spread online, gaining a cult following due to its title and the decision to cast Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role. During production, several changes, including reshoots, bumped the film from a PG-13 rating to R to appease the online fanbase. The film's title was also briefly changed to Pacific Air Flight 121, but Samuel L. Jackson insisted on changing it back, stating the title was the only reason he accepted the role. Although the film underperformed at the box office at the time, it generated a profit, and many people remember it today.

Director David R. Ellis had experience with outlandish stuff, considering he directed Final Destination 2 and, later, The Final Destination, where several people get killed in horrific, gruesome ways. He did a fantastic job of delivering an action movie that plays like a suspense thriller crossed with a comedy, a thrill ride that's a bit silly and even more fun. I'm sure you're well aware that this film had several issues.

While the premise is affectionately cheesy, it is part of its distinctive "B-movie" charm, along with its self-aware ridiculousness. By design, the film was clearly meant to be silly. Unfortunately, the plot is thin, the characters are stereotypical, and the CGI is laughably bad. Worse, it clearly tries to copy old 1970s disaster movies like Airport and Earthquake.

All is not lost, though, because the acting is terrific. Despite the film's absurdity, nearly all actors and actresses were fully committed to their roles. However, the best actor in this film is certainly Samuel L. Jackson, who plays FBI agent Neville Flynn. Jackson did a terrific job, balancing humour and seriousness. Overall, I enjoyed his performance, especially when he delivers that iconic line to the surviving passengers. Julianna Margulies is fine as Claire, the calm and collected stewardess who tries to keep the passengers safe.

For a "B-movie," SNAKES ON A PLANE is not as bad as it could have been. Clearly, the filmmakers had no intention of making a film audiences would take seriously; they just wanted to entertain, and, all things considered, they succeeded. Yes, they could have done a few things better, but it is a ridiculous yet enjoyable film, as long as you don't take it seriously. Trust me, it's not for those who are terrified of snakes. And certainly not for those who are watching it on a flight.

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

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Jaws 2 Review

Jaws 2

Release Date: 30th November 1978 - Australia

Production Companies 

Universal Pictures

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Thriller

Rating: M (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 111 minutes

Budget: $30,000,000

Box Office Gross: $187,884,007 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary
Four years after a Great White

Shark left Amity Island,

leaving the residents fearful 

of shark attacks and after

a ferocious encounter

with the predator, Sheriff

Martin Brody investigates

a disappearance and a boating

accident that suggest

something is amiss. Brody's

fears come true when

another Great White arrives

to terrorise everyone at the

sailing competition.

Cast

Roy Scheider - Chief Martin Brody

Lorraine Gray - Ellen Brody

Murray Hamilton - Mayor Larry Vaughn

Joseph Mascolo - Peterson

Jeffrey Kramer - Hendricks 

Collin Wilcox Paxton - Dr. Elkins

Ann Dusenberry - Tina

Mark Gruner - Mike Brody

Barry Coe - Andrews

Susan French - Old Lady

Gary Springer - Andy

Donna Wilkes - Jackie

Gary Dublin - Ed

John Dukakis - Polo

G. Thomas Dunlop - Timmy

David Elliott - Larry

Marc Gilpin - Sean Brody 

Keith Gordon - Doug

Cindy Grover - Lucy

Ben Marley - Patrick

Martha Swatek - Marge

Billy Van Zandt - Bob

Gigi Vorgan - Brooke

April Gilpin - Renee

Coll Red McLean - Red

Allan L. Paddack - Crosby

Kathy Wilson - Mrs. Bryant

Herb Muller - Phil Fogarty

Mary A. Gaffney - Mrs. Silvera

Crew

Director - Jeannot Szwarc

Based Upon Characters - Peter Benchley

Writers - Carl Gottlieb and Howard Sackler

Associate Producer/Production Designer/Second Unit Director - Joe Alves

Producers - Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown

Technical Advisor - Fred Zendar

Art Directors - W. Stewart Campbell and Gene Johnson

Set Decorator - Phil Abramson

Costume Designer - Bill Jobe

Director of Photography -

Michael C. Butler

Live Shark Photography - Ron & Valerie Taylor

Unit Production Manager - Bill Badalato

Production Manager - Tom Joyner

First Assistant Directors - Scott Maitland and Don Zepfel

Second Assistant Directors - Katy Emde and Beau Marks

Stunt Coordinator - Ted Grossman

Special Mechanical Effects - Roy Arbogast and Robert A. Mattey

Film Editors - Steve Potter,

Arthur Schmidt and Neil Travis

Sound - James R. Alexander

Sound Re-Recording - Robert L. Hoyt

Sound Effects Editor - James Troutman

Music - John Williams

Review

When Jaws came out in 1975, beachgoers were so terrified by the film that they were afraid to go into the water. It was a career boost for young Steven Spielberg, who would later direct such major successes as Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, and others. Meanwhile, JAWS 2 premiered in 1978 without Spielberg's involvement. After the first instalment's success, Universal sought to capitalise on its popularity, and audiences wanted more bite-sized thrills. Looking back, the sequel is just your typical shark movie, with nothing new or more thrilling than the original. What also disappointed me was that Richard Dreyfuss didn't return (which is why he refused to do so without Spielberg).

While a decent director, Jeannot Szwarc falls far short of Steven Spielberg's standards. He doesn't have as much enthusiasm as Spielberg did when he filmed the first Jaws. All things considered, he did a decent job with the material he had. The plot is too similar to the original film. Yet, the suspense of the first instalment remains, especially in the second half. The shark appears as good as it did in the first one. However, its behaviour is more akin to that of a serial killer than to that of an enraged beast. Even the teenage characters are rather one-dimensional. You don't get to know many of them well enough to care whether they survive or become shark food.

The ensemble cast is solid, with Roy Scheider's performance as Chief Brody standing out the most. The only reason Roy agreed to appear in this sequel was that he remained under contract with Universal for multiple films. According to outside sources, JAWS 2 was his way out of that situation, even if it meant clashing with the new director.

The series should have ended when Roy Scheider refused to continue playing the role. While this sequel may seem like a cash-in on the original film, the poor quality of the next two films confirms it. JAWS 2 was so popular with audiences that it didn't need any more follow-ups.

Although it's not as good as its predecessor, JAWS 2 is undoubtedly the least disappointing sequel and the only watchable one in the series. I'd advise this to lovers of the original.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Psycho (1960) Review

Psycho

Release Date: 21st September 1960 - Australia

Production Companies

Shamley Productions

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Thriller

Rating: M

Runtime: 109 minutes

Budget: $806,947

Box Office Gross: $50,055,965 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Unhappy with her job as a secretary at a real estate

office in Phoenix, Arizona,

and frustrated with her

relationship with a hardware

store manager, Marion

Crane steals $40,000

from her employer and

flees Phoenix to start a

new life. After 36 hours

of paranoia and exhaustion,

Marion decides to spend the

night at the dilapidated

Bates Motel. She meets the

polite but high-strung

proprietor Norman Bates,

a young man with a hobby

for taxidermy and a

complicated relationship

with his mother.

Marion's journey ends with

her taking a shower when

she meets her grisly demise

at the hands of an unknown

assailant. First, a private

detective, then Marion's

sister and lover, search for

her. It is then that they

begin to unravel the 

identity of her mysterious

killer.

Cast

Anthony Perkins - Norman Bates

Janet Leigh - Marion Crane

Vera Miles - Lila Crane

John Gavin - Sam Loomis

Patricia Hitchcock - Caroline

Martin Balsam - Milton Arbogast

Simon Oakland - Dr Fred Richman

John McIntire - Sheriff Al

Chambers

Frank Albertson - Tom Cassidy

Vaughn Taylor - George Lowery

Lurene Tuttle - Mrs Chambers

John Anderson - California Charlie

Mort Mills - Highway Patrol Officer

Virginia Gregg - Norma Bates (Voice) (Uncredited)

Alfred Hitchcock - Man Outside

Real Estate Office (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Paul Jasmin - Norma Bates (Voice)

(Uncredited)

Jeanette Nolan - Norma Bates (Voice)

(Uncredited)

Ted Knight - Policeman in Hallway

Opening Door (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Producer (Uncredited)/Director -

Alfred Hitchcock

Assistant: Mr Hitchcock - Peggy Robertson

(Uncredited)

Based on the Novel - Robert Bloch

Screenplay - Joseph Stefano

Art Directors - Robert Clatworthy and

Joseph Hurley

Costume Designer/Wardrobe: Women -

Rita Riggs (Uncredited)

Costume Supervisor - Helen Colvig

Makeup Supervisors - Jack Barron

and Robert Dawn

Director of Photography - John L. Russell

Camera Operator - Leonard J. South

(Uncredited)

Assistant Director - Hilton A. Green

Film Editor - George Tomasini

Pictorial Consultant/Titles Designer - Saul Bass

Music - Bernard Herrmann

Awards

1961 Academy Awards

Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Janet Leigh

(Nominated)

Best Director - Alfred Hitchcock (Nominated)

Best Cinematography, Black-and-White -

John L. Russell (Nominated)

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration -

Joseph Hurley, Robert Clatworthy and

George Milo (Nominated)

Review

On a rainy Halloween evening in 2022, I started watching PSYCHO, often cited as a breakthrough in modern thrillers and one of Alfred Hitchcock's landmark masterpieces. I had never seen it before. I thought it would be a great experience since I was old enough to handle its terrifying psychological themes. What began as a pre-production episode for Alfred Hitchcock Presents has evolved into a groundbreaking feature. It's impressive that a low-budget movie could become a milestone.

Almost everything in PSYCHO makes it work, from Hitchcock's artful direction to the groundbreaking camerawork to Bernard Herrmann's identifiable music score. My only complaint is that the first half drags, but it picks up once the tense atmosphere kicks in. The film packs a few incredibly shocking plot twists, but I won't spoil them since this is my critique. I loved the iconic shower scene, a pop culture staple spoofed countless times in TV shows and films. The acting performances were fantastic, especially Anthony Perkins, who did a great job as Norman Bates.

PSYCHO is not just a pinnacle in Hitchcock's career as a director. It is a suspenseful movie with a mystery tied into the storyline. I say this because it is not a horror film, as many would believe. It is a terrific classic despite the slow first half. I'd still recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it or any classic filmgoer.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Contagion Review

Contagion

Release Date: 20th October 2011 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Participant (in association with)

Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ (in

association with)

Double Feature Films

Digital Image Associates

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Thriller

Rating: M

Runtime: 106 minutes

Budget: $60,000,000

Box Office Gross: $136,515,897 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

On her return from a

business trip to Hong Kong,

Beth Emhoff suddenly dies

from what appears to be the

flu or some ailment. Later

that same day, her young

son dies after contracting

the illness that killed her.

Her husband, however,

appears to be immune

to the virus. Soon, many

others began experiencing the same symptoms, sparking a global pandemic. Doctors and other medical professionals must identify the exact virus and develop a vaccine to end the outbreak, a feat that should take only several months. As the contagion spreads to millions worldwide, society begins to crumble as people panic.

Cast

Marion Cotillard - Dr. Leonora

Orantes

Matt Damon - Mitch Emhoff

Laurence Fishburne - Dr. Ellis Cheever

Jude Law - Alan Krumwiede

Gwyneth Paltrow - Beth Emhoff

Kate Winslet - Dr. Erin Mears

Bryan Cranston - RADM Lyle Haggerty

Jennifer Ehle - Dr. Ally Hextall

Elliott Gould - Dr. Ian Sussman

Chin Han - Sun Feng

John Hawkes - Roger

Anna Jacoby-Heron - Jory Emhoff

Josie Ho - Li Fai's Sister

Sanaa Lathan - Aubrey Cheever

Demetri Martin - Dr. David Eisenberg

Griffin Kane - Clark Morrow

Armin Rohde - Damian Leopold

Enrico Colantoni - Dennis French

Larry Clarke - Dave

Monique Gabriela Curnen - Lorraine Vasquez

Stef Tovar - Dr. Arrington

Grace Rex - Carrie Anne

Kara Zediker - Elizabeth Nygaard

Dan Aho - Aaron Barnes

Brian J. O'Donnell - Andrew

Annabel Armour - Beth's Mother

Dan Flannery - Hextall's Father

Joshua Seiden - Anthony

Sanjay Gupta - Himself (Cameo)

Crew

Director/Director of Photography - Steven Soderbergh

Writer - Scott Z. Burns

Executive Producers - Jonathan King,

Jeff Skoll and Ricky Strauss

Executive Producer/Unit Production

Manager - Michael Polaire

Producer/First Assistant Director -

Gregory Jacobs

Producers - Michael Shamberg

and Stacey Sher

Senior Technical Advisors - Larry Brilliant,

Laurie Garrett and Ian Lipkin

Technical Advisors - Billy Goldberg,

Natasha K. Griffith, Tracey McNamara,

Michael J. Ryan, Connie Schmaljohn,

Mark Smolinski, Ira Blumen,

Don Weiss and Nathan Wolfe

Production Designer - Howard Cummings

Supervising Art Director - David Lazan

Supervising Art Director: UK and Morocco -

Ricky Eyres

Set Decorator - Cindy Carr

Property Master - Brad Einhorn

Costume Designer - Louise Frogley

Makeup Department Head - Kate Biscoe

Location Manager: UK & Morocco -

David Broder

Production Supervisor - Julie M. Anderson

Production Manager: UK & Morocco -

David Brown

Stunt Coordinator: Chicago - Rick LeFevour

Stunt Coordinator: Hong Kong - R.A. Rondell

Special Effects Coordinator - John D. Milinac

Special Effects Coordinator: San Francisco -

Ron Bolanowski

Visual Effects Supervisor - Thomas J. Smith

Editor - Stephen Mirrione

Re-Recording Mixer/Supervising Sound

Editor - Larry Blake

Additional Sound Effects - John Pospisil

Production Sound Mixers - Dennis Towns

and Mark Weingarten

Foley Artists - Dawn Fintor and

Alicia Stevenson

Music - Cliff Martinez

Review

In a period of self-isolation, back when COVID-19 made us stay in our homes and avoid contact with others. The movie that may have unintentionally predicted it was CONTAGION, which came out nine years before the pandemic. I watched the film on Netflix when it was popular. It's surprisingly accurate how an obscure movie has aged well, with hauntingly prophetic themes that became relevant in 2020. There's nothing to joke about in this procedural film, and it makes me think of what I endured during the pandemic, like social distancing. Imbued with a sharp narrative and an ensemble cast, CONTAGION excels as a gripping, realistic drama grounded in real events and medical procedures.

Director and cinematographer Steven Soderbergh, along with writer Scott Z. Burns, has created something inspired by the headlines. It isn't like other disaster films, which often revolve around natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. Actually, this movie is frighteningly realistic, unlike the cardboard theatrics of Wolfgang Petersen's Outbreak, with Dustin Hoffman as the world's saviour. The film is scientifically accurate, suggesting the filmmakers conducted extensive research into the struggles doctors face in developing vaccines. The acting performances are exceptional, especially Matt Damon, who plays a character determined to protect his daughter from the widespread pandemic.

After watching this movie, CONTAGION feels closer to home. It is a solid and intriguing film. Watching the movie again on Netflix after the pandemic is fascinating, and I still highly recommend it.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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Force of Nature Review

Force of Nature

Release Date: 13th August 2020 - Australia

Production Companies

Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films (EFO Films)

FON Film Production

Capstone Group

Grindstone Entertainment Group

Ingenious

Pimienta

River Bay Films (in association with)

SSS Entertainment (in association with)

Way Down East Entertainment (in association with)

Distribution

Icon Film Distribution

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: MA15+ (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 91 minutes

Budget: $23,000,000

Box Office Gross: $638,221 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Two police officers find

themselves in a dangerous

situation to fight against

greed, nature, and the

past. A police officer is

trying to recover from a

tragedy in New York and

goes on evac duty with a

new partner when a

hurricane approaches

Puerto Rico. When they

arrive at the apartment

complex and try to force

everyone, a gang of

thieves led by John the

Baptist begins blasting

bodies to get to a trove

of valuable art. A

testy former cop and his

daughter unwillingly

conflict as the police try

to maintain the high

ground in the building

that is now a concrete

death trap.

Cast

Emile Hirsch - Cardillo

Mel Gibson - Ray

David Zayas - John

Kate Bosworth - Troy

Stephanie Cayo - Jess

William Catlett - Griffin

Jorge Luis Ramos - Bergkamp

Joksan Ramos - Cruz

Blas Sien Diaz - Migs

Tyler Jon Olson - Dillon

Julio Ramos Velez - Bennie

Sebastian Vázquez - Pride

Jesy McKinney - Babie

Xavier Reyes - Ernesto

Luillo Ruiz - Super Louie Joe

Jasper Polish - Jasmine

Johanna Rosaly - Mrs. Consuelo

Rey Hernandez - Lt. Cunningham

Jerry D. Medina - Chuy

Leslie Emmett - Mrs. Gradisher

Ani Raman - Aaron

Geoff Reeves - Greg

Swen Temmel - Hodges

Crew

Director - Michael Polish

Writer - Cory M. Miller

Executive Producers - Jonathan Baker,

Lee Broda, Barry Brooker, Alastair Burlingham,

Charlie Dombek, Alexander Eckert,

Ted Fox, Landon Gorman, Walter Josten,

Cyril Megret, Christian Mercuri, Brandon Powers,

Diana Principe, Gary Raskin, Ceasar Richbow,

Luis A. Riefkohl, Timothy C. Sullivan,

Paul Weinberg and Stan Wertlieb

Executive/Line Producer - Bobby Ranghelov

Co-Executive Producer - Ryan Black

Producers - Randall Emmett, George Furla,

Luillo Ruiz, Shaun Sanghani and Mark Stewart

Co-Producers - Stephen Bailey,

Elizabeth Primm, Marily Reyes and Belly Torres

Casting Directors - Sheila Jaffe,

Brian Riley and Zoraida Sanjurjo López

Production Designer - Mailara Santana

Art Director - Fernando Carrión

Set Decorator - Pamela Nicolle Padilla

Costume Designer - Ana C. Ramírez Vélez

Director of Photography - Jayson Crothers

Stunt Coordinators - Raul Alcocer

and Daniel Salinas

Special Effects Coordinator - Rafael Perez

Post Production & Visual Effects Supervisor -

Francisco Cueto

Editors - Paul Buhl and Raul Marchand Sanchez

Sound Supervisor - David Kitchens

Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer -

David Barber

Sound Designers - Roland Thai and Ben Zarai

Music - Kubilay Uner

Music Supervisor - Mike Burns

Review

Due to COVID-19, there have been fewer new films in cinemas, with old ones in limited sessions and a few I'm interested in seeing. Tenet is one of the movies I preferred, but instead, I watched FORCE OF NATURE, which is not the action flick I expected. The plot is predictable, with an unrealistic and confusing storyline and a lacklustre execution. The movie feels similar to a film I did not see called Hurricane Heist. One reviewer claims that the plot of FORCE OF NATURE is like Die Hard in a hurricane, which explains the scenario. Indie director Michael Polish is someone I'm unfamiliar with, as I haven't watched his movies. He is married to the film's leading lady, actress Kate Bosworth.

I am pleasantly surprised that Emile Hirsch is still going, and he's in the lead role of a film that barely suits his talents. He's looking so bored playing a troubled character. I've seen Mel Gibson in his better days when his post-Lethal Weapon years were behind him, and his role as a retired cop looked all washed up. Neither Kate Bosworth nor Stephanie Gayo are that good in their performances.

While it's far from a disappointment, it wasn't the action-packed movie I'd been expecting. FORCE OF NATURE remains a relatively quiet experience that has no impact on moviegoers. This film deserves to be forgotten in favour of other action features with much better plots and fight sequences.

Star rating: (4/10) Below Average

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Non-Stop Review

Non-Stop

Release Date: 27th February 2014 - Australia

Production Companies

StudioCanal (presents)

Anton (in association with)

Silver Pictures

TF1 Films Production (in co-production with)

Canal+ (with the participation of)

TF1 (with the participation of)

LOVEFILM International (in association with)

Government of Canada (participation)

Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) (participation)

Province of British Columbia

Production Services Tax Credit (participation)

Distribution

StudioCanal Australia

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: M

Runtime: 106 minutes

Budget: $50,000,000

Box Office Gross: $222,809,600 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Ex-cop turned federal air marshal Bill Marks is coping with the death of his daughter through drinking. He is boarding a plane on a flight en route to London when he receives a series of text messages that he must transfer all $150 million to an offshore account, or else each passenger on this plane will die every 20 minutes. Will he find the terrorist before he can save everyone on this plane?

Cast

Liam Neeson - Bill Marks

Julianne Moore - Jen Summers

Scoot McNairy - Tom Bowen

Michelle Dockery - Nancy

Nate Parker - Zack White

Corey Stoll - Austin Reilly

Lupita Nyong'o - Gwen

Omar Metwally - Dr. Fahim Nasir

Jason Butler Harner - Kyle Rice

Linus Roache - David McMillan

Shea Whigham - Agent Marenick

Anson Mount - Jack Hammond

Quinn McColgan - Becca

Corey Hawkins - Travis Mitchell

Frank Deal - Charles Wheeler

Bar Paly - Iris Marianne

Edoardo Costa - Herve Philbert

Jon Abrahams - David Norton

Amanda Quaid - Emily Norton

Beth Dixon - Older Woman

Cameron Moir - Steward

Lars Gerhard - German Father

Oliver Lehne - German Son

Michael Thomas Walker - Michael Tate

Pat Kiernan - NY1 Anchor

Annika Pergament - NY1 Reporter

Victoria Arbiter - Tilkynna 3 Reporter

Jefrey Pollock - Pundit

Hank Sheinkopf - Pundit

Dani de Waal - Airline Attendant

Adi Hanash - Security Officer

Crew

Director - Jaume Collet-Serra

Story/Screenplay - John W. Richardson

and Christopher Roach

Screenplay - Ryan Engle

Executive Producers - Oliver Courson,

Ron Halpern, Steve Richards and Jeff Wadlow

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Herbert W. Gains

Producers - Alex Heineman,

Andrew Rona and Joel Silver

Co-Producers - Adam Kuhn and

Richard Mirisch

Casting Directors - Amanda Mackey

and Cathy Sandrich Gelfond

Production Designer - Alec Hammond

Art Director - David Swayze

Set Decorator - Regina Graves

Property Master - Jeff Butcher

Costume Designer - Catherine Marie Thomas

Director of Photography - Flavio Martinez Labiano

Director of Photography: Additional Photography

Unit - Jeff Cutter

B Camera/Steadicam Operator: Additional

Photography Unit - John S. Moyer

Location Manager - Robert T. Striem

First Assistant Director: Additional

Photography - Julian Wall

Stunt Co-Coordinator - Jery Hewitt

Stunt Co-Coordinator/Stunt Double:

Liam Neeson - Mark Vanselow

Fight Choreographer - Rafael Kayanan

Special Effects Supervisor - Jeff Brink

Special Effects Coordinator - Shane Gross

Visual Effects Supervisor - Richard Yuricich

Visual Effects Supervisor: Prime Focus

World - Randy Goux

Visual Effects Supervisors: T38 - David Heras

and Joaquin Gutierrez

On-Set Visual Effects Supervisor -

Jim Rider

Editor - Jim May

Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording

Mixer - Ron Bochar

Sound Mixer - Danny Michael

Re-Recording Mixer - Steve Maslow

Foley Editors - Steven Visscher and

Jamie Baker

Foley Artist - Marko A. Contanzo

Music - John Ottman

Review

I didn't watch all of NON-STOP before watching this aerial thriller on TV recently. I found it to be riveting. This movie has suspense and edge-of-your-seat thrills with an intriguing premise that will captivate audiences. The storyline, however, is far-fetched but engaging, with a tense setup. I'm surprised that a few moviegoers have noticed its resemblance to the Taken series. The film's cinematography is astounding, making it feel claustrophobic.

Liam Neeson delivered an outstanding performance, as his role in Taken solidified his status as a genuine action star. He is a viable asset to this movie. The supporting cast is also solid, with a few players, including Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, and Corey Stoll, excelling in their roles.

At this point, it is a non-stop action thriller, as the title suggests. I recommend this film to action-loving moviegoers and Liam Neeson fans.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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