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WWE Hall of Fame (2024)
Some were the inductees into HOF
Certainly arrive to hear the wise man Paul Heyman feeling very off script which I'm sure he wasn't as he has well-planned ideas even for the most chaotic nights on the ECW but as I seem to say every year this was what makes the early hall of Fame ceremony brilliant the stars telling their stories of up and down the road and the people they travel those roads with . The behind-the-scenes is surely where we want to see unfortunately it feels how much more PG product today and scripted very much and not until lightning Patterson does it feel like the script has gone out the window. That doesn't take away from some worthy inductees into the Hall of Fame just a shame we can't keep more reality in the ceremony.
WrestleMania XL (2024)
Wrestlemania 40 years in the making Review without spoilers
Opening up Night 1 with the man Becky lynch wearing an outfit sporting her new book upstaged by a freaky entrance of Rhea Ripley on a windy evening in Philadelphia which only added to her entrance. A very strong opening match setting the bar high for the night ahead.
A Bruising six man tag Ladder match With judgement day's tagteam titles both sets on the line with chaos all over the ring and in the sky and R truth bringing wrestling comedy in an old school way, an entertaining match Keeping the energy high following a high impact opening match.
Latino heat up next with Mysterio father and son again lining up against each other at wrestlemania this time in the form of a tagteam match. Lead to the ring with the ever expanding entourages. Plenty flight time in this one As you would expect.
The bloodline will be split next as for only the third time at wrestlemania brothers will do battle these brothers born only nine minutes apart jimmy and Jay usos The sons of Hall of Famer Rikishi Will follow in the footsteps of Brett and Owen hart Jeff and Matt Hardy To become the third set of brothers square off at Wrestlemania . In an underwhelming match amazing performers together and maybe Styles too close to each other make this one feel a bit flat.
Damage control face a team of three that look like they could do some damage Naomi Bianca Bel-Air and Jade Cargill Showing what a strong division this is right now The crowd are energised for this one.
The Ring general two years Intercontinental title reign Will be contested has he faces Sami Zayn, Sami will always put up a fight But Guenther so dominant for so long leaves the Stadium a bit flat with normal service expected Despite strong action in the ring it's not really transferred to the crowd.
Your main event of the evening the American nightmare Cody Rhodes the world champion Seth freakin Rollins team up against the final boss the rock Teaming with the tribal chief Roman Reigns with wisemen Paul Heyman in the corner I don't need to say nothing more about this one . If those names aren't enough to peak your interest in this main event you really don't smell what the rock is cooking.
Day 2
A good opening night two With the heavyweight title on the line Seth Rollins drew McIntyre Do you battle in a good match with twists and turns.
A fun Philadelphia Street fight for match two with appearances from Snoop Dogg On commentary and Buba ray Dudley wearing the black and white stripes as referee Better match than expected.
Sky and bayley have a good match For the title as the main event draws near
The words main event of the evening are not wasted on this one Cody Rhodes faces off against the tribal chief Roman Reigns with the wisemen Paul Heyman in his corner in a bloodline rules match following the prelude yesterday there is a huge build to this final match and build up lasting nearly 2 years could be hard to meet expectations but This is up there with the greatest of all time warrior Hogan ,Stone cold rock ,Hogan rock. This one also lives up to the billing and surpasses expectations and surely that's what the great main events do you have expectations and if you walk out saying wow That was more than I expected that's the main event done right as this one is . Overall the strongest wrestlemania in years Right across the card with the main event to match. 40 years in the making worth the wait.
11:14 (2003)
Twists and turns at 11:14
An entertaining film with a strong cast kicks off quickly and keeps moving forward. On a night when everyone has an agenda the time 1114 is going to throw a spanner into the works , And move everyone onto a new trajectory. Nice pacing strong twists that all come together with a very strong cast featuring a lots of upcoming actors In 2003 like Henry Thomas Colin Hanks Ben Foster and Hilary Swank ( just before her million dollar baby success) As well as the legendary Patrick Swayze has the dad of Rachael Leigh Cook's Cheri. Really enjoyable watching it back in 2004 and as held up well and the Tarantino-esque tag that has been assigned to it is not undeserved well worth a look if you haven't seen it.
A Life Less Ordinary (1997)
Imaginative romance With a great soundtrack
An easy watch adventure in the form of a road movie. Ewan McGregor again teams up with director and Danny Boyle Road joined by the intriguing Cameron Diaz with quirky supporting roles are in the shape of Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo as a Great team of angels. With Ian Holm and Stanley Tucci also making an appearance in the movie they can lead you in any direction in This comedy romance High speed chase road Fantasy adventure movie . There's a bit of everything in this one and if you're open and happy to go along for the ride you will enjoy this, if you want a film to follow rules and I'll take it so seriously you probably won't. While far from classic or brilliant it's an easy enjoyable watch.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Brilliant support
Can be hard to watch in places, this is not light material. With shades of a modern retake of One flew over the Cuckoo's nest Which puts Winona Ryder in the Jack Nicholson role And she proved to be worthy of the role as we watch the film through her eyes. Like cuckoo's nest also featured some great supporting performances, They are reason enough to watch this one Angelina Jolie is brilliant as the outwardly confident internally tortured soul. Clea Duval Brittney Murphy Elizabeth Moss are all brilliantly Believable in their roles. But the forgotten gem of this film for me Rewatching it was the performance of Whoopi Goldberg is who is the shining light of hope that maybe there is a brighter tomorrow and has she tries to lead these girls in the direction of the brighter lights of a possible tomorrow.
Veronica Guerin (2003)
A good film of a tragic story
With an American in the directing seat in the form of Joel Schumacher and BrilliantAustralian actress in the lead role Cate Blanchett Telling the tale of Veronica Guerin life The brave and ultimately tragic story of her passing. Where there is a Hollywood style to the film. It remains a good vehicle For the strength of Irish acting at this time. Brilliant Brenda Fricker As Veronicas Mum Bernie Ciaran Hinds very believable John Traynor and Gearoid Mcsorley has Gilligan And many other smaller performances even down to Niall Tóibín few minutes on screen as the judge in the speeding trail. Shows the strength of Irish acting at this point in time.
Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Nielsen is Michael Collins.
Legendary Irish director Jim Sheridan Assembles stellar cast Liam Nielson Aidan Quinn Brendan Gleeson Stephen Rea Julia Roberts Alan Rickman the list goes on of great actors. Liam is perfect has Collins playing the part brilliantly. Has are most of the cast . The film lack of shine does not happen due to its actors.
There's something in the pacing of the slow then slow then fast of the scenes, that doesn't work along with the editing the lack of clear direction from one scene to the next. Does not help progression of the story. Feels like a bunch of scenes just tied together , Without a common thread linking them. Don't get me wrong it's a good film without being great should have been Irelands Braveheart while Liam Nielsen Micheal Collins is a match for Mel Gibsons William Wallace. The film itself lacks the mesmerising pace And clear direction of the latter.
The Boxer (1997)
A time of change captured by Jim Sheridan
Legendary Irish director Jim Sheridan beautifully captures a country on the brink of change. A Story of those ready for change and the tale of those who would never bee. Those too long at war to comprehend a sign of closure on the horizon. Based around legendary Irish boxer Barry McGuigan words at the height of the troubles "leave the fighting to Barry" is the basis for this journey around a boxer wonderfully played by Daniel Day Lewis in his silence unease trying to find a place in the world. His young love destroyed by years in prison. His sweetheart beautifully portrayed by Emily Watson add to that an all-star cast of some great Irish actors. Brian Cox arrives with the presence of a leader and the worry of a father producing one of his great performances. For those you live through these times will recognise it in this film and for those to young it is a portrait of a time not in the so distant Past that feels 1,000,000 miles from the island of Today Well worth watching.
Harvey (1950)
A puca of a Film
A puca of Irish Gaelic Mythology a magical creature which appears in this film on the form of James Stewart truly is a magical performance engaging from the very first encounter and meeting with Stewart and his good friend Harvey the puca a 6 foot 3 1/4 rabbit. This movie truly shows the acting prowess of Stuart who's credentials are not in question from amazing performances in movies like it's a wonderful life and showing his ability to act with the heavyweights like John Wayne in the man who shot liberty valance. Here was an opportunity captured so beautifully to show he could even act opposite an invisible rabbit. In an age of CGI here is the film worth looking back on to show special effects are not always needed to make a special movie if you have a special actor .
WWF Battle Royal at the Albert Hall (1991)
Worth a look back On the Giants the WWF in the UK
1991 in the Royal Albert Hall. This one is bittersweet for me as I tried to get tickets . But what a lineup the fans were treated to. On the mics The legendary gorilla monsoon with the advisor to the real world champion brain Heenan. The rockers versus the nasty boys Opening up proceedings with the crowd showing their love for their rockers.
Next the so called real world champion Rick flair still supporting the WCW World championship belt faced Tino Santana the small close venue is so suited to the pageantry of theatre And who is better at work in a crowd then the nature boy in full effect in this match.
" Did you see that this crowd was able to Count up to 10 " Classic Bobby Heenan.
Earthquake versus big boss man in the battle of the Big men.
The Mountie versus the Texas tornado
Undertaker versus hacksaw Jim Duggan show what an amazing lineup Was on show.
Followed by the hot rod being interviewed by mean Gene Oakland who loses his composure and breaks into a laugh at hot rod Calling Ric Flair" a feather wearing freak"
Barbarian versus the crowd favourite British bulldog would've been enough to send the fans home happy.
On to the 20 man battle royale featuring a number of the participants from earlier in the night completed a very strong offering for the WWF Visit to England. With Rowdy Roddy piper getting the biggest pop on his ring entrance Before heading straight for Rick flair With some giant appearances in this battle Royale. Was a very enjoyable rewatch after all these years.
WWF Survivor Series (1999)
This is not surviving well
A very poor survivor series . The two teams of four with single eliminations until one team stands alone. Is a he formula that begins this series back in the 80s. Only used for three matches could have been four but the big show didn't want any team mates. Looking on the positives of the night was originally aired on my birthday luckily I didn't waste the day watching. Chyna Chris Jericho for the intercontinental title making more history Kurt Angel makes his debut in the company is a pretty important moment. The main event features triple H The Rock and the big show overall not show will live long in the.
La sociedad de la nieve (2023)
Well made well directed well acted true story
Having thought Alive was a good movie. I am rarely a fan of good movies being remade, Luckily this is not a remake and while following the same story has alive. Goes so much further and achieves much more than his predecessor. The reality captured by the director of this true story is so realistic that at times feels more like watching a documentary. With some brilliant performances by the cast members supported in the best way by there director with scenes being filmed in mountains with actors on set having to push there way though real snow to take a breath just adds to the realism of this day tragedy.
WWE Royal Rumble 2024 (2024)
Predictably winners still worth the journey
Road to wrestlemania begins here , while being a really great tagline. Can sometimes Be at the detriment of the royal rumble event. Evident this year Making the winners slightly predictable . With a shot at the title at wrestlemania on the line . You can be certain that some wrestlers Are never going to win this event, due to the fact that they are not the type of wrestler who will be main eventing the biggest match of the year. It's also felt a bit like the commentary team was in on who would be the eventual winners , which is also a shame has it influences the style of Commentary . Some strong action and a pretty good card across all the matches Make for some strong viewing. Just the predictability meaning both matches are focused on 4 to 5 individuals rather than feeling like anyone is had a chance to win the rumble. Doesn't take away from the event very watchable this year With some strong Matches outside of the two rumbles .
The Karate Kid (1984)
Still the Best around.
One of my favourite films as a child almost 40 years old and Rewatching it today with my daughter and son. I wonder not about Daniel Winning the Tournament as I know the conclusion, having seen it many times. Instead I wonder How this film didn't pick up More awards best picture best director John Avildsen Having previously one for Rocky this film is on par with it. Ralph Macchio has Daniel certainly deserves a nomination for Still to this day performance of his career. Pat Moria is Mr Miyagi whatever else he wants to do people look at him and see Mr Miyagi is that a good performance was they will always be seen as this one thing , nominated but should have won best supporting actor that year. And young Elizabeth Shoe Horn could also have received a nomination for best supporting actress. A beautiful film i
that has become even more timeless with with age. A classic earned it's right to stay on my shelves in my top hundred movies of all time. This is the one that still chasing the credit It never really got Despite it being a favourite of all my generation and agin like a fine wine.
The Negotiator (1998)
No negotiation it's a good film
Good film great cast Samuel L. Jackson the driving force. Takes awhile for the arrival of Kevin Spacey but when he does shows he is an acting match for Jackson. There are a number of great actors in this, leading men in their own right but my brilliant support actors David Morse and TJ Walsh in particular always elevate a film even if not in it for very long. F Gary Gray directs of Friday Fame this fast moving negotiation thriller slightly lose its pace in the centre could have been tightened up more. But overall a very exciting clever and entertaining movie. Having seen it a few times probably made it to limit. So won't survive in my collection but for someone who's never seen it. Well worth a viewing.
Colors (1988)
A Dennis hopper film
Having originally watched it in the early 90s. I wondered how this one would hold up over 30 years later. Having true grit and apocalypse now co-stars Dennis hopper and Robert Duval In the director's chair and lead actor role Is a promising start. Plus Sean Penn has the rookie cop. I have good memories Of enjoying watching this is has a kid. Lots of these 80 movies go two ways, Looking very very dated or look very of its time. The second being the compliment. There's certain style to the time something in the grittiness and realness of films footage . That transactions to the screen 30 years on and the verdict is clear still very watchable with some great performances and brilliant cameos by some future great actors right at the beginning of their careers with a good soundtrack .
This one earned the right to stay in my collection for another 30 years.
Tough Guys (1986)
The actors make light work of tough guys.
An enjoyable easy watch. The legendary Kirk Douglas Spartacus Teams up with The old school classical style Of Burt Lancaster the Birdman of Alcatraz. Add to that Charles Durning a cop for half his acting career always very believable as a member of the force. The good the bad and the uglys Eli Wallach complete this grouping of legends. They all played their parts as well as they could possibly have been played. Unfortunately slightly let down by the writing/directing trying to show the world has moved on without them. The over explaining and overworked scenes to emphasise this Diminish from the film. To make a point that was very clear in the opening 10 minutes. Still an enjoyable look at some of the old silver screens Finest actors showing age Hadn't diminished their ability to get the camera to love them . Some scenes are tough enough to watch but Good scenes outnumber the bad and an appearance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to .
Get the Gringo (2012)
Gringo south of the border
Underrated film. Mel Gibson slightly crazy charming and dangerous Always produces the best from him. In roles like Riggs in lethal weapon payback Braveheart The madness in the eyes with a heart of gold. Its where Gibson works beautifully. I think without him might not be such a good film. But this is definitely worth a watch maybe not a classic compared with the above mentioned films. The fans of Gibson will really enjoy this adventure from its fast pace opening being chased over the border By police in to Mexico to find out how he spent his summer vacation Action thriller and strong moments of comedy Set in a real Mexican prison..
WWF Rebellion (1999)
Finally the rock has come back to Birmingham England
After the awful unforgivable 1999. A stronger offering here with the second half of the card much better than the first. The standout match is the rock versus triple H in a steel cage with the British bulldog trying to work his way into the main event. This was the one the crowd was waiting for It did deliver on every front. Good backstory good progression of the story on the night and a match worth the admission price. Jericho and the road dog produce A good match. With the British bulldog and X pac also providing some quality moment. The final event for Vince Russo , still not brilliant was so much better than the last PPV, with a very excited Birmingham England crowd this one is worth a look. 6 out 10 with the main event 8 out of 10.
WWF Unforgiven (1999)
Unforgivable
This one truly is unforgivable there really is only one place to start the steel cage with big blue (steel cage) inside and Rockweiler's On the outside of the ring and a swimming pool With sharks in the centre of the ring okay I've gone too far with the sharks, but all the rest of this is real. Doesn't get much worse than this big boss man Al snow you can hardly see the action through the two cages the dogs just barking barking at each other and I don't think this one will be making a comeback. On the better side Of the spectrum new age outlaws versus edge and Christian. Chris Jericho and Xpac In a good match that was due to be Ken Shamrock recently left the WWE and six Superstars compete for the title featuring the British bulldog for the first time in many years replacing The injured undertaker who who occupies the cover of this event without making an appearance . They are the highlights there's plenty other low lights and the cage in the cage should be enough to keep you away from this one. A shocking way For the big blue iconic cage to end its life.
Tenet (2020)
Another Nolan masterpiece
Having not heard much about this Christopher Nolan film. There is normally a lot of hype around his releases, luckily the man lives up to the hype. But with the quiet start to Tenet life. My expectations were low I couldn't be more wrong. Nolan Again knocks it out of the park. Visually amazing with ideas I believe beyond my comprehension produced in a way that you may not understand but you can stay with. Denzel Washington Son is brilliant in the lead part is if someone does not make a film with these two men and a big epic staged over a lifetime with the two men playing the same character in different times it will Be A missed opportunity. The use of sound the cast and it's all here and when you look at the huge release Oppenheimer It's hard to understand how this one slipped under the radar with its link to Oppenheimer This film may yet get a retrospective life. Which ironically in keeping with the plot of the movie would be very fitting.
Sisu (2022)
Sisu lives up to its name
Fierce ferocious and fighting . I remember seeing first blood ( Rambo one) John Rambo stitching himself Seems crazy. Sisu goes to a whole Other level making Rambo look soft . Brilliantly broken into chapters. Story of a soldier who thought and wanted the war to be over for him. A chance encounter with Gold and Nazis leads to defending what is his. Escalates with each charter never dull never slow a main character in the Clint Eastwood silent hero style. A surprise of a film. I knew nothing about going into it would highly recommend this action war thriller not scared to go over the top in a way that serves the film.
Lives up to the meaning of Sisu.
Summerslam (1999)
Summer simmers but never really smokes
It's Jesse the body Laying down the law this summer as he Donnes The black and white stripes. Edge and Christian versus the hardy boys how many amazing matches these guys will produce together Kicking off a tagteam survivors tournament Were the winners continue and face another tagteam with the eventual winners getting a title shot. Double-J trying to keep Deborah covered up with a bigger cover-up to come versus Delo good match with a good doublecross. Tori and Ivory square off for the women's championship with some decent performances. Blackman Ken Shamrock square off in another of their matches this time a den match it's just feels like where other than a ring can I get these guys to fight. Xpac Kane versus undertaker and big show when you look at the talent on show felt like this one should be better main event mankind triple H and stone cold square off to complete a strong offering this summer and enjoyable watch while not particularly Memorable.
Fully Loaded (1999)
King of the Ring repeat
After the strength of King of the Ring 1999 many of the matches on this card are closer to the dark days of mid-90s than 2000s. Some solid action and matches to thou. In the form of the Hardy boys with Michael P hayes felt like an unneeded addition to the team. As often happens with the new talent where they feel they need a mouthpiece these two boys work from the very beginning in the ring Would speak for it self. The cracks are starting to show for DX almost literally has Chyna and Mr ass fight to try to keep the DX name solid match good entertainment. Some big hitting matches big show and Kane again following there match at king of the ring. Triple H and the rock continue there feud From King of the Ring in a strap match Not bad but not the rock Triple H finest hour together watchable. Stone cold undertaker first blood match Don't need to say any more about this match it's all here first blood interference from everywhere entertainment action strong storytelling a main event worth watching the card for.
King of the Ring (1999)
The Mount Rushmore wrestling a lot of them available at this years king of the ring
Here we go the second coming of the world wrestling Federation/entertainment after the success of the early 90s and the struggle of the late 90s he begins the second peak for the company. When you look at the talent now and show the number of Main eveners across the card is huge . King of the ring everyone of my favourite tournament but this one didn't feel long and drawnout add to that Chyna competing against the Road Dogg . Kane versus the big show Billy Gunn Ken Shamrock all in the King of the Ring tournament. Add to that Appearance from some new kids called the Hardy boys the undertaker versus the rock for the world title Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon versus stone cold Steve Austin make this one of the strongest offerings of king of the ring.