Review: ‘Assassin’s Creed’- The Best Video Game Adaptation Yet!

Video game properties have not been very successful in their transitions to Hollywood films, but Assassin’s Creed hopes to change all that as 20th Century Fox set to release their highly anticipated film this Christmas. This action packed thriller is set in the same universe as the video games but features an original story that expands the series’ mythology. Will Assassin’s Creed win over gamers and regular audiences alike or will the complexity of the story be lost on those unfamiliar with the popular game?

Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a man who has reached the end of the line. Having faced the death of his mother at the hands of his own father, Cal has lived a life of crime that has lead him to a stay on death row. After having his execution stage by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order lead by Alan Rikkin (Jeremy Irons) and daughter, scientist Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard), Cal learns of his family lineage which dates back hundreds of years to the Assassin’s Creed, a group of fighters sworn to protect an ancient artifact. Cal  is forced to participate in the Animus Project, a device which helps him link with his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, and relive this memories in order to locate the ancient artifact. As Cal continues to experience Aguilar’s memories, he begins to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the Templars in the present day and help stop them from locating the artifact that will allow the Rikkin’s to control free will.

Director Justin Kurzel makes up for the films lack of a coherent story and has elected for a visually stunning action film that overcomes its shortcomings to be very entertaining. Michael Fassbender embodies Aguilar and his ancestor Cal as if he is playing a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. The highly regarded actor is lacking in the need to deliver any dialogue of merit, but his presence alone speaks volumes in the action sequences. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons, two stellar actors who are underwhelming in the powerful adversary category which is where the film begins to lose its luster. The action sequences and cinematography when the focus is on Aguilar are breathtaking and some of the best you’ll ever seen on screen, but as we witness the transformation of Cal into assassin, there’s little in the modern world to compete.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed is highly entertaining with it’s action packed fight sequences and it’s visual effects, but the story is lacking at times which ultimately leads to a conclusion that may leave some wanting more. Still, it’s a franchise that has promise and should be given an opportunity to continue. Let’s just try and use the talents of these wonderful actors a bit better shall we?

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

Trailer:

Brand new ‘Assassin’s Creed’ trailer has arrived!

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New Regency and 20th Century Fox have just revealed a NEW trailer and poster for the upcoming film, Assassin’s Creed and we have them for you!

Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain.  Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

Assassin’s Creed also stars Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose) along with Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling, Michael K. Williams and Khalid Abdalla. The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth).

Assassin’s Creed hits theaters everywhere on December 21, 2016!

Paramount Pictures Releases the Trailer for ‘Captive’

Captive

Paramount Pictures has just released the trailer for their upcoming film Captive starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Kate Mara (Fantastic Four) which you can view below.

The film, directed by Jerry Jameson, is based on the book “Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero” written by Ashley Smith with Stacey Mattingly, which tells the true story of of how Smith, a single mother and recovering drug addict, was taken hostage in her own apartment by Brian Nichols, a fugitive who escaped prison on a rape conviction. The roles are played in the film by Mara and Oyelowo, respectively.

Captive also stars Michael K Williams, Mimi Rogers, Jessica Oyelowo and Leonor Varela. The novel was adapted for the screen by Brian Bird (“Touched by an Angel”).

The film hits theaters September 18th

New Poster: Mark Wahlberg – ‘The Gambler’ – In Theaters December 19th

gambler1-shtteaserrev1Jim Bennett (Academy Award®-nominee Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offers his own life as collateral, since gambling is a big way of life for many people and that’s why sites like sbobet88 mobile are popular to do some bets and get some winnings online. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Academy Award®-winner Jessica Lange) in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. One can go for judi online games as there are variety of other games online as well. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance…

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Michael’s Review: ‘Kill The Messenger’- International Thriller Starring Jeremy Renner

Kill the Messenger poster

It’s Oscar season and time for the latest crop of award hopefuls to start to spring up in your local theaters. One category that is a favorite of Academy voters is the political thriller, which defines Kill the Messenger to a tee. Directed by Michael Cuesta (Showtime’s Homeland), the film tells the true story of journalist Gary Webb, who broke the story of the CIA’s involvement in the trafficking of cocaine from Central America during the contra war in Nicaragua. Jeremy Renner leads an all star cast in this powerfully thought provoking film. Read More →