Max Payne (2008)

[Movie 129 / Day 113]


This movie has been slated by many, many fan boys of the popular games. It's really not that bad - yes, the dialogue is trying a bit too hard; yes, the plot is a bit muddled in places, yes there isn't as much action as the game... But, on the whole, it's alright. I didn't particularly like the games, so I don't care how faithful it is to them. What I wanted to see was Mark Wahlberg looking like he was attempting mental arithmetic while shooting lots of bad guys.

That's pretty much what I got. Some of the editing is really nicely done and I especially liked the super slow motion which is used a couple of times. I enjoyed it.

It's not the best action movie ever made, but it's by no means the worst.

My rating: 6.3 / 10
IMDB rating: 5.5 / 10
Running time: 100 mins
IMDB link

The Italian Job (2003)

[Movie 124 / Day 104]


As a remake of the classic 60s Michael Caine movie, it's rubbish.

As a generic Hollywood actioner that happens to feature stealing bullion using 3 Mini Coopers (albeit new ones) and controlling traffic lights, it's very enjoyable.

The car chase is a bit rubbish though, considering that's what the original is famous for!

My rating: 6.7 / 10
IMDB rating: 6.9 / 10
Running time: 111 mins
IMDB link

Shooter (2007)

[Movie 34 / Day 19]


Mark Wahlberg plays a retired sniper who is asked to step up for his country one last time. Unfortunately, he's being set-up. Obviously, this double-cross doesn't quite work out as planned and the rest of the movie is spent following Wahlberg as he shoots his way to justice.

It's an enjoyable, switch-yer-head-off movie. Don't think about the plot holes too much, or whether it's realistic or not; just enjoy the ride. It's an action film and that's it.

I'm not sure whether it was the compression Sky use on their channels or not, but Danny Glover's voice in it sounded terrible. His character does lisp, but it sounded like my centre speaker had a hole in it at times. Odd.

My rating: 7.2 / 10
IMDB rating: 7.2 / 10
Running time: 124 mins
IMDB link