Jason Statham plays Orson Fortune, a badass in the 007 mould with the physicality to rival and even surpass Craig’s version of the man with the license to kill. Ritchie also continues his progression in writing good roles for women through the creation of the firecracker Sarah Fidel played with real verve by Aubrey Plaza.

The action revolves around a plan for world domination via a secret device being sold on the black Market for ten billion dollars. This provides the opportunity for lavish sets, extravagant yachts and exotic locations, which are used to the fullest. The peril is minimised as this group is just so good at what they do so the emphasis is more on just pure fun.

With action and a musical approach that fits comfortably at the intersection of his past works like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Wrath of Man, Operation Fortune presents Guy Ritchie’s strongest effort yet to establish a James Bond-type franchise that could live and prosper well into the next few decades or even longer.
Rob Hudson
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There are double and triple crosses a plenty in this examination of the marijuana trade and you don’t know where things really stand until the very last of its multiple endings. The byzantine script makes full use of the set up and the film ends with a final reveal that is a self-referential joy to behold.

The cast is incredibly cool with naughty boy Hugh Grant providing the voiceover storyline and Charlie Hunnam showing he hasn’t lost any of his acting chops after a few miss-step roles. Matthew McConaughey is top notch as well and goes against gangster type by loving the misses to the very end. Said lady played by Michelle Dockery leaves her wholesome Downton Abbey persona far far behind.

Ritchie reveals a maturity that buttresses his learned experience from a number of projects that didn’t show his skills in the best light. He’s returned to where it all began and we the audience are richer for the experience. 2019 has been a stellar year for crime dramas.

Rob Hudson
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When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business forever it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him.

The Gentlemen features an all-star ensemble cast including Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant, and will be released in Australian cinemas January 1, 2020.
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The film plays more like a version of the Broadway musical than the animated endeavour and includes a lot more songs. Unfortunately nothing dissipates dramatic tension more than when the actors break into song so the dynamic structure is effected. They have also wisely cleaned up a lot of the questionable stereotypes.

While Will Smith is certainly no Robin Williams, the demands placed on the actor are greatly diminished, so he is more than capable of the role. Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine are also well cast and both have the acting and singing chops to carry off the role effectively. However Marwan Kenzari as the big bad, Jafar lacks a certain sense of menace.

Thirty minutes longer than the original film, the pace is mostly brisk but the story is slowed by the inclusion of a few too many songs. This is a more adult effort and lacks the original’s manic level of energy. It is however well crafted and has its own appeal.

Rob Hudson
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A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Kevin De La Noy and Marc Platt serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Disney’s Aladdin is in Australian cinemas May 23!
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The casting is also spotty with Jude Law not quite inhabiting the role of the big evil, King Vortigern. He just doesn’t fill the role with near enough menace. Charlie Hunnam as Arthur also has moments where his glare reminds one too much of his definitive role as Jax Telller in Sons Of Anarchy. He is more successful as the alpha-male blonde wise cracking smart arse.

The film suffers from a too dark palette and the special effects seem to be missing that final step of rendering and come across less than impressive. Ritchie is still too good of a director not to delver quite a few moments of complete immersion but isn’t able to sustain that high level throughout the film’s 126 minute running time.

One’s appreciation for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is probably more in line with their fondness for the fantasy genre and the suspension of disbelief necessary to get lost in this tale of Kings, Queens, magic and monsters.

Rob Hudson
www.kingarthurmovie.com

When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy…whether he likes it or not.

Starring with Hunnam (FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”) and Oscar nominee Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”) are Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”) as Mage; Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “In America”) as Bedivere; Aidan Gillen (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) as Goosefat Bill; and Eric Bana (“Star Trek”) as Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon.

Guy Ritchie (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films) directed the film from a screenplay is by Joby Harold (“Awake”) and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by David Dobkin (“The Judge”) and Joby Harold. The film is produced by Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind,” “I Am Legend”), Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell (“Awake,” “Holy Rollers”), and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Sherlock Holmes” producers Steve Clark-Hall, Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram. David Dobkin and Bruce Berman are executive producers.

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD releases in Australian cinemas on May 11, 2017.
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