The Dark Knight Rises, The Bourne Legacy and Total Recall

Usually over the summer holidays there is at least one small but interesting drama that I can go to see at the cinema. but not this year. So I went FOUR weeks without going to see a film. I cannot remember the last time that happened. And when I did venture back, the summer blockbusters were still the only movies worth a try. The Dark Knight Rises is a competent enough effort from Christopher Nolan. So why is it that my one lasting memory is that the ending is one we have seen so many times before. It ruined what was an entertaining conclusion to the Dark Knight trilogy.

There was also plenty to enjoy in The Bourne Legacy. Although you knew exactly what to expect. Plenty of chases, fights and general action. There was a bit of a story in there, and the dialogue was not at all bad. Tony Gilroy has done good things directing with his big budget, and there is some quality with the acting. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weiz and Edward Norton are all pretty convincing. Better than expected.

I was surprised how different the new version of Total Recall was to the original. Not totally different, our hero still has a wife who tries to kill him, but this time she (Kate Beckinsale) has a far bigger role. As has Jessica Biel as his partner from his previous life. In fact if this was a play, these two are so alike, you could imagine the pair seamlessly interchanging roles. Now that would be interesting. The most stunning thing about this movie are the sets. They reminded me very much of Blade Runner and Inception.. The guys and gals working on the CGI must have had a great time. The new storyline was novel to start with, but soon became pretty monotonous, the dialogue is pretty clunky, as is it's delivery. Colin Farrell does not have to stretch himself, apart from physically. And the ending? Oh no, not again!