Brendan's History and Movies Page

31/05/2026

Watched this 2021 American science fiction action film on 31.5.2026. 🤨 Starring Bruce Willis as Thomas Malone, Neal McDonough as Samuel Rainsford, Nels Lennarson as Bishop, Corey William Large as Carrion, Trevor Gretzky as Ecka, Megan Peta Hill as Jeza and Lochlyn Munro as Lyle. Directed by Edward John Drake.

I watched the film Apex on Binge, and I wanted to share my thoughts. 🧐

The movie follows Thomas Malone, a former cop serving a life sentence for a crime he didn't commit, who is offered freedom if he can survive being hunted by six killers on a remote island. While the premise involves him laying traps and turning the tables on his hunters, the ex*****on was quite disappointing. 🎬

In my opinion, the film felt like a low-budget remake of superior movies like The Running Man and Hard Target. Despite featuring recognizable stars like Bruce Willis and Neal McDonough, the acting was poor and the plot was weak. I kept hoping the quality would improve as I watched, but unfortunately, it only got worse. 🫟

Overall, I found it to be a poorly made and lazy action film. I would rate it a 3/10. ⭐️

I would like to note that Bruce Willis was nominated for his performance in this movie, along with all other films he appeared in during 2021, in the category of "Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie" at the Golden Raspberry Awards. These nominations were later withdrawn following the announcement of his retirement due to aphasia. 📌

31/05/2026

My film Review of Fast & Furious 7(2015) 🥹

Watched this 2015 action film on 30.5.2026. 🤨 It is the sequel to Fast & Furious 6 (2013), a follow-up to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), and the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Starring Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner, Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz-Toretto, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) as Tej Parker, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Djimon Hounsou as Mose Jakande, Nathalie Emmanuel as Megan Ramsey, with Kurt Russell as Mr. Nobody and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw. Directed by James Wan and Written by Chris Morgan.

In the film, Dominic Toretto, Brian O'Conner, and their team are recruited by covert ops leader Mr. Nobody to prevent Mose Jakande ( Djimon Hounsou), a terrorist, from obtaining a hacking program known as God's Eye, all while being hunted by Deckard Shaw(Jason Statham), the brother of Owen Shaw. 🎬

I rewatched Furious 7 on Binge and wanted to share my thoughts. 🧐

Having originally seen it in the cinema, I still find the stunts impressive and the "family" theme very prominent. While the film can feel a bit draining and long at times, it delivers the high-octane action and cars that the series is known for. I’ve rated it a 7/10. ⭐️

The final five minutes are particularly powerful and easily some of the most emotional scenes I have seen in a long time. It was a beautiful and fitting tribute to Paul Walker. Rest in Peace 😇

It is noted, this was Paul Walker's final film following his passing in November 2013. Because he died during production, the script was reworked and filming was delayed until 2014. To complete his remaining scenes, his younger brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, served as stand-ins alongside the use of CGI. The film is officially credited to Paul Walker. 📌

With a production budget estimated at up to $250 million, it remains one of the most expensive films ever made 💸

31/05/2026

Watched this 2015 action film on 30.5.2026. 🤨 It is the sequel to Fast & Furious 6 (2013), a follow-up to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), and the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Starring Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner, Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz-Toretto, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) as Tej Parker, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Djimon Hounsou as Mose Jakande, Nathalie Emmanuel as Megan Ramsey, with Kurt Russell as Mr. Nobody and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw. Directed by James Wan and Written by Chris Morgan.

In the film, Dominic Toretto, Brian O'Conner, and their team are recruited by covert ops leader Mr. Nobody to prevent Mose Jakande ( Djimon Hounsou), a terrorist, from obtaining a hacking program known as God's Eye, all while being hunted by Deckard Shaw(Jason Statham), the brother of Owen Shaw. 🎬

I rewatched Furious 7 on Binge and wanted to share my thoughts. 🧐

Having originally seen it in the cinema, I still find the stunts impressive and the "family" theme very prominent. While the film can feel a bit draining and long at times, it delivers the high-octane action and cars that the series is known for. I’ve rated it a 7/10. ⭐️

The final five minutes are particularly powerful and easily some of the most emotional scenes I have seen in a long time. It was a beautiful and fitting tribute to Paul Walker. Rest in Peace 😇

It is noted, this was Paul Walker's final film following his passing in November 2013. Because he died during production, the script was reworked and filming was delayed until 2014. To complete his remaining scenes, his younger brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, served as stand-ins alongside the use of CGI. The film is officially credited to Paul Walker. 📌

With a production budget estimated at up to $250 million, it remains one of the most expensive films ever made 💸

31/05/2026

Watched this 2013 American action film on 29.5.2026. 🍫 It is the sequel to Fast Five (2011) and the sixth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Starring Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner, Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto,Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce Chris "Ludacris" Bridges as Tej Parker, Sung Kang as Han Seoul-Oh, Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar and Luke Evans as Owen Shaw. Directed by Justin Lin.

The film follows Dom, Brian and their team who are offered pardons for their crimes in exchange for helping DSS agent Luke Hobbs apprehend Owen Shaw (Evans), an ex-British SAS Major, who runs a mercenary organization in which Dominic Torretto former lover Letty Ortiz is also a member. 🎬

I watched Fast & Furious 6 on Binge and wanted to share my thoughts. As a fan since the first film, I really enjoyed seeing the past characters brought together and the strong emphasis on family. While the movie features some impressive and "badass" action scenes, the excessive use of CGI occasionally undermines its credibility, making some moments feel more like a cartoon than reality. 🧐

The story continues directly from the events of the fifth film, so it might be difficult to follow if you haven't seen Fast Five recently. Overall, I think this was the last truly great installment in the franchise. I'd give it an 8/10. ⭐️

30/05/2026

Sydney Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace one of the biggest and oldest cinemas in Sydney. They show recent and classic films, Host Celebrities Q&A and Live Concerts on their big stage. I have visited once for the Sam Jones ‘Flash Gordon’ 1980 film Restoration and Remastered Showing with a Q&A in 2022

27/05/2026

Just sharing a Australian/NZ Movies Channel on Youtube of some hard to find Aussie/NZ films. I have been watching a few films there

Oceanic Oddities- Australian & NZ Film (Previously Throwback Tv Australia) Hello. Australian & NZ film has been my passion for many years and I wish to preserve and share works which are otherwise unavailable. This channel will upload Aus/ NZ Productions from all different eras and genres, including...

26/05/2026

Watched this 1973 political thriller film on 25.5.2026.♟️ Based on the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth. Starring Edward Fox as the Jackal, Michel Lonsdale as Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel, Olga Georges-Picot as Denise, Tony Britton as Inspector Bryan Thomas, Derek Jacobi as Caron, Lebel's assistant, Denis Carey as Andre Casson and Terence Alexander as Lloyd. also a cast of other well known British and French support actors Directed by Fred Zinnemann.

I watched The Day of the Jackal on Binge Classics, and it was excellent. I hadn't seen it since the 1980s when I watched it on TV with my dad, and I was incredibly impressed by the quality of the storytelling. 🧐

The film follows a professional assassin hired by the OAS to kill President Charles de Gaulle in 1963, while British and French police—led by Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel—race to uncover his identity. Edward Fox gives a fantastic performance as the Jackal, and Fred Zinnemann’s direction provides a masterclass in suspense. Coupled with a great score by Georges Delerue, it kept me fully invested until the end. 🎬

I'd give it a 9/10. It is truly compelling viewing if you haven't seen it recently. ⭐️

Note: The movie received significant critical acclaim, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Editing and receiving five additional nominations, including Best Film and Best Direction. It also earned two Golden Globe nominations and one Oscar nomination. Furthermore, in 1999, the British Film Institute ranked it the 74th greatest British film of the 20th century. 📌

25/05/2026

Another Classic Spaceballs Film Clip 😂

24/05/2026

Film Review completed on 24.5.2026

Watched this 2014 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America on 11.3.2024. 🧐 It is the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and based on the Captain America Comic Book by Joe Simon and Jack Kirb. Starring Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Falcon, Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce. Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo.

The Film, After the events in New York, Steve Rogers is living in Washington, D.C., trying to adjust to the modern world. However, an attack on an S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague pulls him into a global conspiracy. Teaming up with Black Widow and the Falcon, he faces an unexpected and formidable enemy. 🎬

This was my first time watching it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It features some of the best action scenes in the entire Marvel saga and an impeccable, gripping story. The Winter Soldier is a top-tier villain, and the chemistry between Captain America and Black Widow is excellent. The inclusion of Robert Redford really elevates the film; it feels more like a high-stakes spy thriller than a typical superhero movie. 🫟

I would highly recommend this to any Marvel fan. I’d give it an 8/10 ⭐️ watched on Disney Plus

24/05/2026

Watched this 2016 American biographical war action film on 22.5.2026 💪. Written by Chuck Hogan, it is based on the 2014 non-fiction book '13 Hours by American' author Mitchell Zuckoff. Starring John Krasinski as Jack Silva, James Badge Dale as Tyrone S. "Rone" Woods, commander of the GRS team, Max Martini as Mark "Oz" Geist, Dominic Fumusa as John "Tig" Tiegen, Pablo Schreiber as Kris "Tanto" Paronto, David Denman as Dave "Boon" Benton, Toby Stephens as Glen "Bub" Doherty and Alexia Barlier as Sona Jillani, an undercover CIA Officer in Libya with David Costabile as "Bob" aka "The Chief", Benghazi CIA Chief-of-Station. Directed and Produced by Michael Bay.

I watched 13 Hours for the first time and wanted to share my thoughts. The film follows the six members of the Annex Security Team who defended the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, on September 12th, 2012. 🎬

I didn't originally recall the real-world events from 2012 and initially when the film came out I thought this was a fictional war film. However, it is a truly visceral experience that stays with you. In my opinion, this is Michael Bay’s best-directed film to date; he offers a nuanced and balanced perspective that differs from his typical bombastic style. 🧐

The story unfolds in a way that allows the audience to understand the tragic circumstances of the attack. The cast was excellent, and while there were some low moments and over-the-top acting, the chemistry and the tension created by the character hierarchy were brilliant.

Ultimately, 13 Hours gives honor where honor is due. I would give it a 9/10. I watched it on DVD, but it is also available on Stan if you are interested. ⭐️