HERCULES [2014]

If the idea of Brett Ratner directing The Rock with a dead cat on his head appeals to you then Hercules is definitely for you.  If not, then you should know to steer clear because it makes no attempt to hide that is means to be nothing more than a guilty pleasure.
Instead of shaping him up to be the near-invincible super human that he is in the usual stories, Hercules is a mere mortal with the powerful charisma to lead armies and charm the pants off you.  Dwayne Johnson was born to play this role with his camera-friendly looks and personality, as he never takes himself too seriously.  Like Stephen Sommers' Mummy films, the pacing of this consciously hokey film is lighting quick with it's enjoyable action sequences, dazzling special effects, entertaining supporting cast and perfectly timed humor.

3 headed dogs out of 5

RED DRAGON [2002]

Director Brett Ratner takes over for the third film and first prequel in the Hannibal Lecter series, Red Dragon, which ultimately serves as Sir Anthony Hopkins final round as everyone's favorite man-eating head doctor.
Unlike Ridley Scott's dismal take on the character, Ratner opts for a more serious tone and results in something nearly as grisly as the original film making for a satisfying conclusion to the Hopkins films.  It doesn't really cover any new territory but it's so well-acted and suffocates the viewer in such an effective unsettling atmosphere it can be forgiven.

3½ smashed mirrors out of 5

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

Making it from the opening credits to the closing credits of the third instalment is a test of endurance. It's as if the writer didn't understand the characters, but it was written by the same guy that did the second film, so what happened? Did he do it the college way: wait until the last minute and pull an all-nighter? And what the hell was Polanski doing in it? Too many questions that I don't really want answers for.
There are rumours of a fourth entry. If it happens, please kill Carter.

1 waste of my time out of 5

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

The sequel that everyone knew would happen managed to improve upon the formulaic first entry in every way.
The stunts are more suited to Jackie's talents. There are even moments where it feels like one of his homegrown adventures.
Tucker is still an Eddie Murphy clone but is more tolerable than before; he gets some genuinely funny lines which helps.
Quips fuelled by the cultural differences between the two men once again provide much of the comedy; if you're of a sensitive nature you may even find some of it offensive.

3 egg rolls out of 5

Rush Hour (1998)

A buddy cop movie that teamed the inimitable Jackie Chan with the irritating Chris Tucker for some culture clash shenanigans.
It's Jackie at his most basic level: the comedy fish out of water character that takes a bit of a hammering during a fight but ultimately wins through sheer endurance. The only challenge he seems to have been presented with was the English dialogue.
Tucker on the other hand challenges the viewer in every scene. He's the flamboyant, loveable fool that I'd no love for. He was as welcome as an ex-girlfriend at a funeral.

2½ assumptions out of 5

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Brett Ratner turned this chapter in Jean Grey's evolution into a mostly soulless summer action movie. The first hour is good, but it shits the bed in the second half. If you accept that prior to viewing, then it's possible to enjoy parts of it, but if you're expecting the semi-sophisticated aesthetic of the two previous films then you're going to be butt-hurt. On the plus side, Magneto's Brotherhood begins to feel more like an organisation and less like a gathering of friends over tea and cake. It's a good thing that the main series ended here.

2½ characters with little to do out of 5