Polar (2019) Trailer - Review/Reaction

Just as the Liam Neeson movie Taken inspired a slew of movies (The Equalizer, Edge of Darkness and John Wick being notable examples), now it is the turn of John Wick to return the favor.

John Wick was the world's # 1 assassin-for-hire before he retired. Trouble follows when his dog is killed and John is out for revenge. By the end of the (inevitable) sequel, John had a price on his head and it was open season.

As the saying goes: “Success begets success”.

The IMDB description for Polar reads: “The world's top assassin, Duncan Vizla, is settling into retirement when his former employer marks him as a liability to the firm. Against his will, he finds himself back in the game going head to head with an army of younger killers.” 

John Wick's dog has been replaced with Duncan's cute neighbor, Camille (Vanessa Hudgens).

In addition to the obvious similarities to the John Wick movies, astute readers will notice how the description could also apply to the Jason Bourne movies, in which the titular character faced off against younger and faster opponents.

I have enjoyed Mads' performances in Casino Royale and Doctor Strange. In both these movies, Mikkelsen displayed a blend of dry wit and bad guy antics. This movie seems to be a particularly good match for Mads' track record.

The action sequences look decent and the humor is ok. But there is a “been there done that”  feeling  that is unavoidable, given how well received the John Wick movies were.

I still prefer John Wick to this one. Keanu Reeves' world weariness and his acting style made him a natural casting choice for the a world weary assassin.

Let us see if Mads can do one better.

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Image Sources: Netflix, Constantin Film, Dark Horse Entertainment

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Sherlock Holmes Birthday and New Sherlock Holmes Coin

Today marks the 165th birthday of Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective.

From dispatching hounds on Dartmoor to helping red headed clients with their vexing conundrums, Holmes has seen it all. He has had more than his share of cases involving saving step daughters from their money grubbing step fathers.

Holmes has survived a number of murder attempts - some at the behest of Professor Moriarty. In addition to physical attacks, Holmes has also been the target of being infected with rare tropical diseases. Plus, it does not help that Holmes himself took several life threatening risks himself, the most famous being when he exposed himself and Dr Watson to the experiment involving Devil's Foot.

All said and done, Holmes is immortal. People will continue to read ACD's original stories and perpetuate the myth of the greatest detective who never lived.



In addition, there are numerous pastiches and adaptations, many of which are enjoyable. Fans of the author have paid tribute by letting their imagination run wild - Holmes has battled the Loch Ness monster, has been reincarnated in the 22nd century, and not only has he been partnered with a female Watson and a female Moriarty, but even has had Irene Adler and Moriarty combined into the same person.

To commemorate ACD's 160th birth anniversary, the Royal Mint has designed 50 pence Sherlock Holmes coins listing some of the most popular stories and novels from the Canon.

Here's wishing the very best of fame and popularity to the world's most renowned fictional sleuth.

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Image Source: The Royal Mint

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