I walked into this movie expecting a wild action heavy violence driven movie with lots of quips and one liners. I left this movie having seen a dialogue heavy story that was driven augmented by action and violence. The basic plot is Marty (Colin Ferrell) is a screen writer who's latest idea is Seven Psychopaths. The only problem is, he cannot think up psychopaths to his liking, and his creative process id stymied. But with his best buddy Billy (Sam Rockwell) and Hans (Christopher Walken) he finds all the psychopaths he needs.
There is most definitely plenty of violence and action in this movie. Blown up heads, cut throats, bullet wounds, but being a bunch of psychos it is done without dumbing down or taking away from all of the stories this movie has to tell. When the action shows up it is plenty over the top so as to make up the time it had missed. It was really bloody and fun.
But the real vehicle here is the story, or more accurately the stories. The main plot is as listed above, but there are many little subplots and mysteries that come about that really make this tangled web an interesting one. Those subplots are usually used to reveal or affirm another Psychopath, and to give important back story to the characters you will enjoy. The goals are traditional for some and not for others. How they get there matches their destination. I would love to tell you may favorites, but that would be spoiling it for you.
Ferrel's character goes along for the ride of his life compiling a list of lunatics to add to his screen play. His flaws are outweighed by his friends and desire to make a good character. He is the lead in an off center kind of way Kind of like Capt. Jack in Pirates 4. Sam Rockwell (who is awesome in general) is Ferrel's bestie. He is dedicated to the betterment of his pal, and dedicated to his pals just in general. He is as crazy as a bag of cats in the best way possible. Christopher Walken (another one of my personal favorites) is Hans. He and Billy are... business partners. Hans brings a wonderful perspective, attitude, and humor to the group. His unique experiences make him a valuable member to our hero trio. Woody Harrelson is our villain. Though, with all the insane acts in this movie, the villain can be a point of view. He is hilarious and menacing all at the same time. He does not get the back story that most of the other characters get, but it is understood that he is bad and not to be messed with . The entire cast feels finely tuned so that no line is wasted.
On a personal not (as if this entire thing is not a personal note) the film deals in may ways with Marty's creative process. He is a writer who is stuck, and through the most extreme circumstances finds his juices and gets them flowing. Here at the start of film school i have been reading heavily on that very subject. In lost of ways I saw the principles of the books i have been reading personified, so in that way I enjoyed it even more.
All in all I didn't get what I had expected, but I really liked what I got. I enjoyed what I saw, and what I heard. The stories help you invest in the characters, and the action give you the kick it needs. And everyone is soo funny. Now some who don't like this Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction) style won't like this, but I did. Very much so.
Hans: An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
Billy: No, it doesn't. There'll be one guy left with one eye. How's the last blind guy gonna take out the eye of the last guy left?
MAN, I LOVE SAM ROCKWELL & CHIRSTOPHER WALKEN!
And just for fun
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Here Comes The Boom
Well I fell off the face of the Earth there for a while, but I'm back in action. This time getting a preview of Kevin James' new flick. And I was pleasantly surprised. The basic idea is a less than enthusiastic school teacher must resort to extreme measures to save the music program at his school.
The story is simple and predictable, but the action is still fun and entertaining. There are no terrible twists and jabs that throw you off track. There are a couple of side quests our hero takes on that were not crucial to the story, but they did add to character appeal. He is flawed, and must overcomes those flaws to triumph. Everything plays exactly how you want it to (or at least how I wanted it to) which is OK, this time. There are plenty of jokes to really suite all ages. From gross to just plain funny. There was a young girl (who was a excellent movie goer btw) who laughed at everything she was supposed to. From her and my reactions I can surmise that this movie does have general mass appeal.
The characters for me were what made this story worth it. I really liked James character. He was charming, cool (in an awkward way), and genuine. Made his journey to success one that you want to succeed. Heeeeyyy! I don't know if I am just lame, but I really like Henry Winkler. He just seems like the nicest guy on the planet. He is just a kind simple teacher who loves the arts. I loved him. James trainer Niko is played by Bas Rutten. I often have problems with athletes being "actors". Not this time. He really put some effort into his show, making another truly likable character. There are many terrible things in the world. from the state of the economy, to trouble in the middle east, to bacon shortages. The one constant is that Salma Hayeck is still hot. Yes, I know. You are thinking, "Still?!" Yes, still. And still acting wonderfuly to boot. Greg Germann, Joe Rogan, and Mark Dellagrotte round out the cast notables. Well, except Mookie Barker who was the creepy assistant principle. Actually now that I type this it makes sense. He did well, also.
Something else that I enjoyed from this flick was the action. There were often parts where James would have a strain, and I would catch myself tensing up with him in hopes of adding my strength to his own in somehow lol. There were also some cameras shots that were intended to be inside the grapple of the fighters. It was pretty neat. There weren't too many so that it got old, but enough to make it and interesting sensation. By its very nature Mixed Martial Arts is intense and this did an excellent job conveying that intensity in the fights while keeping them fun to watch.
There was also a very small spiritual aspect to the film where Dellagrotte quoted the Bible and they prayed before a fight. As a Christian I appreciated the sentiment. And it was not preachy so as to exclude anyone, just very natural feeling and nice.
All together this film has some small issues, but nothing to write it off for. It is a family friendly film (except perhaps the fights, which aren't too bad) that anyone who goofy enough will laugh at. As a film student I appreciate that it does try and convey how important the arts are, but doesn't show any direct examples. "A" for effort in that area. If you like a decent but obvious comedy go for it. In my opinion much better than Paul Blart and Zookeeper... if that is saying anything.
The story is simple and predictable, but the action is still fun and entertaining. There are no terrible twists and jabs that throw you off track. There are a couple of side quests our hero takes on that were not crucial to the story, but they did add to character appeal. He is flawed, and must overcomes those flaws to triumph. Everything plays exactly how you want it to (or at least how I wanted it to) which is OK, this time. There are plenty of jokes to really suite all ages. From gross to just plain funny. There was a young girl (who was a excellent movie goer btw) who laughed at everything she was supposed to. From her and my reactions I can surmise that this movie does have general mass appeal.
The characters for me were what made this story worth it. I really liked James character. He was charming, cool (in an awkward way), and genuine. Made his journey to success one that you want to succeed. Heeeeyyy! I don't know if I am just lame, but I really like Henry Winkler. He just seems like the nicest guy on the planet. He is just a kind simple teacher who loves the arts. I loved him. James trainer Niko is played by Bas Rutten. I often have problems with athletes being "actors". Not this time. He really put some effort into his show, making another truly likable character. There are many terrible things in the world. from the state of the economy, to trouble in the middle east, to bacon shortages. The one constant is that Salma Hayeck is still hot. Yes, I know. You are thinking, "Still?!" Yes, still. And still acting wonderfuly to boot. Greg Germann, Joe Rogan, and Mark Dellagrotte round out the cast notables. Well, except Mookie Barker who was the creepy assistant principle. Actually now that I type this it makes sense. He did well, also.
Something else that I enjoyed from this flick was the action. There were often parts where James would have a strain, and I would catch myself tensing up with him in hopes of adding my strength to his own in somehow lol. There were also some cameras shots that were intended to be inside the grapple of the fighters. It was pretty neat. There weren't too many so that it got old, but enough to make it and interesting sensation. By its very nature Mixed Martial Arts is intense and this did an excellent job conveying that intensity in the fights while keeping them fun to watch.
There was also a very small spiritual aspect to the film where Dellagrotte quoted the Bible and they prayed before a fight. As a Christian I appreciated the sentiment. And it was not preachy so as to exclude anyone, just very natural feeling and nice.
All together this film has some small issues, but nothing to write it off for. It is a family friendly film (except perhaps the fights, which aren't too bad) that anyone who goofy enough will laugh at. As a film student I appreciate that it does try and convey how important the arts are, but doesn't show any direct examples. "A" for effort in that area. If you like a decent but obvious comedy go for it. In my opinion much better than Paul Blart and Zookeeper... if that is saying anything.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
That's My Boy
Growing up I had Adam Sandler movies that I loved like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, but those movies get fewer and farther between. That's My Boy is a grasp at the old days. Sandler is a grown up child sensation that got his fame from having sex with his math teacher. He decides to reunite with his son in order to create a situation where he will be able to pay his tax debts.
Sandler really sells his wicked good role as Donny Berger. He is constantly drinking and saying the wrong thing, but you like him. He really does have some weird engaging quality about him that creeps you out and makes him fun at the same time. Andy Samberg is Han Solo Berger. Yep Han Solo. He has a boatload of insecurities and quirks, like security underwear, that he plays to a T. He and his dad's chemistry just seems a little off when it needs to be on. My favorite parts of the cast were the supporting roles. Vanilla Ice, James Cann, Will Forte, Nick Swardson, Susan Sarandon, Rex Ryan, and the rest of the supporting cast are give this movie those little moments that you look for.
This is definitely not a kid friendly movie. Right off the bat there is the teacher and the student fling. The teacher is hot, but the whole situation just feels awkward. There are a couple of scenes that are just more awkward than funny, and needlessly so. But that could have just been me. From the myriad of sexual references to the strip club all the jokes are more raunchy than funny. Like tasting bodily fluids to find out what it is. That's not funny, that's dumb.
I was actually looking forward to this movie. I had hoped that it would bring back my younger years. It tried really hard, but ultimately fell a little flat. I enjoyed, just not nearly as good as I had wanted it to be. I'm probably just warped like that. It jut isn't for people who want a genuinely funny comedy. You have to take what good it gives you and enjoy that, cause that sex "jokes" is all you are going to get.
Sandler really sells his wicked good role as Donny Berger. He is constantly drinking and saying the wrong thing, but you like him. He really does have some weird engaging quality about him that creeps you out and makes him fun at the same time. Andy Samberg is Han Solo Berger. Yep Han Solo. He has a boatload of insecurities and quirks, like security underwear, that he plays to a T. He and his dad's chemistry just seems a little off when it needs to be on. My favorite parts of the cast were the supporting roles. Vanilla Ice, James Cann, Will Forte, Nick Swardson, Susan Sarandon, Rex Ryan, and the rest of the supporting cast are give this movie those little moments that you look for.
This is definitely not a kid friendly movie. Right off the bat there is the teacher and the student fling. The teacher is hot, but the whole situation just feels awkward. There are a couple of scenes that are just more awkward than funny, and needlessly so. But that could have just been me. From the myriad of sexual references to the strip club all the jokes are more raunchy than funny. Like tasting bodily fluids to find out what it is. That's not funny, that's dumb.
I was actually looking forward to this movie. I had hoped that it would bring back my younger years. It tried really hard, but ultimately fell a little flat. I enjoyed, just not nearly as good as I had wanted it to be. I'm probably just warped like that. It jut isn't for people who want a genuinely funny comedy. You have to take what good it gives you and enjoy that, cause that sex "jokes" is all you are going to get.
Snow White And The Huntsman
"You know what would make Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs better?" SHOULD NEVER BE SAID!
Now having gotten that out of the way, this is a darker more epic take on the old tale of Snow White. The story is basically the same. The evil queen wants to be young and powerful forever, and must make the fairest maiden, Snow White, dead to stay that way. In order to add some scale and weight to the story, this telling has quite a bit of action. And it is pretty good. Fighting trolls, soldiers, and the queen does bring some fun and excitement to the table. But in creating this variation it feels like it drags at times. I caught myself thinking, "Yeah, I get it. Now lets move on." Because the story augmentation was just extra fluff. It didn't give me anything that I wanted and didn't receive in my previous outing with Ms. White and her merry men. They tried to give you perspective on how the queen was wronged and warped in to this monster, but I don't care. We don't need a reason. She is evil. Pure and simple. The introduction of the dwarf feels unnecessary. It is kind of like they put them in because they had to, although they added very little to the narrative. And there is something of a love triangle that doesn't even get played our for whatever reason... surprised?
I read that they wanted to do as much practical effects as possible. Which I think worked out pretty well for them. Most everything looks as it should. Trolls, Dwarfs that weren't actually little people, and the super cool Magic Mirror were all sharp. The dark forest is extra evil and creepy, while the untainted areas to have a certain Disney-esque feel to them that I liked. I feel like they took the time to polish those aspects.
The casting was a little wonky. It's not that there weren't good actors, it is just that they don't really work together as a unit. Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman, was the only character that felt was adequately cast. He is dashing, handsome, and Strong. He plays the lonely hunter well. Charlize Theron is the evil queen. She is twisted and mean and great. Problem is that she is way more attractive that Snow White. Our queen needs to be beautiful, but not so beautiful that it diminishes the beauty of out princess. The actors that they chose to play the dwarfs were too good for such lousy tiny parts. Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, and Toby Jones are all good actors. Too good, in fact, to play such nothing roles. That have such a small effect on the story as a whole. Last and least is Kristen Stewart. Listen, I'm sure she is a nice person. She probably has done something once where somebody actually thought she acted well. (I personally think she practices better than she plays) But she just drags everyone down. The lack of emotion/acting range just leaves everything bland and tasteless. She just doesn't give you the delightful Snow White that you want to love because she is just wonderful. She just doesn't stand up to the on screen presence that Theron provides.
Snow White leaves much to be desired. The action and increase in serious tone of the story do not make up for it's over all lack of goodness. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was moving art with sound. It was satisfying, and this just isn't.
Now having gotten that out of the way, this is a darker more epic take on the old tale of Snow White. The story is basically the same. The evil queen wants to be young and powerful forever, and must make the fairest maiden, Snow White, dead to stay that way. In order to add some scale and weight to the story, this telling has quite a bit of action. And it is pretty good. Fighting trolls, soldiers, and the queen does bring some fun and excitement to the table. But in creating this variation it feels like it drags at times. I caught myself thinking, "Yeah, I get it. Now lets move on." Because the story augmentation was just extra fluff. It didn't give me anything that I wanted and didn't receive in my previous outing with Ms. White and her merry men. They tried to give you perspective on how the queen was wronged and warped in to this monster, but I don't care. We don't need a reason. She is evil. Pure and simple. The introduction of the dwarf feels unnecessary. It is kind of like they put them in because they had to, although they added very little to the narrative. And there is something of a love triangle that doesn't even get played our for whatever reason... surprised?
I read that they wanted to do as much practical effects as possible. Which I think worked out pretty well for them. Most everything looks as it should. Trolls, Dwarfs that weren't actually little people, and the super cool Magic Mirror were all sharp. The dark forest is extra evil and creepy, while the untainted areas to have a certain Disney-esque feel to them that I liked. I feel like they took the time to polish those aspects.
The casting was a little wonky. It's not that there weren't good actors, it is just that they don't really work together as a unit. Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman, was the only character that felt was adequately cast. He is dashing, handsome, and Strong. He plays the lonely hunter well. Charlize Theron is the evil queen. She is twisted and mean and great. Problem is that she is way more attractive that Snow White. Our queen needs to be beautiful, but not so beautiful that it diminishes the beauty of out princess. The actors that they chose to play the dwarfs were too good for such lousy tiny parts. Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, and Toby Jones are all good actors. Too good, in fact, to play such nothing roles. That have such a small effect on the story as a whole. Last and least is Kristen Stewart. Listen, I'm sure she is a nice person. She probably has done something once where somebody actually thought she acted well. (I personally think she practices better than she plays) But she just drags everyone down. The lack of emotion/acting range just leaves everything bland and tasteless. She just doesn't give you the delightful Snow White that you want to love because she is just wonderful. She just doesn't stand up to the on screen presence that Theron provides.
Snow White leaves much to be desired. The action and increase in serious tone of the story do not make up for it's over all lack of goodness. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was moving art with sound. It was satisfying, and this just isn't.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Here is a movie that catches your attention with just it's title. You pass the poster then think, "Wait. What?! Vampires... crap." But it is super entertaining. What they have done is taken the already super icon, President Abraham Lincoln, and made him even more epic.
Mr. Lincoln's mother is murdered by vampires, so his desire for vengeance drives him to learn to hunt and kill the evils that stalk in the night while he develops into the Lincoln we know.
The premise is what I hear the most complaints about when I mention this movie. And those people should get off their high horse and have some fun. Because Ole Honest Abe takes his silver ax and smokes vampires like a boss. He learns to channel his strength where he can fell a tree with one swing. It's so cool. It is just a really fun addition to what is already and interesting story that just needed more hand to hand supernatural action. Accept their reality and enjoy it.
There are familiar faces in this movie, but our lead is a complete mystery to me. Benjamin Walker is a very good Lincoln. He has this strong presence to him that the character needs, and he just executes very well. Dominic Cooper plays Henry Sturgess. Sturgess is Abraham's rather strict vampire killing mentor. Cooper is starting to string together a nice run of flicks, and he can definitely add this one to his win column. Anthony Mackie is a child hood friend of Abe, and a very capable side kick durring his slaying days. The only problem is he his kind of forgettable. You recognize him from his other roles, but he is not a guy that you know his name. He is "that guy from that thing" not "Anthony". But he still shows up in a big way for out main character. May Elizabeth Winstead is good as his Mrs. Lincoln. She just has some lines that seem out of time, but that isn't necessarily her fault. Jimmi Simpson, who you will recognize from his many roles, is also a welcome addition to the Presidents entourage. Last But certainly not least is Rufus Sewell. He is such a good bad guy. He just has a natural arrogance want about his characters that makes you hate them. I wouldn't know what to do with him in a non-completely evil role. But as a bad guy he is fantastic.
Special effects are also quite good. There were only a couple of times where I notice, and in a effects heavy movie where you have peoples faces getting all monstered up, that is not bad. There are also some large scale fight scenes in a stampede, on a racing locomotive, and in a plantation look good and just really add to that epicness that they are pouring into this movie.
This is just a twist on a great story that is actually executed well. It even throws some interesting social commentary in there with out being overbearing and ruing the flow of the story. I recommend it to anyone who likes our 16th president, the violent elimination of the undead, and has the slightest interest in the combination of both. Or if you are just sick of the crap vampire garbage that Twilight give you. Go see how a man deals with those filthy blood suckers. Step aside Buffy, Abe has some work to do.
AND ALSO!!!! here is a trailer for a movie a saw before this, because i want to see SANTA CLAUS punch a bad guy in the face. Yes, you heard me.
Mr. Lincoln's mother is murdered by vampires, so his desire for vengeance drives him to learn to hunt and kill the evils that stalk in the night while he develops into the Lincoln we know.
The premise is what I hear the most complaints about when I mention this movie. And those people should get off their high horse and have some fun. Because Ole Honest Abe takes his silver ax and smokes vampires like a boss. He learns to channel his strength where he can fell a tree with one swing. It's so cool. It is just a really fun addition to what is already and interesting story that just needed more hand to hand supernatural action. Accept their reality and enjoy it.
There are familiar faces in this movie, but our lead is a complete mystery to me. Benjamin Walker is a very good Lincoln. He has this strong presence to him that the character needs, and he just executes very well. Dominic Cooper plays Henry Sturgess. Sturgess is Abraham's rather strict vampire killing mentor. Cooper is starting to string together a nice run of flicks, and he can definitely add this one to his win column. Anthony Mackie is a child hood friend of Abe, and a very capable side kick durring his slaying days. The only problem is he his kind of forgettable. You recognize him from his other roles, but he is not a guy that you know his name. He is "that guy from that thing" not "Anthony". But he still shows up in a big way for out main character. May Elizabeth Winstead is good as his Mrs. Lincoln. She just has some lines that seem out of time, but that isn't necessarily her fault. Jimmi Simpson, who you will recognize from his many roles, is also a welcome addition to the Presidents entourage. Last But certainly not least is Rufus Sewell. He is such a good bad guy. He just has a natural arrogance want about his characters that makes you hate them. I wouldn't know what to do with him in a non-completely evil role. But as a bad guy he is fantastic.
Special effects are also quite good. There were only a couple of times where I notice, and in a effects heavy movie where you have peoples faces getting all monstered up, that is not bad. There are also some large scale fight scenes in a stampede, on a racing locomotive, and in a plantation look good and just really add to that epicness that they are pouring into this movie.
This is just a twist on a great story that is actually executed well. It even throws some interesting social commentary in there with out being overbearing and ruing the flow of the story. I recommend it to anyone who likes our 16th president, the violent elimination of the undead, and has the slightest interest in the combination of both. Or if you are just sick of the crap vampire garbage that Twilight give you. Go see how a man deals with those filthy blood suckers. Step aside Buffy, Abe has some work to do.
AND ALSO!!!! here is a trailer for a movie a saw before this, because i want to see SANTA CLAUS punch a bad guy in the face. Yes, you heard me.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Prometheus
Ridley Scott lied through his teeth leading up to this film saying that it isn't a prequel to Alien. Which all of us who have seen the movie know that it more or less is. It isn't (in my opinion) in that it is before what a prequel to Alien should have been. And there are some things I really liked about, and things I really didn't. The premise I like. Humans in search of their beginnings find what could ultimately be their end. This review is a bit spoilerish (Not totally) so if you just want to know the bottom line skip to the end. If you don't care. Read on...
From jump street there guy taking a gun on to the planet is asked why he is doing so. He is told that this is a scientific mission. LIKE THAT MATTERS. Because you have no idea what lifeforms may or may not be here or may or may not be hostile. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Then ere is clean air in the cave, but you NEVER TAKE OFF YOUR HELMET! Disease this is an alien planet that is forever away from Earth you don't know what is floating around there. When they took off their helmets all I could think of was Buzz Lightyear saying, "My eyeballs could have been sucked from their sockets!"
Screw the old man' and his Iron Man get up. He is a useless character. Throw him away put his brain in the robot. CONSOLIDATE. I don't need him showing up for 2 seconds to get slapped around by the angry natives and die. And Theron I love her, but she served no purpose as well. NONE.
RAPID FIRE: What is up with the zombie man? With all that technology why bring an ax in space? Why do they want to kill humans? Why use and overly elaborate biological weapon? Why not fly to earth 2000 years ago and squash us like the bugs we would have been (probably would be now)? How did the tummy staples from surgery not rip out during all this running and jumping and her entrails become her extrails? Why does the computer for the Alien ship operate by means of breast implant buttons? And where did the aliens that killed the humanoid aliens go? Plus many more...
Those were all the questions it didn't answer. The one it did was: "Where do we and they come from?" more or less...
The cast was fine. Even though the majority of the characters they play serve absolutely no purpose. Noomi Rapace is our heroine. She is does a good job. She helps deliver some of the most intense scenes in the movie. Michael Fassbener is our android friend "David" who gives off a very creepy vibe in a very good way. Charlize Theron is in charge of the operation because the company that she works for has funded this trip. Other than that, she is totally useless. I love her, but she serves no purpose. Not even as eye candy. Idris Elba gets and honorable mention as the captain of the ship because his role could have encompassed Theron's role, and also because he was on The Office. Guy Pierce is the old man who owns the company that funds this expedition. He was like 92 and supposed to be dead. He should have been. his character did nothing but take up space and look bad. Everyone else is waste because in a movie like this you need enemy fodder.
I saw it in IMAX 3D, and that was awesome. There were a few parts that I felt as though I needed to put on a seat belt because the picture ans sound was great. There were also some really intense scenes that really embed themselves in your mind. In your mind. But there weren't very many middle ground parts. it was kind of all or nothing and left me a little unsatisfied. The base story I really like, I just don't fee like it was as tight or polished as it should have been.
END!!! Overall it raised more questions than it answered, but did have an entertaining quality to it. It wasn't as intense as the trailer would lead you to believe, and there were some things that didn't fit or might have fit had they been clearer. I felt like this movie in the series, much like most of the cast, was unnecessary. I see it as more of a stepping stone to more of the answers and Alien lore that I, as a geek, desperately want want.
From jump street there guy taking a gun on to the planet is asked why he is doing so. He is told that this is a scientific mission. LIKE THAT MATTERS. Because you have no idea what lifeforms may or may not be here or may or may not be hostile. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Then ere is clean air in the cave, but you NEVER TAKE OFF YOUR HELMET! Disease this is an alien planet that is forever away from Earth you don't know what is floating around there. When they took off their helmets all I could think of was Buzz Lightyear saying, "My eyeballs could have been sucked from their sockets!"
Screw the old man' and his Iron Man get up. He is a useless character. Throw him away put his brain in the robot. CONSOLIDATE. I don't need him showing up for 2 seconds to get slapped around by the angry natives and die. And Theron I love her, but she served no purpose as well. NONE.
RAPID FIRE: What is up with the zombie man? With all that technology why bring an ax in space? Why do they want to kill humans? Why use and overly elaborate biological weapon? Why not fly to earth 2000 years ago and squash us like the bugs we would have been (probably would be now)? How did the tummy staples from surgery not rip out during all this running and jumping and her entrails become her extrails? Why does the computer for the Alien ship operate by means of breast implant buttons? And where did the aliens that killed the humanoid aliens go? Plus many more...
Those were all the questions it didn't answer. The one it did was: "Where do we and they come from?" more or less...
The cast was fine. Even though the majority of the characters they play serve absolutely no purpose. Noomi Rapace is our heroine. She is does a good job. She helps deliver some of the most intense scenes in the movie. Michael Fassbener is our android friend "David" who gives off a very creepy vibe in a very good way. Charlize Theron is in charge of the operation because the company that she works for has funded this trip. Other than that, she is totally useless. I love her, but she serves no purpose. Not even as eye candy. Idris Elba gets and honorable mention as the captain of the ship because his role could have encompassed Theron's role, and also because he was on The Office. Guy Pierce is the old man who owns the company that funds this expedition. He was like 92 and supposed to be dead. He should have been. his character did nothing but take up space and look bad. Everyone else is waste because in a movie like this you need enemy fodder.
I saw it in IMAX 3D, and that was awesome. There were a few parts that I felt as though I needed to put on a seat belt because the picture ans sound was great. There were also some really intense scenes that really embed themselves in your mind. In your mind. But there weren't very many middle ground parts. it was kind of all or nothing and left me a little unsatisfied. The base story I really like, I just don't fee like it was as tight or polished as it should have been.
END!!! Overall it raised more questions than it answered, but did have an entertaining quality to it. It wasn't as intense as the trailer would lead you to believe, and there were some things that didn't fit or might have fit had they been clearer. I felt like this movie in the series, much like most of the cast, was unnecessary. I see it as more of a stepping stone to more of the answers and Alien lore that I, as a geek, desperately want want.
Dark Shadows
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have made quite a few thing over the years together, several of them very good. However, this is not one of them. This is a revival of an old soap opera of the same name. In this version a wealthy young man slights a witch who curses him to be a vampire. This curse appears to overflow to the rest of his family who has all but lost his fortune when he is brought forth from his grave and begins to re-establish his family's fortune.
With the cast this movie had, I am stunned at how little I liked it. Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, and Helena Bonham Carter. Can I just say how much I really enjoy Helena. I think she is generally awesome, but ,Tim, You don't have to put her in everything. People have things they should do and shouldn't. She's great, just not in everything. I was also talking with a buddy of mine about why Michelle Pfeiffer doesn't do more things. But then he named off a couple of her more recent projects, and we realized she probably doesn't because the newer things she picks are crap. So I wouldn't either. Chloe Grace Mortez's character was a bit awkward. She is this weird overly sexualized young girl, that at one point they even mention her touching herself and sounding like a cat. Yeah, we (the audience) don't need that.
The biggest problem with this movie is that it is nothing. It's not funny, scary, gory, or intriguing. It is NOTHING. It isn't even family friendly because of drug use. All the entertaining parts are in the preview, and for some reason they are less good in the feature. Boring is a adequate statement since it has and does nothing to try and keep your interest.
Continuity is a slight issue it has as well. Depp being a vampire cannot go into the sunlight. A fact that they exploit more than once in the movie. One instance Depp even bursts into flames from light through a window. But for some reason he can put on a hat and sunglasses and go outside with no fire. Kinda lame.
I don't know how bad the old Dark Shadows was, but there is no way it was worse than this. good director, better than average cast, bad movie.
With the cast this movie had, I am stunned at how little I liked it. Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, and Helena Bonham Carter. Can I just say how much I really enjoy Helena. I think she is generally awesome, but ,Tim, You don't have to put her in everything. People have things they should do and shouldn't. She's great, just not in everything. I was also talking with a buddy of mine about why Michelle Pfeiffer doesn't do more things. But then he named off a couple of her more recent projects, and we realized she probably doesn't because the newer things she picks are crap. So I wouldn't either. Chloe Grace Mortez's character was a bit awkward. She is this weird overly sexualized young girl, that at one point they even mention her touching herself and sounding like a cat. Yeah, we (the audience) don't need that.
The biggest problem with this movie is that it is nothing. It's not funny, scary, gory, or intriguing. It is NOTHING. It isn't even family friendly because of drug use. All the entertaining parts are in the preview, and for some reason they are less good in the feature. Boring is a adequate statement since it has and does nothing to try and keep your interest.
Continuity is a slight issue it has as well. Depp being a vampire cannot go into the sunlight. A fact that they exploit more than once in the movie. One instance Depp even bursts into flames from light through a window. But for some reason he can put on a hat and sunglasses and go outside with no fire. Kinda lame.
I don't know how bad the old Dark Shadows was, but there is no way it was worse than this. good director, better than average cast, bad movie.
Men In Black 3
In my ever so humble opinion Men in Black 3 is one of those series that each of the films is a good as the last. They all bring something unique to the universe is live in. In this episode, an intergalactic bad guy escapes prison then travels back in time to kill K, the agent to imprisoned him, and J must go back in time to stop him.
Somehow the Men in Black franchise continues to get an excellent cast for their movies. As always Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are J and old K. They are they typical odd couple that make a great team. They have really good chemistry together, and Will is funny as always. To play Young K they have brought in Josh Brolin who is a spot on Tommy Lee Jones impersonator. The chemistry tat Tommy and Will have carries over to Josh. All the interactions and mannerisms that we love about the characters are brought out once again. One of my favorite new character actors is Jemaine Clement, he is Boris the Animal. He brings this weird creepy wackiness to the character that is needs, He is really starting to grow in me. Emma Thompson, Alice Eve, and Bill Hader all poke their heads in and get a little face time. Ijust with Rip Torn would have still been involved
The special effects and make up have been good through the series. And this is no exception. Boris is an animal with his teeth, eyes, and hair. They do an excellent job with of of the back ground aliens. Unique and interesting. And the 3D effects (mostly in the beginning mind you) were also very good. Plenty of glass and bursting aliens were all up in your face. Boris has this little barb shooting alien that lives in his hand that is both gross looking and awesome. And in IMAX when they time jump. It really trips you out because the size really makes you feel like you are taking the leap with him.
This is another action packed fun trip with our brothers in Black. It even has a couple meaningful bits that people who live the series will really enjoy. Men in Black 3 is a welcome adition to the series that brings back what those of who like the series enjoy.
Somehow the Men in Black franchise continues to get an excellent cast for their movies. As always Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are J and old K. They are they typical odd couple that make a great team. They have really good chemistry together, and Will is funny as always. To play Young K they have brought in Josh Brolin who is a spot on Tommy Lee Jones impersonator. The chemistry tat Tommy and Will have carries over to Josh. All the interactions and mannerisms that we love about the characters are brought out once again. One of my favorite new character actors is Jemaine Clement, he is Boris the Animal. He brings this weird creepy wackiness to the character that is needs, He is really starting to grow in me. Emma Thompson, Alice Eve, and Bill Hader all poke their heads in and get a little face time. Ijust with Rip Torn would have still been involved
The special effects and make up have been good through the series. And this is no exception. Boris is an animal with his teeth, eyes, and hair. They do an excellent job with of of the back ground aliens. Unique and interesting. And the 3D effects (mostly in the beginning mind you) were also very good. Plenty of glass and bursting aliens were all up in your face. Boris has this little barb shooting alien that lives in his hand that is both gross looking and awesome. And in IMAX when they time jump. It really trips you out because the size really makes you feel like you are taking the leap with him.
This is another action packed fun trip with our brothers in Black. It even has a couple meaningful bits that people who live the series will really enjoy. Men in Black 3 is a welcome adition to the series that brings back what those of who like the series enjoy.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Avengers
The biggest movie of the summer so far is The Avengers. And for good reason. It delivers. Action, adventure, and lots of explosions.
For years Marvel has been developing it's comic book lore through film for those of us who haven't been steeped in the books. It all comes together here in the fantastically entertaining Avengers.
(Minor Spoilers) Basically Loki (Tom Hiddleston) desires to rule the Earth, and brings an intergalactic army to conquer it. And the the planets only hope for total domination is Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Code named The Avengers by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and S.H.I.E.L.D.
The only new actor to the series is Ruffalo. Who did his work as Dr. Banner and The Hulk. He still portrays this disdain for the "monster" inside him. And when it comes time for "HULK SMASH!", Hulk smashes it's face in like a boss. Makes me love the Hulk again.
Everyone Else was just as good as they were in there individual pictures. Evans is the Captain we all want. Good, honest, and true. The only thing I would like better from the character would be his abilities need to be turned up a notch. In The Incredible Hulk Tim Roth's character Manages the Hulk for a while by himself. I just don't get the feeling that out beloved Captain could do the same. Strong and capable he is he is, but a bit lacking.
Iron Man/ Tony Stark is still the coolest man on the planet, and he knows it. From all his too cool one liners, to his override of the com systems where he blasts AC/DC. He is the cool guy that everyone wants to hang out with.
Thor is a major component in this film because it is his brother that is causing all the mischief. Hemsworth is big, strong, and tough. He is just as regal and dashing as ever, being the god of thunder and all. I would have LOVED for Natalie Portman to have actually been in this movie, but you can't always get what you want.
That just leaves are mortals. Black Widow and Hawkeye are the totally unaugmented members of our group. They hold their own. Widow is used to handling her business in the shadows but brings it to the front line. And Hawkeye has such a wonderful set of skills that put out peoples eyes.
Sam L. as Fury gets to see plenty of action. gun play galore. For a guy with one eye, and nodepth prception as we know it, he is a relly good shot
The A#1 of ouR huams is Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg). He doesn't have all the training or toys that the other agents have, but he gets his hero work done. All while being a total fanboy and all around cool cat.
Being such a special effects heavy movie I expected there to be more problems, but there was very rarely a focus on something that wasn't done well. And there are plenty of of opportunities to screw it up,but the keep it as tight as you can reasonably expect.
It has a really good tempo also. It doesn't let itself get bogged down with to heavy of a story. It has serious moments, but always lightens the mood with some awesome hero banter. It mostly expects you to have seen the other films, but they do throw back to the other movies (which I like) to help you along without over doing it.
The Avengers is just a fun movie for the Superhero lover in all of us. In IMAX 3D it is just so much fun. If you can tear yourself away from the real word and go to a place where superheros are everywhere that is also fun for the family, then this is where you should go.
For years Marvel has been developing it's comic book lore through film for those of us who haven't been steeped in the books. It all comes together here in the fantastically entertaining Avengers.
(Minor Spoilers) Basically Loki (Tom Hiddleston) desires to rule the Earth, and brings an intergalactic army to conquer it. And the the planets only hope for total domination is Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Code named The Avengers by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and S.H.I.E.L.D.
The only new actor to the series is Ruffalo. Who did his work as Dr. Banner and The Hulk. He still portrays this disdain for the "monster" inside him. And when it comes time for "HULK SMASH!", Hulk smashes it's face in like a boss. Makes me love the Hulk again.
Everyone Else was just as good as they were in there individual pictures. Evans is the Captain we all want. Good, honest, and true. The only thing I would like better from the character would be his abilities need to be turned up a notch. In The Incredible Hulk Tim Roth's character Manages the Hulk for a while by himself. I just don't get the feeling that out beloved Captain could do the same. Strong and capable he is he is, but a bit lacking.
Iron Man/ Tony Stark is still the coolest man on the planet, and he knows it. From all his too cool one liners, to his override of the com systems where he blasts AC/DC. He is the cool guy that everyone wants to hang out with.
Thor is a major component in this film because it is his brother that is causing all the mischief. Hemsworth is big, strong, and tough. He is just as regal and dashing as ever, being the god of thunder and all. I would have LOVED for Natalie Portman to have actually been in this movie, but you can't always get what you want.
That just leaves are mortals. Black Widow and Hawkeye are the totally unaugmented members of our group. They hold their own. Widow is used to handling her business in the shadows but brings it to the front line. And Hawkeye has such a wonderful set of skills that put out peoples eyes.
Sam L. as Fury gets to see plenty of action. gun play galore. For a guy with one eye, and nodepth prception as we know it, he is a relly good shot
The A#1 of ouR huams is Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg). He doesn't have all the training or toys that the other agents have, but he gets his hero work done. All while being a total fanboy and all around cool cat.
Being such a special effects heavy movie I expected there to be more problems, but there was very rarely a focus on something that wasn't done well. And there are plenty of of opportunities to screw it up,but the keep it as tight as you can reasonably expect.
It has a really good tempo also. It doesn't let itself get bogged down with to heavy of a story. It has serious moments, but always lightens the mood with some awesome hero banter. It mostly expects you to have seen the other films, but they do throw back to the other movies (which I like) to help you along without over doing it.
The Avengers is just a fun movie for the Superhero lover in all of us. In IMAX 3D it is just so much fun. If you can tear yourself away from the real word and go to a place where superheros are everywhere that is also fun for the family, then this is where you should go.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
American Reunion
This movie had a place on my blog before it ever existed. I remember sneaking in to see American Pie with a buddy of mine while we were on vacation with my grandparents. Ah, good times... noodle salad.
Anyways. This movie is only for people who grew up with the other films. Not the "Band Camp" or "Naked Mile" either. I mean American Pie 1,2, and Wedding. This movie reunites us with our long lost friends greading up for their late 10 year reunion.
Everybody comes back for the reunion. Jim (Jason Biggs), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Vicky (Tara Reid), Stifler (Sean William-Scott), Heather (Mina Suvari), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), The Milf Guys, Shermanator, Nadia, Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy), and even Stifler's Mom. Which is awesome.
Almost all the jokes revolve around our past experiences with these characters. So if you haven't seen the old ones (DO) then don't waste your time. You won't care about any of this. Some of the jokes aged better than others.
The sound track was the sound track of my youth, and every time I would notice a new song I remembered all the same junk this movie wants you to remember. Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, Chumbawumba. Yeah, I dug it.
It was a reliving of the memories of years past with poop jokes, sexual tensions, and awkward moments. Just like I remember.
It also has those weird sweet moments that the others had. You don't really see until they are there. Like the freindships, or Jim and Michelles relationship. It really kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. even admist all the dirty humor.
This movie is just for us whom American Pie was their "teen-sex comedy". If it wasn't yours then don't bother, but me and my generation will love it for what it was as well as is.
Memories....
Anyways. This movie is only for people who grew up with the other films. Not the "Band Camp" or "Naked Mile" either. I mean American Pie 1,2, and Wedding. This movie reunites us with our long lost friends greading up for their late 10 year reunion.
Everybody comes back for the reunion. Jim (Jason Biggs), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Vicky (Tara Reid), Stifler (Sean William-Scott), Heather (Mina Suvari), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), The Milf Guys, Shermanator, Nadia, Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy), and even Stifler's Mom. Which is awesome.
Almost all the jokes revolve around our past experiences with these characters. So if you haven't seen the old ones (DO) then don't waste your time. You won't care about any of this. Some of the jokes aged better than others.
The sound track was the sound track of my youth, and every time I would notice a new song I remembered all the same junk this movie wants you to remember. Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, Chumbawumba. Yeah, I dug it.
It was a reliving of the memories of years past with poop jokes, sexual tensions, and awkward moments. Just like I remember.
It also has those weird sweet moments that the others had. You don't really see until they are there. Like the freindships, or Jim and Michelles relationship. It really kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. even admist all the dirty humor.
This movie is just for us whom American Pie was their "teen-sex comedy". If it wasn't yours then don't bother, but me and my generation will love it for what it was as well as is.
Memories....
The Three Stooges (2012)
Again I preface this by noting the "2012". The Three Stooges are an icon trio of comedy, and if you do not know who they are then quit reading and go away. I do not want to be your friend.
I had made up my mind about this movie before I went to watch it. I knew there was no way that this movie could not suck. It was a remake, and a remake of icons of the industry. It had to suck. And it wasn't terrible. I liked it. For several reasons.
This movie knows what it is, and that it had an insurmountable mountain to climb. But they made a good go at it. I watched a mini marathon of the Stooges on AMC the night before watching this movie. Do you know what this movie was? More of an homage than a remake. Everyone seemed to work very hard to make this as much like the originals in modern times as possible. It was even broken up in to episodes. It is good, old fashion, obvious, slap stick humor. It was directed in such a way as to show the art of what their predecessors did before them, and acted to augment that direction.
Our Stooges Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso), and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) were all just mirror images of the past. their chemistry and fluidity was wonderful. Who impressed me more than them was the little them played by:Lance Chantiles-Wertz, Robert Capron, Skyler Gisondo respectively. These young gentlemen did not get that much time, but made good use of the time they had.
This movie is dumb, goofy, and slapstick. Despite its many modern follies, again I liked it. Cause that is not what i thought it was about. If you don't like the Stooges or sight gags, then pass. However if you are student (like myself) of all things comedy watch, remember, enjoy.
I had made up my mind about this movie before I went to watch it. I knew there was no way that this movie could not suck. It was a remake, and a remake of icons of the industry. It had to suck. And it wasn't terrible. I liked it. For several reasons.
This movie knows what it is, and that it had an insurmountable mountain to climb. But they made a good go at it. I watched a mini marathon of the Stooges on AMC the night before watching this movie. Do you know what this movie was? More of an homage than a remake. Everyone seemed to work very hard to make this as much like the originals in modern times as possible. It was even broken up in to episodes. It is good, old fashion, obvious, slap stick humor. It was directed in such a way as to show the art of what their predecessors did before them, and acted to augment that direction.
Our Stooges Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso), and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) were all just mirror images of the past. their chemistry and fluidity was wonderful. Who impressed me more than them was the little them played by:Lance Chantiles-Wertz, Robert Capron, Skyler Gisondo respectively. These young gentlemen did not get that much time, but made good use of the time they had.
This movie is dumb, goofy, and slapstick. Despite its many modern follies, again I liked it. Cause that is not what i thought it was about. If you don't like the Stooges or sight gags, then pass. However if you are student (like myself) of all things comedy watch, remember, enjoy.
21 Jump Street (2012)
I put the "2012" notation on this just in case there are audience members who do not know that this is a reboot from the 80's.
Now that that is out of the way I can just say how much fun I had at this movie. Basic idea is that two less than stellar cops are reassigned to a revived program to help bring down a growing drug ring.
I had started to miss the Jonah Hill of old. He comes roaring back with all the one liners and hilarity you would hope for. The one that surprised me was Channing Tatum he let himself be funny and he was. Hill and Tatum also had a good buddy vibe. Which was the driving force of this story.
Our very adorable female lead was Brie Larson. She is our kind hearted, obviously was more than just naive, love interest for Jonah.
There is of course Dave Franco (we can just do away with James, now. We have his clone), Booze Cruise to me and my crew (Rob Riggle) who is always hilarious, Ice Cube, Ellie Kemper, and a new favorite of mine Mr. Jake M. Johnson. All of these people round out a very entertaining cast.
What sold this movie the most to me is that the people who made this movie know that you are thinking, "Great another BS remake." And they embrace that vibe and make fun of themselves. They make fun of themselves almsot the entire time, because not only is it a gap between original and new. But also in Hill and Tatum and their new friends.
All things considered this is how I like my remakes. As original as it can be, and funny in the same measure.
Now that that is out of the way I can just say how much fun I had at this movie. Basic idea is that two less than stellar cops are reassigned to a revived program to help bring down a growing drug ring.
I had started to miss the Jonah Hill of old. He comes roaring back with all the one liners and hilarity you would hope for. The one that surprised me was Channing Tatum he let himself be funny and he was. Hill and Tatum also had a good buddy vibe. Which was the driving force of this story.
Our very adorable female lead was Brie Larson. She is our kind hearted, obviously was more than just naive, love interest for Jonah.
There is of course Dave Franco (we can just do away with James, now. We have his clone), Booze Cruise to me and my crew (Rob Riggle) who is always hilarious, Ice Cube, Ellie Kemper, and a new favorite of mine Mr. Jake M. Johnson. All of these people round out a very entertaining cast.
What sold this movie the most to me is that the people who made this movie know that you are thinking, "Great another BS remake." And they embrace that vibe and make fun of themselves. They make fun of themselves almsot the entire time, because not only is it a gap between original and new. But also in Hill and Tatum and their new friends.
All things considered this is how I like my remakes. As original as it can be, and funny in the same measure.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Hunger Games
This weekend I jumped on the big movie band wagon and headed out to see The Hunger Games. The gist is that in the future the wealthy government picks 2 teenagers from each of the apparently much less fortunate 12 districts that make up the country. These 24 young people are put in an arena to fight to the death on national television. And one girl makes a difference. And for the most part I enjoyed it.
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is our main character from district 12. She is our kind hearted warrior who's heart and good nature help her to her ends. Ms. Lawrence does this very well. She is Strong and vulnerable. Likable yet distant. I think she shows the angles of this character well.
Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark. Peeta is our strong male counterpart from district 12. He is OK. He seems a bit awkward at times. Which may have been the intent, but not knowing more about the character/story makes it seem out of place. But he does have his moments of clarity where his character has more substance.
The supporting cast also does add a good bit to the film. Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Sutherland as the president.They all do a rather good job a bringing a special individuality to their character. Makes you feel like they need to be there. regardless of how small of a part they play.
There are a few minor technical things that I didn't like. For instance, there are a few times where they do the shaky action camera. And it can have its purpose, but I am here to watch a movie. I cannot do that when you shake the camera so much. This is not a big special effects movie. So when you have it, it should be perfect. However, There are these giant dog things. I am pretty sure that the same people who did Twilight's werewolves did these dogs. cause they were not as good as they should have been. The just looked to fake. Served their purpose, but took my attention in a bad way.
The story is what this movie originated from, and as for its translation from book to film I cannot say. I have not read the book. But I liked it, and more importantly where it is going. The early portions felt a little dry for me. I would have liked to have a little more history on my characters and their situation. Now I still liked them, and was invested in their situation. So it wasn't a deal breaker, but again I would have like a little more back ground. I think that subsequent viewings and even the sequel will make me like this even more because I will know more about my characters and their situation, and thus be able to invest more emotionally with them.
Compliment sandwich folks! The people I know that have read the books have loved this, and the people that have not have liked it. So it must not be terrible. I am off to watch a movie on a book I have read. HARRY POTTER LIKE A MAN! And may the odds be ever in my favor...
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is our main character from district 12. She is our kind hearted warrior who's heart and good nature help her to her ends. Ms. Lawrence does this very well. She is Strong and vulnerable. Likable yet distant. I think she shows the angles of this character well.
Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark. Peeta is our strong male counterpart from district 12. He is OK. He seems a bit awkward at times. Which may have been the intent, but not knowing more about the character/story makes it seem out of place. But he does have his moments of clarity where his character has more substance.
The supporting cast also does add a good bit to the film. Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Sutherland as the president.They all do a rather good job a bringing a special individuality to their character. Makes you feel like they need to be there. regardless of how small of a part they play.
There are a few minor technical things that I didn't like. For instance, there are a few times where they do the shaky action camera. And it can have its purpose, but I am here to watch a movie. I cannot do that when you shake the camera so much. This is not a big special effects movie. So when you have it, it should be perfect. However, There are these giant dog things. I am pretty sure that the same people who did Twilight's werewolves did these dogs. cause they were not as good as they should have been. The just looked to fake. Served their purpose, but took my attention in a bad way.
The story is what this movie originated from, and as for its translation from book to film I cannot say. I have not read the book. But I liked it, and more importantly where it is going. The early portions felt a little dry for me. I would have liked to have a little more history on my characters and their situation. Now I still liked them, and was invested in their situation. So it wasn't a deal breaker, but again I would have like a little more back ground. I think that subsequent viewings and even the sequel will make me like this even more because I will know more about my characters and their situation, and thus be able to invest more emotionally with them.
Compliment sandwich folks! The people I know that have read the books have loved this, and the people that have not have liked it. So it must not be terrible. I am off to watch a movie on a book I have read. HARRY POTTER LIKE A MAN! And may the odds be ever in my favor...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Artist
There was a reason that movies went from being silent to talkies. And after watching The Artist, I am not sure why they didn't continue to make silent films for longer than they did.
What this movies does with only "mugging" (as they call it) is tell a very good and engaging story. A story of a huge silent star to struggles with the inevitable change to talkies. You sympathize with our male lead George (Jean Dujardin) who spends his fortune and sanity trying to fight the future. While the female star of our show, Peppy (Berenice Bejo), embraces the talkies and becomes the next big thing. And with a supporting cast that includes John Goodman, James Cromwell, and Malcolm McDowell it just rounds out it cast that quiteltly acts out a winner. And I can't forget the adorable little dog is soo cute!
The music of this fine film plays wonderfully in sync with the tone of the scenes. It fills the void that the voices of the actors would usually fill, that completes the mood of the scene. Having said that the absence of music resonates as loud as any spoken line could when times of seriousness arise.There is one scene with sound that sourrounded by the rest of the movie makes for a truey surreal and trippy experience that i thought added a nice edge a feel to the movie.
There are so many good things to say about this movie. Good story telling, good acting, and good music. It is a fantastic tribute to the foundation of which the movie we love were built on. As much as Hugo was a love letter to the movies. I think this movie was equally such a letter. I highly recomend to anyone who truely loves and entertainging movie.
What this movies does with only "mugging" (as they call it) is tell a very good and engaging story. A story of a huge silent star to struggles with the inevitable change to talkies. You sympathize with our male lead George (Jean Dujardin) who spends his fortune and sanity trying to fight the future. While the female star of our show, Peppy (Berenice Bejo), embraces the talkies and becomes the next big thing. And with a supporting cast that includes John Goodman, James Cromwell, and Malcolm McDowell it just rounds out it cast that quiteltly acts out a winner. And I can't forget the adorable little dog is soo cute!
The music of this fine film plays wonderfully in sync with the tone of the scenes. It fills the void that the voices of the actors would usually fill, that completes the mood of the scene. Having said that the absence of music resonates as loud as any spoken line could when times of seriousness arise.There is one scene with sound that sourrounded by the rest of the movie makes for a truey surreal and trippy experience that i thought added a nice edge a feel to the movie.
There are so many good things to say about this movie. Good story telling, good acting, and good music. It is a fantastic tribute to the foundation of which the movie we love were built on. As much as Hugo was a love letter to the movies. I think this movie was equally such a letter. I highly recomend to anyone who truely loves and entertainging movie.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Act Of Valor
This is one of those movies that I am proud to have gone and seen. There are many things technically wrong with this movie, BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT. The point of this film is to show the unparalleled bravery and commitment that our servicemen exhibit. And because of that there will be no credit links in this post. In making its point of valor, this movie is a complete success..
It begins with showing how these are real people. Men who have families, friends, and lives. Lives that they have given to the service of their country. A service not in as a judge, or a congressman. But a warrior who, by the very nature of their job, has to kill or be killed for a living.
The film then jumps in to the action. The very cruel nature and use of terror is shown with the blowing up of an ice cream truck at a school and escalates from there. The SEAL team is then called into action.The actions scenes are fast efficient and brutal. Every action movie should be done this way. The actions shots are engaging. They put you in the middle of the action.You'll get no clever lines and no frills. Just real tough men doing real tough work. With silent kills, in your face dog fights, and car chases this movie delivers. And the heroes are not supermen. They are just as able to be wounded and the next man, and it happens. The fact that they have real servicemen participating make all of the actions scenes pop, and takes them all to the next level.
The very real nature and truth in the story is what makes this movie so compelling. The acting is not fabulous, but the fact that the story is a retelling of actual events that actual people did make it every enthralling. It makes you proud of every single serving soldier.
On a personal note. There is no way that these men and women are getting compensated nearly enough for putting their lives on the line. I vote for taking the politicians money to pay these fantastic men more. Since they do actual work and risk actual limb.
In conclusion this movie, despite it dark subject, is a feel good movie. It fills you with pride for your country and pride in the military. This real story of service just blows away any technical complaints I may have had. Thank you to all those who serve our country. You not only keep us safe, but others around the world safe. The world is a better place with you in it. God bless you.
It begins with showing how these are real people. Men who have families, friends, and lives. Lives that they have given to the service of their country. A service not in as a judge, or a congressman. But a warrior who, by the very nature of their job, has to kill or be killed for a living.
The film then jumps in to the action. The very cruel nature and use of terror is shown with the blowing up of an ice cream truck at a school and escalates from there. The SEAL team is then called into action.The actions scenes are fast efficient and brutal. Every action movie should be done this way. The actions shots are engaging. They put you in the middle of the action.You'll get no clever lines and no frills. Just real tough men doing real tough work. With silent kills, in your face dog fights, and car chases this movie delivers. And the heroes are not supermen. They are just as able to be wounded and the next man, and it happens. The fact that they have real servicemen participating make all of the actions scenes pop, and takes them all to the next level.
The very real nature and truth in the story is what makes this movie so compelling. The acting is not fabulous, but the fact that the story is a retelling of actual events that actual people did make it every enthralling. It makes you proud of every single serving soldier.
On a personal note. There is no way that these men and women are getting compensated nearly enough for putting their lives on the line. I vote for taking the politicians money to pay these fantastic men more. Since they do actual work and risk actual limb.
In conclusion this movie, despite it dark subject, is a feel good movie. It fills you with pride for your country and pride in the military. This real story of service just blows away any technical complaints I may have had. Thank you to all those who serve our country. You not only keep us safe, but others around the world safe. The world is a better place with you in it. God bless you.
Friday, February 24, 2012
A View To A Kill
Sadly, I haven't been to see a new movie in a while so I am going to just blog it up about an older movie I have re-watched. And most recently I have watched "A View To A Kill". IMDB has this rated at a 6.2. And I really don't like to give number ratings because I feel like they change over time, but in this case I like it. Because it is just slightly better than average. It has everything I want from a Bond film. Beautiful women. lots of action, and a marvelously elaborate world domination scene.
The more I see Roger Moore as 007, the more I like him. A very confident and polished look that suits the character. The female costars Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones fall a little flat in the acting department for me. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was Roberts first performance ever. In which case it would be her last. Because outside of being of very pleasing eye candy I can barely stand her. Grace is better in that she doesn't have to do much acting. Her strong silent character suits her for the majority of the film until the end where she gets betrayed. I let it slide though because I enjoyed her for the other 90 minutes. The one person who I wish we could make a revival in the bond world for is Chistopher Walken. He was the most over the top character, and yet the least goofy. He already has a menacing look like he knows something you don't, and will do whatever it takes to dominate. I feel as though his villain could be taken from this Bond and put into a more modern serious Bond and still work.
From underwater, to over the Golden Gate Bridge, this Bond try to continuously out-do itself with action. It does for the most part. A final encounter on the top of the bridge is a nail biter. Even the goofy horse race scene the Zorin rigs the hurdles is fun to watch. They all play well up to the main plot which is to flood Silicon Valley and corner the computer chip market.
Having said all of these good things I have to end on a bad. It is just too goofy. There is a fun cool element to 007 movies, that I don't think this one exactly captures. This one is too much fun. It is very entertaining, however I just feel it misses on those almost real moments that James needs. Be it with his female co-star or villain.
All in all again this is slightly over average. Could be my love for this franchise or just my love for Mr. Walken.
The more I see Roger Moore as 007, the more I like him. A very confident and polished look that suits the character. The female costars Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones fall a little flat in the acting department for me. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was Roberts first performance ever. In which case it would be her last. Because outside of being of very pleasing eye candy I can barely stand her. Grace is better in that she doesn't have to do much acting. Her strong silent character suits her for the majority of the film until the end where she gets betrayed. I let it slide though because I enjoyed her for the other 90 minutes. The one person who I wish we could make a revival in the bond world for is Chistopher Walken. He was the most over the top character, and yet the least goofy. He already has a menacing look like he knows something you don't, and will do whatever it takes to dominate. I feel as though his villain could be taken from this Bond and put into a more modern serious Bond and still work.
From underwater, to over the Golden Gate Bridge, this Bond try to continuously out-do itself with action. It does for the most part. A final encounter on the top of the bridge is a nail biter. Even the goofy horse race scene the Zorin rigs the hurdles is fun to watch. They all play well up to the main plot which is to flood Silicon Valley and corner the computer chip market.
Having said all of these good things I have to end on a bad. It is just too goofy. There is a fun cool element to 007 movies, that I don't think this one exactly captures. This one is too much fun. It is very entertaining, however I just feel it misses on those almost real moments that James needs. Be it with his female co-star or villain.
All in all again this is slightly over average. Could be my love for this franchise or just my love for Mr. Walken.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
When I heard John Hurt, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Tom Hardy had done a movie together I almost wept with joy. Little did I know that these would eventually become sleepy tears. You know, the kind that you get from yawning. The look and feel of the film was very good, but unfortunately pretty pictures won't keep me awake for terribly long. I would like something to listen to. What good does it do to have an epic cast when there is nothing for them to act? How can you have so much story of nothing. Or at least nothing that anyone cares about. Can I have one more arttitic shot of nothing? Please?! Or how about you don't have 1,000 of them? Benedict Cumberbatch, awesome name. This movie makes The Kings Speech look like Casino Royale. Tinker Tailor Soldier ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Monday, January 9, 2012
What Is It?
"What is it" is the best name for this movie. Because that is what I was asking myself almost the entire time. My main quest in viewing this was to have a chance to meet Mr. Crispin Hellion Glover and quite possibly have him sign my Back To The Future box set, and I failed. I did have the pleasure of, before the movie, having Mr. Glover read excerpts from his book accompanied by a slide show. But this is not about slides shows. It's about movies. And It was insaine. I normally try to have a small break down of the plot, but in this case I am unable to come up with one that makes any sense. So here is what my eyes saw: Snails, snail murder, naked monkey head women. King Shirley Temple, Nazi Shirley Temple, Michael Jackson impression, murder, black-face, and puppet shows. Best I can figure from the credits and the Q&A afterwards (needed) this is about propaganda and and internal struggle in the main character Michael Blevis' mind. Why these things are happening or what they mean? No clue. Is there any actual sense of good vs bad or protagonist vs antagonist? Not that I can tell. The one good thing I can say about this is the interesting music choices. Some classical and beautiful, and some super racist. Over all this is supposed to be what he called a "weird movie" with a message. A message that I could not see. The only way any of it can make sense is with the Q&A with Mr. Glover afterward. A mind melting experience into the voids of insanity's depths. But it does, for whatever reason, make me curious of the sequel (How that even makes sense) It's Fine.
CAUTION Naked monkey head women below
CAUTION Naked monkey head women below
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows
The riveting tale of Sherlock and Watson is continues with this installment. The future father of my children, Robert Downey Jr., is again the most eccentric Sherlock Holmes. With his quirks, whit, and disguises steals the show. Jude Law is the incomparable Dr. Watson. Watson and his new bride's lives are at stake when Professor Moriarty uses them as pawns in his game to distract Holmes. Jarred Harris is Moriarty. He does an excellent job at being the twisted, conniving, evil doer he should. Noomi Rapace and Stephen Fry make a good supportive showing.
Now this is not the same as the last movie. To me it is less intellectual. Sherlock is not ahead the entire time. It actually feels more like he is playing from behind. Now there are plenty of twists and turns, however Sherlock has to use his massive intellect to adjust and adapt.
Now, where is has to cut back in thinking it substitutes punching. Lots of punching. And shooting, And action. There is no shortage of Mr. Holmes special Kung Fu and Dr. Watson's physical stylings. It makes for a very entertaining show.
Another thing that really shines are the settings. The dark dank areas, and the lovely bright portions. They are just as important as the actors. They serve their purpose wonderfully.
Robert and Jude have the kind of chemistry that two best friend adventurers should have, and Guy Ritchie tells the tale very well. This sequel does not recreate the original it expounds on it and moves the world of Holmes forward in his conflict of the mind with Professor Moriarty.
Now this is not the same as the last movie. To me it is less intellectual. Sherlock is not ahead the entire time. It actually feels more like he is playing from behind. Now there are plenty of twists and turns, however Sherlock has to use his massive intellect to adjust and adapt.
Now, where is has to cut back in thinking it substitutes punching. Lots of punching. And shooting, And action. There is no shortage of Mr. Holmes special Kung Fu and Dr. Watson's physical stylings. It makes for a very entertaining show.
Another thing that really shines are the settings. The dark dank areas, and the lovely bright portions. They are just as important as the actors. They serve their purpose wonderfully.
Robert and Jude have the kind of chemistry that two best friend adventurers should have, and Guy Ritchie tells the tale very well. This sequel does not recreate the original it expounds on it and moves the world of Holmes forward in his conflict of the mind with Professor Moriarty.
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