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.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
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.
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