With all the hype around “Avatar”, I’m here to set the record straight. Expectations have run high because of “Avatar’s” record-breaking $300 million plus budget and the likes of a big name director James Cameron who was involved in “Titanic”, “Aliens” and “Terminator,” all highly touted science fiction movies.
“Avatar’s” plot is nothing special, original, or anything to get excited about. Imagine a twisted “Pocahontas”/”Fern Gully” with a paraplegic man, Jake Sully, who controls a body of a Na'vi (the natives to the planet), created by scientists called Avatars, to infiltrate the Na'vi clan and get them to leave so the precious metals at the base of it can be harvested. But along the way Sully falls in love with the Na'vi’s way of life and coincidentally, the chief’s daughter. Then, when diplomacy fails and the human military gets involved, Sully needs to take up a side and decides who matters the most to him.
Cameron’s “Avatar” has very impressive CG, much like that of “District 9” but this is expected when $300 million is put into it. The plot is weak and the 3D effects weren’t necessary and didn’t add much; I’d rather have seen it in 2D. Also, the movie runs 2½ hours and dragged at times, not moving the plot forward much at all, although the plot wasn’t completely awful - but I could have been much better. The character’s half CG-ed, half-live acting was without a doubt the strongest point of the movie, intermixing and functioning very well together. A close second to the CG was the cinematography, which at times, was breathtaking. This winter blockbuster failed to live up to all the hype and attention paid to it. Although it was a solid movie, I expected more and because it’s only in 3D, be prepared to spend and extra $3-4 for the glasses.
Overall Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
This Is It
June 25, 2009 the world was shocked as Michael Jackson passed away from a cardiac arrest, leaving the world with Michael Jackson fever. Leading up to MJ’s “This Is It” last string of 50 concerts hundreds of hours of practice and prep was recorded, piece it together and you have “This Is It”. The movie gives you a look behind the scene at Michael Jackson, his back up dancers and singers and a close to perfect view of what MJ had in store for all of his fans. A set that has never been seen before, with tons of special effects and glitz and glamour all cooked up and micro managed my Mr. Jackson himself. This view of Michael Jackson is a very special one, him saving his voice and not singing his heart out, him not entirely dancing an entire scene out and leaving his entire heart on the stage, but still putting it out there. This movie shows all that Michael put into his profession of entertainment, all he put into his work for his fans, wanting to give them the best they’d ever seen. Entirely making sure this was it. Even if you aren’t the biggest MJ fan in the world (unless you absolutely hate him), this is a movie you should consider viewing to see Michael’s amazing talent put into practice and all the hard work and ideas he used and how he effected others with his amazing gifts. “This Is It” is a definite view, without a doubt.
Over All Rating: 8 out of 10
Over All Rating: 8 out of 10
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are
We’ve seen book to movie adaptations all the time in Hollywood, some good (“Lord of the Rings”), some not so good (“The Cat in the Hat”). The only thing about “Where the Wild Things Are” is that it isn’t a 500+ page book where you have to figure out what should be cut, no, “Where the Wild Things Are” consists of 48 pages (less than half of those containing writing) so the plot for the movie had to be tweaked and twisted, for this I was rather impressed with the story that the writers came up with (Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers; Jonze also directed). In the book Max, a single kid (as far as we know) puts on his wolf outfit and raises a ruckus, his mom then sends him to his room with no supper. From his room a forest grows until his entire room is engulfed and a personal boat for him appears where he travels for years on the sea to the land of the wild things. There he uses his magic trick by staring at them in their eyes and telling them, “BE STILL” he is then crowned king. His first decree is for a rumpus to occur and after that he decides he misses home and those who love him. He leaves for food and love from his mother.
The movie takes some liberties as it goes into more detail as to how he gets to the land of the wild things, the stories of the wild things and they’re background (more in depth; as they have names in the movie and are just known as the wild things in the book). Along with this more of the landscape is shown theatrically and most importantly what Max does with the Wild Things once in control is expanded in a different but in a fun way; much in a way you would assume a boy of Max’s age would want to do with the power he has. The cinematography was a beautiful throughout the vast regions of the world of the Wild Things, from the desert to the forest the world that Max explores and encounters throughout his stay making it one of the strongest aspects of this feature. The vibe and way he interacts with the Wild Things is perfect; the main positive aspect of this is that I felt the main theme of the book coming through in the movie as well. But the movie wasn’t all-good I found the movie overly depressing to be classified a “family/children’s movie” (this fact has been much discussed), the movie was very dark as Max doesn’t live a very happy home life and in the land of the Wild Things I found it over all very strange the way some of the movie was carried out, such as how the movie transitioned from one part of the plot to the next (granted they were going off little from the book) and the way the movie ends doesn’t give closer to how the family ends up. I left the movie theater very confused as to whether or not I enjoyed this movie, I knew for sure it wasn’t what I was expecting when I entered the theater but that was okay. Over all I thought the movies positives out weighed the negatives as a whole and was fairly entertained. But definitely would not recommend taking young children to view this or anyone looking to see a mainstream movie. This movie is worth a matinee viewing and maybe full price weekend viewing if you’re interested enough, but don’t expect too much out of this movie.
Over all Rating: 7 out of 10
The movie takes some liberties as it goes into more detail as to how he gets to the land of the wild things, the stories of the wild things and they’re background (more in depth; as they have names in the movie and are just known as the wild things in the book). Along with this more of the landscape is shown theatrically and most importantly what Max does with the Wild Things once in control is expanded in a different but in a fun way; much in a way you would assume a boy of Max’s age would want to do with the power he has. The cinematography was a beautiful throughout the vast regions of the world of the Wild Things, from the desert to the forest the world that Max explores and encounters throughout his stay making it one of the strongest aspects of this feature. The vibe and way he interacts with the Wild Things is perfect; the main positive aspect of this is that I felt the main theme of the book coming through in the movie as well. But the movie wasn’t all-good I found the movie overly depressing to be classified a “family/children’s movie” (this fact has been much discussed), the movie was very dark as Max doesn’t live a very happy home life and in the land of the Wild Things I found it over all very strange the way some of the movie was carried out, such as how the movie transitioned from one part of the plot to the next (granted they were going off little from the book) and the way the movie ends doesn’t give closer to how the family ends up. I left the movie theater very confused as to whether or not I enjoyed this movie, I knew for sure it wasn’t what I was expecting when I entered the theater but that was okay. Over all I thought the movies positives out weighed the negatives as a whole and was fairly entertained. But definitely would not recommend taking young children to view this or anyone looking to see a mainstream movie. This movie is worth a matinee viewing and maybe full price weekend viewing if you’re interested enough, but don’t expect too much out of this movie.
Over all Rating: 7 out of 10
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Zombieland
Zombie apocalypse, human population plummeting and undead rising, the basic premise of every zombie movie not a big surprise “Zombieland” followed suit as well. But unlike other zombie movies before it, “Zombieland” takes a more humorous look 4 people trying to make it through everyday life, enjoying the little things while they’re at it. This action-comedy contains the talents of Tallahassee-Woody Harrelson (“Cheers”), Columbus-Jesse Eisenburg (“Adventureland”), Wichita-Emma Stone (“Superbad”) and Little Rock-Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”)-each being named after where they came from. Tallahassee and Columbus start off in Texas, traveling together. The duo, of Harrelson and Eisenburg, work very well together playing off each other’s personality and balancing the other out perfectly. Harrelson’s character being the crazy shoot ‘em up and Eisenburg the more apprehensive but can still, barely, get the job done way of surviving, added to a decent dose of clumsiness. Columbus working to get back home to see if his family has survived and Tallahassee who is just in search of an ever-elusive Twinkie. They are later joined by Wichita and Little Rock who are trying to make their way to a theme park in Cali. The four-some fight, disagree, laugh, travel and most importantly kill zombies together, all while enjoying the little things.
The comedy that runs throughout the movie is something that has not yet been seen mixed with zombies using American comedy (the closest thing to it being “Shaun of the Dead” which uses British humor). The actors and the characters that they play all tie in very well together allowing for humorous interaction and a revival of Harrelson’s career, showing the movie world that he still has funny left in him. Along with rising comedy younglings Eisenburg and Stone have weird interaction with the gender roles almost flipped in the way that they act. Judging from previews you wouldn’t think much of this movie but it’s definitely worth a watch and I guarantee that going into this movie with an open mind you will find yourself laughing, remember you got to enjoy the little things.
Over all rating: 7 out of 10
The comedy that runs throughout the movie is something that has not yet been seen mixed with zombies using American comedy (the closest thing to it being “Shaun of the Dead” which uses British humor). The actors and the characters that they play all tie in very well together allowing for humorous interaction and a revival of Harrelson’s career, showing the movie world that he still has funny left in him. Along with rising comedy younglings Eisenburg and Stone have weird interaction with the gender roles almost flipped in the way that they act. Judging from previews you wouldn’t think much of this movie but it’s definitely worth a watch and I guarantee that going into this movie with an open mind you will find yourself laughing, remember you got to enjoy the little things.
Over all rating: 7 out of 10
3Deeeeeeeeeeeeee
I’m sure we’ve all seen Toy Story (1 and 2), Pixar’s first full-length megahit movie. Well Buzz, Woody and the gang are all back in theaters for 2 weeks (1 week left) but now in 3-D! If you have seen a 3-D movie before Toy Story you may not be super impressed since Toy Story was not originally made for 3-D but still looks pretty solid. The movie itself is not changed and remains the classic it was in ’95 when first released. So even if you’ve seen Toy Story 1 and 2 even if recently it’s well worth your money (price of one ticket for two movies) along with your first look at Toy Story 3 (set to be released 6/18/10). With the same solid movie--being one of Pixar’s best, if not the best--in 3-D and is only around for one more week (although may be released on DVD in 3-D). So get there while you can, take the kids, go with a date or just go by yourself and enjoy one of Pixar’s best in 3-D.
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
3-D Rating: 8 out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
3-D Rating: 8 out of 10
Friday, August 21, 2009
Basterds of the inglorious type
“Inglorious Basterds” takes place throughout WWII (1941-44 in Nazi France) following a group of American-Jewish soldiers—coined “The Basterds” —with one mission. Kill lots of Nazis…as brutally as possible. But seeing as this is Tarantino it just can’t be that simple, a few other stories exist as well (they are broken into 5 different chapters as the movie goes along and later intertwine). The Basterds receive a mission to help in the assassination of all of the German high command, which is attending a German movie premiere at a French theater owned by a French-Jewish girl, Shosanna Dreyfus; who years earlier barely escaped with her life as her family was executed but SS men. With the perfect chance, opportunity lays in the lap of The Basterds and Shosanna with the ability to end the war, if all goes as planned.
Going into this movie my expectations where high. How could this movie not be great? Starring Brad Pitt, Lt. Aldo Raine, an American-Jewish soldier from the south who loves to kill him “some Natzis" leads The Basterds; with a solid actor like this not a bad start, right? The movie even "guest stars" (as introduced in the title) Ryan (B.J. Novak) from the hit NBC show “The Office”. But this all fell short of what I had presumed, “Inglorious Basterds” plot was shaky at times, wasting their time developing The Basterds and then going no where with them later in the movie. This was really upsetting because it would have added interest to the movie to see where these different characters went throughout the movie; but the movie goes a different direction keeping the characters of the Basterds they developed in very minor roles, besides Aldo; who we don’t know much about at all consequently. One thing that did not fall short was Tarantino’s reputation for his obsession with violence, on many occasions the Nazis are killed gruesomely (the worst so being possibly being with a baseball bat) and then scalped by the Basterds (which they show from time to time). So if you’re going to the movie purely for the shoot ‘em up massacre of Nazis you wont be disappointed; just don’t expect anything on the lines of “Saving Private Ryan” or any more accurate WWII era movie. But at times the movie dragged on (overall run time ended up 152 minutes) and the plot slowed down, making you want to get back to the action of the movie because of the lack of interest in the slow moving plot (a bad sign in a movie that tries to develop the plot and not just be another action movie). Over all the movie provided entertainment (although not for those weak of stomach and when I say weak I don’t mean a little blood, I mean defacement) and laughs from time to time provided by Aldo in his almost “Ernest goes to…” acting and comments. Saying this the movie turned out to be just another action movie, this one involving the killing of Nazis surrounded by solid acting a shaky plot. Seeing it once is enough for me. But if you’re looking for a rainy day movie and want to see Nazis being obliterated it’s worth the $5 matinee viewing.
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Not so romantic, comedy
Don’t get the wrong idea that just because this movie is a guy like girl that it’s like every other romantic comedy, “(500) Days of Summer” takes a different-and interesting-look at a relationship between Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) and how they each grow from it. The movie, which flips between the 500 days spent with Summer (in a non-chronological order), starts setting the president for the two’s view on love; Summer taking her parents divorce as to show that life always gets in the way of love, whereas Tom has the view that ones life is not the best until that special person is in ones life. The two meet at work where Summer has just started, moving from Michigan, and then begin their relationship shortly after taking them on a whirlwind of a relationship. Tom believing she’s the one and Summer strictly having fun. Tom looks to his friends and mostly his little sister who not only brings great questions to the table for Tom, but great laughs for the audience. Tom must then figure out what Summer is worth and how to act on all this looking back at it all.
“(500) Days of Summer” surprised me with its great comedy and chemistry between the actors. I found it hard not too laugh one second and then feel bad for Tom the next, the movie does exactly what it tries to, make you invest in the characters. Even though this is a “romantic comedy” it takes a different perspective focusing on the male instead of looking at it from the girls perspective which I found to be interesting and made the movie much more interesting. Over all I actually enjoyed this movie much more than I had expected and although probably not chose to see it again, still thought it was a solid movie.
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
“(500) Days of Summer” surprised me with its great comedy and chemistry between the actors. I found it hard not too laugh one second and then feel bad for Tom the next, the movie does exactly what it tries to, make you invest in the characters. Even though this is a “romantic comedy” it takes a different perspective focusing on the male instead of looking at it from the girls perspective which I found to be interesting and made the movie much more interesting. Over all I actually enjoyed this movie much more than I had expected and although probably not chose to see it again, still thought it was a solid movie.
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Saturday, August 15, 2009
District 9
Hearing all the rave reviews that “District 9” was getting (although I haven’t read any myself), I was slightly surprised when I didn’t think as highly of the movie than I had heard. Sure, the movie was amazingly entertaining with lots of awesome alien weapons, but where it lacked for me was the plot. I felt that it could have definitely been developed more, especially Wikus’ relationship with his wife. One other downside, mainly for the younger kids who see this, is the pervasive language - they aren’t kidding when they say that under the rating, this movie is laced with profanity. Mainly F-bombs, but a few other swear words snuck in there. This said the movie still had major upsides. With only a $30 million production budget, the movie had some of the best special effects and CG that I have ever seen. Teaming up with Weta, who Peter Jackson has seemed to favor (working with them on “Lord of the Rings”, “King Kong” and the upcoming two “Hobbit” movies). The weapons - which were almost Halo reminiscent (some of which could possibly have been used for the movie “Halo” before it was shut down) - and the aliens - which were the best CG I’ve ever seen in a movie, were both prime examples of the amazing special effects. I found myself caring about the CG-ed alien, Christopher, in which the aliens became actors themselves.
Overall, I think this movie is great, just not as fantastic as everyone makes it out to be. I still would recommend this movie to anyone who likes science fiction or action movies. But even if you’re not into these, I’d still recommend this movie if nothing more than to just see how amazing the CG aliens work with the movie. This movie is worth going to in theaters and worth your money.
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Overall, I think this movie is great, just not as fantastic as everyone makes it out to be. I still would recommend this movie to anyone who likes science fiction or action movies. But even if you’re not into these, I’d still recommend this movie if nothing more than to just see how amazing the CG aliens work with the movie. This movie is worth going to in theaters and worth your money.
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Aparthieds rebirth
My next new movie release reviewed will be "District 9". The new Science Fiction movie to be released this Friday (August 14th).
District 9 in the movie is an alien ghetto, where the alien race much different than humans are restricted to. They landed over Johannesburg 28 years ago and are now kept there. The aliens move much like M. Night those in Shyamalan's "Signs" but posses Halo like weapons (which only work when the alien DNA is in contact with it); which a government linked weapon manufacturing company (MNU, aka Multi-National United) would like to get it's hands on. A MNU agent goes to delve a litter deeper in the ghetto and ends up getting some of the alien genetics imbedded in himself through a virus. He is then chased by MNU for research and forced to hide himself in District 9.
This new Sci-Fi thriller should be one of the best this summer in it's category and has been highly recomended. Directed by rookie Neill Blokamp and stars his close friend Sharlto Copley. My review will come soon of the movie so stay posted!
District 9 in the movie is an alien ghetto, where the alien race much different than humans are restricted to. They landed over Johannesburg 28 years ago and are now kept there. The aliens move much like M. Night those in Shyamalan's "Signs" but posses Halo like weapons (which only work when the alien DNA is in contact with it); which a government linked weapon manufacturing company (MNU, aka Multi-National United) would like to get it's hands on. A MNU agent goes to delve a litter deeper in the ghetto and ends up getting some of the alien genetics imbedded in himself through a virus. He is then chased by MNU for research and forced to hide himself in District 9.
This new Sci-Fi thriller should be one of the best this summer in it's category and has been highly recomended. Directed by rookie Neill Blokamp and stars his close friend Sharlto Copley. My review will come soon of the movie so stay posted!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Best Movie so Far this Summer
Seems like so far this summer the highly anticipated movies that have been released have not proven worthy of all the hype; although the box office revenues may disagree. From the recreations of once cartoon shows: "G.I Joe" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" (which also has a hold of the top box office so far this summer) many of the summer movies have consisted of action movies or shoot 'em ups, not proving much more than flashing bangs a “sweet fight scenes”, but lacking greatly in plot, development and overall thoughtfulness.
This said the best movie isn't "Transformers", "Public Enemies", or "Terminator Salvation". And, hey, sorry Potter fanatics, the best movie of the summer doesn't go to "The Half Blood Prince"; which actually turned out to be quiet a disappointment. This summer’s best movie so far goes to a kid’s movie, sorry not "G-Force", which shouldn't even be considered a movie, good grief. The best movie of the summer so far goes out to, Disney Pixar's "Up".
"Up" directed by Pete Docter (the man who directed the earlier Pixar great "Monsters, Inc.” follows an old man Carl Fredricksen, who's lived most of his life in the cities. After his wife, Ellie, passes away Carl decides to take the adventure he'd always promised his wife to South America when he accidently hits a construction worker whose business is encroaching upon his property trying to consume it and take everything he has left. With the help of thousands upon thousands of balloons, Carl and an unexpected stowaway, Russell, in pursuit of his final badge (helping the elderly), fly, with his house to the adventure Carl has always dreamed of doing with Ellie.
"Up" combines humor for both kids and adults (as most Pixar movies have a history of doing) allowing for all age ranges to sit and enjoy this movie, with every joke doing what it's supposed to, make us laugh, "Up" clearly puts itself in a different league than all other movies released this summer, getting laughs without raunchy jokes or laced with profanity. Introducing hilarious characters, combined with a great plot that rivals the best of all Pixar movies created. You find yourself attaching a relating the characters because of the great development generated, you end up caring till the credits role. The movie has no let downs and allows for the movie to be desired to be watched again and again, "Up" not only a cutsey family film, makes you think and leave the theater or your TV room (release date set in November 2009) satisfied knowing that you got not just your moneys worth, but something on a different level than most movies do these days. It gives you a sense of real entertainment, something that should be felt coming out of all good movies.
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
This said the best movie isn't "Transformers", "Public Enemies", or "Terminator Salvation". And, hey, sorry Potter fanatics, the best movie of the summer doesn't go to "The Half Blood Prince"; which actually turned out to be quiet a disappointment. This summer’s best movie so far goes to a kid’s movie, sorry not "G-Force", which shouldn't even be considered a movie, good grief. The best movie of the summer so far goes out to, Disney Pixar's "Up".
"Up" directed by Pete Docter (the man who directed the earlier Pixar great "Monsters, Inc.” follows an old man Carl Fredricksen, who's lived most of his life in the cities. After his wife, Ellie, passes away Carl decides to take the adventure he'd always promised his wife to South America when he accidently hits a construction worker whose business is encroaching upon his property trying to consume it and take everything he has left. With the help of thousands upon thousands of balloons, Carl and an unexpected stowaway, Russell, in pursuit of his final badge (helping the elderly), fly, with his house to the adventure Carl has always dreamed of doing with Ellie.
"Up" combines humor for both kids and adults (as most Pixar movies have a history of doing) allowing for all age ranges to sit and enjoy this movie, with every joke doing what it's supposed to, make us laugh, "Up" clearly puts itself in a different league than all other movies released this summer, getting laughs without raunchy jokes or laced with profanity. Introducing hilarious characters, combined with a great plot that rivals the best of all Pixar movies created. You find yourself attaching a relating the characters because of the great development generated, you end up caring till the credits role. The movie has no let downs and allows for the movie to be desired to be watched again and again, "Up" not only a cutsey family film, makes you think and leave the theater or your TV room (release date set in November 2009) satisfied knowing that you got not just your moneys worth, but something on a different level than most movies do these days. It gives you a sense of real entertainment, something that should be felt coming out of all good movies.
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)