Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is Bad Teacher.
Directed by Jake Kasdan.
Written by Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg
Review #126
MPAA Rating: R For some drug use, nudity, sexual content and language.
Runtime: 92 min
Cast
Cameron Diaz - Elizabeth Halsey
Lucy Punch - Amy Squirrel
Jason Segel - Russell Gettis
Justin Timberlake - Scott Delacorte
Phyllis Smith - Lynn Davies
John Michael Higgins - Principal Wally Snur
I know I said my next review was going to be Cars 2. I went to the theater and it was invaded by every kid in the entire state of New York. Seeing all those little ankle biters running around, yelling and screaming gave me instant pause. I decided to wait this one out until the rush calmed down. Luckily for me Bad Teacher was playing just 5 minutes later than the Cars 2 show I showed up for. I was always planning to see this so I figured I'd catch this then see Cars 2 later.
I should have sat with the kids instead.
Plot
A foul-mouthed, junior high teacher who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague. A move that pits her against a well-loved teacher.
Holy cow was this movie BAD! There is so much wrong with this film that I don't even care to get into it in full detail. Let's just say that the plot was ridiculous (even for a comedy) The script was so jumbled and incoherent that it felt like a mash up of different TV show plots put together. This actually made sense since the writers are on the staff of The Office. Considering how far that show has jumped the shark it's a no brainer how Bad Teacher loses it's direction right from the first frame.
The script is so all over the place and stupid that it tries to cover up it's ineptitude by showcasing foul dialogue. It happens in very small doses which makes it even more obvious and lame. I didn't care about any of the characters in fact Cameron Diaz's performance was so wretched that I was hoping her character experienced every bit of harm she could get.
I'm done writing about this. Do yourself a big favor and take my advice on this one and STAY HOME!
On the 5 star scale. Bad Teacher gets the big fat goose egg. 0 stars with a "For The Love Of God, Please Stay Home!" recommendation.
This one might just give The Tourist a run for the Worst Film of 2011.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Cars 2.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Green Lantern
Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is Green Lantern.
Directed by Martin Campbell.
Written by Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim & Michael Goldenberg
Screen Story by Greg Berlanti, Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim
Based on the DC Comics Green Lantern created by Martin Nodell & Bill Finger
Review #125
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of sci-fi action violence
Runtime: 105 min
Cast
Ryan Reynolds - Hal Jordan / Green Lantern
Blake Lively - Carol Ferris
Peter Sarsgaard - Hector Hammond
Mark Strong - Sinestro
Temuera Morrison - Abin Sur
Angela Bassett - Dr. Amanda Waller
Clancy Brown - Parallax (voice)
Amy Carlson - Jessica Jordan
Michael Clarke Duncan - Kilowog (voice)
Paul Parducci - G'Hu (voice)
Ric Reitz - President of the USA
Tim Robbins - Senator Hammond
Geoffrey Rush - Tomar-Re (voice)
Jay O. Sanders - Carl Ferris
There is an oath in the Green Lantern universe that the hero must take before becoming said hero. It goes like this.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight,
Let those who worship evil's might'
Beware my power….Green Lantern's light! "
If DC Comics were to apply that same oath when it comes to competing with Marvel Studios in the comic book movie world. The oath might sound something like this.
"In my brightest day, and clearest night,
Comic book fans will never understand our plight,
We at DC want to make movies that will surely delight,
But going up against the Marvel Universe....Is clearly an unfair fight!"
It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to figure out that Marvel has the monopoly when it comes to comic book films. You can even make the case that they also have the lion share of popular superheroes. Think about it. When you think of Marvel Comics a whole bunch of names might flow through your head. Now when you think of DC Comics there's just the holy trinity of heroes that instantly hit your brain.
Superman
Batman
Wonder Woman
The rest of the roster just doesn't match up to the Marvel heavyweights or even the lesser known characters. Don't think so? Ask yourself this question. Would you rather see an Aquaman film or a Sub Mariner film?
Case closed.
DC tried to get back into the ring with Superman Returns. OOPS! Then the mastermind graced us with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Nolan's success and vision immediately changed the way DC films are to be judged. It also gave DC the motivation to nut up and start putting their other properties on celluloid. Which brings us to Green Lantern. Just thinking about the name of this character inspires some tongue in cheek giggles. Green Lantern sounds like a character Home Depot made up to sell camping equipment. That being said, with The Dark Knight Rises not out til next year, Zack Snyder's Man of Steel not out until at least 2013 and Wonder Woman & The Flash languishing in development hell, Green Lantern was next on deck. If you recall my last review I boldly commented that this film had no chance of beating Marvel for best comic book film of the summer.
Was I right? Yes. Does that mean Green Lantern is a bad movie. Nope.
Plot
A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
Since I had no prior knowledge about the Green Lantern universe going into this, I was very interested to see how entertaining this movie was going to be. I'm happy to say this it is every entertaining. But that entertainment came with a price. A price I thought was too steep to pay for a film of this genre. Green Lantern suffers from poor plot and character development. The root of the story is in place and done well but the secondary plot lines were mishandled and trimmed down to the bare essentials. This was an unfortunate setback and if you need to find the cause of the problem. look no further than the total number of writers the film had.
It is very common in the film world to have multiple writers on a screenplay but Green Lantern went through developmental problems and script re-writes and that's where you get some of the disjointed story and character elements. The movie does the best it can to serve it's main characters but chose to shortchange some others that could have and would have given the story more life. This is even more disappointing knowing that this film is the first of a proposed trilogy. The fact that several pieces to the puzzle are incomplete give this movie a lackluster feel in the characters stage.
Lack of story aside, Green Lantern excels in the action department. Particularly when Hal is using his ring. The presentation of the fights and special effects are well choreographed and seamless to the natural ebb and flow of the scene. The Lantern's suit was also a very impressive looking piece of FX work. For those of you who don't know the Green Lantern suit is 100% CGI and it looked really cool. It's too bad that the action and FX is what stood out here rather than being a supporting partner to the narrative.
The cast is pretty good. Highlighted of course by Ryan Reynolds. Hal Jordan is a wise ass who knows he's good at what he does and Reynolds has the ability to play that kind of character with his eyes closed. From his Van Wilder days to Hannibal King in Blade Trinity to his unique take of the Deadpool character in X Men Origins: Wolverine. Reynolds is the go to guy when you need a dude like that. He's also in peak physical condition which always helps when you're playing a superhero. The rest of the cast just move the story along which you already know wasn't good enough for me.
All told, Green Lantern is a solid, fun film that will entertain you and tide you over until Captain America: The First Avenger graces our screens in July. This character has the potential to create a very profitable franchise for DC once Christopher Nolan hangs up his cape and cowl. I just hope the scribes that have already begun their work on Lantern's 2 and 3 take a step back and learn from this first installment and realize that they need to develop the Lantern storyline and universe. This way geeks like me will walk out of the room feeling more satisfied and excited for the next round.
On the 5 star scale. Green Lantern gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Cars 2. And before you ask I am NOT reviewing Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I swore that I was never going to see another Michael Bay Transformers film again. The only way that film gets reviewed is if somebody pays for my ticket. So if you want me to review that upcoming piece of shit then pony up.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Green Lantern.
Directed by Martin Campbell.
Written by Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim & Michael Goldenberg
Screen Story by Greg Berlanti, Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim
Based on the DC Comics Green Lantern created by Martin Nodell & Bill Finger
Review #125
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of sci-fi action violence
Runtime: 105 min
Cast
Ryan Reynolds - Hal Jordan / Green Lantern
Blake Lively - Carol Ferris
Peter Sarsgaard - Hector Hammond
Mark Strong - Sinestro
Temuera Morrison - Abin Sur
Angela Bassett - Dr. Amanda Waller
Clancy Brown - Parallax (voice)
Amy Carlson - Jessica Jordan
Michael Clarke Duncan - Kilowog (voice)
Paul Parducci - G'Hu (voice)
Ric Reitz - President of the USA
Tim Robbins - Senator Hammond
Geoffrey Rush - Tomar-Re (voice)
Jay O. Sanders - Carl Ferris
There is an oath in the Green Lantern universe that the hero must take before becoming said hero. It goes like this.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight,
Let those who worship evil's might'
Beware my power….Green Lantern's light! "
If DC Comics were to apply that same oath when it comes to competing with Marvel Studios in the comic book movie world. The oath might sound something like this.
"In my brightest day, and clearest night,
Comic book fans will never understand our plight,
We at DC want to make movies that will surely delight,
But going up against the Marvel Universe....Is clearly an unfair fight!"
It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to figure out that Marvel has the monopoly when it comes to comic book films. You can even make the case that they also have the lion share of popular superheroes. Think about it. When you think of Marvel Comics a whole bunch of names might flow through your head. Now when you think of DC Comics there's just the holy trinity of heroes that instantly hit your brain.
Superman
Batman
Wonder Woman
The rest of the roster just doesn't match up to the Marvel heavyweights or even the lesser known characters. Don't think so? Ask yourself this question. Would you rather see an Aquaman film or a Sub Mariner film?
Case closed.
DC tried to get back into the ring with Superman Returns. OOPS! Then the mastermind graced us with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Nolan's success and vision immediately changed the way DC films are to be judged. It also gave DC the motivation to nut up and start putting their other properties on celluloid. Which brings us to Green Lantern. Just thinking about the name of this character inspires some tongue in cheek giggles. Green Lantern sounds like a character Home Depot made up to sell camping equipment. That being said, with The Dark Knight Rises not out til next year, Zack Snyder's Man of Steel not out until at least 2013 and Wonder Woman & The Flash languishing in development hell, Green Lantern was next on deck. If you recall my last review I boldly commented that this film had no chance of beating Marvel for best comic book film of the summer.
Was I right? Yes. Does that mean Green Lantern is a bad movie. Nope.
Plot
A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
Since I had no prior knowledge about the Green Lantern universe going into this, I was very interested to see how entertaining this movie was going to be. I'm happy to say this it is every entertaining. But that entertainment came with a price. A price I thought was too steep to pay for a film of this genre. Green Lantern suffers from poor plot and character development. The root of the story is in place and done well but the secondary plot lines were mishandled and trimmed down to the bare essentials. This was an unfortunate setback and if you need to find the cause of the problem. look no further than the total number of writers the film had.
It is very common in the film world to have multiple writers on a screenplay but Green Lantern went through developmental problems and script re-writes and that's where you get some of the disjointed story and character elements. The movie does the best it can to serve it's main characters but chose to shortchange some others that could have and would have given the story more life. This is even more disappointing knowing that this film is the first of a proposed trilogy. The fact that several pieces to the puzzle are incomplete give this movie a lackluster feel in the characters stage.
Lack of story aside, Green Lantern excels in the action department. Particularly when Hal is using his ring. The presentation of the fights and special effects are well choreographed and seamless to the natural ebb and flow of the scene. The Lantern's suit was also a very impressive looking piece of FX work. For those of you who don't know the Green Lantern suit is 100% CGI and it looked really cool. It's too bad that the action and FX is what stood out here rather than being a supporting partner to the narrative.
The cast is pretty good. Highlighted of course by Ryan Reynolds. Hal Jordan is a wise ass who knows he's good at what he does and Reynolds has the ability to play that kind of character with his eyes closed. From his Van Wilder days to Hannibal King in Blade Trinity to his unique take of the Deadpool character in X Men Origins: Wolverine. Reynolds is the go to guy when you need a dude like that. He's also in peak physical condition which always helps when you're playing a superhero. The rest of the cast just move the story along which you already know wasn't good enough for me.
All told, Green Lantern is a solid, fun film that will entertain you and tide you over until Captain America: The First Avenger graces our screens in July. This character has the potential to create a very profitable franchise for DC once Christopher Nolan hangs up his cape and cowl. I just hope the scribes that have already begun their work on Lantern's 2 and 3 take a step back and learn from this first installment and realize that they need to develop the Lantern storyline and universe. This way geeks like me will walk out of the room feeling more satisfied and excited for the next round.
On the 5 star scale. Green Lantern gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Cars 2. And before you ask I am NOT reviewing Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I swore that I was never going to see another Michael Bay Transformers film again. The only way that film gets reviewed is if somebody pays for my ticket. So if you want me to review that upcoming piece of shit then pony up.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Super 8
Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is Super 8.
Written & Directed by J.J. Abrams.
Review #124
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some nudity
Runtime: 112 min
Cast
Joel Courtney - Joe Lamb
Elle Fanning - Alice Dainard
Ryan Lee - Cary
Zach Mills - Preston
Riley Griffiths - Charles
Gabriel Basso - Martin
Kyle Chandler - Jackson Lamb
Ron Eldard - Louis Dainard
Amanda Michalka - Jen Kaznyk
Glynn Turman - Dr. Woodward
Noah Emmerich - Nelec
Richard T. Jones - Overmyer
Brett Rice - Sheriff Pruitt
J.J. Abrams has become the latest and hottest commodity in Hollywood. His revival of the Mission Impossible franchise and his highly entertaining turn at the Star Trek universe began his ascension to the top of geek lists all over the country. Now comes Super 8. A film first brought to us via trademark Abrams mystery in the form of a very vague yet interesting teaser trailer. Since then the viral campaigns begun and the buzz took off.
I knew instantly that I was going to see this movie despite all the bells and whistles employed to drum up interest. Early reviews marveled at the film's storytelling and visuals. I made the mistake of reading some of these positive reviews because after seeing it I felt the exact opposite about this movie. I thought it was the most overrated film I have seen in a really long time. I was prepared to bash this film into oblivion. Until I took a step back and thought this through. In the end I decided to see it again and now I finally figured out what my problem was.
It wasn't the movie....It was me.
Plot
In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.
The plot written in this review doesn't even scratch the surface to how deep this movie actually is. This was what was bothering me after the 1st viewing. I went in expecting to see a "monster" movie surrounded by a bunch of kids making their own monster movie. That was definitely a big part of Super 8 but it wasn't the biggest. A major story theme here deals with Joe and the loss of his mother. How he struggles to maintain while grieving and being forced to have a real relationship with his father who clearly hasn't been "around" most of his life.
This storyline ladies and gentlemen hit me like a ton of bricks. The real monster in Super 8 wasn't the "thing" that escaped from the train car. It was the gigantic void between Joe and Jackson left behind by the mom/wife. There was a major disconnect between the 2 characters. Jackson doesn't understand why Joe loves to do makeup for his friend Charlie's movie. Joe doesn't understand why Jackson can't just accept that Joe has an interest that doesn't mesh with his.
The situation gets more complicated once Alice joins the fold. And that folks is what makes Super 8 so great. It's the characters. If there's one aspect of film making that Abrams has mastered it's character development. He knows how to get you to care about the characters he creates. He also knows how to get as much out of them so that you can't take your eyes off them when something else is going on. Great performances don't hurt either and Super 8 is full of them. Leading off with Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning. Riley Griffiths makes a very strong case as the show stealer as well.
Another Abrams specialty is nostalgia. Super 8 has been labeled by some as The Goonies meet E.T. That's actually a pretty good comparison with just 1 tiny exception. Super 8 establishes itself as it's own movie. There is just a hint that it homages the old school adventure/monster flicks of the 70's and 80's. The feeling quickly dissipates early on. The mystery surrounding what got out of the train car becomes very intriguing. It becomes even more magnified when the towns people start disappearing. Abrams teases you with tiny flashes of the creature. It's such a great tactic because it drives you to the point of insanity that you don't know what it looks like. In many respects it's similar to how Spielberg unintentionally hid the shark in Jaws. The threat of the monster is much much scarier than the actual BOO! moment. Abrams expertly used tone and patience when ratcheting up the tension.
As always with an Abrams production. Super 8 doesn't skimp on the style. He employs a ton of lens flares throughout the film that may be distracting at first but end up becoming part of the film and a nice cinematic touch. The rest of the special effects are superb. highlighted by the train crash. The destruction seemed to go on forever and the sound was just deafening.
All told. Super 8 is a terrific film that deserves your attention. It blends so mnay different emotions and tells so many stories that it's impossible to take them all in at once. Repeat viewing is necessary and in this case not a bad idea.
On the 5 star scale. Super 8 gets the full house. 5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
J.J. Abrams has once again given us another great cinematic experience. It's a shame he didn't take as much care with Lost as he has with his films.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Green Lantern. Can DC step into the ring and effectively challenge Marvel for the summer's best comic book film? I'm already saying HELL NO! But it's going to be fun finding out.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Super 8.
Written & Directed by J.J. Abrams.
Review #124
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some nudity
Runtime: 112 min
Cast
Joel Courtney - Joe Lamb
Elle Fanning - Alice Dainard
Ryan Lee - Cary
Zach Mills - Preston
Riley Griffiths - Charles
Gabriel Basso - Martin
Kyle Chandler - Jackson Lamb
Ron Eldard - Louis Dainard
Amanda Michalka - Jen Kaznyk
Glynn Turman - Dr. Woodward
Noah Emmerich - Nelec
Richard T. Jones - Overmyer
Brett Rice - Sheriff Pruitt
J.J. Abrams has become the latest and hottest commodity in Hollywood. His revival of the Mission Impossible franchise and his highly entertaining turn at the Star Trek universe began his ascension to the top of geek lists all over the country. Now comes Super 8. A film first brought to us via trademark Abrams mystery in the form of a very vague yet interesting teaser trailer. Since then the viral campaigns begun and the buzz took off.
I knew instantly that I was going to see this movie despite all the bells and whistles employed to drum up interest. Early reviews marveled at the film's storytelling and visuals. I made the mistake of reading some of these positive reviews because after seeing it I felt the exact opposite about this movie. I thought it was the most overrated film I have seen in a really long time. I was prepared to bash this film into oblivion. Until I took a step back and thought this through. In the end I decided to see it again and now I finally figured out what my problem was.
It wasn't the movie....It was me.
Plot
In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.
The plot written in this review doesn't even scratch the surface to how deep this movie actually is. This was what was bothering me after the 1st viewing. I went in expecting to see a "monster" movie surrounded by a bunch of kids making their own monster movie. That was definitely a big part of Super 8 but it wasn't the biggest. A major story theme here deals with Joe and the loss of his mother. How he struggles to maintain while grieving and being forced to have a real relationship with his father who clearly hasn't been "around" most of his life.
This storyline ladies and gentlemen hit me like a ton of bricks. The real monster in Super 8 wasn't the "thing" that escaped from the train car. It was the gigantic void between Joe and Jackson left behind by the mom/wife. There was a major disconnect between the 2 characters. Jackson doesn't understand why Joe loves to do makeup for his friend Charlie's movie. Joe doesn't understand why Jackson can't just accept that Joe has an interest that doesn't mesh with his.
The situation gets more complicated once Alice joins the fold. And that folks is what makes Super 8 so great. It's the characters. If there's one aspect of film making that Abrams has mastered it's character development. He knows how to get you to care about the characters he creates. He also knows how to get as much out of them so that you can't take your eyes off them when something else is going on. Great performances don't hurt either and Super 8 is full of them. Leading off with Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning. Riley Griffiths makes a very strong case as the show stealer as well.
Another Abrams specialty is nostalgia. Super 8 has been labeled by some as The Goonies meet E.T. That's actually a pretty good comparison with just 1 tiny exception. Super 8 establishes itself as it's own movie. There is just a hint that it homages the old school adventure/monster flicks of the 70's and 80's. The feeling quickly dissipates early on. The mystery surrounding what got out of the train car becomes very intriguing. It becomes even more magnified when the towns people start disappearing. Abrams teases you with tiny flashes of the creature. It's such a great tactic because it drives you to the point of insanity that you don't know what it looks like. In many respects it's similar to how Spielberg unintentionally hid the shark in Jaws. The threat of the monster is much much scarier than the actual BOO! moment. Abrams expertly used tone and patience when ratcheting up the tension.
As always with an Abrams production. Super 8 doesn't skimp on the style. He employs a ton of lens flares throughout the film that may be distracting at first but end up becoming part of the film and a nice cinematic touch. The rest of the special effects are superb. highlighted by the train crash. The destruction seemed to go on forever and the sound was just deafening.
All told. Super 8 is a terrific film that deserves your attention. It blends so mnay different emotions and tells so many stories that it's impossible to take them all in at once. Repeat viewing is necessary and in this case not a bad idea.
On the 5 star scale. Super 8 gets the full house. 5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
J.J. Abrams has once again given us another great cinematic experience. It's a shame he didn't take as much care with Lost as he has with his films.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Green Lantern. Can DC step into the ring and effectively challenge Marvel for the summer's best comic book film? I'm already saying HELL NO! But it's going to be fun finding out.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
X Men: First Class
Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is X Men: First Class.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Written by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn.
Screen Story by Sheldon Turner & Bryan Singer
Review #123
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language.
Runtime: 132 min
Cast
James McAvoy - Charles Xavier
Michael Fassbender - Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto
Kevin Bacon - Sebastian Shaw
Rose Byrne - Moira MacTaggert
Jennifer Lawrence - Raven Darkholmme / Mystique
Álex González - Janos Quested / Riptide
Jason Flemyng - Azazel
Zoë Kravitz - Angel Salvadore
January Jones - Emma Frost
Nicholas Hoult - Hank McCoy / Beast
Caleb Landry Jones - Sean Cassidy / Banshee
Edi Gathegi - Armando Muñoz / Darwin
Lucas Till - Alex Summers / Havok
The X-Men franchise like many of today's comic book films went through several phases. The first phase began with anticipation and excitement. X-Men (2000) started the comic book movie revolution that we know today. The film for the most part delivered on expectations. The next development was the inevitable sequel phase. X2: X-Men United was not only a hit. It was better than the first. The final phase was an inferior third film to round out the proposed trilogy of mutant movies. While X-Men I and II did an honorable job of staying faithful to the source material. X-Men: The Last Stand was an abomination to the Dark Phoenix saga that geeks like myself fell in love with as a kid.
Hey Brett Ratner....You will NEVER be forgiven for killing Professor X!!!!
Adding insult to injury. In 2009 we were introduced to a very lackluster and off base take on one of Marvel's most popular characters. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was Marvel's attempt to give the fans a chance to get the bad taste of X3 out of our mouths. It failed to accomplish that. Which leads us to this movie. The announcement of X-Men: First Class immediately sent chills down my spine, and I'm not talking about the good chills. My first thought was reboot. The suits have no fresh X-Men ideas to present us so they have decided to go back to the beginning. Then the trailer hit and I was not impressed at all. I began to ask why are they giving us another X-Men origin story?
Now I ask....Will I ever be able to look at the other films again after seeing this MASTERPIECE!!!!
Plot
Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto and the Professor.
X-Men: First Class in a word is BRILLIANT!!!!
I'll start at the root of this film. The story is a magnificent blend of comic mythology and actual historic events. As expected they took us back to the 60's where Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr were young men developing themselves as well as their friendship. The backdrop of the cold war served as an excellent playground for the newly created X-Men to have their fun. There was a sense of realism felt in this movie that I haven't seen or experienced since Christopher Nolan's Batman revival.
Vaughn and his writing team clearly went back to the drawing board created by X-Men (2000) and grounded this film in as much reality as they could. Considering that the main characters possess other worldly powers and abilities of course. There was a freshness to scenes that we have seen before a million times. An example would be the scene where Xavier and Lehnsherr recruit the kids. It was done with a style and look that doesn't break any ground but was entertaining as hell. This scene was put over the top by an unexpected appearance by a popular person in the Marvel universe.
I dare you not to giggle like a geek when you see it.
Moving on to the cast. My impression of some of the cast was akin to my feelings about the trailer. Very lukewarm. I felt this primarily with the 2 main protagonists. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy just didn't look the part to me. This was an unfair criticism but I couldn't get past it because of the perfect casting of these characters in the previous X-Men films. Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan as the Professor and Magneto respectfully were slam dunks. Fassbender and McAvoy don't resemble what The Professor or Magneto would look like in their later years. It's a good thing I didn't dwell on this. If I had then I would have missed 2 very good performances.
Fassbender and McAvoy presented me with something that lacked in the previous films. Both Xavier and Lehnsherr displayed in full force the humanity that bonded them and the conflict that drove them apart. There was both compassion and hatred exposed among the 2 friends turned foes. It was this dynamic that infected the rest of the cast and allowed them to breathe or not in their own mutant skins. You feel the conflict among all the kids who get recruited to become X-Men. This was an aspect that stayed throughout the film, prevalent by Jennifer Lawrence's performance as Mystique. This gorgeous young woman has a real bright future ahead of her.
Of course what review would this be if I didn't talk about the action.
A friend of mine was lucky enough to see this film at an advance screening and his appraisal of the film was that it was action packed. That it was non stop. As much as I respect his opinion I have to disagree. This film does have more action than the other films in the franchise but it's not the kind of action that you would expect or are used to seeing in films of this sort. I think what separates this film from the other X-Men films is the display of the mutant's powers. You get to see them shake what their momma gave them with a great deal of frequency. This was a very nice touch and a much needed facet to the franchise. X Men: First Class is above anything else an origin story. Let's see the mutant's do their thing. Now having said that, when the real action takes place it's top notch on every level. Presentation, choreography, special effects and editing.
My friend and I may not have seen eye to eye on the abundance of action in this film. We do however, agree on this. X Men: First Class is by far the best film of the franchise and quite possibly the best Marvel film made, supplanting Thor. I can just hear you all starting the debate. Don't get me wrong. I'm conflicted myself. I had a hard time deciding between this and Iron Man. Regardless, as long as debates like this continue to live on, it just means that more great Marvel movies are being made.
That's ALWAYS a good thing....NUFF SAID!!!!
On the 5 star scale. X Men: First Class gets the full house 5 stars. With a well deserved "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
With the success of Thor and now X Men: First Class. Captain America: First Avenger and Green Lantern have a lot of work to do if they want to challenge for the title of best comic book film of 2011. This is a good time to be a fan of comic book movies. The powers that be are learning. Slowly but surely they have figured out that all the fans want to see are their favorite superheroes doing the things they remember when they read the books. As fans, let's just ride this wave and enjoy it because we all know that sooner or later someone will F@#K us and destroy this great momentum we got going right now.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Super 8.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is X Men: First Class.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Written by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn.
Screen Story by Sheldon Turner & Bryan Singer
Review #123
MPAA Rating: PG- 13 For intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language.
Runtime: 132 min
Cast
James McAvoy - Charles Xavier
Michael Fassbender - Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto
Kevin Bacon - Sebastian Shaw
Rose Byrne - Moira MacTaggert
Jennifer Lawrence - Raven Darkholmme / Mystique
Álex González - Janos Quested / Riptide
Jason Flemyng - Azazel
Zoë Kravitz - Angel Salvadore
January Jones - Emma Frost
Nicholas Hoult - Hank McCoy / Beast
Caleb Landry Jones - Sean Cassidy / Banshee
Edi Gathegi - Armando Muñoz / Darwin
Lucas Till - Alex Summers / Havok
The X-Men franchise like many of today's comic book films went through several phases. The first phase began with anticipation and excitement. X-Men (2000) started the comic book movie revolution that we know today. The film for the most part delivered on expectations. The next development was the inevitable sequel phase. X2: X-Men United was not only a hit. It was better than the first. The final phase was an inferior third film to round out the proposed trilogy of mutant movies. While X-Men I and II did an honorable job of staying faithful to the source material. X-Men: The Last Stand was an abomination to the Dark Phoenix saga that geeks like myself fell in love with as a kid.
Hey Brett Ratner....You will NEVER be forgiven for killing Professor X!!!!
Adding insult to injury. In 2009 we were introduced to a very lackluster and off base take on one of Marvel's most popular characters. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was Marvel's attempt to give the fans a chance to get the bad taste of X3 out of our mouths. It failed to accomplish that. Which leads us to this movie. The announcement of X-Men: First Class immediately sent chills down my spine, and I'm not talking about the good chills. My first thought was reboot. The suits have no fresh X-Men ideas to present us so they have decided to go back to the beginning. Then the trailer hit and I was not impressed at all. I began to ask why are they giving us another X-Men origin story?
Now I ask....Will I ever be able to look at the other films again after seeing this MASTERPIECE!!!!
Plot
Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto and the Professor.
X-Men: First Class in a word is BRILLIANT!!!!
I'll start at the root of this film. The story is a magnificent blend of comic mythology and actual historic events. As expected they took us back to the 60's where Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr were young men developing themselves as well as their friendship. The backdrop of the cold war served as an excellent playground for the newly created X-Men to have their fun. There was a sense of realism felt in this movie that I haven't seen or experienced since Christopher Nolan's Batman revival.
Vaughn and his writing team clearly went back to the drawing board created by X-Men (2000) and grounded this film in as much reality as they could. Considering that the main characters possess other worldly powers and abilities of course. There was a freshness to scenes that we have seen before a million times. An example would be the scene where Xavier and Lehnsherr recruit the kids. It was done with a style and look that doesn't break any ground but was entertaining as hell. This scene was put over the top by an unexpected appearance by a popular person in the Marvel universe.
I dare you not to giggle like a geek when you see it.
Moving on to the cast. My impression of some of the cast was akin to my feelings about the trailer. Very lukewarm. I felt this primarily with the 2 main protagonists. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy just didn't look the part to me. This was an unfair criticism but I couldn't get past it because of the perfect casting of these characters in the previous X-Men films. Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan as the Professor and Magneto respectfully were slam dunks. Fassbender and McAvoy don't resemble what The Professor or Magneto would look like in their later years. It's a good thing I didn't dwell on this. If I had then I would have missed 2 very good performances.
Fassbender and McAvoy presented me with something that lacked in the previous films. Both Xavier and Lehnsherr displayed in full force the humanity that bonded them and the conflict that drove them apart. There was both compassion and hatred exposed among the 2 friends turned foes. It was this dynamic that infected the rest of the cast and allowed them to breathe or not in their own mutant skins. You feel the conflict among all the kids who get recruited to become X-Men. This was an aspect that stayed throughout the film, prevalent by Jennifer Lawrence's performance as Mystique. This gorgeous young woman has a real bright future ahead of her.
Of course what review would this be if I didn't talk about the action.
A friend of mine was lucky enough to see this film at an advance screening and his appraisal of the film was that it was action packed. That it was non stop. As much as I respect his opinion I have to disagree. This film does have more action than the other films in the franchise but it's not the kind of action that you would expect or are used to seeing in films of this sort. I think what separates this film from the other X-Men films is the display of the mutant's powers. You get to see them shake what their momma gave them with a great deal of frequency. This was a very nice touch and a much needed facet to the franchise. X Men: First Class is above anything else an origin story. Let's see the mutant's do their thing. Now having said that, when the real action takes place it's top notch on every level. Presentation, choreography, special effects and editing.
My friend and I may not have seen eye to eye on the abundance of action in this film. We do however, agree on this. X Men: First Class is by far the best film of the franchise and quite possibly the best Marvel film made, supplanting Thor. I can just hear you all starting the debate. Don't get me wrong. I'm conflicted myself. I had a hard time deciding between this and Iron Man. Regardless, as long as debates like this continue to live on, it just means that more great Marvel movies are being made.
That's ALWAYS a good thing....NUFF SAID!!!!
On the 5 star scale. X Men: First Class gets the full house 5 stars. With a well deserved "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
With the success of Thor and now X Men: First Class. Captain America: First Avenger and Green Lantern have a lot of work to do if they want to challenge for the title of best comic book film of 2011. This is a good time to be a fan of comic book movies. The powers that be are learning. Slowly but surely they have figured out that all the fans want to see are their favorite superheroes doing the things they remember when they read the books. As fans, let's just ride this wave and enjoy it because we all know that sooner or later someone will F@#K us and destroy this great momentum we got going right now.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Super 8.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
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