Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps. Directed by Oliver Stone. Written by Allan Loeb & Steven Schiff. Based on characters created by Stanley Weiser and Oliver Stone.
100th review countdown....#83
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language and thematic elements.
Runtime : 133 min
Cast
Michael Douglas - Gordon Gekko
Shia LaBeouf - Jake Moore
Josh Brolin - Bretton James
Carey Mulligan - Winnie Gekko
Eli Wallach - Jules Steinhardt
Susan Sarandon - Jake's Mother
Frank Langella - Louis Zabel
Austin Pendleton - Dr. Masters
"Someone reminded me I once said greed is good. Now it seems it's legal."
This is a quote from one of film's greatest movie villains of all time in this long awaited sequel. Gordon Gekko.
23 years ago audiences were introduced to Gordon Gekko, the narcissistic villain of Oliver Stone's Wall Street. Well it's 2010 and Michael Douglas is back in the role that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor in the original Wall Street. The story begins with Gordon Gekko getting out of prison in 2001, having been sent away for insider trading and securities fraud. There is no one on the outside waiting for him. He is alone, shattered, and seemingly humbled.
Fast forward seven years to Jake Moore, a Wall Street yuppie in a relationship with Gekko's daughter Winnie. They are a young happy couple, but tragedy strikes when Jake's firm is taken over by Bretton James a slimy Wall Street suit looking to make a buck in the economic climate. James spreads rumors about Moore's firm and its leader, James Zabel who, in the film, serves as Jake's father figure.
When Zabel commits suicide Jake blames Bretton James and seeks vengeance. Who better to help him than his future father-in-law and the king of illegal corporate raiding, Gordon Gekko? But life is not without its little trades and Gekko wants his daughter back in his life. Not an easy thing to accomplish, considering Winnie blames Gordon for everything that has gone sour in her life.
The buzz around the announcement of this film was lukewarm at best. Many in the industry and movie goers questioned the relevance and more importantly the necessity of another Wall Street film. When the original was made, it was topical and served as a wake up call to the people hiding their heads in the sand about the ethical or lack of ethical practices of the men on Wall St. So the questions began about Wall Street 2.0 and I have to say.....It worked....to a degree.
The first thing you think of when the movie starts is how are they going to handle the extremely long passage of time between films. The last time we saw Gekko, he was in the prime of his financial life with the moussed up hair and $1,000 suits. Now he's a broken down shell of his former self just out of prison. I feared the movie would suffer due to the dated atmosphere. It played well and set up the future events of the story nicely.
The highlight of this movie is hands down the cast. Led by Douglas. The hairs are grayer but the Gekko fire still burns red hot in this one. You are instantly transported back to Gekko land circa 1987. He commands your attention and delivers his lines with the calculated resound of a caged lion that's just been released back into the wild. Shia LeBeouf really steps his game up with the talent he's surrounded by. This kid has something about him. I can't really place it. His timing is stellar, his mannerism's and facial expressions do more for him at times then actually speaking. I talked about this about Denzel and Clooney. Shia's not there yet but he's on his way. Then you have Carey Mulligan who gives the film it's heart as Winnie. Finally you got Josh Brolin followed by Frank Langella.
Need I say more?
Visually, the film is very stylish. There was a lot of graphical work to display the ebb and flow of the market. There was also some very fancy camera work and editing which added more spice to the overall presentation.
The script is well written save for 1 aspect. The structure. As an editor I know a "little" bit about structure. Telling a story when you have a massive amount of elements at your disposal is not as easy as it sounds. You have to be able to make tough decisions that require losing some great material for the sake of the overall project. Working in TV, I deal with that issue all the time because we are bound by a hard line run time. You would think that working in cinema is easier because you can make a film as long as you want. That's true in theory but let's be real about this. You run the risk of losing your audience if you bombard them with countless scenes of minutiae. They may respond one of two ways and neither of them are good.
Apathy or boredom.
Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps very carefully toes that line. They throw a lot of stuff at you but it's in just the right amount that you still care about everything and everyone. Could the film have been better had Ollie spent some more time in the Avid? For all I know he did and this is what he came up with. The end result is satisfactory considering how much is covered and was meant to be covered in a shade under two and a half hours.
This film isn't perfect but it suits it's purpose. It was another entertaining wake up call to society about the countries economic struggles and status presented by some of tinsel town's finest.
On the 5 star scale. Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Legend of The Guardians : The Owls of Ga'Hoole.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Town
Welcome to the 1st episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is The Town. Directed by Ben Affleck. Written by Peter Craig, Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard. Based on the book "Prince of Thieves" written by Chuck Hogan.
100th review countdown....#82
MPAA Rating : R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use.
Runtime : 123 min
Cast
Ben Affleck - Doug MacRay
Rebecca Hall - Claire Keesey
Jon Hamm - FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley
Jeremy Renner - James "Jem" Coughlin
Blake Lively - Krista Coughlin
Slaine - Albert "Gloansy" Magloan
Owen Burke - Desmond Elden
Titus Welliver - Dino Ciampa
Pete Postlethwaite - Fergus 'Fergie' Colm
Chris Cooper - Stephen MacRay
And the Oscar for Best Director goes too......Ben Affleck????? Sounds weird right? But after walking out of this movie, that statement may not be that far off.
Doug runs a 4 man heist crew in the town of Charlestown Mass. After a bank job goes a little off kilter, the crew takes a hostage (Claire) only to find out later that she lives near where the guys hang out. With this uncertainty hanging over their heads, Jem offers to just fix the problem with a bullet but Doug uses a more subtle approach which cause trouble for all parties involved.
That's all you're getting out of me and I'm afraid I said too much. If you caught the trailers for this one then I really didn't spoil anything. I saved all the good stuff for you to see for yourselves and trust me, there is a TON of good stuff here to see.
The only thing I have to say against this film are the comparisons that other critics are using to praise it. I have heard that The Town is Heat meets The Departed. That's pretty high praise because Heat and The Departed are 2 very excellent crime films. I see the parallel with Heat and if you remember Heat then you will notice it when you see The Town. I don't see it with The Departed. The Departed dealt at it's core with 2 separate rats infiltrating the police and the mob respectively. There was nothing of the sort here. Unless I'm missing something I think The Departed was a poor choice to include in The Town's comparison. Aside from that there really was just all good to be had with this one.
I'll begin with the cast.
Just like in his directorial debut, 2007's Gone Baby Gone, big Ben surrounded himself with top notch talent that turned out performances that do more than just move the story along. They give you a feel of what the world these characters are living in is actually like. Affleck even treats the neighborhood of Charlestown as a character in it's own right. The surrounding area is dingy and working class which plays into the hands of the heist crew and the cops that look the other way. Everyone is so good that it's impossible to pick out just 1 standout performance. When these characters are on screen, they all capture your attention and respect. Nobody outshines the other, they share the screen equally. Just when I was going to give the nod to Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm comes on screen and takes the lead then Rebecca Hall steals it from Jon then Ben takes it from everyone. That kind of balance is VERY hard to create let alone maintain and Affleck does this masterfully.
Next up are the heist scenes. They are shot, blocked, edited, scored and paced with care, precision and intensity. You are transported into that situation as you follow the tactical nature of this crew as they rob the bank. The camerawork is fast and in your face. The shot choices between cuts were perfect. There was a faint hint of music during some of the more tense moments. You could just tell that Affleck did his homework and looked at other good heist movies when he prepared the robberies in this film.
Finally we come to the pacing of the film. At a shade over 2 hours, the film is lightning quick. This is in large part to the rapid cutting style that shows passage of time in the blink of an eye. For a film this deep it would seem like a bad move because it can be confused with a lack of plot development but it works here. You don't wonder what's been going on with these people. You just accept what they have been up to and what the future holds for them.
This is another winner for Ben Affleck the director. I haven't been the biggest fan of him as an actor. Not because of his acting ability because he has that. It's mainly due to the roles he's chosen over time. His reinvention behind the camera has given him some clout and better yet a chance to return to the fold as the strong actor that he is. One things for sure, the man can direct. He has the flare for storytelling especially when it comes to gritty, in your face, no holds barred material. Shooting in and around his hometown of Boston doesn't hurt either. He really captures the heart and soul of the state and uses it to get his point across.
Stay with it Ben....You got some hardware in your future.
On the 5 star scale. The Town gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps to be followed by Legend of The Guardians : The Owls of Ga'Hoole.
Until next episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Town. Directed by Ben Affleck. Written by Peter Craig, Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard. Based on the book "Prince of Thieves" written by Chuck Hogan.
100th review countdown....#82
MPAA Rating : R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use.
Runtime : 123 min
Cast
Ben Affleck - Doug MacRay
Rebecca Hall - Claire Keesey
Jon Hamm - FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley
Jeremy Renner - James "Jem" Coughlin
Blake Lively - Krista Coughlin
Slaine - Albert "Gloansy" Magloan
Owen Burke - Desmond Elden
Titus Welliver - Dino Ciampa
Pete Postlethwaite - Fergus 'Fergie' Colm
Chris Cooper - Stephen MacRay
And the Oscar for Best Director goes too......Ben Affleck????? Sounds weird right? But after walking out of this movie, that statement may not be that far off.
Doug runs a 4 man heist crew in the town of Charlestown Mass. After a bank job goes a little off kilter, the crew takes a hostage (Claire) only to find out later that she lives near where the guys hang out. With this uncertainty hanging over their heads, Jem offers to just fix the problem with a bullet but Doug uses a more subtle approach which cause trouble for all parties involved.
That's all you're getting out of me and I'm afraid I said too much. If you caught the trailers for this one then I really didn't spoil anything. I saved all the good stuff for you to see for yourselves and trust me, there is a TON of good stuff here to see.
The only thing I have to say against this film are the comparisons that other critics are using to praise it. I have heard that The Town is Heat meets The Departed. That's pretty high praise because Heat and The Departed are 2 very excellent crime films. I see the parallel with Heat and if you remember Heat then you will notice it when you see The Town. I don't see it with The Departed. The Departed dealt at it's core with 2 separate rats infiltrating the police and the mob respectively. There was nothing of the sort here. Unless I'm missing something I think The Departed was a poor choice to include in The Town's comparison. Aside from that there really was just all good to be had with this one.
I'll begin with the cast.
Just like in his directorial debut, 2007's Gone Baby Gone, big Ben surrounded himself with top notch talent that turned out performances that do more than just move the story along. They give you a feel of what the world these characters are living in is actually like. Affleck even treats the neighborhood of Charlestown as a character in it's own right. The surrounding area is dingy and working class which plays into the hands of the heist crew and the cops that look the other way. Everyone is so good that it's impossible to pick out just 1 standout performance. When these characters are on screen, they all capture your attention and respect. Nobody outshines the other, they share the screen equally. Just when I was going to give the nod to Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm comes on screen and takes the lead then Rebecca Hall steals it from Jon then Ben takes it from everyone. That kind of balance is VERY hard to create let alone maintain and Affleck does this masterfully.
Next up are the heist scenes. They are shot, blocked, edited, scored and paced with care, precision and intensity. You are transported into that situation as you follow the tactical nature of this crew as they rob the bank. The camerawork is fast and in your face. The shot choices between cuts were perfect. There was a faint hint of music during some of the more tense moments. You could just tell that Affleck did his homework and looked at other good heist movies when he prepared the robberies in this film.
Finally we come to the pacing of the film. At a shade over 2 hours, the film is lightning quick. This is in large part to the rapid cutting style that shows passage of time in the blink of an eye. For a film this deep it would seem like a bad move because it can be confused with a lack of plot development but it works here. You don't wonder what's been going on with these people. You just accept what they have been up to and what the future holds for them.
This is another winner for Ben Affleck the director. I haven't been the biggest fan of him as an actor. Not because of his acting ability because he has that. It's mainly due to the roles he's chosen over time. His reinvention behind the camera has given him some clout and better yet a chance to return to the fold as the strong actor that he is. One things for sure, the man can direct. He has the flare for storytelling especially when it comes to gritty, in your face, no holds barred material. Shooting in and around his hometown of Boston doesn't hurt either. He really captures the heart and soul of the state and uses it to get his point across.
Stay with it Ben....You got some hardware in your future.
On the 5 star scale. The Town gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps to be followed by Legend of The Guardians : The Owls of Ga'Hoole.
Until next episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Welcome
What's up everyone. Welcome to my brand new movie review web page. Made by a geek for geeks. The most recent review is The American. I have also posted all of the reviews I have done this year plus the ones I have done in the past. Just follow the links to the right of the page and they will take you there.
Feel free to pass along any comments, questions or suggestions and spread the word to your friends.
Enjoy,
"D"
Feel free to pass along any comments, questions or suggestions and spread the word to your friends.
Enjoy,
"D"
The American
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The American. Directed by Anton Corbijn. Written by Rowan Joffe. Based on the novel A Very Private Gentleman. Written by Martin Booth.
100th review countdown.....#81
MPAA Rating: R for violence, sexual content and nudity.
Runtime: 105 mins
Cast
George Clooney - Jack / Edward
Irina Björklund - Ingrid
Johan Leysen - Pavel
Paolo Bonacelli - Father Benedetto
Thekla Reuten - Mathilde
Violante Placido - Clara
Since the inception of The "D" List, I have made a conscious effort not to allow the opinions of my very cherished and loyal fans influence me on whether or not I see a film. This past Sunday I had a conversation with my cousin and her husband about this film and they loathed it. I hadn't seen it yet so their very strong feelings toward this film just inspired me to see what the fuss was all about.
Well I have to respectfully disagree with my kin regarding the worth of this film.
Jack/Edward is a highly trained assassin who committed the cardinal sin for someone in his profession. He fell in love. We all know in cases like this, things never end well. After an attempt on his life is thwarted he contacts his handler Pavel looking for refuge. Jack holds up in a small town in Rome while his exit out of the country is being attended to. During the time in this small town, Jack is contracted to do a job, while he executes the job, he meets a local prostitute (Clara) that warms other parts of his anatomy than just the one we know prostitutes are notorious for warming. The events of said courtship send Jack's life out of balance creating a rather dangerous paradox.
On the surface, this film is cut and dry. For the most part, that is the case with one very big exception.
The American can be best described in two words.
Those words are Tense and Deliberate.
All throughout the film, Jack is constantly relying on his training, he surveys the lay of the land, scoping out accessible exits and getaway routes. He examines the daily habits of the neighboring population looking for possible troublemakers. Clearly he needs to be on high alert since he's supposed to be in hiding anyway but this is modus operandi day in and day out. A perfect example of this is when he's on a date with Clara. When they toast to the evening, he waits for Clara to drink her wine before sipping his. If that isn't the height of his training to always be on your guard no matter who you're with then I don't know what is.
This aspect of Jack's existence is executed masterfully. You really get the sense that this man needs to have eyes in the back of his head. He's calculated, cunning and detached. It's those attributes however, that also lend to his torment. Jack can't have a normal life, how can he. The man kills for money. It's a very unsavory and hostile world where a conventional life is impossible. The end result is a man constantly on the edge and on ultra high alert.
This is where the Tense part comes in.
Corbjin's use of the slow tracking shot produces a very subtle yet obvious anxiety. You never know what or who may come around the corner. This of course is aided by the beautiful italian architecture. The side streets and narrow alley ways lend themselves to very scary and intricate moments of hide and seek.
Speaking of beautiful and italian......I must say BRAVO! to the casting director for selecting two of the most exquisite females I have seen in a film set in Europe. A point of contention with my cousin about the women (Clara in particular) was her performance. In her opinion it was dreadful. I, on the other hand felt the opposite. Now by no means is this woman going to take away an Oscar for her work here but I felt that she played the part she needed to play. Meaning her character was a prostitute with no real ambition and maybe a little naivety. That came across to me very clearly.
Six one way, half dozen the other I guess.
Now there was something that I know cuz and I can both agree on and that's the performance of Mr. Clooney. This man is an actor's actor who defies you not to watch him. You can't do it. The guy just oozes cool. The power of his performance here comes through more via his facial expressions or lack there of at times than his actual dialogue. He and Denzel possess this ability in spades. There should definitely be a nomination in his future.
If I had to gripe about this film. Ironically, it would be concerning one of the elements that made it work. The film is so deliberate in nature and structure that it does give you a slight dragging impression. For a film that's only 105 minutes long, it doesn't play like one. Aside from that I have very little else to complain about minus some issues I had with the overall narrative that I will spare you all from.
On the 5 star scale. The American gets 4 stars. With a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is The Town with possibly Machete mixed in between. I'm kind of on the fence with that one. I love Robert Rodriguez but I'm not into the grindhouse genre and this is one of those types of films. We'll have to wait and see.
Until Next Episode......."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The American. Directed by Anton Corbijn. Written by Rowan Joffe. Based on the novel A Very Private Gentleman. Written by Martin Booth.
100th review countdown.....#81
MPAA Rating: R for violence, sexual content and nudity.
Runtime: 105 mins
Cast
George Clooney - Jack / Edward
Irina Björklund - Ingrid
Johan Leysen - Pavel
Paolo Bonacelli - Father Benedetto
Thekla Reuten - Mathilde
Violante Placido - Clara
Since the inception of The "D" List, I have made a conscious effort not to allow the opinions of my very cherished and loyal fans influence me on whether or not I see a film. This past Sunday I had a conversation with my cousin and her husband about this film and they loathed it. I hadn't seen it yet so their very strong feelings toward this film just inspired me to see what the fuss was all about.
Well I have to respectfully disagree with my kin regarding the worth of this film.
Jack/Edward is a highly trained assassin who committed the cardinal sin for someone in his profession. He fell in love. We all know in cases like this, things never end well. After an attempt on his life is thwarted he contacts his handler Pavel looking for refuge. Jack holds up in a small town in Rome while his exit out of the country is being attended to. During the time in this small town, Jack is contracted to do a job, while he executes the job, he meets a local prostitute (Clara) that warms other parts of his anatomy than just the one we know prostitutes are notorious for warming. The events of said courtship send Jack's life out of balance creating a rather dangerous paradox.
On the surface, this film is cut and dry. For the most part, that is the case with one very big exception.
The American can be best described in two words.
Those words are Tense and Deliberate.
All throughout the film, Jack is constantly relying on his training, he surveys the lay of the land, scoping out accessible exits and getaway routes. He examines the daily habits of the neighboring population looking for possible troublemakers. Clearly he needs to be on high alert since he's supposed to be in hiding anyway but this is modus operandi day in and day out. A perfect example of this is when he's on a date with Clara. When they toast to the evening, he waits for Clara to drink her wine before sipping his. If that isn't the height of his training to always be on your guard no matter who you're with then I don't know what is.
This aspect of Jack's existence is executed masterfully. You really get the sense that this man needs to have eyes in the back of his head. He's calculated, cunning and detached. It's those attributes however, that also lend to his torment. Jack can't have a normal life, how can he. The man kills for money. It's a very unsavory and hostile world where a conventional life is impossible. The end result is a man constantly on the edge and on ultra high alert.
This is where the Tense part comes in.
Corbjin's use of the slow tracking shot produces a very subtle yet obvious anxiety. You never know what or who may come around the corner. This of course is aided by the beautiful italian architecture. The side streets and narrow alley ways lend themselves to very scary and intricate moments of hide and seek.
Speaking of beautiful and italian......I must say BRAVO! to the casting director for selecting two of the most exquisite females I have seen in a film set in Europe. A point of contention with my cousin about the women (Clara in particular) was her performance. In her opinion it was dreadful. I, on the other hand felt the opposite. Now by no means is this woman going to take away an Oscar for her work here but I felt that she played the part she needed to play. Meaning her character was a prostitute with no real ambition and maybe a little naivety. That came across to me very clearly.
Six one way, half dozen the other I guess.
Now there was something that I know cuz and I can both agree on and that's the performance of Mr. Clooney. This man is an actor's actor who defies you not to watch him. You can't do it. The guy just oozes cool. The power of his performance here comes through more via his facial expressions or lack there of at times than his actual dialogue. He and Denzel possess this ability in spades. There should definitely be a nomination in his future.
If I had to gripe about this film. Ironically, it would be concerning one of the elements that made it work. The film is so deliberate in nature and structure that it does give you a slight dragging impression. For a film that's only 105 minutes long, it doesn't play like one. Aside from that I have very little else to complain about minus some issues I had with the overall narrative that I will spare you all from.
On the 5 star scale. The American gets 4 stars. With a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is The Town with possibly Machete mixed in between. I'm kind of on the fence with that one. I love Robert Rodriguez but I'm not into the grindhouse genre and this is one of those types of films. We'll have to wait and see.
Until Next Episode......."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Directed by Edgar Wright. Written by Edgar Wright & Michael Bacall. Based on the Oni Press graphic novels created by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
100th review countdown......#80
MPAA Rating : PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references.
Runtime : 112 min
Cast
Michael Cera - Scott Pilgrim
Alison Pill - Kim Pine
Mark Webber - Stephen Stills
Johnny Simmons - Young Neil
Ellen Wong - Knives Chau
Kieran Culkin - Wallace Wells
Anna Kendrick - Stacey Pilgrim
Aubrey Plaza - Julie Powers
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Ramona Flowers
Satya Bhabha - Matthew Patel
Chris Evans - Lucas Lee
Mae Whitman - Roxy Richter
Brandon Routh - Todd Ingram
Jason Schwartzman - Gideon Gordon Graves
Keita Saitou - Kyle Katayanagi
Shota Saito - Ken Katayanagi
Over the various reviews I have done in the past concerning video game adapted films, there has always been a raving lunatic rant by yours truly concerning the source material not being used or honored in it's cinematic cousins. This film is as close as you can get to watching a live video game and it's adapted from a COMIC BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The premise of this is films is as simple as you can get. Scott Pilgrim is your ordinary loser with a small time rock band. He falls for a new girl in town, Ramona, and he wins himself a date. Suddenly out of nowhere Scott is attacked by 7 ex love interests of Ramona. They challenge him one at a time for the right to keep seeing Ramona. Thus begins the tons of fun that this movie provides.
Right off the bat you are immersed in a world where reality doesn't apply. There are many many scenes that are edited so kinetically, it captures the essence of what it would be like to be in that comic book world. I mean there's never any indication that Scott knows how to fight let alone use martial arts but he does so expertly in several of the ex's battles. This is what made the movie so much fun. It was just a mish mosh of action, adventure with a "little" CG mixed in that serves the scene rather than dominating it.
The cast is superb highlighted by Wallace and Knives. They both lend so many different talents to the story that they almost steal the show. No easy feat considering how many characters there are in this movie and they all have their ample time to shine. And shine they do.
The action was top notch considering that none of the principal fighters aren't fighters at all. They were trained by Brad Allan A.K.A Bradley James Allan who was at one time an integral member of Jackie Chan's stunt team. That is a big time honor since Allan is british and until his appearance all of Jackie's team members were from Hong Kong. The point here is that the actors were in very capable hands and that made the fight convincing when a stunt double wasn't used.
On the 5 star scale. Scott Pilgrim vs The World gets 4.5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
This film nailed the comic book and video game genre down to the very last KO scrolling across the screen. The jokes landed well and the performances of the cast mixed in with the very slick editing and action makes this film a silent summer hit.
That's all for today. Not sure what's on tap. I have been receiving some "suggestion" to see Piranha and I have to be honest the positive reviews have me intrigued to a certain degree. However, It's only playing in 3D and I detest 3D so we'll just have to wait and see.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Directed by Edgar Wright. Written by Edgar Wright & Michael Bacall. Based on the Oni Press graphic novels created by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
100th review countdown......#80
MPAA Rating : PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references.
Runtime : 112 min
Cast
Michael Cera - Scott Pilgrim
Alison Pill - Kim Pine
Mark Webber - Stephen Stills
Johnny Simmons - Young Neil
Ellen Wong - Knives Chau
Kieran Culkin - Wallace Wells
Anna Kendrick - Stacey Pilgrim
Aubrey Plaza - Julie Powers
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Ramona Flowers
Satya Bhabha - Matthew Patel
Chris Evans - Lucas Lee
Mae Whitman - Roxy Richter
Brandon Routh - Todd Ingram
Jason Schwartzman - Gideon Gordon Graves
Keita Saitou - Kyle Katayanagi
Shota Saito - Ken Katayanagi
Over the various reviews I have done in the past concerning video game adapted films, there has always been a raving lunatic rant by yours truly concerning the source material not being used or honored in it's cinematic cousins. This film is as close as you can get to watching a live video game and it's adapted from a COMIC BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The premise of this is films is as simple as you can get. Scott Pilgrim is your ordinary loser with a small time rock band. He falls for a new girl in town, Ramona, and he wins himself a date. Suddenly out of nowhere Scott is attacked by 7 ex love interests of Ramona. They challenge him one at a time for the right to keep seeing Ramona. Thus begins the tons of fun that this movie provides.
Right off the bat you are immersed in a world where reality doesn't apply. There are many many scenes that are edited so kinetically, it captures the essence of what it would be like to be in that comic book world. I mean there's never any indication that Scott knows how to fight let alone use martial arts but he does so expertly in several of the ex's battles. This is what made the movie so much fun. It was just a mish mosh of action, adventure with a "little" CG mixed in that serves the scene rather than dominating it.
The cast is superb highlighted by Wallace and Knives. They both lend so many different talents to the story that they almost steal the show. No easy feat considering how many characters there are in this movie and they all have their ample time to shine. And shine they do.
The action was top notch considering that none of the principal fighters aren't fighters at all. They were trained by Brad Allan A.K.A Bradley James Allan who was at one time an integral member of Jackie Chan's stunt team. That is a big time honor since Allan is british and until his appearance all of Jackie's team members were from Hong Kong. The point here is that the actors were in very capable hands and that made the fight convincing when a stunt double wasn't used.
On the 5 star scale. Scott Pilgrim vs The World gets 4.5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
This film nailed the comic book and video game genre down to the very last KO scrolling across the screen. The jokes landed well and the performances of the cast mixed in with the very slick editing and action makes this film a silent summer hit.
That's all for today. Not sure what's on tap. I have been receiving some "suggestion" to see Piranha and I have to be honest the positive reviews have me intrigued to a certain degree. However, It's only playing in 3D and I detest 3D so we'll just have to wait and see.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Kids Are All Right
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Kids Are All Right. Directed by Lisa Cholodenko. Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg.
100th review countdown......#79
MPAA Rating : R for strong sexual content, nudity, language and some teen drug and alcohol use.
Runtime : 106 min
Cast
Annette Bening - Nic
Julianne Moore - Jules
Mark Ruffalo - Paul
Mia Wasikowska - Joni
Josh Hutcherson - Laser
Due to the very small and quiet promotion of this film, I had to crawl under a rock to find a theater that was still playing it. Luckily I came across a spot I used to frequent in my college days that wasn't playing the sure to be award winning Vampires Suck and decided to keep this one on the marquee for a bit.
Nic and Jules are two lesbians that have their lives thrown for a loop when their children have unbeknownst to them sought out the identity of their sperm donor or biological father to be more politically correct. Once Paul enters the picture the everyone tries to cope with someone new in their lives that they never expected to meet. The events that happen as a result change everyone's lives forever.
This movie had a lot of things going for it starting with the cast. Leading things off are Moore and Benning as the happily married couple. They are as yin and yang as you can get. Nic is an overbearing, detailed, stuck up, control freak and Jules is a laid back roll with the punches modern hippie. The kids act like typical teenagers that have annoying parents. They want to be left alone to their lives. This plays nicely between the 4 of them.
The next thing going for this movie is the story and the progressive approach that it takes. It's very easy to have these kids resent their parents because they aren't "traditional" but that would be too cliche. The kids both love and respect their lesbian parents for who they are which are tow women who gave birth to them and love them unconditionally. This is what I enjoyed most about the film overall. The fact that they took a very "been there and done that" concept of a family introducing an outsider to their click and having said outsider turn their lives around in the blink of an eye and find a way to give it a fresh feel was a pleasant surprise. The tone of the film has a warmth to it that makes you really care for all of these characters including Nic who does everything in her power to resent her bitchy, stuck up, uppity up attitude.
This wave of positive sentiment does however come with some fine print. Although I enjoyed this film immensely I was not pleased with the marketing of the film. To my knowledge it's been making the rounds as a dramedy (drama/comedy) this is false advertising. This movie is a drama straight up and down. It's just a light drama with a few laughs thrown in. Anyone expecting to see this film make you laugh you will not be happy. I hope you can see past the bait and switch and take the film for what it is which is a very fun, light, yet thought provoking drama filled with heart and the concept of family and what that word truly means.
On the 5 star scale. The Kids Are All Right gets 3 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
Sadly this movie came and went so you may have to Netflix it in order to catch it. If however you happen to chance upon a place that's playing it and have nothing else to do I suggest you drop some green on it.
That's all for today. Up next is Scott Pilgrim vs The World.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Kids Are All Right. Directed by Lisa Cholodenko. Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg.
100th review countdown......#79
MPAA Rating : R for strong sexual content, nudity, language and some teen drug and alcohol use.
Runtime : 106 min
Cast
Annette Bening - Nic
Julianne Moore - Jules
Mark Ruffalo - Paul
Mia Wasikowska - Joni
Josh Hutcherson - Laser
Due to the very small and quiet promotion of this film, I had to crawl under a rock to find a theater that was still playing it. Luckily I came across a spot I used to frequent in my college days that wasn't playing the sure to be award winning Vampires Suck and decided to keep this one on the marquee for a bit.
Nic and Jules are two lesbians that have their lives thrown for a loop when their children have unbeknownst to them sought out the identity of their sperm donor or biological father to be more politically correct. Once Paul enters the picture the everyone tries to cope with someone new in their lives that they never expected to meet. The events that happen as a result change everyone's lives forever.
This movie had a lot of things going for it starting with the cast. Leading things off are Moore and Benning as the happily married couple. They are as yin and yang as you can get. Nic is an overbearing, detailed, stuck up, control freak and Jules is a laid back roll with the punches modern hippie. The kids act like typical teenagers that have annoying parents. They want to be left alone to their lives. This plays nicely between the 4 of them.
The next thing going for this movie is the story and the progressive approach that it takes. It's very easy to have these kids resent their parents because they aren't "traditional" but that would be too cliche. The kids both love and respect their lesbian parents for who they are which are tow women who gave birth to them and love them unconditionally. This is what I enjoyed most about the film overall. The fact that they took a very "been there and done that" concept of a family introducing an outsider to their click and having said outsider turn their lives around in the blink of an eye and find a way to give it a fresh feel was a pleasant surprise. The tone of the film has a warmth to it that makes you really care for all of these characters including Nic who does everything in her power to resent her bitchy, stuck up, uppity up attitude.
This wave of positive sentiment does however come with some fine print. Although I enjoyed this film immensely I was not pleased with the marketing of the film. To my knowledge it's been making the rounds as a dramedy (drama/comedy) this is false advertising. This movie is a drama straight up and down. It's just a light drama with a few laughs thrown in. Anyone expecting to see this film make you laugh you will not be happy. I hope you can see past the bait and switch and take the film for what it is which is a very fun, light, yet thought provoking drama filled with heart and the concept of family and what that word truly means.
On the 5 star scale. The Kids Are All Right gets 3 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
Sadly this movie came and went so you may have to Netflix it in order to catch it. If however you happen to chance upon a place that's playing it and have nothing else to do I suggest you drop some green on it.
That's all for today. Up next is Scott Pilgrim vs The World.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Expendables
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Expendables. Directed by Sylvester Stallone. Written by Dave Callaham & Sylvester Stallone. Story by Dave Callaham.
100th review countdown.......#78
MPAA Rating : R for strong action and bloody violence throughout, and for some language.
Cast
Sylvester Stallone - Barney Ross
Jason Statham - Lee Christmas
Jet Li - Ying Yang
Dolph Lundgren - Gunner Jensen
Eric Roberts - James Munroe
Randy Couture - Toll Road
Steve Austin - Paine
David Zayas - General Garza
Giselle Itié - Sandra
Terry Crews - Hale Caesar
Mickey Rourke - Tool
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Trench (uncredited)
Bruce Willis - Mr. Church (uncredited)
What's up people. After a small hiatus, I have returned to the world of movie reviews and this one kicks off with a bang.....literally.
The Expendables are a group of mercenaries doing jobs all over the world for profit. They're semi led by Barney, I say semi led because when you are dealing with mercenaries there really isn't a true chain of command. There is however, respect between Barney and the rest of the team. After completing a successful rescue mission, Barney is recruited for a rather big job, taking out a high ranking general that controls a large drug trade backed by a former member of the CIA. After some reconnaissance and a rather "small" skirmish with the enemy, Barney decides to pass on the job until he has a crisis of conscience that changes the game for him and his team.
If it sounds I gave away the entire plot then you would be correct. Why would I do that you ask? Well the answer is blatantly obvious.
This film was intended to be seen not for it's intricately written dialogue or razor sharp narrative. You go to see this movie because pardon my language here "S#&T GET'S BLOWN UP!" The other reason is the ensemble cast of action legends from many many moons ago. The roster is as impressive as you can get, highlighted by the big 3. No not LeBron, Bosh and Wade. I'm talking about Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger. The scene between the 3 of them when the job is being proposed is an action geeks dream come true. The rest of the cast is blended nicely. Couture, Crews, Statham and Li all mesh together on screen giving you the impression that they have been working together for decades. The same holds true for the bad guys. Roberts, Zayas and Austin all share the villainy spotlight when it matters most to the story which is incidentally paper thin.
Once again the plot of this film is secondary to what you are really treated to which is an action film that rekindles the days when computers were only used as props in films of this genre as opposed to creating the world of bullets and booms. We as a movie going public have been conditioned to let CGI rule our imaginations. In this case the CGI is just implemented to enhance the amount of blood that splatters. The chases, explosions, gun fights and hand to hand combat is fast, furious and chaotically organized. It was a ton of fun to watch. If you are a fan of over the top action with some impressive "ka-booms" mixed in then you will not be disappointed.
On the 5 star scale. The Expendables gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was a film that on any other occasion would have me screaming for more plot and character development. However, when you are blatantly homaging the type of films that made these actors superstars to begin with you just sit back and enjoy the ride. My only complaint is that it took this long for these guys to hook up and make a movie together. It would have been sheer magic to see Rambo, The Terminator and John McClane run around kicking ass.
That's all for today. Up next is The Kids Are All Right. A film that threw me for a loop in how the story was told as opposed to how it was advertised. Is that a good or bad thing? I guess you'll have to tune in and see.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Expendables. Directed by Sylvester Stallone. Written by Dave Callaham & Sylvester Stallone. Story by Dave Callaham.
100th review countdown.......#78
MPAA Rating : R for strong action and bloody violence throughout, and for some language.
Cast
Sylvester Stallone - Barney Ross
Jason Statham - Lee Christmas
Jet Li - Ying Yang
Dolph Lundgren - Gunner Jensen
Eric Roberts - James Munroe
Randy Couture - Toll Road
Steve Austin - Paine
David Zayas - General Garza
Giselle Itié - Sandra
Terry Crews - Hale Caesar
Mickey Rourke - Tool
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Trench (uncredited)
Bruce Willis - Mr. Church (uncredited)
What's up people. After a small hiatus, I have returned to the world of movie reviews and this one kicks off with a bang.....literally.
The Expendables are a group of mercenaries doing jobs all over the world for profit. They're semi led by Barney, I say semi led because when you are dealing with mercenaries there really isn't a true chain of command. There is however, respect between Barney and the rest of the team. After completing a successful rescue mission, Barney is recruited for a rather big job, taking out a high ranking general that controls a large drug trade backed by a former member of the CIA. After some reconnaissance and a rather "small" skirmish with the enemy, Barney decides to pass on the job until he has a crisis of conscience that changes the game for him and his team.
If it sounds I gave away the entire plot then you would be correct. Why would I do that you ask? Well the answer is blatantly obvious.
This film was intended to be seen not for it's intricately written dialogue or razor sharp narrative. You go to see this movie because pardon my language here "S#&T GET'S BLOWN UP!" The other reason is the ensemble cast of action legends from many many moons ago. The roster is as impressive as you can get, highlighted by the big 3. No not LeBron, Bosh and Wade. I'm talking about Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger. The scene between the 3 of them when the job is being proposed is an action geeks dream come true. The rest of the cast is blended nicely. Couture, Crews, Statham and Li all mesh together on screen giving you the impression that they have been working together for decades. The same holds true for the bad guys. Roberts, Zayas and Austin all share the villainy spotlight when it matters most to the story which is incidentally paper thin.
Once again the plot of this film is secondary to what you are really treated to which is an action film that rekindles the days when computers were only used as props in films of this genre as opposed to creating the world of bullets and booms. We as a movie going public have been conditioned to let CGI rule our imaginations. In this case the CGI is just implemented to enhance the amount of blood that splatters. The chases, explosions, gun fights and hand to hand combat is fast, furious and chaotically organized. It was a ton of fun to watch. If you are a fan of over the top action with some impressive "ka-booms" mixed in then you will not be disappointed.
On the 5 star scale. The Expendables gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was a film that on any other occasion would have me screaming for more plot and character development. However, when you are blatantly homaging the type of films that made these actors superstars to begin with you just sit back and enjoy the ride. My only complaint is that it took this long for these guys to hook up and make a movie together. It would have been sheer magic to see Rambo, The Terminator and John McClane run around kicking ass.
That's all for today. Up next is The Kids Are All Right. A film that threw me for a loop in how the story was told as opposed to how it was advertised. Is that a good or bad thing? I guess you'll have to tune in and see.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Inception
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Inception. Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan.
100th review countdown.......#77
MPAA Rating : PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout.
Runtime : 148 min
Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio - Cobb
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Arthur
Ellen Page - Ariadne
Tom Hardy - Eames
Ken Watanabe - Saito
Dileep Rao - Yusuf
Cillian Murphy - Robert Fischer, Jr.
Tom Berenger - Browning
Marion Cotillard - Mal
Pete Postlethwaite - Maurice Fischer
Michael Caine - Miles
If you caught The Last Airbender review then there's no mistaking how I feel about M. Night Scam-alan's recent motion picture failure which once again was in part a byproduct of an insatiable ego. Combined with hackneyed screenwriting and a lackadaisical approach to handling and directing very raw talent. I went on about how the man needed to loosen the reigns and let some good people get involved in his films. If Night truly wants to learn how to pull this off there's one good way to do it.
WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dom Cobb is an extractor. He has the ability to enter a person's subconscious and steal their thoughts through their dreams. After a business meeting with Saito, a wealthy businessman, Cobb was propositioned to create an inception. An inception being the opposite of extraction. Instead of stealing a thought or idea Cobb has to plant one into someone. Cobb accepts for just the right price.
This is what you are led to believe when watching this film but instead you are duped. The movie you think you are going to see is not really there. What you end up seeing is BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christopher Nolan has once again outdone himself. The man is a magician in the director's chair. You sit in the theater and are enjoying what you are watching when "presto" the rug is pulled from your feet and the movie is turned upside down and takes you on a journey you never saw coming but feel satisfied that you took said journey. He has accomplished what Scam-alan couldn't after The Sixth Sense. He established the ability to remain CONSISTENT with his visions. It's been clear since day 1 with Nolan that he can write but he took his talent for the written word and expanded it to the camera and excelled at that. The man's imagination knows no bounds and he treats every moviegoer to a rich cinematic experience time and time again. The man can be described in 1 word.
COMPLETE!!!!!!!
Inception is filled with so much depth and emotion that you can't keep your eyes off the screen. It also doesn't hurt to have mind boggling special effects. I dare you to not be awed when you see Ariadne constructing her dream world. It's breathtaking. The story is also not overly complicated to follow. With a Nolan film you must be prepared to bring your brain because it will get a workout. In this case the complexity exists but he guides you along just enough that you can figure things out without feeling like a dummy. This doesn't mean that you can get up and go to the bathroom or get the last box of bon bons. The film demands your full attention and if you stay with it you will no be disappointed.
Which brings me to another aspect that Nolan excels in....
BALANCE!!!!!!
He knows how to blend a powerful story, terrific characters, a stunning score and special effects. Weave it together to create a storytelling experience that will have you and your friends talking for days. This is something that very few people in the biz have. Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, David Fincher, Frank Darabont, Peter Jackson and Quentin Tarantino are just a few names off the top of my head that possess the same attributes that Nolan displays with his films. Quite a who's who of some of cinema's greatest talents. He also has a wonderful eye for casting. The man masterfully finds a way to mold the people casted for his films and make you feel that they were always the right choice despite any disagreements with John Q Movie Fan.
Need proof? I have 2 words for you.......Heath Ledger.
I'm not sure what else to say about this film. All I know is that I plan to catch this one at least 1 more time and this time I will go see it in IMAX. A film this large in scale deserves to be seen in the format that he shot the film in anyway.
On the 5 star scale. Inception receives the full house, 5 stars. With a resounding, scream from the hilltops "WORTH EVERY PENNY!" recommendation. This movie is by far, hands down the film of the summer and quite possibly THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This film exceeded my expectations down to the basic level. That's not easy to do considering how I go into a film before I see it.
And with that I leave you with this final message.
GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed. In fact I stand by this opinion so much that I will offer the same deal I made you all when I reviewed Precious. If you go see this film and absolutely, unequivocally hate it, just present your ticket to me (to prove you actually went to see it) and I will give you your money back. The only condition I have aside from the ticket is a legitimate reason why you didn't like it. I'm confident just like last year that my wallet won't get lighter after you see this film.
That's all for today. Up next is Salt. Angelina Jolie's latest attempt to be the world's next action heroine.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Inception. Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan.
100th review countdown.......#77
MPAA Rating : PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout.
Runtime : 148 min
Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio - Cobb
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Arthur
Ellen Page - Ariadne
Tom Hardy - Eames
Ken Watanabe - Saito
Dileep Rao - Yusuf
Cillian Murphy - Robert Fischer, Jr.
Tom Berenger - Browning
Marion Cotillard - Mal
Pete Postlethwaite - Maurice Fischer
Michael Caine - Miles
If you caught The Last Airbender review then there's no mistaking how I feel about M. Night Scam-alan's recent motion picture failure which once again was in part a byproduct of an insatiable ego. Combined with hackneyed screenwriting and a lackadaisical approach to handling and directing very raw talent. I went on about how the man needed to loosen the reigns and let some good people get involved in his films. If Night truly wants to learn how to pull this off there's one good way to do it.
WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dom Cobb is an extractor. He has the ability to enter a person's subconscious and steal their thoughts through their dreams. After a business meeting with Saito, a wealthy businessman, Cobb was propositioned to create an inception. An inception being the opposite of extraction. Instead of stealing a thought or idea Cobb has to plant one into someone. Cobb accepts for just the right price.
This is what you are led to believe when watching this film but instead you are duped. The movie you think you are going to see is not really there. What you end up seeing is BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christopher Nolan has once again outdone himself. The man is a magician in the director's chair. You sit in the theater and are enjoying what you are watching when "presto" the rug is pulled from your feet and the movie is turned upside down and takes you on a journey you never saw coming but feel satisfied that you took said journey. He has accomplished what Scam-alan couldn't after The Sixth Sense. He established the ability to remain CONSISTENT with his visions. It's been clear since day 1 with Nolan that he can write but he took his talent for the written word and expanded it to the camera and excelled at that. The man's imagination knows no bounds and he treats every moviegoer to a rich cinematic experience time and time again. The man can be described in 1 word.
COMPLETE!!!!!!!
Inception is filled with so much depth and emotion that you can't keep your eyes off the screen. It also doesn't hurt to have mind boggling special effects. I dare you to not be awed when you see Ariadne constructing her dream world. It's breathtaking. The story is also not overly complicated to follow. With a Nolan film you must be prepared to bring your brain because it will get a workout. In this case the complexity exists but he guides you along just enough that you can figure things out without feeling like a dummy. This doesn't mean that you can get up and go to the bathroom or get the last box of bon bons. The film demands your full attention and if you stay with it you will no be disappointed.
Which brings me to another aspect that Nolan excels in....
BALANCE!!!!!!
He knows how to blend a powerful story, terrific characters, a stunning score and special effects. Weave it together to create a storytelling experience that will have you and your friends talking for days. This is something that very few people in the biz have. Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, David Fincher, Frank Darabont, Peter Jackson and Quentin Tarantino are just a few names off the top of my head that possess the same attributes that Nolan displays with his films. Quite a who's who of some of cinema's greatest talents. He also has a wonderful eye for casting. The man masterfully finds a way to mold the people casted for his films and make you feel that they were always the right choice despite any disagreements with John Q Movie Fan.
Need proof? I have 2 words for you.......Heath Ledger.
I'm not sure what else to say about this film. All I know is that I plan to catch this one at least 1 more time and this time I will go see it in IMAX. A film this large in scale deserves to be seen in the format that he shot the film in anyway.
On the 5 star scale. Inception receives the full house, 5 stars. With a resounding, scream from the hilltops "WORTH EVERY PENNY!" recommendation. This movie is by far, hands down the film of the summer and quite possibly THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This film exceeded my expectations down to the basic level. That's not easy to do considering how I go into a film before I see it.
And with that I leave you with this final message.
GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed. In fact I stand by this opinion so much that I will offer the same deal I made you all when I reviewed Precious. If you go see this film and absolutely, unequivocally hate it, just present your ticket to me (to prove you actually went to see it) and I will give you your money back. The only condition I have aside from the ticket is a legitimate reason why you didn't like it. I'm confident just like last year that my wallet won't get lighter after you see this film.
That's all for today. Up next is Salt. Angelina Jolie's latest attempt to be the world's next action heroine.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Directed by John Turtletaub. Written by Matt Lopez, Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard. Screen Story by Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal and Matt Lopez.
100th review countdown.......#76
MPAA Rating : PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language.
Runtime : 105 Minutes
Cast
Nicolas Cage - Balthazar
Jay Baruchel - Dave
Alfred Molina - Horvath
Teresa Palmer - Becky
Toby Kebbell - Drake Stone
Monica Bellucci - Veronica
Alice Krige - Morgana
Jake Cherry - Young Dave
James A. Stephens - Merlin
Fantasy and magic have been areas of cinema that have always put a smile on my face. However, there have been countless disappointments in one form or another as to why these films fail to meet the expectations that are set by themselves. This film solved one of the genre's biggest flaws and did it in a very entertaining way.
Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness.
Clearly this story has nothing original to offer but as mentioned earlier, it offers a new twist to the wizards and warriors genre.
Ready.........Wait for it........They actually use magic!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? A film filled with wizards and magic actually do what they are supposed to do. Groundbreaking stuff.
OK. All kidding aside, the powers that be got it right on that front. There is a ton of magic wielding and fighting which was a fresh perspective since most films that deal with magic and fantasy seem to skimp out on the actual magic and fantasy. To add to the spectacle were the first rate special effects. They were top notch and seamless to the live action set pieces. For a geek like me it was fun to see these magical masters wield their powers with such grace and ferocity.
Now there is a trade off to all of the spectacular action. You know where this is going right? It's the story. While the plot is as basic as you can get they let the action and fun hide the obvious plot holes and inexplicable passage of time. It's a problem but for a film like this that's meant to dull your brain and force you to enjoy the "big pretty lights" it was an acceptable compromise.
The actors performances were solid highlighted by Alfred Molina. I would have preferred a more ruthless Horvath, perhaps we may see that in the sequel since this film leaves it open to a possible franchise.
On the 5 star scale. The Sorcerer's Apprentice gets 3.5 stars with a split "Go See It/Give It a Shot" recommendation.
This was a pretty fun and entertaining film that satisfied my inner wizard.
Up next is Inception. By far, hands down the FILM OF THE SUMMER AND OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!
It's going to be fun seeing what comes out to challenge this one.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Directed by John Turtletaub. Written by Matt Lopez, Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard. Screen Story by Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal and Matt Lopez.
100th review countdown.......#76
MPAA Rating : PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language.
Runtime : 105 Minutes
Cast
Nicolas Cage - Balthazar
Jay Baruchel - Dave
Alfred Molina - Horvath
Teresa Palmer - Becky
Toby Kebbell - Drake Stone
Monica Bellucci - Veronica
Alice Krige - Morgana
Jake Cherry - Young Dave
James A. Stephens - Merlin
Fantasy and magic have been areas of cinema that have always put a smile on my face. However, there have been countless disappointments in one form or another as to why these films fail to meet the expectations that are set by themselves. This film solved one of the genre's biggest flaws and did it in a very entertaining way.
Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness.
Clearly this story has nothing original to offer but as mentioned earlier, it offers a new twist to the wizards and warriors genre.
Ready.........Wait for it........They actually use magic!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? A film filled with wizards and magic actually do what they are supposed to do. Groundbreaking stuff.
OK. All kidding aside, the powers that be got it right on that front. There is a ton of magic wielding and fighting which was a fresh perspective since most films that deal with magic and fantasy seem to skimp out on the actual magic and fantasy. To add to the spectacle were the first rate special effects. They were top notch and seamless to the live action set pieces. For a geek like me it was fun to see these magical masters wield their powers with such grace and ferocity.
Now there is a trade off to all of the spectacular action. You know where this is going right? It's the story. While the plot is as basic as you can get they let the action and fun hide the obvious plot holes and inexplicable passage of time. It's a problem but for a film like this that's meant to dull your brain and force you to enjoy the "big pretty lights" it was an acceptable compromise.
The actors performances were solid highlighted by Alfred Molina. I would have preferred a more ruthless Horvath, perhaps we may see that in the sequel since this film leaves it open to a possible franchise.
On the 5 star scale. The Sorcerer's Apprentice gets 3.5 stars with a split "Go See It/Give It a Shot" recommendation.
This was a pretty fun and entertaining film that satisfied my inner wizard.
Up next is Inception. By far, hands down the FILM OF THE SUMMER AND OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!
It's going to be fun seeing what comes out to challenge this one.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Despicable Me
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Despicable Me. Directed by Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud. Written by Ken Daurio & Cinco Paul. Screen Story by Sergio Pablos.
MPAA Rating : PG for rude humor and mild action.
Runtime : 95 min
Cast
Steve Carell - Gru
Jason Segel - Vector
Russell Brand - Dr. Nefario
Julie Andrews - Gru's Mom
Will Arnett - Mr. Perkins
Kristen Wiig - Miss Hattie
Miranda Cosgrove - Margo
Dana Gaier - Edith
Elsie Fisher - Agnes
Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a milestone in the very young life of The "D" List. This will be my 75th review. From this point on I will begin a countdown to the magic number 100 so I hope you all join me on this ride that has been a ton of fun for me.
OK. Here we go.
After being supplanted as the world's greatest villain, Gru devises a plan to steal the moon. Along the way he crosses paths with 3 orphans, Margo, Edith and Agnes. Gru initially dismisses them but then hatches a plan to use them in his plot to steal the moon while thwarting his arch enemy Vector in the process.
If I had to describe this movie in 1 word, I guess it would be cute. Not cute in the way you might be thinking. The movie is by and large very funny. From the script to the animation to the character designs themselves. I dare you to stare at Dr. Nefario and not laugh how he looks. What makes the film cute are the 3 girls particularly Agnes. She's the baby of the trio and the way she looks and is voiced you want to jump into the screen and just hug her forever. The other group that provides both the comedy and the cuteness are the minions. Gru's massive yellow midget army. They are so funny to look at and yet they possess the same cute quality that the girls have. You want to keep one as a pet.
This however doesn't detract from the comedy. Like I mentioned before, the movie is quite funny. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The animation provides some several physical laughs and the character designs inspire laughs on their own.
Of course with most CGI films like this one, there's always a message that carries throughout the plot. That doesn't change here. You get the standard moment of loss and pain which is followed immediately by the redemption scene. In this case it's as transparent as they come yet it doesn't hurt the flow or the conclusion of the story. In fact the movie kind of flies right through it to avoid any dull low point. It feels like a bit of a shortcut but you spend so much time having fun the rest of the time that you don't care about the misgivings of the plot hole.
Bottom line, Despicable Me was a very fun, light, funny and heartwarming film that should please kids of all ages. And I do mean you adults too.
On the 5 star scale. Despicable Me gets 4 stars. With a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. A film that FINALLY captures the fantasy and fun of wizards and magic.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Despicable Me. Directed by Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud. Written by Ken Daurio & Cinco Paul. Screen Story by Sergio Pablos.
MPAA Rating : PG for rude humor and mild action.
Runtime : 95 min
Cast
Steve Carell - Gru
Jason Segel - Vector
Russell Brand - Dr. Nefario
Julie Andrews - Gru's Mom
Will Arnett - Mr. Perkins
Kristen Wiig - Miss Hattie
Miranda Cosgrove - Margo
Dana Gaier - Edith
Elsie Fisher - Agnes
Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a milestone in the very young life of The "D" List. This will be my 75th review. From this point on I will begin a countdown to the magic number 100 so I hope you all join me on this ride that has been a ton of fun for me.
OK. Here we go.
After being supplanted as the world's greatest villain, Gru devises a plan to steal the moon. Along the way he crosses paths with 3 orphans, Margo, Edith and Agnes. Gru initially dismisses them but then hatches a plan to use them in his plot to steal the moon while thwarting his arch enemy Vector in the process.
If I had to describe this movie in 1 word, I guess it would be cute. Not cute in the way you might be thinking. The movie is by and large very funny. From the script to the animation to the character designs themselves. I dare you to stare at Dr. Nefario and not laugh how he looks. What makes the film cute are the 3 girls particularly Agnes. She's the baby of the trio and the way she looks and is voiced you want to jump into the screen and just hug her forever. The other group that provides both the comedy and the cuteness are the minions. Gru's massive yellow midget army. They are so funny to look at and yet they possess the same cute quality that the girls have. You want to keep one as a pet.
This however doesn't detract from the comedy. Like I mentioned before, the movie is quite funny. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The animation provides some several physical laughs and the character designs inspire laughs on their own.
Of course with most CGI films like this one, there's always a message that carries throughout the plot. That doesn't change here. You get the standard moment of loss and pain which is followed immediately by the redemption scene. In this case it's as transparent as they come yet it doesn't hurt the flow or the conclusion of the story. In fact the movie kind of flies right through it to avoid any dull low point. It feels like a bit of a shortcut but you spend so much time having fun the rest of the time that you don't care about the misgivings of the plot hole.
Bottom line, Despicable Me was a very fun, light, funny and heartwarming film that should please kids of all ages. And I do mean you adults too.
On the 5 star scale. Despicable Me gets 4 stars. With a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. A film that FINALLY captures the fantasy and fun of wizards and magic.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Predators
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Predators. Directed by Nimród Antal. Written by Alex Litva & Michael Finch. Based on characters created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas.
MPAA Rating : R for pervasive language, gore and strong creature violence.
Cast
Adrien Brody - Royce
Topher Grace - Edwin
Alice Braga - Isabelle
Walton Goggins - Stans
Oleg Taktarov - Nikolai
Laurence Fishburne - Noland
Danny Trejo - Cuchillo
Louis Ozawa Changchien - Hanzo
Mahershalalhashbaz Ali - Mombasa
"If it bleeds.....We can kill it!"
That was one of cinema's greatest lines uttered by arguably cinema's greatest action stars. Of course I mean the great Arnold in 1987's sleeper sci fi hit Predator. The popularity of that film spawned a less than stellar sequel starring Danny Glover. 14 years later we were made to suffer through Paul W.S. Anderson's UTTERLY DREADFUL Alien vs Predator. 3 years after that another Alien vs Predator sequel graced our presence and that seemed to be the end of the Predator franchise (or films with the titular character in them) until now. Enter Robert Rodriguez and his valiant attempt to breathe life in a franchise that many felt (myself included) didn't need reviving. The end result was an excellent addition to the Predator universe that will wash away all the bad memories of the past failed sequels.
The film opens right at the starting gate with a rush. An unconscious Royce is seen free falling from the sky. After landing he comes across the rest of the cast. All of them are outfitted with military garb and armed to the teeth with exception of 3. Hanzo, he's Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) Edwin, he's a doctor and Stans, a convict on death row. The group discover that they are on an alien planet. Their purpose for them being there is to be sport for the Predators who capture warriors, killers and soldiers from all over and I do mean all over in order to hone their battle skills and advance their weaponry.
The story is basic enough but this film is layered with deeper undertone's of the human condition. As you are watching the film you begin to get the sense that the alien predators are not the only predators on the planet. Several of the people struggle with the paths they chose in their lives and it causes you to look at them much differently than who they are at the core of the story. Which is a group of people kidnapped and used for hunting sport. This kind of character depth was refreshing to see in a genre of film that normally doesn't subscribe to that kind of storytelling. You go to a Predator movie to see those bad ass alien's kick the crap out their enemy and instead you are exposed to the human "predators" forced to deal with an occupational role reversal.
Another well adjusted aspect of the film was the tight script. As is the case with several movies of this ilk, they tend to allow plot holes run through the narrative just to move along to the next action set piece. Here, they explain how the people got to the planet and it was done in the simplest yet satisfying way that you're not begging for further explanation. Also, this film is not a re-boot as some have predicted. This film is a direct sequel from Predator 1 & 2. There is a scene in act 2 that brings you back to the events of the 1st film and reminds you of what happened in the jungle. It was short enough to give you a quick refresher yet detailed enough to provide some background info on what these people were facing on the planet. I for one would have liked to have had a little more back story but it was sufficient to move the plot along.
The predator designs were incredible. The character has truly evolved over time from the large lumbering creature from Predator to a more agile, cunning and ferocious warrior. Plus and this was good to see, there wasn't a feeling of invincibility among the predators. They clearly possess superior physical and technological attributes but they are fallible and can be defeated. This was the point of the film obviously. The predators go to this planet to learn how to become better killers. That quest comes at a price. That price is possible failure and death. This was something that the writers could easily have dismissed since the protagonists are on the antagonists turf. The predators had the home field advantage but pleasantly the playing field was for the most part quite level.
This was a very entertaining, smooth and well paced addition to the Predator franchise that is worthy of standing among it's predecessor. By that I mean Predator 1987. Throw away all other Predator sequels and hybrid films and you have yourself a damn good 1-2 punch that if handled correctly can continue to survive (no pun intended) in tinsel town.
On the 5 star scale. Predators gets 4 stars. With a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is Despicable Me to be followed by The Sorcerer's Apprentice then the highlight of the summer..........Inception.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Predators. Directed by Nimród Antal. Written by Alex Litva & Michael Finch. Based on characters created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas.
MPAA Rating : R for pervasive language, gore and strong creature violence.
Cast
Adrien Brody - Royce
Topher Grace - Edwin
Alice Braga - Isabelle
Walton Goggins - Stans
Oleg Taktarov - Nikolai
Laurence Fishburne - Noland
Danny Trejo - Cuchillo
Louis Ozawa Changchien - Hanzo
Mahershalalhashbaz Ali - Mombasa
"If it bleeds.....We can kill it!"
That was one of cinema's greatest lines uttered by arguably cinema's greatest action stars. Of course I mean the great Arnold in 1987's sleeper sci fi hit Predator. The popularity of that film spawned a less than stellar sequel starring Danny Glover. 14 years later we were made to suffer through Paul W.S. Anderson's UTTERLY DREADFUL Alien vs Predator. 3 years after that another Alien vs Predator sequel graced our presence and that seemed to be the end of the Predator franchise (or films with the titular character in them) until now. Enter Robert Rodriguez and his valiant attempt to breathe life in a franchise that many felt (myself included) didn't need reviving. The end result was an excellent addition to the Predator universe that will wash away all the bad memories of the past failed sequels.
The film opens right at the starting gate with a rush. An unconscious Royce is seen free falling from the sky. After landing he comes across the rest of the cast. All of them are outfitted with military garb and armed to the teeth with exception of 3. Hanzo, he's Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) Edwin, he's a doctor and Stans, a convict on death row. The group discover that they are on an alien planet. Their purpose for them being there is to be sport for the Predators who capture warriors, killers and soldiers from all over and I do mean all over in order to hone their battle skills and advance their weaponry.
The story is basic enough but this film is layered with deeper undertone's of the human condition. As you are watching the film you begin to get the sense that the alien predators are not the only predators on the planet. Several of the people struggle with the paths they chose in their lives and it causes you to look at them much differently than who they are at the core of the story. Which is a group of people kidnapped and used for hunting sport. This kind of character depth was refreshing to see in a genre of film that normally doesn't subscribe to that kind of storytelling. You go to a Predator movie to see those bad ass alien's kick the crap out their enemy and instead you are exposed to the human "predators" forced to deal with an occupational role reversal.
Another well adjusted aspect of the film was the tight script. As is the case with several movies of this ilk, they tend to allow plot holes run through the narrative just to move along to the next action set piece. Here, they explain how the people got to the planet and it was done in the simplest yet satisfying way that you're not begging for further explanation. Also, this film is not a re-boot as some have predicted. This film is a direct sequel from Predator 1 & 2. There is a scene in act 2 that brings you back to the events of the 1st film and reminds you of what happened in the jungle. It was short enough to give you a quick refresher yet detailed enough to provide some background info on what these people were facing on the planet. I for one would have liked to have had a little more back story but it was sufficient to move the plot along.
The predator designs were incredible. The character has truly evolved over time from the large lumbering creature from Predator to a more agile, cunning and ferocious warrior. Plus and this was good to see, there wasn't a feeling of invincibility among the predators. They clearly possess superior physical and technological attributes but they are fallible and can be defeated. This was the point of the film obviously. The predators go to this planet to learn how to become better killers. That quest comes at a price. That price is possible failure and death. This was something that the writers could easily have dismissed since the protagonists are on the antagonists turf. The predators had the home field advantage but pleasantly the playing field was for the most part quite level.
This was a very entertaining, smooth and well paced addition to the Predator franchise that is worthy of standing among it's predecessor. By that I mean Predator 1987. Throw away all other Predator sequels and hybrid films and you have yourself a damn good 1-2 punch that if handled correctly can continue to survive (no pun intended) in tinsel town.
On the 5 star scale. Predators gets 4 stars. With a "Go See It!" recommendation.
That's all for today. Up next is Despicable Me to be followed by The Sorcerer's Apprentice then the highlight of the summer..........Inception.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Last Airbender
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Last Airbender. Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Based on the Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender created by Michael Dante DiMartino &
Bryan Konietzko.
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action violence.
Cast
Noah Ringer - Aang
Dev Patel - Prince Zuko
Nicola Peltz - Katara
Jackson Rathbone - Sokka
Shaun Toub - Uncle Iroh
Aasif Mandvi - Commander Zhao
Cliff Curtis - Fire Lord Ozai
Seychelle Gabriel - Princess Yue
Every once in a while, it's a good thing to not have prior knowledge to a film based on a popular book, video game or comic book. This ebb and flow of ignorance can at times enhance a movie viewing experience because you are not looking at the project through a different set of eyes. The objective stance keeps you grounded and allows you to just take in what you are seeing then judge for yourself. This was the case for me here with The Last Airbender. I haven't watched a single frame of the cartoon. I just know the basic story which mimics the plot of the film.
The world at a time was in a harmonious balance consisting of people who have the ability to manipulate or "bend" the 4 natural elements. Air, Water, Earth and Fire. These people lived with others who could bend the same elements as they do thus creating a social yet peaceful division between the 4 separate elemental tribes. The only thing that kept any one individual tribe from decaring war on another was the presence of the Avatar. A very powerful being that has the ability to bend all 4 elements. The Avatar is the one who maintains the balance of elements and peace on the planet.
An event forces the Avatar to disappear, this allows the Fire nation to attack the other elemental tribes in an attempt to secure world and elemental dominance until the Avatar suddenly reappears in the form of a 12 year old boy named Aang. He spends the rest of the series reacquainting himself with his powers while making friends along the way who are rebelling against the Fire nation.
Sounds simple enough right? How could this be screwed up right? I have 3 words for you.
M.....Night......Shyamalan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit the following date for you. August 6, 1999. What is so important about this date you ask? This was the date that The Sixth Sense was released. Thus introducing the world to the filmmaking of M. Night Shyamalan, the world's most OVERRATED DIRECTOR THIS PLANET HAS EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The success of The Sixth Sense created a wave of excitement in response to what this man was capable of when it came to cinema. I for one was not a fan of The Sixth Sense. I thought it was draggy and predictable. In fact the only M. Night film that I loved was Unbreakable. Don't get me wrong, that movie was flawed as well, I just loved how he turned the comic book movie genre and dropped it on it's head with one of the most intriguing super hero origin stories ever made. Over the course of M. Night's directorial career he began to engage in a very public spat with Disney after they expressed disdain for his insufferable ego and reluctance to loosen his leash of power. This coming after his endless roster of pictures after The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable failed to meet expectations from the critics, fans and most of all the studio's wallets.
This of course led to M. Night's dismissal from Disney and venture over to Warner Bros. Well guess what? The change of scenery did not do any good. He kept on making crap movies that made no money and were vilified by fans and critics. Many believed that when he was hired to direct The Last Airbender that he would finally loosen the reigns and let someone else pen the screenplay.
Well a man can hope can't he?
This of course didn't happen. He insisted on writing the script, the end result was an endless mess of childish, expositional dialogue that fails to move the story forward. It hinders the audience's capacity to follow a narrative that exists in very small spurts. To make matters worse he just left the task of the mostly child actors to just absorb the dialogue as they saw fit which yielded some of the worst performances of the year in any film. This is 100% the director's failure. These kids weren't great actors to begin with but M. Night needed to coach them on what emotions he needed from them. Instead you got cardboard looks and expressions that accompanied an absolute mess of storytelling.
It was evident that M. Night had no clue whatsoever on how to adapt this 5 season epic cartoon series into a live action film. The plan was to adapt the series into a trilogy so clearly the 1st film of said trilogy needs to set the tone. The tone in this case is so off key that my ears were bleeding at the end of the credits.
I offer this plea to Mr. "Scam"alan. Get off your high horse and let some of the MANY talented people in tinseltown write. It drives me insane when people take what little power they have in the business and leverage it into this unreasonable perception of their self worth. It's a fact that micro managers DO NOT HELP THE PROCESS. As much as they think they are, the exact opposite is occurring. Their insatiable need to be involved in every single detail of a production does nothing but complicate and more importantly create a sense of mistrust among the crew hired to be their support. Remember, filmmaking is A TEAM EFFORT. I don't care what you say. 1 person CAN NOT AND DOES NOT make a film happen. When you walk around with this "It's my way or the highway" attitude you are asking for trouble.
It's time for M. Night to swallow this pill and LET GO!!!!!
You do have talent and that talent can be enhanced if you allow other talented people to collaborate with you. I just hope that you get a chance to right this wrong because with the avalanche of bad reviews for this film coming out left and right, you might not get another chance.
On the plus side.......if you can imagine that, the special effects combined with the martial arts choreography was very impressive and beautiful to look at. Unfortunately there wasn't enough here to pace me between the long winded draggy nature of the jumbled, misaligned plot.
On the 5 star scale. The Last Airbender gets 1.5 stars (for the effects and fighting) with a "Save The Loot" recommendation. If you have kids that watched the show and are mega fans, this recommendation is especially for you. I promise you they will be disappointed. Take them to Toy Story 3 instead or wait a week for Despicable Me.
That's all for today. Up next is Despicable Me and Predators.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Last Airbender. Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Based on the Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender created by Michael Dante DiMartino &
Bryan Konietzko.
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action violence.
Cast
Noah Ringer - Aang
Dev Patel - Prince Zuko
Nicola Peltz - Katara
Jackson Rathbone - Sokka
Shaun Toub - Uncle Iroh
Aasif Mandvi - Commander Zhao
Cliff Curtis - Fire Lord Ozai
Seychelle Gabriel - Princess Yue
Every once in a while, it's a good thing to not have prior knowledge to a film based on a popular book, video game or comic book. This ebb and flow of ignorance can at times enhance a movie viewing experience because you are not looking at the project through a different set of eyes. The objective stance keeps you grounded and allows you to just take in what you are seeing then judge for yourself. This was the case for me here with The Last Airbender. I haven't watched a single frame of the cartoon. I just know the basic story which mimics the plot of the film.
The world at a time was in a harmonious balance consisting of people who have the ability to manipulate or "bend" the 4 natural elements. Air, Water, Earth and Fire. These people lived with others who could bend the same elements as they do thus creating a social yet peaceful division between the 4 separate elemental tribes. The only thing that kept any one individual tribe from decaring war on another was the presence of the Avatar. A very powerful being that has the ability to bend all 4 elements. The Avatar is the one who maintains the balance of elements and peace on the planet.
An event forces the Avatar to disappear, this allows the Fire nation to attack the other elemental tribes in an attempt to secure world and elemental dominance until the Avatar suddenly reappears in the form of a 12 year old boy named Aang. He spends the rest of the series reacquainting himself with his powers while making friends along the way who are rebelling against the Fire nation.
Sounds simple enough right? How could this be screwed up right? I have 3 words for you.
M.....Night......Shyamalan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit the following date for you. August 6, 1999. What is so important about this date you ask? This was the date that The Sixth Sense was released. Thus introducing the world to the filmmaking of M. Night Shyamalan, the world's most OVERRATED DIRECTOR THIS PLANET HAS EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The success of The Sixth Sense created a wave of excitement in response to what this man was capable of when it came to cinema. I for one was not a fan of The Sixth Sense. I thought it was draggy and predictable. In fact the only M. Night film that I loved was Unbreakable. Don't get me wrong, that movie was flawed as well, I just loved how he turned the comic book movie genre and dropped it on it's head with one of the most intriguing super hero origin stories ever made. Over the course of M. Night's directorial career he began to engage in a very public spat with Disney after they expressed disdain for his insufferable ego and reluctance to loosen his leash of power. This coming after his endless roster of pictures after The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable failed to meet expectations from the critics, fans and most of all the studio's wallets.
This of course led to M. Night's dismissal from Disney and venture over to Warner Bros. Well guess what? The change of scenery did not do any good. He kept on making crap movies that made no money and were vilified by fans and critics. Many believed that when he was hired to direct The Last Airbender that he would finally loosen the reigns and let someone else pen the screenplay.
Well a man can hope can't he?
This of course didn't happen. He insisted on writing the script, the end result was an endless mess of childish, expositional dialogue that fails to move the story forward. It hinders the audience's capacity to follow a narrative that exists in very small spurts. To make matters worse he just left the task of the mostly child actors to just absorb the dialogue as they saw fit which yielded some of the worst performances of the year in any film. This is 100% the director's failure. These kids weren't great actors to begin with but M. Night needed to coach them on what emotions he needed from them. Instead you got cardboard looks and expressions that accompanied an absolute mess of storytelling.
It was evident that M. Night had no clue whatsoever on how to adapt this 5 season epic cartoon series into a live action film. The plan was to adapt the series into a trilogy so clearly the 1st film of said trilogy needs to set the tone. The tone in this case is so off key that my ears were bleeding at the end of the credits.
I offer this plea to Mr. "Scam"alan. Get off your high horse and let some of the MANY talented people in tinseltown write. It drives me insane when people take what little power they have in the business and leverage it into this unreasonable perception of their self worth. It's a fact that micro managers DO NOT HELP THE PROCESS. As much as they think they are, the exact opposite is occurring. Their insatiable need to be involved in every single detail of a production does nothing but complicate and more importantly create a sense of mistrust among the crew hired to be their support. Remember, filmmaking is A TEAM EFFORT. I don't care what you say. 1 person CAN NOT AND DOES NOT make a film happen. When you walk around with this "It's my way or the highway" attitude you are asking for trouble.
It's time for M. Night to swallow this pill and LET GO!!!!!
You do have talent and that talent can be enhanced if you allow other talented people to collaborate with you. I just hope that you get a chance to right this wrong because with the avalanche of bad reviews for this film coming out left and right, you might not get another chance.
On the plus side.......if you can imagine that, the special effects combined with the martial arts choreography was very impressive and beautiful to look at. Unfortunately there wasn't enough here to pace me between the long winded draggy nature of the jumbled, misaligned plot.
On the 5 star scale. The Last Airbender gets 1.5 stars (for the effects and fighting) with a "Save The Loot" recommendation. If you have kids that watched the show and are mega fans, this recommendation is especially for you. I promise you they will be disappointed. Take them to Toy Story 3 instead or wait a week for Despicable Me.
That's all for today. Up next is Despicable Me and Predators.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Toy Story 3
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Toy Story 3. Directed by Lee Unkrich. Written by Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich.
MPAA Rating : Rated G
Cast
Tom Hanks - Woody
Tim Allen - Buzz Lightyear
Joan Cusack - Jessie
Ned Beatty - Lotso
Don Rickles - Mr. Potato Head
Michael Keaton - Ken
Wallace Shawn - Rex
John Ratzenberger - Hamm
Estelle Harris - Mrs. Potato Head
John Morris - Andy
Jodi Benson - Barbie
Ok people, let's just dispense with the formalities. Barring a sleeper hit, we have here the undisputed, hands down, no contest FILM OF THE SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and quite possibly the year. It has taken a decade for peeps at Pixar to return us to the land of living toys and if you had to give one element that can kill a franchise, for me it's time. It's a very delicate balancing act. You act in haste and microwave a sequel to capitalize on the popularity of the original then you have yourself an undercooked flop. You take too long and your audience loses interest. You have to find the right mix of production and patience. 10 years seemed like way too long to give us a final Toy Story adventure but I am here to echo the sentiments of the millions of people that saw this movie over it's opening weekend that.......
IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our story takes us several years after the toys last adventure. Andy has grown up and is heading to college. After a mix up sends the toys to a day care center, Woody sets out to return home before Andy leaves while the rest of the gang appear comfortable with life in their new "home."
Clearly this is one of the smallest recaps of my many reviews but I found it important to keep things simple and let you all see for yourself what really happens with the toys. This movie just improves on what the previous 2 left behind. Terrific characters, stellar animation and of course a wonderful story. Toy Story 3 like most of Pixar's films include a life lesson that will touch adults just as profoundly as kids if not more so.
I really don't have much else to say about this movie. I know it sounds crazy since I seem to write novels of material but I can't do this film any justice by explaining how AMAZING it is.
ALL OF YOU just need to see for yourself.
On the 5 star scale. Toy Story 3 gets the full house 5 stars with a no hold barred "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
This has been by far the best film of the summer and I stand by my statement of it possibly being the best film of the year. Pixar should make plans to make room on their trophy shelf. There is some serious hardware coming for this one.
That's all for today. Not really sure what's next. Most likely M. Night Shyamalan's attempt to get back on tinseltown's and the public's good graces with The Last Airbender. I for one am not holding my breath.
Today's review is Toy Story 3. Directed by Lee Unkrich. Written by Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich.
MPAA Rating : Rated G
Cast
Tom Hanks - Woody
Tim Allen - Buzz Lightyear
Joan Cusack - Jessie
Ned Beatty - Lotso
Don Rickles - Mr. Potato Head
Michael Keaton - Ken
Wallace Shawn - Rex
John Ratzenberger - Hamm
Estelle Harris - Mrs. Potato Head
John Morris - Andy
Jodi Benson - Barbie
Ok people, let's just dispense with the formalities. Barring a sleeper hit, we have here the undisputed, hands down, no contest FILM OF THE SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and quite possibly the year. It has taken a decade for peeps at Pixar to return us to the land of living toys and if you had to give one element that can kill a franchise, for me it's time. It's a very delicate balancing act. You act in haste and microwave a sequel to capitalize on the popularity of the original then you have yourself an undercooked flop. You take too long and your audience loses interest. You have to find the right mix of production and patience. 10 years seemed like way too long to give us a final Toy Story adventure but I am here to echo the sentiments of the millions of people that saw this movie over it's opening weekend that.......
IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our story takes us several years after the toys last adventure. Andy has grown up and is heading to college. After a mix up sends the toys to a day care center, Woody sets out to return home before Andy leaves while the rest of the gang appear comfortable with life in their new "home."
Clearly this is one of the smallest recaps of my many reviews but I found it important to keep things simple and let you all see for yourself what really happens with the toys. This movie just improves on what the previous 2 left behind. Terrific characters, stellar animation and of course a wonderful story. Toy Story 3 like most of Pixar's films include a life lesson that will touch adults just as profoundly as kids if not more so.
I really don't have much else to say about this movie. I know it sounds crazy since I seem to write novels of material but I can't do this film any justice by explaining how AMAZING it is.
ALL OF YOU just need to see for yourself.
On the 5 star scale. Toy Story 3 gets the full house 5 stars with a no hold barred "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
This has been by far the best film of the summer and I stand by my statement of it possibly being the best film of the year. Pixar should make plans to make room on their trophy shelf. There is some serious hardware coming for this one.
That's all for today. Not really sure what's next. Most likely M. Night Shyamalan's attempt to get back on tinseltown's and the public's good graces with The Last Airbender. I for one am not holding my breath.
The Karate Kid
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Karate Kid. Directed by Harald Zwart. Written by Christopher Murphey. Based on the 1984 screen story The Karate Kid written by Robert Mark Kamen.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language.
Cast
Jaden Smith - Dre Parker
Jackie Chan - Mr. Han
Taraji P. Henson - Sherry Parker
Wenwen Han - Meiying
Rongguang Yu - Master Li
Zhensu Wu - Meiying's Dad
Zhiheng Wang - Meiying's Mom
Zhenwei Wang - Cheng
The Karate Kid (1984) was a classic film by every possible definition. It was a coming of age tale combined with the bonding of 2 unlikely friends that taught each other a valuable life lesson. Oh yeah it also had some karate thrown in as an added bonus. When it comes to the ever popular fad of Hollywood remakes, this film in my opinion fell into the LEAVE IT ALONE category. Of course that didn't stop the powers that be to go ahead and change the vision that everyone has of Daniel LaRusso standing in front of Johnny with both arms raised and 1 leg in the air in the famous crane position. To make matters worse Will Smith's snotty son Jaden was tapped to play the lead. This was a recipe for disaster. Then I saw the film and guess what..........
It was pretty good.
The premise of the Karate Kid is pretty much a blanket re-hash of the original. Dre and Mom move to China. Dre has a hard time accepting his new home and the people. He fancies a young girl and it immediately confronted by a bully. The beatings ensue until Mr. Han saves Dre from an attack and reveals to everyone that he knows Kung Fu. You remember the rest.
Here's what didn't work with this remake and this is the most obvious problem.
The film is set in Beijing. The martial art displayed is Kung Fu. You CANNOT title this movie The KARATE Kid. While homaging the original you are insulting the discipline the movie features. Especially when ALL martial arts and I do mean ALL of them were derived in 1 way or another from Kung Fu. Traditional Martial Arts were born from the integration of traditional chinese battle techniques with Buddhist Monk Bodhidharma's Zen philosophies and yoga. Thus the birth of what we know now as Kung Fu.
The next thing was the interaction between Dre and Meiying. It was very awkward to see the 2 of them be around each other making goo goo eyes. I realize that they are both pre-teens and that's how they are supposed to act but in the film there was a little too much apprehension and nervousness for my taste. That should have been brought down a couple of pegs to avoid some very uncomfortable moments.
Next is Dre's mom Sherry. As we all remember in The Karate Kid (1984) Daniel's mom was a very small part of the story. She was the reason for the move, she reacts like any mom would after seeing her son beaten but that was about it after Mr. Myagi takes over. Here Sherry is a little more involved which once again is understandable when you are dealing with a younger child but her scenes didn't provide much except annoyance. Nobody wants to see Sherry complain to Dre to pick up his jacket 1,000 times. You want her to care for her son, be concerned when he's down and support him during his training. That was present but you had to weed through the other fluff to get to it and it just created a lack of caring toward her.
Finally, the tournament. Aside from Jaden who did have martial arts training prior to filming. The rest of the tournament fighters were kids from the thousands of martial arts academy's across China. This gave the movie an opportunity to showcase some very talented and athletically gifted boys. What we get in return are glimpses of what these kids could do. Once again to emphasize speed and power the crew went with handheld camera work during the matches.
This was a bad idea because these kids are so fast that there was no way a moving camera could capture the action cleanly. Just put a rig on these guys and let us see what these kids can do. They train all of their lives we deserve and more importantly THEY deserve to show us what they are made of. Despite my continuous rant about shoddy camera work during a fight scene, the choreography was impressive and hard hitting. They didn't hold back just because these were kids fighting.
Now on to the good.
Believe it or not Jaden was pretty convincing as Dre. He along with his father have been hated on in the past for previous projects that Will Smith was in or produced and cast in the child's role was Jaden. The Pursiut of Happyness and The Day The Earth Stood Still come to mind here. Many believe (myself included) that he was getting these roles based on nepotism and not his ability to act. This became much more magnified when he was cast as the lead in this film. Well I have to be honest here. I bought this kid's act. In previous roles he's played a snotty kid with a nasty attitude. This lead to a perception that this was the only way he could play a part since this is how he was supposedly in real life. Since The Karate Kid had a kid in this type of position. Reluctant to accept his new life and defiant towards authority figures this seemed right up Jaden's alley.
Not so.......
This kid for a change made you feel his pain and struggle to adapt to his new life in a new world. Instead of him acting out in little punk fashion he showed an emotional side that expressed true pain and home sickness. He truly showed fear against his adversary Cheng and his boys when their paths crossed and he showed the right amount of respect toward his teacher when he realized that he was really learning Kung Fu.
This leads me to my next positive........Sifu Jackie Chan.
If you had to attempt to re-imagine the great Mr. Miyagi played expertly by the late Noriyuki Pat Morita. The ONLY one that could have pulled this off was Jackie. Like Morita, Jackie is a comedian and has the timing to pull off a joke in the driest fashion and delivery that you have no choice but to laugh. His portrayal of Han was not as comical. He was much more deadpan and brooding. This is explained later on and I accepted the adjustment to the character. Several critics complained that Chan's performance could have used some more of Miyagi's humor but in my opinion you can't re-create a perfect character so you have to tweak it a little and it works here.
Next is Han's training methods. We all remember the wax on wax off stuff in the original. The question I had here was how was that going to be introduced in this film. You get a glimpse of it in the trailers and it works here very well. It's not as over done as in the original where you had the wax on wax off, sand the floor, paint the fence and paint the house techniques. Han uses 1 training technique and presto, shows Dre how Kung Fu is around you in everyday life, including something as trivial as hanging up your jacket. More importantly, the techniques Dre learns is actually used when he fights. If you recall in the original, Daniel NEVER uses the wax on wax off stuff during the tournament.
Fact people.
On the 5 star scale. The Karate Kid gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was an entertaining film that will be an uplifting experience for the little ones. Since most kids today are too young to know what the original film was all about. These guys did a pretty good job of recreating what made the 1984 film such a classic among us old farts.
That's all for today. Up next is Toy Story 3. Do I even have to review this one? You all know what score I'm going to give this one.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Karate Kid. Directed by Harald Zwart. Written by Christopher Murphey. Based on the 1984 screen story The Karate Kid written by Robert Mark Kamen.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language.
Cast
Jaden Smith - Dre Parker
Jackie Chan - Mr. Han
Taraji P. Henson - Sherry Parker
Wenwen Han - Meiying
Rongguang Yu - Master Li
Zhensu Wu - Meiying's Dad
Zhiheng Wang - Meiying's Mom
Zhenwei Wang - Cheng
The Karate Kid (1984) was a classic film by every possible definition. It was a coming of age tale combined with the bonding of 2 unlikely friends that taught each other a valuable life lesson. Oh yeah it also had some karate thrown in as an added bonus. When it comes to the ever popular fad of Hollywood remakes, this film in my opinion fell into the LEAVE IT ALONE category. Of course that didn't stop the powers that be to go ahead and change the vision that everyone has of Daniel LaRusso standing in front of Johnny with both arms raised and 1 leg in the air in the famous crane position. To make matters worse Will Smith's snotty son Jaden was tapped to play the lead. This was a recipe for disaster. Then I saw the film and guess what..........
It was pretty good.
The premise of the Karate Kid is pretty much a blanket re-hash of the original. Dre and Mom move to China. Dre has a hard time accepting his new home and the people. He fancies a young girl and it immediately confronted by a bully. The beatings ensue until Mr. Han saves Dre from an attack and reveals to everyone that he knows Kung Fu. You remember the rest.
Here's what didn't work with this remake and this is the most obvious problem.
The film is set in Beijing. The martial art displayed is Kung Fu. You CANNOT title this movie The KARATE Kid. While homaging the original you are insulting the discipline the movie features. Especially when ALL martial arts and I do mean ALL of them were derived in 1 way or another from Kung Fu. Traditional Martial Arts were born from the integration of traditional chinese battle techniques with Buddhist Monk Bodhidharma's Zen philosophies and yoga. Thus the birth of what we know now as Kung Fu.
The next thing was the interaction between Dre and Meiying. It was very awkward to see the 2 of them be around each other making goo goo eyes. I realize that they are both pre-teens and that's how they are supposed to act but in the film there was a little too much apprehension and nervousness for my taste. That should have been brought down a couple of pegs to avoid some very uncomfortable moments.
Next is Dre's mom Sherry. As we all remember in The Karate Kid (1984) Daniel's mom was a very small part of the story. She was the reason for the move, she reacts like any mom would after seeing her son beaten but that was about it after Mr. Myagi takes over. Here Sherry is a little more involved which once again is understandable when you are dealing with a younger child but her scenes didn't provide much except annoyance. Nobody wants to see Sherry complain to Dre to pick up his jacket 1,000 times. You want her to care for her son, be concerned when he's down and support him during his training. That was present but you had to weed through the other fluff to get to it and it just created a lack of caring toward her.
Finally, the tournament. Aside from Jaden who did have martial arts training prior to filming. The rest of the tournament fighters were kids from the thousands of martial arts academy's across China. This gave the movie an opportunity to showcase some very talented and athletically gifted boys. What we get in return are glimpses of what these kids could do. Once again to emphasize speed and power the crew went with handheld camera work during the matches.
This was a bad idea because these kids are so fast that there was no way a moving camera could capture the action cleanly. Just put a rig on these guys and let us see what these kids can do. They train all of their lives we deserve and more importantly THEY deserve to show us what they are made of. Despite my continuous rant about shoddy camera work during a fight scene, the choreography was impressive and hard hitting. They didn't hold back just because these were kids fighting.
Now on to the good.
Believe it or not Jaden was pretty convincing as Dre. He along with his father have been hated on in the past for previous projects that Will Smith was in or produced and cast in the child's role was Jaden. The Pursiut of Happyness and The Day The Earth Stood Still come to mind here. Many believe (myself included) that he was getting these roles based on nepotism and not his ability to act. This became much more magnified when he was cast as the lead in this film. Well I have to be honest here. I bought this kid's act. In previous roles he's played a snotty kid with a nasty attitude. This lead to a perception that this was the only way he could play a part since this is how he was supposedly in real life. Since The Karate Kid had a kid in this type of position. Reluctant to accept his new life and defiant towards authority figures this seemed right up Jaden's alley.
Not so.......
This kid for a change made you feel his pain and struggle to adapt to his new life in a new world. Instead of him acting out in little punk fashion he showed an emotional side that expressed true pain and home sickness. He truly showed fear against his adversary Cheng and his boys when their paths crossed and he showed the right amount of respect toward his teacher when he realized that he was really learning Kung Fu.
This leads me to my next positive........Sifu Jackie Chan.
If you had to attempt to re-imagine the great Mr. Miyagi played expertly by the late Noriyuki Pat Morita. The ONLY one that could have pulled this off was Jackie. Like Morita, Jackie is a comedian and has the timing to pull off a joke in the driest fashion and delivery that you have no choice but to laugh. His portrayal of Han was not as comical. He was much more deadpan and brooding. This is explained later on and I accepted the adjustment to the character. Several critics complained that Chan's performance could have used some more of Miyagi's humor but in my opinion you can't re-create a perfect character so you have to tweak it a little and it works here.
Next is Han's training methods. We all remember the wax on wax off stuff in the original. The question I had here was how was that going to be introduced in this film. You get a glimpse of it in the trailers and it works here very well. It's not as over done as in the original where you had the wax on wax off, sand the floor, paint the fence and paint the house techniques. Han uses 1 training technique and presto, shows Dre how Kung Fu is around you in everyday life, including something as trivial as hanging up your jacket. More importantly, the techniques Dre learns is actually used when he fights. If you recall in the original, Daniel NEVER uses the wax on wax off stuff during the tournament.
Fact people.
On the 5 star scale. The Karate Kid gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was an entertaining film that will be an uplifting experience for the little ones. Since most kids today are too young to know what the original film was all about. These guys did a pretty good job of recreating what made the 1984 film such a classic among us old farts.
That's all for today. Up next is Toy Story 3. Do I even have to review this one? You all know what score I'm going to give this one.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The A-Team
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The A-Team. Directed by Joe Carnahan. Written by Joe Carnahan, Brian Bloom & Skip Woods. Based on the TV show The A-Team created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J.Cannell.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.
Cast
Liam Neeson - Col. Hannibal Smith
Bradley Cooper - Lt. Templeton 'Faceman' Peck
Jessica Biel - Charisa Sosa
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson - B.A. Baracus
Sharlto Copley - Murdock
Patrick Wilson - Lynch
Gerald McRaney - General Morrison
Henry Czerny - Director McCready
Brian Bloom - Pike
"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team."
That was the opening voice over that preceded the credits to one of TV's most action packed, comical, absurd yet beloved shows of recent memory. The A Team was a show that showed me that there is such a thing as mindless entertainment that can also be cool. You had 4 lead characters that were all like-able and more importantly they never overpowered each other. Each episode may have focused on 1 but the team always needed to work together to get the job done. This film captured the heart and soul of the show MASTERFULLY.
The plot centers around the same premise of the show. After being set up for a crime they didn't commit. They guys bust out of their incarceration and seek retribution against the people who wronged them while trying to clear their names in the process. The only difference here is the story is modernized. Instead of Vietnam, they are in Baghdad and the villains have more of a down home feel. If you get my drift.
What makes The A-Team so much fun are the characters. They were perfectly cast. The highlight being Sharlto Copley as Murdock. This guy was Dwight Schultz reincarnated. Just like the show though, despite a particular character being focused more in some spots, the film does a great job of returning the balance among the rest of the team. Hannibal, Face and B.A. all have their moments in the sun but the film really shines when they all work together. The movie gives you a chance to enjoy each team members special skills. Hannibal's gift of planning and strategy. Face's ability to manipulate people and slip out the back door while being chased by the law. And Finally B.A.'s ability to beat the holy hell out of people.
The other aspect of the show that we are all familiar with is the over the top action. The show made no apologies for the blatant inconsistencies of what you saw in your living rooms every week. I can recall countless times watching the guys toss a grenade into a jeep, the jeep explodes and shoots 1,000 feet into the air then crashes down in a heap of flames. Cut to the guys enjoying their successful venture. The next shot are the passengers of said exploded jeep leaving the wreckage without a scratch on them. The film homages the over the top nature very well.
I mean let's be real about this......if you watched the show then you should have expected this when you watch the movie.
The one adjustment story wise is the fact that you get a back story of how the A-Team was created. How each character met and became the fantastic 4 that we all know and love. That was nice to see. Also, there was a hint of advanced intelligence regarding the team's schemes. The plans as always were outlandish but there was a blend of intricate detail and plotting that allowed their missions to go off without a hitch. This was a nice tweak to what the show introduced us to decades ago.
Overall, Carnahan and Co. did a terrific job of returning us back to the glory days of the 80's while updating the genre with in your face action and spot on re-imaginations of TV's greatest action heroes.
On the 5 star scale. The A-Team gets 4.5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" Recommendation.
I took half a point away for some technical issues I had with the film. Particularly some of the shots and how they were cut together.
This was so far the most fun I had in the cinema this summer. If you were a fan of the show, you should not be disappointed.
That's all for today. Up next is The Karate (should be called Kung Fu) Kid.
Until next episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The A-Team. Directed by Joe Carnahan. Written by Joe Carnahan, Brian Bloom & Skip Woods. Based on the TV show The A-Team created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J.Cannell.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.
Cast
Liam Neeson - Col. Hannibal Smith
Bradley Cooper - Lt. Templeton 'Faceman' Peck
Jessica Biel - Charisa Sosa
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson - B.A. Baracus
Sharlto Copley - Murdock
Patrick Wilson - Lynch
Gerald McRaney - General Morrison
Henry Czerny - Director McCready
Brian Bloom - Pike
"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team."
That was the opening voice over that preceded the credits to one of TV's most action packed, comical, absurd yet beloved shows of recent memory. The A Team was a show that showed me that there is such a thing as mindless entertainment that can also be cool. You had 4 lead characters that were all like-able and more importantly they never overpowered each other. Each episode may have focused on 1 but the team always needed to work together to get the job done. This film captured the heart and soul of the show MASTERFULLY.
The plot centers around the same premise of the show. After being set up for a crime they didn't commit. They guys bust out of their incarceration and seek retribution against the people who wronged them while trying to clear their names in the process. The only difference here is the story is modernized. Instead of Vietnam, they are in Baghdad and the villains have more of a down home feel. If you get my drift.
What makes The A-Team so much fun are the characters. They were perfectly cast. The highlight being Sharlto Copley as Murdock. This guy was Dwight Schultz reincarnated. Just like the show though, despite a particular character being focused more in some spots, the film does a great job of returning the balance among the rest of the team. Hannibal, Face and B.A. all have their moments in the sun but the film really shines when they all work together. The movie gives you a chance to enjoy each team members special skills. Hannibal's gift of planning and strategy. Face's ability to manipulate people and slip out the back door while being chased by the law. And Finally B.A.'s ability to beat the holy hell out of people.
The other aspect of the show that we are all familiar with is the over the top action. The show made no apologies for the blatant inconsistencies of what you saw in your living rooms every week. I can recall countless times watching the guys toss a grenade into a jeep, the jeep explodes and shoots 1,000 feet into the air then crashes down in a heap of flames. Cut to the guys enjoying their successful venture. The next shot are the passengers of said exploded jeep leaving the wreckage without a scratch on them. The film homages the over the top nature very well.
I mean let's be real about this......if you watched the show then you should have expected this when you watch the movie.
The one adjustment story wise is the fact that you get a back story of how the A-Team was created. How each character met and became the fantastic 4 that we all know and love. That was nice to see. Also, there was a hint of advanced intelligence regarding the team's schemes. The plans as always were outlandish but there was a blend of intricate detail and plotting that allowed their missions to go off without a hitch. This was a nice tweak to what the show introduced us to decades ago.
Overall, Carnahan and Co. did a terrific job of returning us back to the glory days of the 80's while updating the genre with in your face action and spot on re-imaginations of TV's greatest action heroes.
On the 5 star scale. The A-Team gets 4.5 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" Recommendation.
I took half a point away for some technical issues I had with the film. Particularly some of the shots and how they were cut together.
This was so far the most fun I had in the cinema this summer. If you were a fan of the show, you should not be disappointed.
That's all for today. Up next is The Karate (should be called Kung Fu) Kid.
Until next episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time. Directed by Mike Newell. Written by Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard. Screen Story by Jordan Mechner. Based on the Price of Persia video game series created by Jordan Mechner.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action.
Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal - Dastan
Gemma Arterton - Tamina
Sir Ben Kingsley - Nizam
Alfred Molina - Sheik Amar
Steve Toussaint - Seso
Toby Kebbell - Garsiv
Richard Coyle - Tus
Ronald Pickup - King Sharaman
And here we go with another movie adaption of a popular video game. Video game movies by some people (myself included) feel that they should be just as good if not better than some of the comic book movies that come out every year. However, video game movies have been vilified in Hollywood and in the real world alike and with good reason. They are treated with so much disrespect that it's hard to justify the jump from controller to cinema.
When a studio buys the film rights to a game, they own it and can do whatever they want to the property. That's why you see a lot of the times "Based on the ???? video game" in the credits. It's the suits version of a get out of jail free card. They don't have to be faithful to the game's story, character design's or game mythology. They employ hack writers to change the main elements that make the game so popular among gamers so that it can be cinematic to a wider audience. What these studios CONTINUE to miss is that their audience ARE THE GAMERS THEMSELVES!!!!!! And in failing to satisfy the hardcore fans the video game film will continue to be a colossal failure. This is a major problem and in my opinion the solution is simple.
For the most part, video games are accompanied by AMAZING stories that keep you involved when you're not button mashing on your controller. All the powers that be in tinsel town have to do is follow that blueprint. It can't be any easier. Just employ the creator and or head writers of the game and have them write the screen story or an outline or even god forbid the actual screenplay. Prince of Persia does the right thing by bringing it's creator Jordan Mechner into the mix. So does his influence do the trick?????? Almost.
After being adopted by the king of Persia, Prince Dastan (the game's and film's hero) grows up with his 2 older step brothers into a fine warrior and servant to his father. After helping execute an attack of an neighboring city, Dastan comes into the possession of a dagger. The guardian of the dagger, Princess Tamina sees Dastan with it and tries her best to get it back. An event takes place that forces Dastan to flee his family with the princess. It's that event where Dastan discovers that the dagger has the power to send it's owner back in time. The rest of the film follows Dastan and the Princess as they try to unravel the mystery that brought them together and why the dagger is so important.
At it's core, Prince of Persia's story is solid but there are 2 things that take it off the beaten path a bit. About midway through the film the plot begins to recycle itself. Dastan has the dagger, he loses it then gets it back. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. This happens several times and each time get less and less dramatic. You're supposed to care when Dastan loses the dagger and it just plays like a skipping record constantly repeating the same tune. The other issue is Princess Tamina's character. Her value to the story is vital but her dialogue is written in blatant expositional fashion that she feels more like a plot device to move the story along than an important "character" to the story. She also displays a very abrasive, annoying attitude early on that it's difficult to root for her later on.
These are the 2 things that bring the film down a peg or two.
It's unfortunate because the action was not your normal thoroughfare. It was pretty impressive with some nice camera work. The editing was a little choppy but that's to be expected since Hollywood still has not learned how to cut a fight/action scene. Oh how I would love to take a crack at a fight scene. The CGI was impressive and Jake Gyllenhaal is actually believable as Prince Dastan minus the gigantic peepers he was born with.
Bottom line......Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time was a solid effort in the videogame to film adaptation. There was just that little something missing that prevented it from being the leader of the pack.
On the 5 star scale. Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time gets 2.5 stars with a split "Go See It/Netflix It" recommendation. If you are in the mood for a nice adventure/action film then you should be pleased. Otherwise wait for the DVD and just see Raiders of The Lost Ark again.
That's all for today. Up next in no particular order is......
Get him to the Greek
A-Team
The Karate Kid
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time. Directed by Mike Newell. Written by Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard. Screen Story by Jordan Mechner. Based on the Price of Persia video game series created by Jordan Mechner.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action.
Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal - Dastan
Gemma Arterton - Tamina
Sir Ben Kingsley - Nizam
Alfred Molina - Sheik Amar
Steve Toussaint - Seso
Toby Kebbell - Garsiv
Richard Coyle - Tus
Ronald Pickup - King Sharaman
And here we go with another movie adaption of a popular video game. Video game movies by some people (myself included) feel that they should be just as good if not better than some of the comic book movies that come out every year. However, video game movies have been vilified in Hollywood and in the real world alike and with good reason. They are treated with so much disrespect that it's hard to justify the jump from controller to cinema.
When a studio buys the film rights to a game, they own it and can do whatever they want to the property. That's why you see a lot of the times "Based on the ???? video game" in the credits. It's the suits version of a get out of jail free card. They don't have to be faithful to the game's story, character design's or game mythology. They employ hack writers to change the main elements that make the game so popular among gamers so that it can be cinematic to a wider audience. What these studios CONTINUE to miss is that their audience ARE THE GAMERS THEMSELVES!!!!!! And in failing to satisfy the hardcore fans the video game film will continue to be a colossal failure. This is a major problem and in my opinion the solution is simple.
For the most part, video games are accompanied by AMAZING stories that keep you involved when you're not button mashing on your controller. All the powers that be in tinsel town have to do is follow that blueprint. It can't be any easier. Just employ the creator and or head writers of the game and have them write the screen story or an outline or even god forbid the actual screenplay. Prince of Persia does the right thing by bringing it's creator Jordan Mechner into the mix. So does his influence do the trick?????? Almost.
After being adopted by the king of Persia, Prince Dastan (the game's and film's hero) grows up with his 2 older step brothers into a fine warrior and servant to his father. After helping execute an attack of an neighboring city, Dastan comes into the possession of a dagger. The guardian of the dagger, Princess Tamina sees Dastan with it and tries her best to get it back. An event takes place that forces Dastan to flee his family with the princess. It's that event where Dastan discovers that the dagger has the power to send it's owner back in time. The rest of the film follows Dastan and the Princess as they try to unravel the mystery that brought them together and why the dagger is so important.
At it's core, Prince of Persia's story is solid but there are 2 things that take it off the beaten path a bit. About midway through the film the plot begins to recycle itself. Dastan has the dagger, he loses it then gets it back. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. This happens several times and each time get less and less dramatic. You're supposed to care when Dastan loses the dagger and it just plays like a skipping record constantly repeating the same tune. The other issue is Princess Tamina's character. Her value to the story is vital but her dialogue is written in blatant expositional fashion that she feels more like a plot device to move the story along than an important "character" to the story. She also displays a very abrasive, annoying attitude early on that it's difficult to root for her later on.
These are the 2 things that bring the film down a peg or two.
It's unfortunate because the action was not your normal thoroughfare. It was pretty impressive with some nice camera work. The editing was a little choppy but that's to be expected since Hollywood still has not learned how to cut a fight/action scene. Oh how I would love to take a crack at a fight scene. The CGI was impressive and Jake Gyllenhaal is actually believable as Prince Dastan minus the gigantic peepers he was born with.
Bottom line......Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time was a solid effort in the videogame to film adaptation. There was just that little something missing that prevented it from being the leader of the pack.
On the 5 star scale. Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time gets 2.5 stars with a split "Go See It/Netflix It" recommendation. If you are in the mood for a nice adventure/action film then you should be pleased. Otherwise wait for the DVD and just see Raiders of The Lost Ark again.
That's all for today. Up next in no particular order is......
Get him to the Greek
A-Team
The Karate Kid
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Shrek Forever After
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Shrek Forever After. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Written by Josh Klausner & Darren Lemke. Based on the book written by William Steig.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.
Cast
Mike Myers - Shrek
Eddie Murphy - Donkey
Cameron Diaz - Princess Fiona
Antonio Banderas - Puss in Boots
Julie Andrews - Queen
Jon Hamm - Brogan
John Cleese - King Harold
Craig Robinson - Cookie
Walt Dohrn - Rumpelstiltskin
Shrek 2001 was a film that made history in several ways. It was one of the first CG animated films that had some life like qualities to it. The story telling was clever and witty and finally it took all of our favorite fairy tales and turned them upside down. The success of the 1st film spawned 2 more sequels. Shrek 2 was a very good follow up. Shrek The Third began the downward spiral into mediocrity. Shrek Forever After sadly showed me that the magic has finally left the franchise.
After experiencing a rather adventure-less life of routine and fatherhood. Shrek begins to fold under the pressure of normalcy. In a fit of rage and despair he reveals that he wants to go back to his old ogre life where he was feared and hunted without a care in the world. Rumpelstilskin hears this and offers Shrek the chance to return to his days of yore. The catch is he has to give back a day of his life in order for the deal to work. Shrek agrees and the contract is signed. Things appear great for Shrek at 1st. He's running around scaring people, having fun when he realizes that none of his friends know who he is and more importantly, Fiona doesn't know who Shrek is. The rest of the film follows Shrek's attempt to break the contract and get his family back.
I has a hard time deciding how I felt about this one. It didn't have the same feel as it's predecessor's. One of the issues is the fact that the original gang is not together on an adventure. It was hard to watch a Shrek film where Donkey, Puss and Fiona treat the jolly green guy as a complete stranger. One of the aspects of the Shrek universe that made the films so popular was the incorporation of pop culture into their scenes and jokes. That seemed played out here giving the scenario's a been there done that feel. They introduced some new characters in the fairy tale universe but it just doesn't have a fresh feel. You sit there thinking that they just recycled characters as opposed to introducing new ones.
The animation is once again top notch with an HD like quality. The problem here is that the stunning visuals are accompanied by a film that did not need to be made.
On the 5 star scale. Shrek Forever After gets 3 stars. With a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was a decent addition to the franchise. It certainly was better than the 3rd film. What hurts this one is the fact that there was no need for a 4th Shrek film. Having said that take the kiddies, they'll have some fun and maybe you will too. I just felt that 2 Shrek's were enough.
That's all for today. Up next is Prince of Persia. Another video game adaption. Uh Oh. Keep your fingers crossed people.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Shrek Forever After. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Written by Josh Klausner & Darren Lemke. Based on the book written by William Steig.
MPAA Rating : Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.
Cast
Mike Myers - Shrek
Eddie Murphy - Donkey
Cameron Diaz - Princess Fiona
Antonio Banderas - Puss in Boots
Julie Andrews - Queen
Jon Hamm - Brogan
John Cleese - King Harold
Craig Robinson - Cookie
Walt Dohrn - Rumpelstiltskin
Shrek 2001 was a film that made history in several ways. It was one of the first CG animated films that had some life like qualities to it. The story telling was clever and witty and finally it took all of our favorite fairy tales and turned them upside down. The success of the 1st film spawned 2 more sequels. Shrek 2 was a very good follow up. Shrek The Third began the downward spiral into mediocrity. Shrek Forever After sadly showed me that the magic has finally left the franchise.
After experiencing a rather adventure-less life of routine and fatherhood. Shrek begins to fold under the pressure of normalcy. In a fit of rage and despair he reveals that he wants to go back to his old ogre life where he was feared and hunted without a care in the world. Rumpelstilskin hears this and offers Shrek the chance to return to his days of yore. The catch is he has to give back a day of his life in order for the deal to work. Shrek agrees and the contract is signed. Things appear great for Shrek at 1st. He's running around scaring people, having fun when he realizes that none of his friends know who he is and more importantly, Fiona doesn't know who Shrek is. The rest of the film follows Shrek's attempt to break the contract and get his family back.
I has a hard time deciding how I felt about this one. It didn't have the same feel as it's predecessor's. One of the issues is the fact that the original gang is not together on an adventure. It was hard to watch a Shrek film where Donkey, Puss and Fiona treat the jolly green guy as a complete stranger. One of the aspects of the Shrek universe that made the films so popular was the incorporation of pop culture into their scenes and jokes. That seemed played out here giving the scenario's a been there done that feel. They introduced some new characters in the fairy tale universe but it just doesn't have a fresh feel. You sit there thinking that they just recycled characters as opposed to introducing new ones.
The animation is once again top notch with an HD like quality. The problem here is that the stunning visuals are accompanied by a film that did not need to be made.
On the 5 star scale. Shrek Forever After gets 3 stars. With a "Go See It" recommendation.
This was a decent addition to the franchise. It certainly was better than the 3rd film. What hurts this one is the fact that there was no need for a 4th Shrek film. Having said that take the kiddies, they'll have some fun and maybe you will too. I just felt that 2 Shrek's were enough.
That's all for today. Up next is Prince of Persia. Another video game adaption. Uh Oh. Keep your fingers crossed people.
Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
MacGruber
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is MacGruber. Directed by Jorma Taccone. Written by Will Forte, John Solomon & Jorma Taccone. Based on the Saturday Night Live skits with the same character.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong crude and sexual content, violence, language and some nudity.
Cast
Will Forte - MacGruber
Kristen Wiig - Vicki St. Elmo
Ryan Phillippe - Lt. Dixon Piper
Val Kilmer - Dieter Von Cunth
Powers Boothe - Col. James Faith
Maya Rudolph - Casey
For all of you Saturday Night Live fans, MacGruber is someone you all know. For those of you who don't here's a quick tutorial. MacGruber is quite simply a well executed parody of the MacGyver character played by Richard Dean Anderson. We all remember MacGyver and how he could biuld a bomb with some string, a paper clip and some bubble gum. Well MacGruber spoofs that part of the character by being one of the dumbest heroes on the planet. In every skit he's in the same situation. A bomb is about to go off and instead of disarming it he waits until the very last second then BOOM!!!!!!!!! It's actually a very well done parody and with it's popularity it was only a matter of time that a full length feature was going to be made.
This isn't the 1st time that SNL has made the leap from the small screen to the silver screen. Several of their popular characters and skits have been turned into films. The Coneheads, Wayne’s World, A Night at the Roxbury, Superstar, Ladies Man, It’s Pat and The Blues Brothers make up the roster of SNL films. So does MacGruber hold up with it's predecessor's?
The answer is NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that's the good news.
Ex-special operative MacGruber is called back into action to take down his archenemy, Dieter Von Cunth, who's in possession of a nuclear warhead and bent on destroying Washington, D.C.
There you go people. That's the plot but that's not why you go to see this movie. You go because MacGruber is a funny moron. This is by far with possible exception of Wayne's World 1 the best SNL film made to date. That's because of MacGruber the character. In my last review I went on a rant about how Robin Hood failed because a backstory was created regarding his origin and that it was unnecessary. Well in MacGruber's case the backstory was needed and it helped the film immensely. You don't know anything about him from the skits so they had to start from scratch and it pays off well.
The jokes are pretty good overall. There were a few lame 1 liners that didn't land but for the most part the comedy was solid. That's in part to the cast around Forte. Kristen Wiig is a genius. You may remember her in Knocked Up. She played Allison's boss, the one who hated Allison's success and had the snide under her breath comments about her look or performance. Brilliant comedic timing from her in that film. She continues that here with just 1 difference. In MacGruber, she's playing her character straight even though it's a over the top performance. That's what was required of her since her role in the skits is exactly the same way. She still manages to pick and choose the right time to land her comic jabs and it connects with deadly accuracy.
The other highlight here is Val Kilmer and Von Cunth. He like Wiig plays his dastardly villain straight and over the top but it's a spot on performance that parodies 80's action movie villains hell bent on world domination. That's what made MacGruber good. Just like Stallone plans to homage 80's action movies with his upcoming Expendables, MacGruber parodies the same genre and doesn't pretend to be otherwise.
On The 5 Star Scale. MacGruber gets 2.5 stars and a split "Go See It/Give It A Shot" recommendation.
Is MacGruber a perfect comedy? Not by any means but if you are a fan of the skits then give this one a shot. You may enjoy yourself if you're in the mood for a chuckle.
That's all for today. Up Next is Shrek Forever After.
On a completely off the beaten path note. I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to 2 of TV's most groundbreaking and entertaining shows in recent memory. Lost and 24 are signing off forever over the next 2 days.
Goodbye Lost. You have provided 6 years of incredible, engaging and yes at times VERY frustrating storytelling but you told a STORY. That is something that most TV shows don't do anymore.
And to 24....What can I say. Jack.......you are one tough son of a bitch. By far one of the greatest action heroes to ever grace primetime TV. Just like Lost, the show wasn't perfect but you changed the rules with the realtime format. It was bold, daring, a gamble and I bought in.
I will miss you both. I look forward to the upcoming 24 feature film and immersing myself the passengers of Oceanic flight 815 on Blu Ray when the Lost mega set eventually comes out. Until that day I still have the cinema.
Until Next Episode......."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is MacGruber. Directed by Jorma Taccone. Written by Will Forte, John Solomon & Jorma Taccone. Based on the Saturday Night Live skits with the same character.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong crude and sexual content, violence, language and some nudity.
Cast
Will Forte - MacGruber
Kristen Wiig - Vicki St. Elmo
Ryan Phillippe - Lt. Dixon Piper
Val Kilmer - Dieter Von Cunth
Powers Boothe - Col. James Faith
Maya Rudolph - Casey
For all of you Saturday Night Live fans, MacGruber is someone you all know. For those of you who don't here's a quick tutorial. MacGruber is quite simply a well executed parody of the MacGyver character played by Richard Dean Anderson. We all remember MacGyver and how he could biuld a bomb with some string, a paper clip and some bubble gum. Well MacGruber spoofs that part of the character by being one of the dumbest heroes on the planet. In every skit he's in the same situation. A bomb is about to go off and instead of disarming it he waits until the very last second then BOOM!!!!!!!!! It's actually a very well done parody and with it's popularity it was only a matter of time that a full length feature was going to be made.
This isn't the 1st time that SNL has made the leap from the small screen to the silver screen. Several of their popular characters and skits have been turned into films. The Coneheads, Wayne’s World, A Night at the Roxbury, Superstar, Ladies Man, It’s Pat and The Blues Brothers make up the roster of SNL films. So does MacGruber hold up with it's predecessor's?
The answer is NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that's the good news.
Ex-special operative MacGruber is called back into action to take down his archenemy, Dieter Von Cunth, who's in possession of a nuclear warhead and bent on destroying Washington, D.C.
There you go people. That's the plot but that's not why you go to see this movie. You go because MacGruber is a funny moron. This is by far with possible exception of Wayne's World 1 the best SNL film made to date. That's because of MacGruber the character. In my last review I went on a rant about how Robin Hood failed because a backstory was created regarding his origin and that it was unnecessary. Well in MacGruber's case the backstory was needed and it helped the film immensely. You don't know anything about him from the skits so they had to start from scratch and it pays off well.
The jokes are pretty good overall. There were a few lame 1 liners that didn't land but for the most part the comedy was solid. That's in part to the cast around Forte. Kristen Wiig is a genius. You may remember her in Knocked Up. She played Allison's boss, the one who hated Allison's success and had the snide under her breath comments about her look or performance. Brilliant comedic timing from her in that film. She continues that here with just 1 difference. In MacGruber, she's playing her character straight even though it's a over the top performance. That's what was required of her since her role in the skits is exactly the same way. She still manages to pick and choose the right time to land her comic jabs and it connects with deadly accuracy.
The other highlight here is Val Kilmer and Von Cunth. He like Wiig plays his dastardly villain straight and over the top but it's a spot on performance that parodies 80's action movie villains hell bent on world domination. That's what made MacGruber good. Just like Stallone plans to homage 80's action movies with his upcoming Expendables, MacGruber parodies the same genre and doesn't pretend to be otherwise.
On The 5 Star Scale. MacGruber gets 2.5 stars and a split "Go See It/Give It A Shot" recommendation.
Is MacGruber a perfect comedy? Not by any means but if you are a fan of the skits then give this one a shot. You may enjoy yourself if you're in the mood for a chuckle.
That's all for today. Up Next is Shrek Forever After.
On a completely off the beaten path note. I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to 2 of TV's most groundbreaking and entertaining shows in recent memory. Lost and 24 are signing off forever over the next 2 days.
Goodbye Lost. You have provided 6 years of incredible, engaging and yes at times VERY frustrating storytelling but you told a STORY. That is something that most TV shows don't do anymore.
And to 24....What can I say. Jack.......you are one tough son of a bitch. By far one of the greatest action heroes to ever grace primetime TV. Just like Lost, the show wasn't perfect but you changed the rules with the realtime format. It was bold, daring, a gamble and I bought in.
I will miss you both. I look forward to the upcoming 24 feature film and immersing myself the passengers of Oceanic flight 815 on Blu Ray when the Lost mega set eventually comes out. Until that day I still have the cinema.
Until Next Episode......."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Robin Hood
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Robin Hood. Directed by Ridley Scott. Written by Brian Helgeland. Story by Brian Helgeland, Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris.
Rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content.
Cast
Russell Crowe - Robin Longstride
Cate Blanchett - Marion Loxley
Max von Sydow - Sir Walter Loxley
William Hurt - William Marshal
Mark Strong - Godfrey
Oscar Isaac - Prince/King John
Danny Huston - King Richard The Lionheart
Eileen Atkins - Eleanor of Aquitaine
Mark Addy - Friar Tuck
Matthew Macfadyen - Sheriff of Nottingham
Kevin Durand - Little John
Douglas Hodge - Sir Robert Loxley
Hey people. I'm sorry for getting this review out to you so late. I forgot to write it which is a perfect indication of how forgettable this movie was. Before I go any further I have to amend a statement I made in my last review when I was teasing this film. I said that this was Ridley Scott's rendition of the classic legend. I was wrong. This is a re-telling.....actually this is a prequel to Robin Hood. And it's right here where the film FAILS.
After the death of King Richard. Robin Longstride returns to England. During his visit home he comes across a dying knight, Sir Robert Loxley. Sir Robert tasks Robin to return his sword to his father. Sounds simple enough right? Well what happens next is a whirlwind of complication and convoluted twists and turns that caring for any of these characters go right out the window.
I know I didn't reveal much of the plot, that's because if I divulged any further, all of you would be sending me hate mail for giving you migraines. That's how stupid and over complicated the plot was. This was a byproduct of 1 simple thing. Due to the fact that Robin Hood is a myth, there never was any recorded backstory concerning everyone's favorite bandit with a bow. So Team Scott decided to create one. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it ain't broke.......DON'T FIX IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Robin Hood legend as told so many times over is so rich with action, romance, drama and history that telling the story of the birth of this classic character is just unnecessary not to mention DUMB!!!!!!!!!!! There is so much off with this "origin" story that it distorts any fond memories you ever had of Robin firing his bow at 1,000 paces and nailing his target with the precision of the highest trained assassin.
The script is jumbled and reeks of massive re-writes. The dialogue is choppy, corny and at times out of touch with the period of history that they are in. No one in the 11th century says "We go way back." The action scenes were OK. Nothing impressive by my standards of period films like this one. The final battle of the beach paled in comparison to any of the battles in Braveheart. Also just a note of mention. If this is supposed to be the "origin" of Robin Hood......why is 47 year old Russell Crowe playing him? You've taken half of Robin Hood's life away before he actually becomes Robin Hood. This doesn't bode well for the sequel that was inevitably left open at the climax of this one. Sadly I won't waste my time. I'll just watch the Disney animated Robin Hood. That fox kicked some major a@@.
On the 5 star scale. Robin Hood gets .5 star with a split "Save The Loot/Netflix It" recommendation.
This one disappoints me to no end. Ridley Scott and Helgeland collaboration should have yielded much better results. I guess we all have our off days.
That's all for today. Up next is MacGruber.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is Robin Hood. Directed by Ridley Scott. Written by Brian Helgeland. Story by Brian Helgeland, Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris.
Rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content.
Cast
Russell Crowe - Robin Longstride
Cate Blanchett - Marion Loxley
Max von Sydow - Sir Walter Loxley
William Hurt - William Marshal
Mark Strong - Godfrey
Oscar Isaac - Prince/King John
Danny Huston - King Richard The Lionheart
Eileen Atkins - Eleanor of Aquitaine
Mark Addy - Friar Tuck
Matthew Macfadyen - Sheriff of Nottingham
Kevin Durand - Little John
Douglas Hodge - Sir Robert Loxley
Hey people. I'm sorry for getting this review out to you so late. I forgot to write it which is a perfect indication of how forgettable this movie was. Before I go any further I have to amend a statement I made in my last review when I was teasing this film. I said that this was Ridley Scott's rendition of the classic legend. I was wrong. This is a re-telling.....actually this is a prequel to Robin Hood. And it's right here where the film FAILS.
After the death of King Richard. Robin Longstride returns to England. During his visit home he comes across a dying knight, Sir Robert Loxley. Sir Robert tasks Robin to return his sword to his father. Sounds simple enough right? Well what happens next is a whirlwind of complication and convoluted twists and turns that caring for any of these characters go right out the window.
I know I didn't reveal much of the plot, that's because if I divulged any further, all of you would be sending me hate mail for giving you migraines. That's how stupid and over complicated the plot was. This was a byproduct of 1 simple thing. Due to the fact that Robin Hood is a myth, there never was any recorded backstory concerning everyone's favorite bandit with a bow. So Team Scott decided to create one. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it ain't broke.......DON'T FIX IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Robin Hood legend as told so many times over is so rich with action, romance, drama and history that telling the story of the birth of this classic character is just unnecessary not to mention DUMB!!!!!!!!!!! There is so much off with this "origin" story that it distorts any fond memories you ever had of Robin firing his bow at 1,000 paces and nailing his target with the precision of the highest trained assassin.
The script is jumbled and reeks of massive re-writes. The dialogue is choppy, corny and at times out of touch with the period of history that they are in. No one in the 11th century says "We go way back." The action scenes were OK. Nothing impressive by my standards of period films like this one. The final battle of the beach paled in comparison to any of the battles in Braveheart. Also just a note of mention. If this is supposed to be the "origin" of Robin Hood......why is 47 year old Russell Crowe playing him? You've taken half of Robin Hood's life away before he actually becomes Robin Hood. This doesn't bode well for the sequel that was inevitably left open at the climax of this one. Sadly I won't waste my time. I'll just watch the Disney animated Robin Hood. That fox kicked some major a@@.
On the 5 star scale. Robin Hood gets .5 star with a split "Save The Loot/Netflix It" recommendation.
This one disappoints me to no end. Ridley Scott and Helgeland collaboration should have yielded much better results. I guess we all have our off days.
That's all for today. Up next is MacGruber.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev. Written by Nikolaj Arcel & Rasmus Heisterberg. Based on the novel by the same name written by Stieg Larsson.
MPAA Rating NR for language, strong brutal violence, strong sexual content, including rape.
Cast
Michael Nyqvist -Mikael Blomkvist
Noomi Rapace - Lisbeth Salander
Lena Endre - Erika Berger
Peter Haber - Martin Vanger
Sven-Bertil Taube - Henrik Vanger
Peter Andersson - The Lawyer Nils Bjurman
Ingvar Hirdwall - Dirch Frode
Marika Lagercrantz - Cecilia Vanger
Björn Granath - Gustav Morell
Ewa Fröling - Harriet Vanger
Before I continued my effort to rot my brain out with the upcoming summer blockbusters, I was able to catch this film at a regional theater. After hearing some positive buzz about it I figured why not. Let's get some culture and see a foreign thriller. GREAT SCOTT!!!!!!!!!! I didn't leave the theater cultured. I left disturbed and disappointed at what could have been.
Well known journalist Mikael Blomkvist has been found guilty of a crime and is awaiting his jail time to start. In the meantime he's approached by Martin Vanger a wealthy man, part of a very powerful Vanger family. He wants Mikael to investigate the very long and unsolved disappearance of his granddaughter Harriet. Mikael takes the case and enlists the help of well known convicted computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. Mikael and Lisbeth work to find out what happened to Harriet. What they uncover is a tangled web of circumstances that they never bargained for.
Here's what's wrong with this film. It's the brutality. This film is based on the Millennium trilogy of books written by the now deceased Stieg Larsson. The books have been national best sellers and they are supposedly just as graphic. Having said that, the violence, depictions of violence and the sexual content in this film is too over the top and gives the theme of the film a cartoony feel. It's commonplace in cinema to allow violence and or sex to drive a story but they have to be crafted and structured around the story well enough to serve the narrative. Otherwise you're just watching a snuff film.
It's unfortunate because at it's core, the film's story was engaging, mysterious and thrilling. They just overpowered you with too much of the elements that made the story engaging, mysterious and thrilling. The films run time doesn't help it's cause either. At a shade over two and a half hours you may experience some butt numbness.
Despite it's overabundance of brutality and draggy pace, there is a bright spot and that's the performance of Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth. This is one bad ass chick that is NOT TO BE MESSED WITH!!! You are introduced right away to her tortured soul and she uses that to empower her against all of her inner and outer demons. Rapace establishes a unique quality of love and fear. You love her for her strength and fear her for her strength. Top notch work. Sadly it's not enough to save this one.
On the 5 star scale. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo gets 2 stars with a "Save The Loot" recommendation.
A hollywood remake is already planned with reportedly David Fincher tapped to direct from a screenplay written by Steve Zaillian. This gives me some positive vibes off the bat until the lead of Mikael was cast. Brad Pitt.......UGH!!!!!!!!! I know that Fincher and Pitt were great together in Fight Club but that was over a decade ago and I just can't see Pitt as Mikael. Doubts aside, I have faith in Zaillian's script and Fincher's ability to get the balance right between the drama and the disturbing. Only time will tell.
That's all for today. Up next is Robin Hood. Ridley Scott's HORRIBLE!!!!! rendition of the legendary character.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev. Written by Nikolaj Arcel & Rasmus Heisterberg. Based on the novel by the same name written by Stieg Larsson.
MPAA Rating NR for language, strong brutal violence, strong sexual content, including rape.
Cast
Michael Nyqvist -Mikael Blomkvist
Noomi Rapace - Lisbeth Salander
Lena Endre - Erika Berger
Peter Haber - Martin Vanger
Sven-Bertil Taube - Henrik Vanger
Peter Andersson - The Lawyer Nils Bjurman
Ingvar Hirdwall - Dirch Frode
Marika Lagercrantz - Cecilia Vanger
Björn Granath - Gustav Morell
Ewa Fröling - Harriet Vanger
Before I continued my effort to rot my brain out with the upcoming summer blockbusters, I was able to catch this film at a regional theater. After hearing some positive buzz about it I figured why not. Let's get some culture and see a foreign thriller. GREAT SCOTT!!!!!!!!!! I didn't leave the theater cultured. I left disturbed and disappointed at what could have been.
Well known journalist Mikael Blomkvist has been found guilty of a crime and is awaiting his jail time to start. In the meantime he's approached by Martin Vanger a wealthy man, part of a very powerful Vanger family. He wants Mikael to investigate the very long and unsolved disappearance of his granddaughter Harriet. Mikael takes the case and enlists the help of well known convicted computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. Mikael and Lisbeth work to find out what happened to Harriet. What they uncover is a tangled web of circumstances that they never bargained for.
Here's what's wrong with this film. It's the brutality. This film is based on the Millennium trilogy of books written by the now deceased Stieg Larsson. The books have been national best sellers and they are supposedly just as graphic. Having said that, the violence, depictions of violence and the sexual content in this film is too over the top and gives the theme of the film a cartoony feel. It's commonplace in cinema to allow violence and or sex to drive a story but they have to be crafted and structured around the story well enough to serve the narrative. Otherwise you're just watching a snuff film.
It's unfortunate because at it's core, the film's story was engaging, mysterious and thrilling. They just overpowered you with too much of the elements that made the story engaging, mysterious and thrilling. The films run time doesn't help it's cause either. At a shade over two and a half hours you may experience some butt numbness.
Despite it's overabundance of brutality and draggy pace, there is a bright spot and that's the performance of Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth. This is one bad ass chick that is NOT TO BE MESSED WITH!!! You are introduced right away to her tortured soul and she uses that to empower her against all of her inner and outer demons. Rapace establishes a unique quality of love and fear. You love her for her strength and fear her for her strength. Top notch work. Sadly it's not enough to save this one.
On the 5 star scale. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo gets 2 stars with a "Save The Loot" recommendation.
A hollywood remake is already planned with reportedly David Fincher tapped to direct from a screenplay written by Steve Zaillian. This gives me some positive vibes off the bat until the lead of Mikael was cast. Brad Pitt.......UGH!!!!!!!!! I know that Fincher and Pitt were great together in Fight Club but that was over a decade ago and I just can't see Pitt as Mikael. Doubts aside, I have faith in Zaillian's script and Fincher's ability to get the balance right between the drama and the disturbing. Only time will tell.
That's all for today. Up next is Robin Hood. Ridley Scott's HORRIBLE!!!!! rendition of the legendary character.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Iron Man 2
Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Iron Man 2. Directed by Jon Favreau. Written by Justin Theroux. Based on the comic created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
Cast
Robert Downey Jr. - Tony Stark/Iron Man
Don Cheadle - Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes/War Machine
Scarlett Johansson - Natalie Rushman /Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
Gwyneth Paltrow - Pepper Potts
Sam Rockwell - Justin Hammer
Mickey Rourke - Ivan Vanko/Whiplash
Samuel L. Jackson - Nick Fury
Clark Gregg - Agent Coulson
Jon Favreau - Happy Hogan
So here we are boys and girls. The unofficial/official beginning of the summer blockbuster season. May has become the marquee month for the debut of some of the year's most anticipated films. This May is no different and the month kicks off with one of the most anticipated sequels in recent comic book movie memory since Spider Man 3 and The Dark Knight. As we all know, both of those films made a tremendous amount of money. However, one of those movies tanked critically while the other triumphed. I think we can figure out which is which. The question I know you all want answered is does this sequel live up to the hype? The answer is yes.
The film takes place after the events of the 1st film where Tony Stark played by the terrific Robert Downey Jr. reveals to the world that he is Iron Man. It's at this point we see Ivan Danko played by Mickey Rourke caring for his dying father in Russia. After his passing, Ivan begins to replicate Stark's Iron Man technology that his father had the blueprints for. This is part of a slow developing revenge plot against Stark. Meanwhile back in the states, Tony is coping with his new found fame as a superhero while trying to keep the US government from taking away his suits so they can be replicated for the military. Along the way events take place that send Tony on a downward spiral of emotions and chaos that threaten his existence in this world as both a superhero and a man.
That last statement sounds a little cryptic right? Well it's supposed to be.
It's that last statement that made Iron Man 2 so entertaining. The 1st film was all about the birth of a superhero. Now we are seeing the consequences of not keeping that identity a secret while dealing with a villain that seems to be just as intelligent as Tony is. This sends him down a path of uneasiness and doubt which we as an audience are not accustomed to seeing. Our superheroes are not supposed to have problems. Iron Man does which is faithful to the books underlying demons that Tony faces each and every day. The film is not as dark as The Dark Knight but we get a little glimpse in chink in Iron Man's armor.
The next part of Iron Man 2's success is the cast. Everyone is once again properly placed in a role that was "suited" for them (sorry, I couldn't resist). We all know the returning cast members, it's the new blood that stand out. Mickey Rourke as Whiplash was both engaging and scary. He gives you a bone chilling stare and blank expressions that could mean nothing or the end of your life. Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow is just a superhot firecracker of a character. She's believe-able to us as a person that can play the action heroine. The only exception to the new cast was Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. Now he served his purpose well as one of Stark's antagonists but he was so annoying that you just wanted someone to crack him in the face just to stop his incessant whining.
That is the 1st of 2 minor issues I have with this film.
The 2nd one is the villain's and their motives. They are no different than the villain in the 1st film Obadiah Stane. Stane's objective in the 1st film was to duplicate Stark's acr reactor technology so it could be weaponized. That is Hammer's intention as well as the Government's. Just like the 1st film, the technology is duplicated and used against Iron Man. The only difference is the motive of Whiplash. He replicated the tech to kill Iron Man. Otherwise the villain's method to their madness is a simple case of been there done that. Despite the redundancy the film plays with a fresh feel. That's due to Theroux's tightly would and well written script. He clearly went to the well that made Iron Man so good and just gave the fans more of that.
Including some VERY cool geek stuff that gets displayed to set up future Marvel projects.
For those of you not aware, Marvel studios announced their full slate of upcoming comic adaptations. These future films are Thor and Captain America. Both films are shooting now with Thor and Cap set to release next summer, 1 month apart in fact. This is all meant to tie into another film called The Avengers set to release in 2012. The Avengers is a team of heroes comprised of Thor, Captain America and Iron Man to name a few. In order to make The Avengers work they had to start introducing these characters in crossover fashion (meaning within other films) so they just don't come out of nowhere. You get a small sample of that with Iron Man 2. If you pay close attention you see a very BIG symbol that set's off the Avenger's crossover.
Future Marvel film teases aside, Iron Man 2 holds it's own nicely in the sequel dept. and once again recaptures the momentum it's predecessor created. If Thor and Captain America match the entertainment value while maintaining the continuity of setting up The Avengers film that Iron Man 2 set up so well then the future is definitely bright for Marvel Studios and their super roster.
Also an FYI for you and this is a good one. Stay until the end of the credits. Once again Favreau and company have treated the geeks to an extra scene that teases a future Marvel film. I won't say which one but the final image will tip you off. VERY COOL and exciting.
On the 5 star scale. Iron Man 2 gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" Recommendation.
This would have been a perfect 5 had it not been for the redundant villain motive. Otherwise this was a terrific film worth your time.
That's all for today. Up next is Robin Hood. To be followed by Shrek 4 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Damn! May is going to be a busy month.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
Happy Mother's Day to all my "D" List Mom's. Hope you all have a great day.
"D"
Today's review is Iron Man 2. Directed by Jon Favreau. Written by Justin Theroux. Based on the comic created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
Cast
Robert Downey Jr. - Tony Stark/Iron Man
Don Cheadle - Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes/War Machine
Scarlett Johansson - Natalie Rushman /Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
Gwyneth Paltrow - Pepper Potts
Sam Rockwell - Justin Hammer
Mickey Rourke - Ivan Vanko/Whiplash
Samuel L. Jackson - Nick Fury
Clark Gregg - Agent Coulson
Jon Favreau - Happy Hogan
So here we are boys and girls. The unofficial/official beginning of the summer blockbuster season. May has become the marquee month for the debut of some of the year's most anticipated films. This May is no different and the month kicks off with one of the most anticipated sequels in recent comic book movie memory since Spider Man 3 and The Dark Knight. As we all know, both of those films made a tremendous amount of money. However, one of those movies tanked critically while the other triumphed. I think we can figure out which is which. The question I know you all want answered is does this sequel live up to the hype? The answer is yes.
The film takes place after the events of the 1st film where Tony Stark played by the terrific Robert Downey Jr. reveals to the world that he is Iron Man. It's at this point we see Ivan Danko played by Mickey Rourke caring for his dying father in Russia. After his passing, Ivan begins to replicate Stark's Iron Man technology that his father had the blueprints for. This is part of a slow developing revenge plot against Stark. Meanwhile back in the states, Tony is coping with his new found fame as a superhero while trying to keep the US government from taking away his suits so they can be replicated for the military. Along the way events take place that send Tony on a downward spiral of emotions and chaos that threaten his existence in this world as both a superhero and a man.
That last statement sounds a little cryptic right? Well it's supposed to be.
It's that last statement that made Iron Man 2 so entertaining. The 1st film was all about the birth of a superhero. Now we are seeing the consequences of not keeping that identity a secret while dealing with a villain that seems to be just as intelligent as Tony is. This sends him down a path of uneasiness and doubt which we as an audience are not accustomed to seeing. Our superheroes are not supposed to have problems. Iron Man does which is faithful to the books underlying demons that Tony faces each and every day. The film is not as dark as The Dark Knight but we get a little glimpse in chink in Iron Man's armor.
The next part of Iron Man 2's success is the cast. Everyone is once again properly placed in a role that was "suited" for them (sorry, I couldn't resist). We all know the returning cast members, it's the new blood that stand out. Mickey Rourke as Whiplash was both engaging and scary. He gives you a bone chilling stare and blank expressions that could mean nothing or the end of your life. Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow is just a superhot firecracker of a character. She's believe-able to us as a person that can play the action heroine. The only exception to the new cast was Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. Now he served his purpose well as one of Stark's antagonists but he was so annoying that you just wanted someone to crack him in the face just to stop his incessant whining.
That is the 1st of 2 minor issues I have with this film.
The 2nd one is the villain's and their motives. They are no different than the villain in the 1st film Obadiah Stane. Stane's objective in the 1st film was to duplicate Stark's acr reactor technology so it could be weaponized. That is Hammer's intention as well as the Government's. Just like the 1st film, the technology is duplicated and used against Iron Man. The only difference is the motive of Whiplash. He replicated the tech to kill Iron Man. Otherwise the villain's method to their madness is a simple case of been there done that. Despite the redundancy the film plays with a fresh feel. That's due to Theroux's tightly would and well written script. He clearly went to the well that made Iron Man so good and just gave the fans more of that.
Including some VERY cool geek stuff that gets displayed to set up future Marvel projects.
For those of you not aware, Marvel studios announced their full slate of upcoming comic adaptations. These future films are Thor and Captain America. Both films are shooting now with Thor and Cap set to release next summer, 1 month apart in fact. This is all meant to tie into another film called The Avengers set to release in 2012. The Avengers is a team of heroes comprised of Thor, Captain America and Iron Man to name a few. In order to make The Avengers work they had to start introducing these characters in crossover fashion (meaning within other films) so they just don't come out of nowhere. You get a small sample of that with Iron Man 2. If you pay close attention you see a very BIG symbol that set's off the Avenger's crossover.
Future Marvel film teases aside, Iron Man 2 holds it's own nicely in the sequel dept. and once again recaptures the momentum it's predecessor created. If Thor and Captain America match the entertainment value while maintaining the continuity of setting up The Avengers film that Iron Man 2 set up so well then the future is definitely bright for Marvel Studios and their super roster.
Also an FYI for you and this is a good one. Stay until the end of the credits. Once again Favreau and company have treated the geeks to an extra scene that teases a future Marvel film. I won't say which one but the final image will tip you off. VERY COOL and exciting.
On the 5 star scale. Iron Man 2 gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" Recommendation.
This would have been a perfect 5 had it not been for the redundant villain motive. Otherwise this was a terrific film worth your time.
That's all for today. Up next is Robin Hood. To be followed by Shrek 4 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Damn! May is going to be a busy month.
Until Next Episode......"I'll Save You A Seat!"
Happy Mother's Day to all my "D" List Mom's. Hope you all have a great day.
"D"
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