This trilogy is one the best franchises to come out of Hollywood in years, with over forty years of source material to work with what do you expect. With the success of this movie series, it single handedly saved the future of other comic book stories to be transferred onto film. Not that I was a big X-Men fan but this series has revived the feeling that the action/fantasy/sci-fi movie is not dead and will possibly live out us all.
X-Men-With the partnering of CGI effects and actors with the talent to flesh out these characters this was a flawless shot to the moon. The story was perfect to show the fear and loathing between the Humans and the Mutants, and with just a hint of the back story for Wolverine wetted my appetite for more. With actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen leading these Mutants, the acting caliber is raised each time they walk into a scene, and the bar just keeps going higher. The fight sequences are classics from the comics and the expanse of the Marvel X-Men universe shows that any future movies would be rich in content and action.
X-2: X-Men United-The biggest thing that any sequel needs to do is keep things fresh but not to stray to far from the original concept that the audience gets lost. This movie basically picks up where the first one ends and that's the one of the best parts here, you could watch both films back to back and its as if there is no break in between. The other thing that this movie does very well and that's introducing new characters, and some of the best ones are seen here. Sometimes the introduction of someone new distorts the plot line, but here the characters just enhance the story.
X-3: The Last Stand-There were a lot of fears about this movie not the least of which was the change of directors, but the that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a very good movie. The further development of the core characters works here, but the killing off of some of them was not a good call. Since the X-Men universe is so large and populated by such an array of characters it is understandable that more new characters were introduced in this movie and others not brought back. The action sequences, especially the Danger Room, are superbly done and the visual effects are so flawless that they look as real as can be.
The large fan base that these movies are geared towards should be satisfied with the results that these three movies have brought. It has created a franchise and along with it a movie genre that was thought to be dead and regulated to television. But with the success of the X-Men series we will be seeing more and more comic book stories turned into movies.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wedding Crashers
This movie shows how far you can get on a good lie, as long as you don't have to improvise to much along the way. The situations that are presented here are just the kind of things that two long time buddies would want to be a part of. Women, booze, parties, and more women are exactly what any red blooded male would want and this is almost a handbook on the correct path for this goal. After years of crashing weddings, love finally strikes down and flounders the crashers at a high profile wedding of a politicians daughter. The three standout actors in this comedy are Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Christopher Walken, who plays a great politician who seems oblivious to his families dysfunctions. Also keep your eyes open for Jane Seymour, she's the sexy wife to Walken's politician, and after all these years she's still a knockout. The family itself is so close to believability it's scary, from the undersexed wife to the oversexed daughter to the Goth son, who just happens to be a closet homosexual, to the elderly mother who seems to have had an affair with President Franklin Roosevelt, at times its just a little to close to home. Because it seems so real, the situations that occur are just that much more hilarious, and at times you'll be laughing so hard your sides will hurt.
This film was everything that I thought it would be, I laughed almost nonstop from beginning to end and the ending leaves enough open that a sequel is completely possible. After watching this movie you just might get the idea that you and a buddy or two should go out and crash a few weddings, but just remember never get emotionally involved and always, always have a solid back story.
This film was everything that I thought it would be, I laughed almost nonstop from beginning to end and the ending leaves enough open that a sequel is completely possible. After watching this movie you just might get the idea that you and a buddy or two should go out and crash a few weddings, but just remember never get emotionally involved and always, always have a solid back story.
Lucky Number Slevin
When crime thrillers are done right they are very good and you never see the twists and turns coming until its to late, this is one of those films. With heavy hitters like Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley you see characters that are almost tailor made for the actors, and having Josh Hartnet in the title role is just about as perfect as you can get. What starts out as a mistaken identity movie turns into a revenge film in the blink of an eye, and the twists don't end until the credits begin.An identity mix-up places an unsuspecting man, Slevin, into the middle of a mob war. The way that the camera angles are shot is superb, you're not suppose to know the identity of the actors at different points in the film and it works towards the final scenes when everything is revealed. Once you get sucked into the story its hard to look away, because if you do you may miss an important piece to the puzzle. Bruce Willis as the cold blooded killer is great he is at the top of his game here. Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley as the feuding crime bosses are perfect, the bitterness that each actor portrays from their character works to the point that neither wants to help each other at the very end.
The guessing that goes on in your head through out the entire movie helps with the storyline because once you think that you've got a solid theory it gets knocked down with the next scene. This is one of those movies that after you've seen it, you're going to want to watch it again just to see if there were things that you missed the first time around. Rent it or buy it, but see it, because it will be one of the best thrillers you see in a long time.
The guessing that goes on in your head through out the entire movie helps with the storyline because once you think that you've got a solid theory it gets knocked down with the next scene. This is one of those movies that after you've seen it, you're going to want to watch it again just to see if there were things that you missed the first time around. Rent it or buy it, but see it, because it will be one of the best thrillers you see in a long time.
Simone
With the advancements in computer technology we can now make complete movies without any sets or actors, but the animation still looks a little off. This movie takes the innovation one step further to the point where there is no distinction between the real and the simulated. This movie also shows the way the some actors act like immature children when it comes to things that are written into their contracts, having the largest trailer on the set, all the red Mike and Ike's removed from a bowl of candy, etc. The addiction to a pop culture is examined here with stark reality and blatant truthfulness. The other thing that is shown is the lengths that one man will go to too have his dreams realized, even if it means breaking the rules of man and society.When a director is left with no alternatives to finish his film, he turns to a computer animated actress, Simone, to complete the project. As the fame goes to his head he realizes that Simone's life has become more real than his. Al Pacino as the director plays the role as only he can, with complete believability and with all the ear marks of someone trying to hold on to his career. The fame that is displayed is so over the top that its hard to believe that there are people out there that actually behave like that.
If this is truly the future of film making, I think we should really reexamine how far we want to continue in this direction. I think its great that computer technology has advanced to the point that the graphics are better, and that some simulations can be done so that actors, and stunt people, don't have to risk their lives. But the idea that they can be replaced completely is absurd, give me a live, flesh and blood person over a cold Sim any day.
If this is truly the future of film making, I think we should really reexamine how far we want to continue in this direction. I think its great that computer technology has advanced to the point that the graphics are better, and that some simulations can be done so that actors, and stunt people, don't have to risk their lives. But the idea that they can be replaced completely is absurd, give me a live, flesh and blood person over a cold Sim any day.
Hard Rain
This is one of those movies that didn't get a lot of buzz when it came out originally, and even when it came to DVD it was released without any fanfare. With all the flooding that has happened around the nation in resent years, it maybe hard for some people to watch, but if you can get by the anxiety of the situations it's a very good film. Christian Slater in the lead role makes a good action star and should have gone on from here to do more but that never really happened. The other two strong performances are from Morgan Freeman and Randy Quaid, and its Quaid's acting that I was totally shocked by, it was better than I expected. Ed Asner as the old cranky senior security guard is a welcome surprise, since by 1998 he wasn't doing many movie pieces or television roles. An armored-car carrying three million dollars from evacuating banks along a flooding river is attacked and the lone surviving guard fights for his life and the safe delivery of the money. The scenes of the flooded out town are so realistic at times that you forget that this was shot on a sound stage. The constant threat of the rising water is a great catalyst and they use it very effectively, from the water for the emergency spill off to the breaking of the dam. The only problem that I could see here is that everyone's gun at one point or another is submerged in the water and not one of them misfires, that just seems a little odd.
The film is so fast paced that you really don't notice that the time has flown by. One of the reasons that I would re-watch a movie would be to see things that I missed the first time through, and this is definitely one of those movies, at times there's so much going on, you just have to watch it again.
The film is so fast paced that you really don't notice that the time has flown by. One of the reasons that I would re-watch a movie would be to see things that I missed the first time through, and this is definitely one of those movies, at times there's so much going on, you just have to watch it again.
Friday, October 14, 2011
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Tis' the season of horror and terror of many types, to send a chill down your spine, and hopefully you'll walk away in the dawn with a smile on your face because your still alive. Of all the classics that come out this time of year there are only a handful that would be considered for children. But of that handful, and until recently that handful is getting bigger, this is by far the most memorable and the most fun. Since 1966 this story has delighted and entertained generation after generation of children and after all these years the tale of the Great Pumpkin has aged extremely well. Linus awaits this Halloween for the coming of the Great Pumpkin, and while he waits he puts up with the teasing of his peers for believing in such a character. This story and animation was Charles Schultz at his best, the characters that he had created in his Peanuts comic strips come to life with all of the mannerisms and quirks that his readers expect. The story alone is a wonderful look at the beliefs that we all had as children and how we would defend them to the bitter end. The animation in this annual classic is basic and doesn't look as clean as the animated movies and specials we see today, but the simplicity of the look goes hand in hand with the story and with the kindheartedness of the characters your drawn into a world that feels like a warm security blanket.
Most people have grown up with this classic and over time have begun to look at it as "I've seen it I don't need to see it again." But what this really is, is a slice of childhood that we're able to revisit unlike so many other things from the past. So even if you don't have children this is a video to see, it will remind you of the warm feelings that you had back then, and that those feelings can still be captured once again.
Most people have grown up with this classic and over time have begun to look at it as "I've seen it I don't need to see it again." But what this really is, is a slice of childhood that we're able to revisit unlike so many other things from the past. So even if you don't have children this is a video to see, it will remind you of the warm feelings that you had back then, and that those feelings can still be captured once again.
Tales from the Darkside - The Movie
This movie is a continuation of the successful TV series Tales from the Darkside, a horror anthology show that grabbed the audience and never let go. The stories that were shown were of the highest caliber of writing for television since the Twilight Zone in the 1950s. This film carried the tradition of the show on to the big screen with four amazing stories that work from the opening sequence.There are four stories that are in this movie, three segments and a wrap around stories, all having the twists and turns that are needed in good horror stories. The stories cover the spectrum from mummies to gargoyles to a cat from Hell. With stars like Steve Buscemi, Christian Slater, and David Johansen the stories move along at a pace that is perfect. All of the story are great but the wrap around story is really good . Starring Deborah Harry, of Blonde fame, as the witch in an updated Hansel and Gretel story is completely over the top and works to tie everything together.
At this time a year when your looking for a movie to watch if you haven't seen this before give it a shot. Its one of the movies that I would watch over and over just to see some of these actors in some of their best work. Over the years it hasn't lost any of its charm or humor, like a good bottle of wine it has aged quite well.
At this time a year when your looking for a movie to watch if you haven't seen this before give it a shot. Its one of the movies that I would watch over and over just to see some of these actors in some of their best work. Over the years it hasn't lost any of its charm or humor, like a good bottle of wine it has aged quite well.
Grosse Pointe Blank
John Cusack is one of those actors that over the years he has gotten better and better. This movie shows just how good he is, the character is so multi-layered that a lot of actors would not be able to pull it off. When this film first came out I thought that it was an interesting idea but wasn't sure if it was going to be any good, boy was I wrong.A freelance assassin goes back home for his tenth High School reunion, and while there work on a last minute contract killing. The cast is perfect in this film with Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin and Joan Cusack backing up John's hit man role. From the very beginning of the movie you see the chemistry of the characters gel just perfectly. The craziness of the situations is great and at every turn you think that things are going to work out for our hero but then something happens that seems completely believable.
Being a product of the 80s I have a strong fondness for this film, I've watched it over and over and have never gotten tied of it. From the soundtrack to the acting to the action there isn't anything that slows this movie down. This is one of those movies that you can sit down and watch with friends or family and enjoy it completely.
Being a product of the 80s I have a strong fondness for this film, I've watched it over and over and have never gotten tied of it. From the soundtrack to the acting to the action there isn't anything that slows this movie down. This is one of those movies that you can sit down and watch with friends or family and enjoy it completely.
Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie
This film is something that my sister watches with my niece and she said that if I enjoyed the Heffalump movie, I might like this. She was right it's very fun and for a movie that is only an hour long there is a lot of story laid out. All of the main characters are here so that you feel quite familiar with the situations that come up. This Halloween is Lumpy's first and Roo and the gang want to show him what trick or treating is all about. With all of the mishaps that we have become familiar with over the years, every new adventure brings out the best in these characters, and ultimately ourselves. Friendships are something that we all need in our daily lives, but how many of us can say that our friendships are as strong as Roo's and Lumpy's. The story is very inventive and since the last movie got rid of the frightening Heffalumps, so a new ghoul had to be created, enter the Gobloon.
With the universe of Winnie the Pooh expanding , you start to wonder when will it stop, hopefully not any time soon. After watching this I can see why my niece loves it so much , its fun with characters that she loves and the scary story is just that a story and everyone is all right in the end. So if you need a little adventure in your holiday, find a friend and laugh along with the gang as they prove that "brave together, brave forever" is the motto we should all have.
With the universe of Winnie the Pooh expanding , you start to wonder when will it stop, hopefully not any time soon. After watching this I can see why my niece loves it so much , its fun with characters that she loves and the scary story is just that a story and everyone is all right in the end. So if you need a little adventure in your holiday, find a friend and laugh along with the gang as they prove that "brave together, brave forever" is the motto we should all have.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
This is one of those movies that I first saw when my grandfather was watching it, It was one of the few non western or war films that he enjoyed. Even though he is known for his comedy work, it is one of the best drama films that I've seen Walter Matthau in. And the role of the cold blooded mastermind of the hijacking was superbly portrayed by Robert Shaw. With these two strong leading men this movie couldn't do anything but succeed. A band of four armed men hijack a New York subway train and hold the hostages for a million dollar ransom. The action starts at the very beginning and never stops until the final credits are run. This movie was filmed entirely in New York City and has the feel of what the city was like in the early seventies. Even though most of what happens in the movie could not happen now with all of the security that is now in place, it is fun to watch and remember that there was a time when life simpler, even for the criminals. This movie only took sixty-two days to shoot and is one of the best action films to come out of the early seventies.
If you've never seen this film, or have only seen the bad TV remake, it is well worth the time and effort to see some great actors doing their best work. If I had a list of my favorite films that I would repeatedly watch, this would be in the top ten.
If you've never seen this film, or have only seen the bad TV remake, it is well worth the time and effort to see some great actors doing their best work. If I had a list of my favorite films that I would repeatedly watch, this would be in the top ten.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Benchwarmers
This is one of those feel good movies that will go down in film history with the likes of Revenge of the Nerds. Its not all about getting even with the bullies of your life but to be accepted for who and what you are, friendship is the most important thing in life and this movie proves it. Using the three most geekiest actors there are, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder, was a stroke of genius, they play these characters to the hilt and it works right up to the very end of the movie.Three adults witness some neighborhood kids picking on a young boy, they challenge the boys to a baseball game and the fun starts from there. There is a guest appearance by Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson, that helps give the movie more of a feel of authenticity. The situations that are presented on the field are all overly exaggerated but completely believable, from winning the game on a hit batter to a player with forged documents brought in to win the game. Also with a supporting cast, that on their own would headline a movie, this is a film that should not be missed. The sight gags are in great abundance, and prefect for this comedy, and the house that Jon Lovitz's character lives in is a nerds wet dream come true.
I would rank this movie up at the top of a sports film list, right there with Walter Matthau in The Bad News Bears and Burt Reynolds in The Longest Yard. This movie could be watched over and over again and not get old, the comedy is funny and very light hearted, and the lessons that we learn by the end is poignant in today's society.
I would rank this movie up at the top of a sports film list, right there with Walter Matthau in The Bad News Bears and Burt Reynolds in The Longest Yard. This movie could be watched over and over again and not get old, the comedy is funny and very light hearted, and the lessons that we learn by the end is poignant in today's society.
Catwoman
Changing the mythos of a well known character can be the downfall of any movie that has intentions to becoming a franchise, Catwoman is just that kind of movie. To continue this character from the Batman series people thought that they would at least use the same premise for Catwoman herself, but they were wrong and the movie suffers for it. After an unassuming woman is killed and then given cat like reflexes she becomes a vigilante to avenge her death. The two biggest problems with this film is that there is to much emphasis on the love story and the abilities of the cat persona. The CGI work here is alright but the there are spots that are just to fake looking and some of the fight scenes look bad. The biggest star of this film is Halle Berry in the new Catwoman outfit, but without a good story this isn't enough to carry the movie. There are a couple of parts that are worth watching, both are in the first fight sequence in the jewelry store. Wearing a leather bikers outfit Berry does a good impression of Eartha Kitt from the 1960s Batman series and the fight itself looks like the Catwoman that people were expecting from Batman Returns. Giving the Catwoman a history though time, and explaining that this version was just the next one in line was an interesting avenue to take, but it doesn't help.
I watched this film with a complete open mind and wasn't expecting a lot, with all the bad press I figured that it was going to bomb from the opening scenes. I think that Warner Bros. really failed here, they had the opportunity to expand on, at the time a dead Batman franchise, but they not able to pull it off. I'm not saying that I would watch this again, and it certainly doesn't deserve a franchise, but if you've never been exposed to the character before then maybe you'll enjoy it.
I watched this film with a complete open mind and wasn't expecting a lot, with all the bad press I figured that it was going to bomb from the opening scenes. I think that Warner Bros. really failed here, they had the opportunity to expand on, at the time a dead Batman franchise, but they not able to pull it off. I'm not saying that I would watch this again, and it certainly doesn't deserve a franchise, but if you've never been exposed to the character before then maybe you'll enjoy it.
The First Power
With the end of the eighties came a barrage of low budget films with big stars, at the time, trying to make a quick buck. Some of these movies have still to make it to DVD but the ones that have are worth watching. Enter The First Power, this is not the best film that Lou Diamond Phillips has done but I always liked the idea of blending elements of the Exorcist into a cop movie. The information about the Catholic religion that is introduced helps with the believability of the powers and the situations that the actors find themselves in. There are three powers that God or Satan can bestow upon a mortal and they are: the Third Power - to inhabit another's body, the Second Power - the ability to see the future, and the First Power - the power of resurrection. A serial killer has made a pact with the Devil and upon his death he is granted these powers and plays havoc with the LA police department. Phillips is the cop here and unfortunately the main focus of the killer. Phillips at the height of his career looks to young to play the hardened cop that is here. Some of the best parts of this film is the camera angels that are used to achieve the visual effects, some are so believable that its hard to see them as stunts. The ending isn't the best but I'm sure that MGM was hoping for a sequel to come out of it, but you can't have everything.
This a quick and enjoyable movie that you don't have to spend a great deal of time figuring out. Some of the situations are predictable, but if you've never seen this film before its worth a look. Like I've said in the past, just don't expect to much.
This a quick and enjoyable movie that you don't have to spend a great deal of time figuring out. Some of the situations are predictable, but if you've never seen this film before its worth a look. Like I've said in the past, just don't expect to much.
Star Wars Saga
I can openly say that I am a Star Wars geek, not that I go around dressed up or quote dialog in my daily life but I do enjoy the movies even when I rewatch them. The series of films were conceived with the old serials of Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon in mind, therefore the movies need to be seen in sequence. Where this is such a long storyline, over sixteen hours, I will comment on each film so that all of the pros and cons can be identified. I know that some of what I say here is going to anger some readers but these are my views and opinions, so just live with it.
The Phantom Menace-Even though we waited twenty-four years to seen the beginning of this story most of us were disappointed. Not that there was a problem with the story itself but the inconsistencies started right from the very beginning. We're introduced to new characters, some of which were only hinted at earlier on and some that we never heard of. The problem with these characters is that they are plugged into roles that we were told were filled by other people, Yoda didn't train Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon did. Jar Jar Binks was a mistake from the very beginning, the character is annoying and the dialog is so slurred that half the time it is not understandable. The new character that deserved to live a little longer is Darth Maul, with his red and black skin/tattoos he truly looks like evil incarnate. The duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Darth Maul is one of the best sword fights that was ever put to film. The most haunting part of this sequence is the music by John Williams, it proves the point that music is a strong contributor to any scene on film. Seeing the beginnings of how Senator Palpatine, who later becomes the Emperor, manipulates all of the people around him is completely enjoyable. The advancement in the art of special effects from the earlier movies is so evident that the effects seem seamless with the live action. The other thing that must be said is that George Lucas can not write dialog even when the characters are like family. But as the beginning of a massive storyline it’s not that bad.
Attack of the Clones-Giving us a glimpse into the start of the one major event, the Clone War, that all of the characters are related to is one of those rare opportunities that not many storytellers get to do. Here we see the evolution of all the main characters in the story to the points that we become familiar with them. The other thing that is interesting to see here is the ships and machines in their early development stages. The introduction of Jango Fett as the bounty hunter that the clone troops, later to become Imperial Storm Troopers, are cloned from is an interesting twist to the storyline. The one thing that drags this movie down is the love story, there is to much time spent here and it slows down the progress of the film. For an action adventure film there is so much effort put into this part that you start to lose interest in the movie.
Clone Wars -This animated series was developed to fill in the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, and it does its job very well. The battle and action sequences are so good that they could rival many live action fights in most movies. The best thing here is the introduction of new characters, Asajj Ventress, Durge and General Grievous, they are all strong characters that are well deserving of continuing on in the storyline. It is hard to believe that the General is the only one to advance on to the next film. To see our characters go through battle after battle, you begin to understand how they get weary and disillusioned.
Revenge of the Sith-Seeing the end of the war and how the Republic moves on to become the Empire is one of the best parts of this film. The make up job done on Ewan McGregor is outstanding, he looks like a young Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan. The two biggest transformations here is Palpatine into the emperor that we all know and Anakin into Darth Vader. I was hoping that Anakin's change would still leave questions in for me, so that the shock value in The Empire Strikes Back, when he tells Luke who he is, is still there. Unfortunately no, once you see this movie that shock is lost. The best part of this film is the ultimate fight scenes with Obi-Wan and Anakin, the way it is choreographed and shot it looks and has the feel of the samurai duels of the Japanese cinema.
A New Hope-Of all the films for this series of films this is the shortest of them, coming in at two hours and three minutes. Since at the time it was not known if this film was going to draw the audience in an almost clean ending was given, so that if it failed there wouldn't be many questions left open. When this movie was released in 1977 it set the bar for what science fiction movies had to measure up to, few made the grade many fell far short. The two big star veterans that were tapped for this movie are Alec Guinness and Peter Cushing, the voice of James Earl Jones was added in as the voice of Verizon, I mean Darth Vader. The introduction of these characters into the sci-fi genre is nothing short of amazing, thirty years after being shown to audiences the magic is still unstoppable. The special effects that are used here are completely old school, miniatures, models and costumes are used to achieve what is seen on the screen.
The Empire Strikes Back-Out of the six films this is still by far the best and will always be considered the cream of the crop. As the title implies this movie is the Empire flexing its collective muscles and is in control from the opening battle to the final scenes. The first duel between father and son is fought here and shows the showmanship that Lucas has with his storytelling. Having such a dark chapter in this series, just goes to show how this story progressed to the point of being an icon in the collective minds of the fans. The Empire is so overpowering in this movie you almost get the feeling that there is no hope by the end. Having Frank Oz create and work the puppet of Yoda is sheer genius, it shows how the craft of puppeteers is an art form that can truly never be rivaled. Of all the props that are used in this series, the Han frozen in carbonite is by far the best, and is a great transition of the character.
Return of the Jedi-The final chapter could have done without one of the biggest character mistakes of all time, the Ewoks are just too cute and cuddly to be in this series. When I first saw this movie in 1983 the crowd cheered when an Ewok was killed in the final battle. The duel here with Vader and Luke, bringing about Vader's redemption, shows how close father and son are. It seems at times during the battle that they are each pulling their punches, and neither wants to kill the other. This is also the time when every fanboy's dream came true when Carrie Fisher sported the Slave bikini and all of the hormones into overdrive. With all the good things about this movie it is hard to get past the idea that so much of it is geared towards merchandising toys.
To see this long story come to an end, leaves you wanting more and that's where all the books and comics have been essential. The expansion of the Star Wars universe and mythos is in complete flux, new stories are always being created and new characters being introduced. Now that I've seen the whole thing from beginning to end it is truly one of the greatest science fiction stories ever told, barring some small glitches, it is the ultimate good verses evil story. But nothing is ever perfect and there will always tomorrows in the future. So I say in closing: May The Force Be With You and never give a Jawa an even break.
The Phantom Menace-Even though we waited twenty-four years to seen the beginning of this story most of us were disappointed. Not that there was a problem with the story itself but the inconsistencies started right from the very beginning. We're introduced to new characters, some of which were only hinted at earlier on and some that we never heard of. The problem with these characters is that they are plugged into roles that we were told were filled by other people, Yoda didn't train Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon did. Jar Jar Binks was a mistake from the very beginning, the character is annoying and the dialog is so slurred that half the time it is not understandable. The new character that deserved to live a little longer is Darth Maul, with his red and black skin/tattoos he truly looks like evil incarnate. The duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Darth Maul is one of the best sword fights that was ever put to film. The most haunting part of this sequence is the music by John Williams, it proves the point that music is a strong contributor to any scene on film. Seeing the beginnings of how Senator Palpatine, who later becomes the Emperor, manipulates all of the people around him is completely enjoyable. The advancement in the art of special effects from the earlier movies is so evident that the effects seem seamless with the live action. The other thing that must be said is that George Lucas can not write dialog even when the characters are like family. But as the beginning of a massive storyline it’s not that bad.
Attack of the Clones-Giving us a glimpse into the start of the one major event, the Clone War, that all of the characters are related to is one of those rare opportunities that not many storytellers get to do. Here we see the evolution of all the main characters in the story to the points that we become familiar with them. The other thing that is interesting to see here is the ships and machines in their early development stages. The introduction of Jango Fett as the bounty hunter that the clone troops, later to become Imperial Storm Troopers, are cloned from is an interesting twist to the storyline. The one thing that drags this movie down is the love story, there is to much time spent here and it slows down the progress of the film. For an action adventure film there is so much effort put into this part that you start to lose interest in the movie.
Clone Wars -This animated series was developed to fill in the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, and it does its job very well. The battle and action sequences are so good that they could rival many live action fights in most movies. The best thing here is the introduction of new characters, Asajj Ventress, Durge and General Grievous, they are all strong characters that are well deserving of continuing on in the storyline. It is hard to believe that the General is the only one to advance on to the next film. To see our characters go through battle after battle, you begin to understand how they get weary and disillusioned.
Revenge of the Sith-Seeing the end of the war and how the Republic moves on to become the Empire is one of the best parts of this film. The make up job done on Ewan McGregor is outstanding, he looks like a young Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan. The two biggest transformations here is Palpatine into the emperor that we all know and Anakin into Darth Vader. I was hoping that Anakin's change would still leave questions in for me, so that the shock value in The Empire Strikes Back, when he tells Luke who he is, is still there. Unfortunately no, once you see this movie that shock is lost. The best part of this film is the ultimate fight scenes with Obi-Wan and Anakin, the way it is choreographed and shot it looks and has the feel of the samurai duels of the Japanese cinema.
A New Hope-Of all the films for this series of films this is the shortest of them, coming in at two hours and three minutes. Since at the time it was not known if this film was going to draw the audience in an almost clean ending was given, so that if it failed there wouldn't be many questions left open. When this movie was released in 1977 it set the bar for what science fiction movies had to measure up to, few made the grade many fell far short. The two big star veterans that were tapped for this movie are Alec Guinness and Peter Cushing, the voice of James Earl Jones was added in as the voice of Verizon, I mean Darth Vader. The introduction of these characters into the sci-fi genre is nothing short of amazing, thirty years after being shown to audiences the magic is still unstoppable. The special effects that are used here are completely old school, miniatures, models and costumes are used to achieve what is seen on the screen.
The Empire Strikes Back-Out of the six films this is still by far the best and will always be considered the cream of the crop. As the title implies this movie is the Empire flexing its collective muscles and is in control from the opening battle to the final scenes. The first duel between father and son is fought here and shows the showmanship that Lucas has with his storytelling. Having such a dark chapter in this series, just goes to show how this story progressed to the point of being an icon in the collective minds of the fans. The Empire is so overpowering in this movie you almost get the feeling that there is no hope by the end. Having Frank Oz create and work the puppet of Yoda is sheer genius, it shows how the craft of puppeteers is an art form that can truly never be rivaled. Of all the props that are used in this series, the Han frozen in carbonite is by far the best, and is a great transition of the character.
Return of the Jedi-The final chapter could have done without one of the biggest character mistakes of all time, the Ewoks are just too cute and cuddly to be in this series. When I first saw this movie in 1983 the crowd cheered when an Ewok was killed in the final battle. The duel here with Vader and Luke, bringing about Vader's redemption, shows how close father and son are. It seems at times during the battle that they are each pulling their punches, and neither wants to kill the other. This is also the time when every fanboy's dream came true when Carrie Fisher sported the Slave bikini and all of the hormones into overdrive. With all the good things about this movie it is hard to get past the idea that so much of it is geared towards merchandising toys.
To see this long story come to an end, leaves you wanting more and that's where all the books and comics have been essential. The expansion of the Star Wars universe and mythos is in complete flux, new stories are always being created and new characters being introduced. Now that I've seen the whole thing from beginning to end it is truly one of the greatest science fiction stories ever told, barring some small glitches, it is the ultimate good verses evil story. But nothing is ever perfect and there will always tomorrows in the future. So I say in closing: May The Force Be With You and never give a Jawa an even break.
This is America, Charlie Brown
I'm a big Charlie Brown fan and I've seen just about everything that has been done for the him and the other Peanuts characters over the years, but this set had escaped me. I had heard of it back in the late 80's but never saw it. The idea of Charlie Brown giving some American history lessons sounds very good, and starts out that way, but then slowly becomes hard to watch. Not all of the character are here, but the main ones are and their famous attitudes are not tampered with for the sake of the show.
Charlie Brown and the Gang travel through American history to highlight some of the more important items of interest. The subjects that are covered range from the voyage of the Mayflower to the building of the Transcontinental railroad to the NASA space station. The first five episodes have our friends injected into the time periods as subjects on the sideline. After that it turns into them giving book reports in class where their imagination carries them into the action. This series also does not play around with the myths of history it deals with just the facts and makes it enjoyable. The episode entitled The Smithsonian and the Presidency is very fun especially when they find their own cartoon hanging in the museum.
I wasn't overly thrilled with this set, I'm glad that I got a chance to see it but I doubt I'll ever watch it again. Young kids who are learning about American history will find it interesting and fun. The best thing is that this series could be used as a teaching tool, because in some ways it doesn't sugar coat anything, it tells you the truth through and through.
Charlie Brown and the Gang travel through American history to highlight some of the more important items of interest. The subjects that are covered range from the voyage of the Mayflower to the building of the Transcontinental railroad to the NASA space station. The first five episodes have our friends injected into the time periods as subjects on the sideline. After that it turns into them giving book reports in class where their imagination carries them into the action. This series also does not play around with the myths of history it deals with just the facts and makes it enjoyable. The episode entitled The Smithsonian and the Presidency is very fun especially when they find their own cartoon hanging in the museum.
I wasn't overly thrilled with this set, I'm glad that I got a chance to see it but I doubt I'll ever watch it again. Young kids who are learning about American history will find it interesting and fun. The best thing is that this series could be used as a teaching tool, because in some ways it doesn't sugar coat anything, it tells you the truth through and through.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Everyone has their favorite movies that they would go out of their way to get a hold of, this is one of those films for me. Jessica was made in 1971 and has a feel that is totally 70s, from the look of the clothing to the cars that being driven to the hippie attitude, so it feels a little dated. But what sets this movie apart from others being dropped on to the trash heap is that this film is creepy and holds your attention to the very end. You can tell that it was shot on a shoe string budget but the simplicity of the shoot only helps with the realistic feel that the movie has. Shortly after being released from mental hospital, Jessica and some friends move to a small town in Connecticut where life is quiet. Once she starts to question her sanity again the creepiness takes over and never lets go. With elements of the undead and vampires the movie grabs you by the throat and never lets go. You start to feel all of the tension and anxiety that Jessica is feeling and you start to wonder if its real or all in Jessica's mind.
This is not partially the kind of film that you want to watch with the lights out, it truly will creep you out with them on. I haven't seen this movie in years but every Halloween I hoped that it would finally be released on DVD, and after all this time its still the horror classic that I remember. I would recommend this movie to any one who had never seen it but be warned if you watch it with the lights out you may suffer the same fate as Jessica.
This is not partially the kind of film that you want to watch with the lights out, it truly will creep you out with them on. I haven't seen this movie in years but every Halloween I hoped that it would finally be released on DVD, and after all this time its still the horror classic that I remember. I would recommend this movie to any one who had never seen it but be warned if you watch it with the lights out you may suffer the same fate as Jessica.
Eight Below
I don't expect a lot from live action Disney films, over the years they've had more misses than hits, so when I heard of Eight Below I wasn't to thrilled. But this film is more than a sappy story, it shows how far someone will go when a part of their extended family gets left behind. I enjoyed this more than I've enjoyed a Disney live action in a long time. Due to bad weather a science team down at Antarctica is called home early and must leave their dog team behind to be picked up later, but the storm gets worse and no one goes back. There are times in the movie that you can almost feel the cold permeating off the screen. You feel so attached to the dogs that as the days wear on you get the feeling of lost hope and that no matter what, no one will reach them in time.
What little special effects that are used here, and you will be hard pressed to find them, are not over powering and do not take away from the film. Above anything else this movie has got heart, and it shows us what love truly is and what people are capable of doing for the ones they love. If you are a dog lover, as I am, this movie will strike at your heart strings and pluck them all the way too the end.
What little special effects that are used here, and you will be hard pressed to find them, are not over powering and do not take away from the film. Above anything else this movie has got heart, and it shows us what love truly is and what people are capable of doing for the ones they love. If you are a dog lover, as I am, this movie will strike at your heart strings and pluck them all the way too the end.
Pooh's Heffalump Movie
Every now and then I like to watch a Disney film, if their good they make you feel like you haven't lost your childhood completely. The Winnie the Pooh stories are just the ticket to get this feeling and since the early to mid nineties Disney has tried to expand the stories about the Hundred Acre Woods. I love the Pooh stories they're some of my favorites so I had high hopes for this film, and I wasn't disappointed. This story introduces a new character, Lumpy, and he's adorable and loveable from the first moment that you see him.When the residents of the Hundred Acre Woods are awakened by a strange sound they are immediately disturbed but when they find tracks they realize that they have been visited by a Heffalump. From the outset of this film it is a comedy at it's best moments and a social commentary on it's lighter side. There was a little computer animation mixed in to the traditional but there are only two spots that its noticeable, other than that it is flawless.
I loved this film and can't wait for the next Pooh movie, I know that they will probably try new characters now and then but if their as lovable as Lumpy, who cares. This a wonderful addition to the Pooh stories and Disney should continue with the expansion of the mythology so that future generations will enjoy and love the characters from Christopher Robins imagination.
I loved this film and can't wait for the next Pooh movie, I know that they will probably try new characters now and then but if their as lovable as Lumpy, who cares. This a wonderful addition to the Pooh stories and Disney should continue with the expansion of the mythology so that future generations will enjoy and love the characters from Christopher Robins imagination.
The New World
This is one of those epic films that everyone had high hopes for, it had the right stars in it to drive the audience to see it. But unfortunately this film is lacking the most important piece to that puzzle, a story that wont put you to sleep. This movie has a total running time of two hours and fifteen minutes and that's about an hour to long. The scenery is so breathtaking that its hard to believe that this wasn't done with computers just to save the money on traveling around the globe to get the shots. The story of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas is retold again but this time all the little relationship problems are drawn out to help slow the movie down. During the first hour of the movie your fighting to stay awake but as soon as the colonists and the Indians have their first battle then the movie takes off, the next hour and fifteen minutes go by pretty quick.
You'd think a movie with Colin Farrell and Christian Bale would be some that would be enjoyable to watch but it wasn't. A movie that spends to much time and money making sure that every little deal is exactly right and not spending any on enhancing the story is bound to fall into the Heaven's Gate syndrome. If you like either of these actors you may like the film but if your looking for a historical action film this isn't it.
You'd think a movie with Colin Farrell and Christian Bale would be some that would be enjoyable to watch but it wasn't. A movie that spends to much time and money making sure that every little deal is exactly right and not spending any on enhancing the story is bound to fall into the Heaven's Gate syndrome. If you like either of these actors you may like the film but if your looking for a historical action film this isn't it.
Half-Baked
Watching this movie just about gives you the munchies, my mind kept wandering and the only thing that kept me watching was the fact that Dave Chappelle keeps the movie rolling. You must have to be high to enjoy this film because as straight as I was it just wasn't there. I was hoping for a more modern version of Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke, but this isn't it.
Four young men who have grown up smoking weed together have to move from smoking to dealing to save one of their troop from a prison sentence. That's the whole movie in a nutshell, they do have some fun with different situations but over all its boring. Cameos by Snoop Dogg Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson, Steven Wright and a straight Tommy Chong isn't enough to save this film from my pit of rejects.
Maybe if I was high when I watched this I could have enjoyed it more, but I doubt it. Dave Chappelle is a comic genius and I've seen him do much better work than this. I just hope this one will slip into the far reaches of video Hell and never be resurrected.
Four young men who have grown up smoking weed together have to move from smoking to dealing to save one of their troop from a prison sentence. That's the whole movie in a nutshell, they do have some fun with different situations but over all its boring. Cameos by Snoop Dogg Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson, Steven Wright and a straight Tommy Chong isn't enough to save this film from my pit of rejects.
Maybe if I was high when I watched this I could have enjoyed it more, but I doubt it. Dave Chappelle is a comic genius and I've seen him do much better work than this. I just hope this one will slip into the far reaches of video Hell and never be resurrected.
Welcome to the Dollhouse
I heard about this movie while they were talking about it on the Howard Stern show, and I figured that if they thought it was funny I'd give it a shot. I'm sorry I did, I may have been looking for a different kind of comedy but this just didn't hit the mark. I didn't have a very good experience in junior high school so that may have been the problem here but no matter what, it just wasn't enjoyable.
The trials, tribulations, and horrors of the life of a junior high school student who is mercilessly taunted and ridiculed are examined and put on display. There is no safe place for this child, she gets the abuse from school, home and every adult there is in the movie. The story is pretty straight forward from the beginning to the end, and some of the situations were so predictable they played like bad memories. By the time that the movie was over I was thankful that I didn't commit suicide.
I am always open to new experiences and I will always try films that I've never seen before and that are suggested to me. To me this is the only way for me to expand my horizons and explore new avenues of imagination and storytelling. But as I continually see these films that are suppose to be so great and turn out to be duds I start to loose my faith in people knowing what is good and what is crap.
The trials, tribulations, and horrors of the life of a junior high school student who is mercilessly taunted and ridiculed are examined and put on display. There is no safe place for this child, she gets the abuse from school, home and every adult there is in the movie. The story is pretty straight forward from the beginning to the end, and some of the situations were so predictable they played like bad memories. By the time that the movie was over I was thankful that I didn't commit suicide.
I am always open to new experiences and I will always try films that I've never seen before and that are suggested to me. To me this is the only way for me to expand my horizons and explore new avenues of imagination and storytelling. But as I continually see these films that are suppose to be so great and turn out to be duds I start to loose my faith in people knowing what is good and what is crap.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Buffalo Girls
This movie was suggested to me by a family member that knew I was interested in American western films. This was a made for TV mini series put out by Hallmark Entertainment in 2004. The series is based on the Larry McMurtry novel of the same name. I'm usually not to interested in made for TV movies but I thought I'd give it a try. It's not the best western ever made but it's interesting to see the female take on the way things were back then.The life and times of Calamity Jane and the colorful characters that roamed the wild west with her at the time are examined from her involvement with Custer's 7th Calvary on their way to his meeting with Sitting Bull to her dealings with Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody. The scenes of the west are breathtaking and its hard to believe that there is still parts of the country that look like this. The stars that they got to play these characters is nothing short of flawless, Angelica Huston, Melanie Griffith, Sam Elliott, and Jack Palance to just name a few.
Watching this film just wetted my appetite for more western films to be made but as Hollywood keeps saying there's no money in westerns. Hence the reasoning for cable channels to continue to make what the audience truly wants to watch, and make them so well that look and feel like big screen westerns. I would say that if you haven't seen this before and you enjoy a good western, you might like to see one with a little bit of a twist.
Watching this film just wetted my appetite for more western films to be made but as Hollywood keeps saying there's no money in westerns. Hence the reasoning for cable channels to continue to make what the audience truly wants to watch, and make them so well that look and feel like big screen westerns. I would say that if you haven't seen this before and you enjoy a good western, you might like to see one with a little bit of a twist.
Cabin Fever
Most of the time we as a viewing audience don't see the coming of a cult classic, but here is a chance to see history in the making. The makings of becoming a cult classic down the road are all here but for right now we have to live with the fact it has the feel of a low budget horror film. This movie has the feel of an Evil Dead/Night of the Living Dead plague film and it is a ride you wont be disappointed with.
I wasn't in a rush to see this film but now that I have, I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. This is definitely one of the best blood baths I've taken in a long time and I can't wait to see something else from Eli Roth, the director. As I've said this will become a classic in the future so if you get the chance see it.
I wasn't in a rush to see this film but now that I have, I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. This is definitely one of the best blood baths I've taken in a long time and I can't wait to see something else from Eli Roth, the director. As I've said this will become a classic in the future so if you get the chance see it.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
World Trade Center
On this somber day I decided to sit down and watch this film, along with United 93, I don't know if there was truly a reason for waiting so long but after all this time it still hurts to watch these events unfold. The detail that Oliver Stone drew out on film is amazing; throughout the whole film it feels as if you are right there beside the first responders to the disaster. With Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena playing the lead characters, we are shown how truly talented these two men are. From the moment they wake up on that fateful day to the rescue that saved their lives we are given a glimpse into the lives of these two men that drive them to survive. There is so much emotionally charged scenes its hard to point out just a few, but with the way that the actors portrayed these real life heroes grabs a hold of your heart and never lets go.On September 11th two Port Authority Policemen are trapped in the World Trade Center after the towers collapse, and fight to survive till a rescue team can reach them. There are a few aspects to this film, which helps it, stand out from other dramas of its kind, the first ten minutes of the film shows just how mundane and ordinary the day started out for these people, before they became a part of the historic events that took place. The other viewpoint is that of the family's perspective during the crisis, this adds to the emotional level of the film and just pushes it over the edge. With the use of news footage from that day Stone anchors the audience into the moment since most of us have seen that footage at one time or another, but he doesn't overpower you with it the way the news services did that day.
This is a nice accompanying piece to United 93, which came out earlier the same year, together they give us a small insight into what happened that day that we all lived through. The events of 9/11 touched so many in so many ways its impossible to measure, sure there are the cold numbers and facts, but with stories like these about the bravery and heroism that took place that day we can all stand proud and remember that some of our greatest heroes are those that stand beside us each and every day. So if you haven't seen this film it's a must see movie, and see it with the family it will draw you together in ways that you may never have thought possible.
This is a nice accompanying piece to United 93, which came out earlier the same year, together they give us a small insight into what happened that day that we all lived through. The events of 9/11 touched so many in so many ways its impossible to measure, sure there are the cold numbers and facts, but with stories like these about the bravery and heroism that took place that day we can all stand proud and remember that some of our greatest heroes are those that stand beside us each and every day. So if you haven't seen this film it's a must see movie, and see it with the family it will draw you together in ways that you may never have thought possible.
United 93
I sat down today and watched United 93 as a small way to remember the events of 9/11. I wanted to see this movie in the theater but thought the emotions would be running a little to high for public display, so I waited for it to come out on DVD. Watching it you can see how in some ways that every day life has changed and how complacent we were.
Anyone who did not want to see this movie, for whatever reasons, should give it a try, it may help with closure. After watching this I really can't wait for World Trade Center, which is next for today, it gives me hope that through these two films the true nature of the American spirit will be seen.
Anyone who did not want to see this movie, for whatever reasons, should give it a try, it may help with closure. After watching this I really can't wait for World Trade Center, which is next for today, it gives me hope that through these two films the true nature of the American spirit will be seen.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Omen - 666
When a remake of a classic film is done most people expect more than just the retelling of the original story, and unfortunately that is all we get here. The retelling of this story goes as far as copying dialog and scenes straight from the first film. In 1976, when the original Omen came out, the eeriness and the creepiness just bled off the screen, here there just isn't anything that makes the movie frightening.An American ambassador and his wife adopt a newborn child, and unbeknownst to them he is the son of the Devil. I don't usually comment on the added features to DVDs, mainly because they don't have any real effect on the film itself, but I have to say something here. One of the special features is for extended scenes and an alternate ending, the alternate ending isn't what it seems, it's the same ending just with three extra shoots put in, and you still have the same ending. The acting here isn't worth the effort, the child isn't as creepy as the child in the original, at least there you actually thought that he was the Devil's son. At times during the film there are scenes that could have been enhanced by the use of music, to bring out the creepiness, but all you get is dead air and a feeling emptiness. As I've said the scenes and dialog isn't even that original and isn't worth the time to watch.
If you haven't seen the original it's worth finding, you'll enjoy your self more. Seeing film veterans Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as the ambassador and his wife lend more credence to the story and the acting to bring out more in the film. Save your time and save your money here, I'm sure that there will be other uses for it.
If you haven't seen the original it's worth finding, you'll enjoy your self more. Seeing film veterans Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as the ambassador and his wife lend more credence to the story and the acting to bring out more in the film. Save your time and save your money here, I'm sure that there will be other uses for it.
The 'Burbs
When it comes to comedy horror, this movie ranks right up there in the top ten. With Tom Hanks leading the cast, everyone involved shows their best comedic acting, from Bruce Dern to Carrie Fisher. Joe Dante heads this little visit into suburbia, and the laughs never stop from the opening credits. It's a dark look at the way we deal with our neighbors on an every day basis, and it also shows that even as adults, peer pressure can be an all powerful force.A small neighborhood is the setting where a strange family has moved into, and the neighbors think that something is sinister is going on. The sight gags and prat falls seem to be as natural in the situations as are the actors themselves. With each turn of events the story seems to get weirder but then you're given a believable explanation and you think that everything is going to all right. Once you see the characters here you begin to realize that there are some of these people living in your own neighborhood, so watch out.
Ultimately this movie points out that maybe the most dangerous people in the neighborhood are not the new residents but the families that are already there. Everyone has been on one or both sides of this issue at one time or another, so before you go digging up your neighbor's basement looking for dead bodies just remember, check for the gas lines before you start.
Ultimately this movie points out that maybe the most dangerous people in the neighborhood are not the new residents but the families that are already there. Everyone has been on one or both sides of this issue at one time or another, so before you go digging up your neighbor's basement looking for dead bodies just remember, check for the gas lines before you start.
Over the Hedge
Animation films have come a long way since I was a kid; from the Japanese anime to the modern computer generated these films have entertained and amazed us. In recent years some really good movies have been made for kids and adults, Over the Hedge ranks right up there with the best. The voice over work that is performed here is done some top-notch actors who have fun with their roles. From Bruce Willis' raccoon to Garry Shandling's tortoise to William Shatner's possum to Wanda Sykes' skunk, the acting is superb. After waking up from hibernation a small group of animals discover that their forest has been replaced by suburbia. Some of the observations that are made about the humans are quite funny and quite accurate, some of the statements that are made are harsh but the truth usually is. There are a few instances that harkens back to the days of the old Warner Bros. cartoons, case in point the skunk that is dressed up to look like a cat, and after all these years it's still funny. The underlying theme here is that family comes in all forms and that we shouldn't be to quick to judge an others viewpoint.
This film should go down, as one of the best-animated films; the kids as well as the adults will enjoy it. The reality here though is the stark situation of the animals habitat being encroached on by the humans, this is the honest truth of the movie since we see it in our everyday lives.
This film should go down, as one of the best-animated films; the kids as well as the adults will enjoy it. The reality here though is the stark situation of the animals habitat being encroached on by the humans, this is the honest truth of the movie since we see it in our everyday lives.
The Corpse Bride
This movie harkens back to the times when stop motion photography was the norm for special effects in films, and the story itself seems like it comes right out of Edgar Allen Poe's library. Tim Burton's earlier film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, was sheer genius when it came out and now with the Corpse Bride he shows that lightning can indeed strike twice. The voice acting here is flawless; every performance is top notch and could not be made any better. This is truly a great story, it has all of the elements that it needs, romance, humor, and a murder mystery that is perfect to tie the whole thing together. Victor is nervous about his impending wedding, and while practicing his vows accidentally marries a mysterious dead bride. If the afterlife is as lively as it is portrayed here then people wouldn't mind dying, the music is catchy and the neighbors are relatively quiet. As the story moves you along you get the feeling that there will be a happy ending but with who, the living or the dead, and you find out its both. With the photography playing with the light and shadows it is easy to miss some of the effects that are done so you may have to watch it a few times in order to catch everything.
This movie is an instant classic for the season and is so enjoyable and fun that the kids will fall in love with it. I hope this will not be the end of the stop motion movies that Burton does, he does it so well it's as if Ray Harryhausen, the master of stop motion photography, for those who don't know, himself was working on the project. Just watch out for that little voice you hear in your head, it may not be your conscious it might be the your very own maggot giving you advice.
This movie is an instant classic for the season and is so enjoyable and fun that the kids will fall in love with it. I hope this will not be the end of the stop motion movies that Burton does, he does it so well it's as if Ray Harryhausen, the master of stop motion photography, for those who don't know, himself was working on the project. Just watch out for that little voice you hear in your head, it may not be your conscious it might be the your very own maggot giving you advice.
Waist Deep
Movies about parents doing whatever they have too, to get their child or children back have always shown some of the better dramatic acting that any actor has to offer. This film is no different, set in Los Angeles against a completely urban background its Tyrese Gibson that shines through all the negative energy and situations that are presented to him. This falls into that genre of Hip-Hop action films that have been coming out over the past five years or so, and this one has risen to the top.When his son is kidnapped O2 must do what ever he can to get him back, including outsmarting rival gangs and the police. The action sequences that are performed are very well choreographed and keeps the movie going. From the opening scenes to the closing credits this is a highly charged and powerful film, once the story starts you can't look away, it draws you in and never lets go. The music is as strong in this film as the acting and this is a perfect example of the music fitting the movie. The ending is a little predictable and corny but down deep this is trying to be a family film, what would you expect.
Love is the strongest emotion that we experience, and the display of the emotion between father and son in this movie is overpowering. Even though its rated R this is a family film, take away the violence and the harsh language its almost a film that Disney would have put together. So if the kids are old enough, and can understand things in a rated R film I think this is one to sit down with them and watch it together.
Love is the strongest emotion that we experience, and the display of the emotion between father and son in this movie is overpowering. Even though its rated R this is a family film, take away the violence and the harsh language its almost a film that Disney would have put together. So if the kids are old enough, and can understand things in a rated R film I think this is one to sit down with them and watch it together.
Memoirs of a Geisha
This is one of those films that once you start watching it you just can't look away, the artistry within it is amazing. From the sets to the costumes this is a visually stunning film, the effort that was applied here is evident from the opening scenes. Based on the novel by Arthur Golden the world of the Geisha is opened to bear all for the world to see. All of the acting is superb and flawless, as the characters grow in age, as well as wisdom, you are taken on a journey that you will not soon forget.After a nine-year-old girl with stunning beauty is sold to a Kyoto Geisha house, she must endure harsh treatment and a world at war as she blossoms into the Geisha she is destined to become. Some of the punishments that are handed out during the film are a little extreme but for the time frame and the situations that are being played out they work. The sets look like they were taken right from that time in Japanese history, they look so authentic that you would almost believe that they were always there. The love story that this played out here is drawn out through the whole movie, and in true movie magic when the story is completed there is a happy ending.
After watching this movie I noticed in the credits that the film was based on Golden's book and was amazed that so much information about a completely female world, and point of view, was actually written by a man. The massive amount of research that must have gone into this story shows and it is understandable why this was such a well-received movie by the audience and the critics. This is definitely a movie to sit and watch with a loved one, the story is compelling and thought provoking about a life that we, as outsiders, until now knew very little about.
After watching this movie I noticed in the credits that the film was based on Golden's book and was amazed that so much information about a completely female world, and point of view, was actually written by a man. The massive amount of research that must have gone into this story shows and it is understandable why this was such a well-received movie by the audience and the critics. This is definitely a movie to sit and watch with a loved one, the story is compelling and thought provoking about a life that we, as outsiders, until now knew very little about.
Once Upon a Time in the West
When you talk about great westerns, a large part of the conversation has to wrap around Sergio Leone's contribution to the genre. His most well known pictures are the Man with no Name series, starring Clint Eastwood, A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Where those films set the precedent for westerns to come, this movie, in its own right, shows that the art of filmmaking is beyond just sets and dialog. With two anti-heroes and a villain, this movie grabs you by the collar and never lets go.The railroad is coming to the West and some men will do just about anything to anyone so that they will be the ones on top. The brightest star in this cast is Henry Fonda playing the villain, a ruthless psychopath who is willing to kill small children, and with Jason Robards and Charles Bronson playing the two anti-heroes the chemistry is totally explosive. The movie was completely shot in America, Utah and Arizona, on the local Indian Reservations, so the scenery is as breathtaking as it can be. The gunfights are classic Leone as well as the costumes for each character; you almost forget that your watching a fictional story and not something based on real life. Like in all of Leone's films the music is a major component in the movie and the tempo of the film keeps pace with it, which is no small feat.
The shear brilliance of having Fonda play the blackest character of his career, and pull it off as if it was second nature, totally goes to Leone, for convincing him to do the part. Not that I'm a big Western genre fan, but I do have some favorites, and even though it took me years to finally see a complete version of this film, it ranks right at the top of my list. If you like Westerns, and have never seen this film before, you should find it and watch it, this film just reinforces the idea that Sergio Leone was one of the greatest film makers of our time.
The shear brilliance of having Fonda play the blackest character of his career, and pull it off as if it was second nature, totally goes to Leone, for convincing him to do the part. Not that I'm a big Western genre fan, but I do have some favorites, and even though it took me years to finally see a complete version of this film, it ranks right at the top of my list. If you like Westerns, and have never seen this film before, you should find it and watch it, this film just reinforces the idea that Sergio Leone was one of the greatest film makers of our time.
Up in Smoke
At the height of their careers, Cheech and Chong had turned the listening public into the most drug savvy people in America. In 1978, they brought the best of their talents to the big screen and you almost could get high just from watching the movie. Some of their best characters were brought out, and to finally see the skits that we all had been listening to for so long was great. Watching these two characters is like being visited by your favorite uncles and just going along for the ride with them. The misadventures of Pedro and the Man begin with a search for weed in Los Angeles which get them into more trouble than either of them are aware of. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are great as their drugged out alter egos and Stacy Keach as the straight-laced Sgt. Stedenko is perfect, he plays off of the two of them with just the right flair. The premise of having weed transformed into polymer plastic is a little far fetched, and when you see the van made of it, its even more ridiculous. The situations that are in the movie are a little on the far-fetched side of reality but still some of it is believable and totally with in the realm of possibilities.
Unfortunately of all the movies that the pair has done over the years, this is the only one that was met with any success, the other movies that they did were fun but nothing quite compared to "Up in Smoke." This is definitely one of those movies that over the years most people say that they have seen it but have never really gone back to it to watch it again. After all this time it still holds onto its humor and is completely re-watchable, I say find a copy, watch it, straight or high it doesn't matter, and enjoy yourself, it's a trip you'll never forget.
Unfortunately of all the movies that the pair has done over the years, this is the only one that was met with any success, the other movies that they did were fun but nothing quite compared to "Up in Smoke." This is definitely one of those movies that over the years most people say that they have seen it but have never really gone back to it to watch it again. After all this time it still holds onto its humor and is completely re-watchable, I say find a copy, watch it, straight or high it doesn't matter, and enjoy yourself, it's a trip you'll never forget.
They Live
It's always great to find an old classic that you haven't seen in years and you enjoy it every bit as when you first saw it. This movie is one of the jewels of John Carpenter's career that has been running strong since Halloween was released in the seventies. Having Roddy Piper star as the action lead here was a stroke of genius, he plays the rugged construction worker to a tee and when it comes time to kick ass, well what can I say, he does have some experience there. Using science fiction to talk about current social situations isn't new, but how Carpenter uses it here is very well done. A lone drifter discovers that aliens are slowly taking control of the government and the rich upper class, and keeping the rest of us in line through manipulation and subliminal messages. This is not a big special effects movie but what they do use is very good and not over done. One of the best lines in a sci-fi movie is used here, "I've come to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum," the line is delivered straight forward by Piper and works for the situation and the character. The movie moves so fast that you don't even realize that an hour and a half has gone by, and by the end your left breathless and wanting more.
If you've never seen this film, you're definitely been missing out, it's one of those hidden gems that most people have heard about but haven't seen. I wish that Piper had gone on to do other action films, he shines here and comes across as a seasoned actor, and given the right role he could have soared into stardom. But what we're left with is a project that showcases the excellent talent of one of the greatest directors that we've seen in years and the budding talent of an actor who could rival the likes of Willis or Schwarzenegger
If you've never seen this film, you're definitely been missing out, it's one of those hidden gems that most people have heard about but haven't seen. I wish that Piper had gone on to do other action films, he shines here and comes across as a seasoned actor, and given the right role he could have soared into stardom. But what we're left with is a project that showcases the excellent talent of one of the greatest directors that we've seen in years and the budding talent of an actor who could rival the likes of Willis or Schwarzenegger
Under the Tuscan Sun
Destiny is something that most of us believe in but don't admit to it openly, here they take the concept and turn it into a life learning story. This movie is loosely based on Frances Mayes's book Under the Tuscan Sun and is completely enjoyable from beginning to end. Growing up in an Italian family, I saw a lot of things in the movie that my family does to this very day, and that alone was enough to show how traditions are handed down from generation to generation. The scenery that is used throughout the movie is stunning; it's like watching postcards of the Italian countryside come to life. After her divorce Frances goes to Italy for a vacation, and while there she buys a villa and begins to put her life back together. The story moves right along and doesn't get held up with any of the obvious traps that you would expect from a movie like this. None of the situations seem out of place in this film, even the clash of modern society with that of the old world are easy to except and are completely believable. When the decrepit villa is finally transformed, you realize, along with the main character, that the life lessons that were being taught all come from hard work and perseverance. Diane Lane is superb in the lead role and plays the character to the point that makes you feel for her every time something goes wrong, which is quite often.
This definitely is one of those movies that most guys would steer clear of, but if you ever want to sit down and watch something with someone you love, this is a really good one to start with. After everything is said and done, this movie leaves you with the feeling that, there is always the possibility that something good is going to happen. Above everything else this movie proves the old saying with a little twist, "When life gives you lemons, you make limonita."
This definitely is one of those movies that most guys would steer clear of, but if you ever want to sit down and watch something with someone you love, this is a really good one to start with. After everything is said and done, this movie leaves you with the feeling that, there is always the possibility that something good is going to happen. Above everything else this movie proves the old saying with a little twist, "When life gives you lemons, you make limonita."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Time Bandits
With the blending of history, reality, and fantasy this movie takes us from the heights of Creation to the depths of Evil and every step of the way the comedy is straightforward and hilarious. This film is Terry Gilliam at the top of his game, with the help of some Monty Python alumni, John Cleese and Michael Palin; Time Bandits goes down as a classic adventure/comedy of all time. Even years after its release the comedy is still fresh and funny and just doesn't seem to get old. With the idea that the Supreme Being botched the job with creating the world in six days, you begin to wonder if its possible that maybe there is a reason for all the strangeness around.With a stolen map of the holes in time, a band of would be criminals take to robbing history one item at a time. With music by ex-Beatle George Harrison this film has some great situations that role into each other and seem to be totally believable. The effects are a little crude by today's standards but it fits like a glove and helps the film keep its believability. The two guest appearances of Shelley Duvall and Sean Connery helped draw an audience to this unlikely adventure, but once the audience was hooked that was it, they were reeled in and never wanted to leave.
The ideas from the Monty Python show were everywhere in the film and the characters from history were all dragged into a new light. From Robin Hood to Napoleon to the Ancient Greeks no one is safe from these bandits. The humor is relatively clean and the situations are not graphic, so it's a movie that you could sit down with the kids and watch and have some fun.
The ideas from the Monty Python show were everywhere in the film and the characters from history were all dragged into a new light. From Robin Hood to Napoleon to the Ancient Greeks no one is safe from these bandits. The humor is relatively clean and the situations are not graphic, so it's a movie that you could sit down with the kids and watch and have some fun.
Spaceballs
Standing on the top of a hill of comedy/parody movies is Mel Brooks, and the best of what he has done over the years culminated with this film. No science fiction movie was safe from being made fun of here, even the over merchandising of related products is examined. The main movie that is made fun of is Star Wars but it doesn't stop there, there are references to everything from Star Trek to Transformers to The Wizard of Oz and everything in between. The planet Spaceball is running out of air and plan to steal the air from a neighboring planet. With characters like the terrible Dark Helmet, Pizza the Hutt, Barf the half-man/half-dog, and the powerful Yogurt the laughs are boundless. As you watch the film you can actually pick out scenes and situations that are directly from the original movies, and they are dealt with in such a way that you can't have anything but fun. The cast of actors gathered together for this little romp is nothing short of genius, with John Candy and Bill Pullman leading the way.
This was one of the last parody films that Brooks did, other than Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and ranks right up there as one of his best. To see all of the characters from different movies portrayed in a humorous light is so much fun, that after all these years you still laugh until your sides hurt. The movie was originally made in 1987, but with almost twenty years under its belt it hasn't aged, and will probably go down as one of the best comedies of all time.
This was one of the last parody films that Brooks did, other than Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and ranks right up there as one of his best. To see all of the characters from different movies portrayed in a humorous light is so much fun, that after all these years you still laugh until your sides hurt. The movie was originally made in 1987, but with almost twenty years under its belt it hasn't aged, and will probably go down as one of the best comedies of all time.
Yojimbo
This movie is the original Japanese film that Clint Eastwood's A Fistful of Dollars was based on, and its one of the great samurai stories that were made in the sixties. There is a soft spot in my heart for the Japanese movies of the fifties, sixties and seventies, but they were hard to find unless you wanted to pay an arm and a leg, but now that they are all coming out on DVD the audience base will increase as more and more people get to see these classics.A masterless samurai finds himself in a feud torn village and begins to work both sides against each other for his own benefit. Set in 1860 Japan, the film is in black and white and this lends to the feel of the movie. Where the fight scenes are a lot of swordplay, the lack of color fits and helps the movie. There isn't a lot of bloodshed shown and what little there is isn't overpowering as in some later Japanese films. The director of this film is Akira Kurosawa has done some wonderful films like Ran and Seven Samurai, and this film ranks right up at the top.
There have been a lot of American movies made that were originally from foreign shores, but it seems that the best of the action films that are remade come from Japan. Now with companies like Netflix expanding their inventory of films to include more and more foreign made movies the audience will be able to finally see the movies that some of us have only heard about. If you haven't seen this film but have enjoyed the Eastwood film over the years, I would recommend that you find a copy of Yojimbo; it will be well worth your time and effort.
There have been a lot of American movies made that were originally from foreign shores, but it seems that the best of the action films that are remade come from Japan. Now with companies like Netflix expanding their inventory of films to include more and more foreign made movies the audience will be able to finally see the movies that some of us have only heard about. If you haven't seen this film but have enjoyed the Eastwood film over the years, I would recommend that you find a copy of Yojimbo; it will be well worth your time and effort.
Aladdin Trilogy
The Aladdin trilogy was Disney's attempt to create a franchise outside of their main animated characters from a movie. The movies worked so well with their target audience that an animated series was done for television, but my focus here is on the three movies and those alone.
Aladdin - The use of CGI effects for different aspects of the story helped this movie by giving it a little bit of a realistic feel. The voice acting is very well done but everyone is overshadowed by Robin Williams as the Genie. With Williams' flamboyance for improv the Genie character took on a life of it's own, and some of the things that he did was so original and funny, the animators had to draw them into the scenes. Jafar as the villain is just perfect, even years later you can still see why he became a classic from the moment he comes on the screen.
The Return of Jafar - Bringing back Jafar for the sequel was a natural, with him being the most evil Genie that you could imagine. Seeing the dark side of the magic world does have its advantages, the things that you could come up with are boundless. Here they give you the complete opposite of the good Genie from the e first film and it works. The story is strong and it ends up being a worthy sequel, only down fall here is that Williams did not return as the good Genie and the character suffers for the loss. The change in animation is enough to be noticed but the change doesn't take away the magic of the story.
King of Thieves - Out of the three movies this by far is the worst, the story is weak from the very beginning and the fact that Aladdin and Jasmine are just getting married is a little odd, weren't they getting married at the end of the first movie. The return of Robin Williams as the Genie isn't enough to save this film; it should have been thrown into the trash heap and left for dead. As in the second movie the animation was changed again, and this time it actually looks like something from twenty years prior to it's release.
This series could have been better but when the first movie is such a huge hit, it's hard to follow up with a film that's as good or better. Disney should learn from their mistakes, when working towards a franchise they need to keep to the original formula and not waver one iota. After watching these films I can honestly say that the first movie is the best and I don't think that I will ever watch the other two for any reason. I'm sure that the kids will love them, but since I don't have any, Return of Jafar and King of Thieves won't be making it into my library.
Aladdin - The use of CGI effects for different aspects of the story helped this movie by giving it a little bit of a realistic feel. The voice acting is very well done but everyone is overshadowed by Robin Williams as the Genie. With Williams' flamboyance for improv the Genie character took on a life of it's own, and some of the things that he did was so original and funny, the animators had to draw them into the scenes. Jafar as the villain is just perfect, even years later you can still see why he became a classic from the moment he comes on the screen.
The Return of Jafar - Bringing back Jafar for the sequel was a natural, with him being the most evil Genie that you could imagine. Seeing the dark side of the magic world does have its advantages, the things that you could come up with are boundless. Here they give you the complete opposite of the good Genie from the e first film and it works. The story is strong and it ends up being a worthy sequel, only down fall here is that Williams did not return as the good Genie and the character suffers for the loss. The change in animation is enough to be noticed but the change doesn't take away the magic of the story.
King of Thieves - Out of the three movies this by far is the worst, the story is weak from the very beginning and the fact that Aladdin and Jasmine are just getting married is a little odd, weren't they getting married at the end of the first movie. The return of Robin Williams as the Genie isn't enough to save this film; it should have been thrown into the trash heap and left for dead. As in the second movie the animation was changed again, and this time it actually looks like something from twenty years prior to it's release.
This series could have been better but when the first movie is such a huge hit, it's hard to follow up with a film that's as good or better. Disney should learn from their mistakes, when working towards a franchise they need to keep to the original formula and not waver one iota. After watching these films I can honestly say that the first movie is the best and I don't think that I will ever watch the other two for any reason. I'm sure that the kids will love them, but since I don't have any, Return of Jafar and King of Thieves won't be making it into my library.
Edmond
The deconstruction of a character in a movie is usually set over a time of days, in this film it's a matter of hours and moves right along. The movie itself is only an hour and twenty minutes but it moves so fast and so much happens that you don't realize that its only been a short amount of time. This film is inspired by the David Mamet play, and is so gritty and realistic that you could almost believe it was based on a true story.After being told by a fortuneteller that he should change his life, Edmond starts his quest but doesn't realize that it's a descent into his own personal Hell. The character of Edmond isn't pushed to the edge of the emotional cliff, he walks there freely thinking that is his destiny, and what a dark destiny it is. The style of the scenes are slap in the face realistic and believeable nothing is left to the imagination. Normally in movies we see the detruction of a character's life over time, days, weeks, months, years, but here everything happens in one night and runs the full spectrum of situations and emaotions.
This movie would be my suggestion to anyone learning to be an actor, the range of emotion that William H. Macy displays is exactly what most actors are striveing for in their craft. This is an interesting film with the twists and turns that in some cases are the extreme, but we can all identify with Edmond at one point or another. Hopefully none of us would go to the extremes that he does on his journey, hopefully I said, hopefully.
This movie would be my suggestion to anyone learning to be an actor, the range of emotion that William H. Macy displays is exactly what most actors are striveing for in their craft. This is an interesting film with the twists and turns that in some cases are the extreme, but we can all identify with Edmond at one point or another. Hopefully none of us would go to the extremes that he does on his journey, hopefully I said, hopefully.
Downfall
World War II movies have always had a spot deep in my heart, both my grandfathers fought in the war and survived. Over the years there have been a great many films done about different battles and from different view points, American, Japanese, German, etc. In 2002 a documentary entitled "Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary" introduced the world to the dictator's stenographer, Traudl Junge, two years later director Oliver Hirschbiegal brought her story to life. The final days of the Third Reich have come to Hitler's bunker and the story that follows is from the point of view of his secretary. The realistic war situations of the soldiers and the generals were painstakingly recreated here with breathtaking results. As Hitler starts to lose control and he begins to see traitors everywhere, you are given a glimpse into the mind of a madman that you won't soon forget. This is one of those movies that we all know the ending but you just can't wait to get there and see how the director is going to present it.
If you enjoy World War II movies like "Das Boot" and "Patton", you'll enjoy this one; it's got the feel of an authentic story from the other side of the war. There is no English soundtrack for this movie, so you should be prepared for the subtitles throughout the film. I've added this to my favorites list under the subject of WWII, its just one of those films that grabs your attention and you just can't look away.
If you enjoy World War II movies like "Das Boot" and "Patton", you'll enjoy this one; it's got the feel of an authentic story from the other side of the war. There is no English soundtrack for this movie, so you should be prepared for the subtitles throughout the film. I've added this to my favorites list under the subject of WWII, its just one of those films that grabs your attention and you just can't look away.
Videodrome
For those of you who remember the hay day of the videocassette and cable television, you'll probably remember this movie with some fondness. This is one of David Cronenberg's best films from the eighties; it showed us the dark side of the video industry and the possibility that subliminal messages were being added to the video signal. Of course the idea of completely controlling an individual by mind control is total fantasy, or is it. Sex, violence, murder, a new evolution in television has come and its complete control of the viewers minds is the prize its after. With the idea that people could be brain washed by remote, this film took on a dimension in horror that, at the time, was new and totally thought provoking. The blending of reality and hallucination is so complete here that you never quite know where the real world ends and the fantasy begins. James Woods is perfect as the cable programmer in search of the next great thing on cable to offer his audience. This is also Deborah Harry's first major film appearance and after you see her in this role its hard to believe that she didn't do much more acting after.
I'm a big fan of David Cronenberg's work and the earlier films that he did are by far some of the best horror movies out in the market today. The film itself is a little dated since technology has taken us past the videocassette era, and on to the DVD and beyond. But think about it, if the idea of broadcasting a subliminal signal over a cable wire were questionable, how much easier would it be to send that signal from a space satellite to your dish at home directly.
I'm a big fan of David Cronenberg's work and the earlier films that he did are by far some of the best horror movies out in the market today. The film itself is a little dated since technology has taken us past the videocassette era, and on to the DVD and beyond. But think about it, if the idea of broadcasting a subliminal signal over a cable wire were questionable, how much easier would it be to send that signal from a space satellite to your dish at home directly.
Slap Shot
When you talk about sports films the best ones are usually comedies, that's not to say that there aren't any sports dramas that are good, it's just that the comedies are better. Then when you break it down there isn't that many hockey films, but the few that there is this one tops the list. In an age where the paying audience covets brutality over skill, we are shown that with a little blood the world could be your oyster. When a fifth rate hockey team finds their future in question, their coach changes the game plan and turns the hometown and the sport on its ear. Paul Newman as the ageing coach works so well you believe that he has been playing the sport for years. Even with Newman's name as the draw, the true stars of this film are the Hanson brothers. Once the Hanson's are introduced you know there is going to be trouble, but when they take to the ice the real fun begins. Some of the action is so fast paced you have to watch it a second time just to see it again just to be sure of yourself of what happened.
This is one of those films from the seventies that looks a little dated with the cloths and cars, but once the action starts and the fun begins you completely forget how old the movie is. The fight scenes are the way I remember hockey from the seventies, some skill but a lot of blood. I know there are other hockey films out there but when you put them all together Slap Shot rises to the top like cream from churned milk. So in this new season of sharpened blades lets sit back and enjoy at least one good game on the ice.
This is one of those films from the seventies that looks a little dated with the cloths and cars, but once the action starts and the fun begins you completely forget how old the movie is. The fight scenes are the way I remember hockey from the seventies, some skill but a lot of blood. I know there are other hockey films out there but when you put them all together Slap Shot rises to the top like cream from churned milk. So in this new season of sharpened blades lets sit back and enjoy at least one good game on the ice.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The feeling that your life is rushed has always been a problem for many people around the holidays, and the people that have to travel for their jobs its even more so. Hence the perfect situation of an Abbot and Costello kind of comedy, and playing the two comedic leads, Steve Martin and John Candy. Both at the height of their careers at the time, this movie showed that both actors could play a drama role and still keeps the audience interested in the story. When his flight home for Thanksgiving is canceled, Neil Page must grin and bear it with his new loud mouthed traveling companion, Del Griffith. The main two characters are like oil and water, but that doesn't them from becoming life long friends. The acting is pure genius, Martin and Candy play off of each other so well its like watching old friends who have known each other for years. The situations that the two are thrust into are a little extreme but completely believable, right up to the driving the burned out car down the highway. Almost every mode of travel is used in this film short of bicycles and horse and buggy, but what do you want its winter and its snowing.
Its sad that Candy died, it would have been nice to see these two come together again and do more films, whether it was comedy or drama. This is one of the few movies that I enjoy watching at Thanksgiving time, not just for the hilarious comedy but to remind myself that in the long run I don't have to travel for the holidays. But the underlying story is about the love of family and the lengths that we go too to be with them.
Its sad that Candy died, it would have been nice to see these two come together again and do more films, whether it was comedy or drama. This is one of the few movies that I enjoy watching at Thanksgiving time, not just for the hilarious comedy but to remind myself that in the long run I don't have to travel for the holidays. But the underlying story is about the love of family and the lengths that we go too to be with them.
The Birdcage
Most of the time when an American movie is remade from a successful foreign film there are more failures than winners, but this is one of those winning moments that go down as a great film. The original French film was titled "La Cage aux Folles" and was so successful it spawned two sequels that were just as good. The remake, starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in the two lead roles, was sheer genius; they play off of each other as if this was all second nature. The situations that are presented in the film are, in some cases, over the top but they all come off as believable and, pardon the pun, straightforward.When a gay couples son comes home and announces that he's getting married, from there the disasters and the fun are just beginning. The characters that are used in this comedy were altered very little from the original French versions; making them American was probably the biggest change. Gene Hackman as the straight-laced politician trying to save his career plays great against Williams and Lane, and Lane dressed up as the mother is perfect, you almost forget that it's a man in drag. The make-up that was done for this movie is almost flawless, almost every man that is in drag for the film without a doubt looks like a woman, and that makes it work even better.
I'm sure that most people that have seen this film have to agree that its one of the best comedies from the nineties, and unfortunately a sequel was never made. But in the long run that just makes this film even more enjoyable, with the uniqueness of being the only one. If you're looking for something to laugh about this is definitely the movie to watch, whether you've seen it before or not, the laughs just don't stop.
I'm sure that most people that have seen this film have to agree that its one of the best comedies from the nineties, and unfortunately a sequel was never made. But in the long run that just makes this film even more enjoyable, with the uniqueness of being the only one. If you're looking for something to laugh about this is definitely the movie to watch, whether you've seen it before or not, the laughs just don't stop.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Kelly's Heroes
In the long list of war movies that are on the market, this one is in the top ten of WWII films that was made for pure enjoyment. The idea that personal gain would win over the minds of fighting men in a war is the complete premise for the story, and as you follow along you begin to wonder if you could have made the same choices as our heroes. Having a cast of stars from movies and television didn't hurt the film in the least, and with a strong story, and very authentic effects, this comedy comes off as a great action film.What would you do for 16 million dollars in gold, a platoon of men in World War II believe that thirty miles behind enemy lines isn't to far at all. With a cast that includes Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Donald Sutherland and Carroll O'Connor this war story is a ride that fun from the word go. From the opening scenes to the closing shots you can't help but smile and enjoy the flair and ingenuity of Eastwood's character. Seeing these stars in their prime, doing what they love, is great, all of the characters seem as natural as can be. If the American army had actually worked like this, it would have been amazing that any of our fathers and grandfathers came home at all.
This film came out the same year that Sutherland starred in M*A*S*H, and I'm sure that the popularity for the idea of a war comedy carried over. When you think of the top Eastwood films that have been made this one is in the top of the list. After all these years, and watching it a countless number of times, the movie is still enjoyable and funny. The one thing that this movie shows above anything else and that's when given the opportunity an American soldier has the imagination and ingenuity to get done what needs doing, no matter the obstacle.
This film came out the same year that Sutherland starred in M*A*S*H, and I'm sure that the popularity for the idea of a war comedy carried over. When you think of the top Eastwood films that have been made this one is in the top of the list. After all these years, and watching it a countless number of times, the movie is still enjoyable and funny. The one thing that this movie shows above anything else and that's when given the opportunity an American soldier has the imagination and ingenuity to get done what needs doing, no matter the obstacle.
Jabberwocky
You know what its like when you've seen just about everything from a director, or actor, that you love and then you hear about an early work that you've seen before. Its like, great I'll be able to watch something from the beginning of their career and see how the process was blossoming in the early stages. Well I'm here to tell you that if you're a Terry Gilliam fan, as I am, don't watch this film, its slow, and boring and it deserves to be left in the Dark Ages where it belongs. When a young apprentice named Dennis is forced out on his own from his country home to the city, he finds that life can be crueler around every turn. The only nice thing that I can say about this film is that they spent a lot of time to make sure that the sets and props that are used look complete authentic. So that's about it, the pleasantries are over, I'm sorry to say that I hated this movie, its about an hour and a half long but it makes you feel as if you've been sitting in front of the TV for an ungodly amount of time. The scenes are dragged out, the dialog is slow, and at some times confusing, and then there's the acting. Michael Palin became a very good actor in later years but what you see here is someone trying to carry a story that is to far gone before it even gets going.
I honestly thought that this was going to be an early gem that I would fall in love with and be able to tell people that, if you've never seen or heard of this movie, you got to check it out. But I wouldn't lie to you; I don't see how recommending a bad film does anyone any good. So don't rent or buy this movie its not worth the time or the money that would be wasted. The only thing that could help this film out is that since it takes place during the Dark Ages, if everyone contracted the Plague and died before the movie really got going then it would be a better film.
I honestly thought that this was going to be an early gem that I would fall in love with and be able to tell people that, if you've never seen or heard of this movie, you got to check it out. But I wouldn't lie to you; I don't see how recommending a bad film does anyone any good. So don't rent or buy this movie its not worth the time or the money that would be wasted. The only thing that could help this film out is that since it takes place during the Dark Ages, if everyone contracted the Plague and died before the movie really got going then it would be a better film.
The Incredibles
The marriage of Disney and Pixar have given us some of the best animated stories in a long time, and with each new release they set the bar for the next movie just a little higher. But with The Incredibles, they grabbed that bar and threw it as high as a superhero could send it. With an all-star cast of voices, this movie moved past even some live action films with a hero theme. The action just never stops and keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end. When the superheroes are sued for damages, during a rescue, they retire and start to lead normal lives but that doesn't last long and they must save the world once again. With names like Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone you can't do any thing else but fall for the comic book inspired characters. Seeing them save lives and do things that are completely natural to them makes this an enjoyable and breathe taking ride. The addition of regular family problems helps bring this group closer to the audience and also expands on the idea that even people, who seem to have everything, still have problems just like the rest of us. The likeability of the characters and the financial success of the film would almost guarantee a sequel, but so far nothing is in the works.
This movie is geared towards both sides of the audience, the children who love the animated action films and the adults who love them too. The one added feature that is on the DVD is the short film called Jack-Jack Attack, which fills in the story of what happens while the baby is with the sitter, its funny and its great as an added bonus. If you've never seen this film because you had no interest in seeing an animated movie, or you think that it's just for kids, you should give it a try it is well worth the time and effort.
This movie is geared towards both sides of the audience, the children who love the animated action films and the adults who love them too. The one added feature that is on the DVD is the short film called Jack-Jack Attack, which fills in the story of what happens while the baby is with the sitter, its funny and its great as an added bonus. If you've never seen this film because you had no interest in seeing an animated movie, or you think that it's just for kids, you should give it a try it is well worth the time and effort.
Broken Arrow
Action films have their very own die-hard fans, and with those fans there are directors that just bring out the best in the actors that they work with. Here John Woo shows that with the right story, and the right actors, you can spin gold from celluloid film. The magic that Woo creates on the screen is amazing, to see these action sequences for the first time your truly astonished that no one got seriously hurt. Coming off of his success in Pulp Fiction, John Travolta becomes one of the best villains to come on the screen in years. Two military pilots engage in a no holds barred battle of wits and hand to hand combat, to the victor goes the two stolen nuclear missiles before time runs out for everyone. The action sequences show why Woo is such a great director; the look and feel of the film definitely shows his Chinese background in movies. The pairing of Travolta and Christian Slater as the pilots was perfect showing the older Major being replaced by the up and coming young Captain. Some of the sets can easily be identified as sound stages, but then there are other effects that just look and feel like the real thing, so by the end of the movie, even though it's a textbook ending, you r happy with it and you don't feel cheated.
With the likes of Woo behind the camera and Travolta in front it surprising that they only collaborated on one more film and that was a hit in it's own right, Face/Off. Hopefully somewhere done the road Travolta will be given another villain role that will strike fear into every ones hearts. I'm not sure how many times I've watched this film but it just gets better and better every time.
With the likes of Woo behind the camera and Travolta in front it surprising that they only collaborated on one more film and that was a hit in it's own right, Face/Off. Hopefully somewhere done the road Travolta will be given another villain role that will strike fear into every ones hearts. I'm not sure how many times I've watched this film but it just gets better and better every time.
Time Bandits
With the blending of history, reality, and fantasy this movie takes us from the heights of Creation to the depths of Evil and every step of the way the comedy is straightforward and hilarious. This film is Terry Gilliam at the top of his game, with the help of some Monty Python alumni, John Cleese and Michael Palin; Time Bandits goes down as a classic adventure/comedy of all time. Even years after its release the comedy is still fresh and funny and just doesn't seem to get old. With the idea that the Supreme Being botched the job with creating the world in six days, you begin to wonder if its possible that maybe there is a reason for all the strangeness around.With a stolen map of the holes in time, a band of would be criminals take to robbing history one item at a time. With music by ex-Beatle George Harrison this film has some great situations that role into each other and seem to be totally believable. The effects are a little crude by today's standards but it fits like a glove and helps the film keep its believability. The two guest appearances of Shelley Duvall and Sean Connery helped draw an audience to this unlikely adventure, but once the audience was hooked that was it, they were reeled in and never wanted to leave.
The ideas from the Monty Python show were everywhere in the film and the characters from history were all dragged into a new light. From Robin Hood to Napoleon to the Ancient Greeks no one is safe from these bandits. The humor is relatively clean and the situations are not graphic, so it's a movie that you could sit down with the kids and watch and have some fun.
The ideas from the Monty Python show were everywhere in the film and the characters from history were all dragged into a new light. From Robin Hood to Napoleon to the Ancient Greeks no one is safe from these bandits. The humor is relatively clean and the situations are not graphic, so it's a movie that you could sit down with the kids and watch and have some fun.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Memoirs of a Geisha
This is one of those films that once you start watching it you just can't look away, the artistry within it is amazing. From the sets to the costumes this is a visually stunning film, the effort that was applied here is evident from the opening scenes. Based on the novel by Arthur Golden the world of the Geisha is opened to bear all for the world to see. All of the acting is superb and flawless, as the characters grow in age, as well as wisdom, you are taken on a journey that you will not soon forget.After a nine-year-old girl with stunning beauty is sold to a Kyoto Geisha house, she must endure harsh treatment and a world at war as she blossoms into the Geisha she is destined to become. Some of the punishments that are handed out during the film are a little extreme but for the time frame and the situations that are being played out they work. The sets look like they were taken right from that time in Japanese history, they look so authentic that you would almost believe that they were always there. The love story that this played out here is drawn out through the whole movie, and in true movie magic when the story is completed there is a happy ending.
After watching this movie I noticed in the credits that the film was based on Golden's book and was amazed that so much information about a completely female world, and point of view, was actually written by a man. The massive amount of research that must have gone into this story shows and it is understandable why this was such a well-received movie by the audience and the critics. This is definitely a movie to sit and watch with a loved one, the story is compelling and thought provoking about a life that we, as outsiders, until now knew very little about.
After watching this movie I noticed in the credits that the film was based on Golden's book and was amazed that so much information about a completely female world, and point of view, was actually written by a man. The massive amount of research that must have gone into this story shows and it is understandable why this was such a well-received movie by the audience and the critics. This is definitely a movie to sit and watch with a loved one, the story is compelling and thought provoking about a life that we, as outsiders, until now knew very little about.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
I wasn't in any rush to see this film when it originally came out, and then when it came out on DVD I just threw it on my rental list and waited. Now after watching it, I can understand the appeal that it had on the audience that saw it. It is an enjoyable story that has its roots going back to the ancient Greek civilization and Homer's Odyssey. The modernization of the story is very compelling and deserves all of the praise and accolades that it received. I'm not a big George Clooney fan, but what he does here with his character is perfect, the Southern accent fits and is completely believable. Three convicts escape from a chain gang in search of freedom and fortune in a buried treasure that must be retrieved in a matter of days or it will be lost forever. Set in the late twenties/early thirties, this film has the feel of the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby road movies, the comedy is light hearted and not overpowering. With the underlying tones from The Odyssey, we everything from the blind Oracle to the singing Sirens, and they're all well placed and complete believable in the context. The film has a washed out look to it, which helps with the setting for the Depression era. The music is perfect for the time period, and has a nice lilting sound that works and helps you identify with the characters feelings throughout the film.
A lot of the situations that are in the movie are a little far fetched, but there are others that hit close to the mark and are very truthful. The idea that a family would have to eat their horse for food because they couldn't afford anything else is probably more truthful than any of us would want to know. If you've never seen this film before it's worth the time, I'm sorry I waited so long to see it, I'd have no problem seeing this again and again.
A lot of the situations that are in the movie are a little far fetched, but there are others that hit close to the mark and are very truthful. The idea that a family would have to eat their horse for food because they couldn't afford anything else is probably more truthful than any of us would want to know. If you've never seen this film before it's worth the time, I'm sorry I waited so long to see it, I'd have no problem seeing this again and again.
The Freshman
One of the greatest characters in film is Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, and when given the opportunity to parody that character he jumped at the chance. Here Brando plays the part to the hilt and then some, the mannerisms that he made classic are exaggerated and work perfectly. Having Matthew Broderick play opposite Brando was shear genius; they work off of each other to bring out their best and most intelligent performances. A freshman in college is given a job driving for a local crime boss, but after one delivery his in way over his head and can't get out once the boss's daughter falls for him. This movie plays to a very intelligent audience, with the right twists and turns it keeps you thinking right up to the end. Co-starring with Brando and Broderick is a live Komodo Dragon, who steals the show once it enters the scene, but when the Dragon escapes into a shopping mall the laughs just keep coming.
This movie was at the time toted as the movie that drew Brando out of retirement with the opportunity to make fun of his most famous work, little do he know that it would become the beginning of a whole new career. After seeing this movie all I could think about was how good Brando was as a comedic actor, and how he had missed out on a special part of his career. This is a very smart comedy and shows these actors in new light that would change the way the viewing public would see them from this film forward.
This movie was at the time toted as the movie that drew Brando out of retirement with the opportunity to make fun of his most famous work, little do he know that it would become the beginning of a whole new career. After seeing this movie all I could think about was how good Brando was as a comedic actor, and how he had missed out on a special part of his career. This is a very smart comedy and shows these actors in new light that would change the way the viewing public would see them from this film forward.
The Banger Sisters
Having friends that you can turn to in a time of personal crisis, is a blessing and ones that will drop everything to help you without questions are rare. Here we get to examine both cases with two actresses, Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn, who over the years we have grown to adore. Everyone has something that they don't want people to know about, but is it truly bad or are we just making it into a bigger issue than it needs to be. With the secrets that Sarandon is keeping from her family you'd think the world was going to come to an end, but as most of us do, we think of the worst-case scenario.After sixteen years of separation, two friends, who used to be groupies, reconnect and realize that they still need each other to move on. The symbolism of having this whole situation take place in Phoenix is pointed out by Sarandon and is very much on target. Even though the two lead characters are the focus of the story, every person that they come in contact with, from family to acquaintances, are affected by some change in their lives. After all these years Hawn still has a body that can turn a man's head, and after Sarandon gets out of that frumpy suit, she's no slouch either.
The movie is cute and a little thought provoking, is the face that we show the world exactly the person we are deep down inside. I say as long as we have fun with the people we love and care about, who the Hell cares how we look and act like to other people outside our circles. This definitely falls into the category of Chick Flick and most guys wouldn't watch it, but it's a descent film and worth watching at least once.
The movie is cute and a little thought provoking, is the face that we show the world exactly the person we are deep down inside. I say as long as we have fun with the people we love and care about, who the Hell cares how we look and act like to other people outside our circles. This definitely falls into the category of Chick Flick and most guys wouldn't watch it, but it's a descent film and worth watching at least once.
Infernal Affairs
This film will seem familiar to most people if they have seen or heard of Martin Scorsese's The Departed about the Irish mob in Boston. Originally the story was set in Hong Kong and has a very strong Asian cast that as you are watching it you completely forget that the movie is in Hong Kong. Some of the twists and turns that are in this film are so well planned out that you get totally blind-sided by the outcome.A police officer fresh out of the academy is sent out as a mole into a local crime boss's gang, and at the same time the boss sends a mole of his own into the police force. This is more of a psychological thriller than the ordinary action crime films that come out of Hong Kong, The two lead actors here are Tony Leung and Andy Lau, both are excellent actors and carry the duel roles without a problem. As things start to come to a head in the story you begin to wonder you will come out on top and you never know until the very end.
The movie is so good that when you get near the end you honestly think that everything is going to be a happy ending, but the ending is left open for the two sequels that came along. If the sequels that followed are as good as this first film I'll be amazed, they both have some big shoes to fill. Just seeing how wonderful this film is makes me understand how good the new version by Scorsese is.
The movie is so good that when you get near the end you honestly think that everything is going to be a happy ending, but the ending is left open for the two sequels that came along. If the sequels that followed are as good as this first film I'll be amazed, they both have some big shoes to fill. Just seeing how wonderful this film is makes me understand how good the new version by Scorsese is.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Three.....Extremes
The Asian horror cinema is by far has some of the best filmmaking out in the industry today, and three of the masters of this art give their all in this anthology of tales. Hong Kong's Fruit Chan, Korea's Chan-wook Parks and Japan's Takashi Miike spin some twisted tales of the imagination that take you from the brink of insanity to the edge of terror. The subjects that are examined are pretty basic, jealously, revenge, obsession, but with the twists and turns that these directors take every emotion along the way gets striped bare. Three stories are presented for your viewing pleasure, "Dumplings" - an aging actress starts an unnatural diet to recapture her youth. "Cut" - a movie extra with a grudge against a director takes revenge. "Box" - sibling rivalry and jealousy are pushed to the extreme. Of the three stories, the first one, Dumplings is by far the creepiest and the most disturbing. There are no over the top special effects here, but what is used strikes a cord with the audience and leaves you with images that you wont soon forget. The symbolism that is layered throughout the stories is a little overpowering but everything that is shown is meaningful and important to the story.
Anyone who is not familiar with these directors should seen this movie, it gives you a nice sampling of their work, and may open the door to some artwork that you may not have seen before. I've watched some of the Asian horror films over the past year or so, and I'm always amazed at how the directors and writers can take a nice setting, add an every day issue, then turn the whole thing on its ear and give us some outstanding filmmaking. This movie isn't an over the top horror movie, but it is a nice introduction into one of the best movie genres on the market today.
Anyone who is not familiar with these directors should seen this movie, it gives you a nice sampling of their work, and may open the door to some artwork that you may not have seen before. I've watched some of the Asian horror films over the past year or so, and I'm always amazed at how the directors and writers can take a nice setting, add an every day issue, then turn the whole thing on its ear and give us some outstanding filmmaking. This movie isn't an over the top horror movie, but it is a nice introduction into one of the best movie genres on the market today.
Jersey Girl (Kevin Smith)
When a popular director decides that his or her next project will be a departure from their regular genre of movies, they are sometimes pigeon holed and the new film gets an undeserved failing mark. That is what has happened with this Kevin Smith movie, it is not the raunchy, over the top comedy that most people would expect from him. It is a romantic comedy that tugs at your heart strings from beginning to end, with a cast that works well together and supports each other along the way in the real life situations that are presented to them. When love strikes a self-centered publicist he is unprepared for the ultimate sacrifice when his young wife dies during childbirth and he must raise his new daughter on his own. The role of seven year old Gertie is played by Raquel Castro with the flair and bounce of a seasoned film veteran, it will be nice to see where her career goes to after a breakthrough performance like this. The relationship that is presented by George Carlin and Ben Affleck is so close to a real father and son that the feelings will hit close to home for some of the audience. The acting that Carlin did amazed me so much that I would go out of my way to say that he could branch out into a whole new career if he did more roles in romantic comedies or dramas. With the realistic situations that are throughout the film it is easy enough see your own reactions reflected in the characters on the screen.
Reviews for this film when it first went into theaters were very good, but the public response is what killed this delightful film, people weren't ready for something that wasn't a Clerks type comedy. Also with Jennifer Lopez in the role of the wife brought along the Bennifer curse, which probably didn't help smooth over Smith fans. When you watch this film you can't go into it with any preconceptions about this being a regular Smith comedy, and once you get past that it rates right up at the top of the list of his very best.
Reviews for this film when it first went into theaters were very good, but the public response is what killed this delightful film, people weren't ready for something that wasn't a Clerks type comedy. Also with Jennifer Lopez in the role of the wife brought along the Bennifer curse, which probably didn't help smooth over Smith fans. When you watch this film you can't go into it with any preconceptions about this being a regular Smith comedy, and once you get past that it rates right up at the top of the list of his very best.
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