When a movie is remade usually the audience is expecting an updated story and, if needed, more modern special effects. With this story, being the third time its been made for film, you’d want a more accurate tale that’s more faithful to the original book. This time around, Will Smith is in the role of Robert Neville that was originally portrayed by Vincent Price in 1964, and then by Charlton Heston in 1971. Using the same reasoning that they used in ‘71, making The Omega Man, that it would be easier to set the story in New York city rather than Los Angeles because it’s easily isolated from the surrounding area.
Dr. Robert Neville is the last surviving man on the planet after a devastating disease wipes out the population, but he’s not the only being inhabiting New York City. Even with the updated graphics, this story is still an amazing piece of work, though the changes from the original Richard Matherson book are quite apparent. With the more modern story setting the screen writers were able to expand the tale and still keep the basic plot intact. Smith shows again how much of a consummate actor he truly is, where ¾ of the movie is him acting with nothing but a dog and a green screen.
This is a worthy addition to the I Am Legend catalogue, but with the original ending not the alternate ending offered on the DVD. And now the powers that be have decided that this film deserves a sequel based on the alternate ending not the original that most people saw in the theaters. It’s so ridicules to continue a story that is wrapped around Neville’s life and ends with his death, my suggestion to all of you is to read the original book and then see the three films. You’ll be thoroughly satisfied and happy with the entertainment that this marvelous story brings, but you’ll also see how Matherson wanted this apocalyptic tale to truly work and ultimately end.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Hellboy & Hellboy II: The Golden Army
There are some comic books that seem to almost be made for the cinema, and with the leaps and bounds that CGI technology has made in recent years more and more stories have made the transition. Mike Mignola’s comic series Hellboy is one of the straightforward of comic stories to move from the pages to the screen and with the large library that Dark Horse Comics has a franchise could go on for a very long time.
Hellboy - During World War II a small creature is discovered and brought to America where he grows up battling supernatural monsters and evil powers determined to rule the world. With a strong plot and action that doesn’t let up, this origin story sets up the ground work for future stories. Under the red Hellboy make-up is the wonderful actor Ron Pearlman, and with his flair of acting brings this character to life with all of the humor and humanity that Mignola created. One of the best things about this story is that it is more character driven then relying on the CGI effects to carry the film, and that’s not to say there isn’t spectacular CGI effects but it doesn’t use those effects like other films use them as a crutch.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army - When the young Prince of the supernatural world overthrows the King and releases the Golden Army, Hellboy and his teammates stand in their way to save the world. The best reason that this film was a success was that the original cast and director return for this second story about the members of the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense). With visionary director Guillermo de Toro at the helm again the characters swift interactions along with the continuity of the first and second films becomes almost flawless.
Because of the return of the major players in this series we’re able to see a more natural progression and development of the characters, and with the same director you don’t have new interpretations of the universe that they live in. This is a strong franchise that has a multitude of avenues that it could continue in, and as long as everyone is happy enough to come back we may be able to see a number of sequels expanding this universe of Hellboy’s.
Hellboy - During World War II a small creature is discovered and brought to America where he grows up battling supernatural monsters and evil powers determined to rule the world. With a strong plot and action that doesn’t let up, this origin story sets up the ground work for future stories. Under the red Hellboy make-up is the wonderful actor Ron Pearlman, and with his flair of acting brings this character to life with all of the humor and humanity that Mignola created. One of the best things about this story is that it is more character driven then relying on the CGI effects to carry the film, and that’s not to say there isn’t spectacular CGI effects but it doesn’t use those effects like other films use them as a crutch.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army - When the young Prince of the supernatural world overthrows the King and releases the Golden Army, Hellboy and his teammates stand in their way to save the world. The best reason that this film was a success was that the original cast and director return for this second story about the members of the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense). With visionary director Guillermo de Toro at the helm again the characters swift interactions along with the continuity of the first and second films becomes almost flawless.
Because of the return of the major players in this series we’re able to see a more natural progression and development of the characters, and with the same director you don’t have new interpretations of the universe that they live in. This is a strong franchise that has a multitude of avenues that it could continue in, and as long as everyone is happy enough to come back we may be able to see a number of sequels expanding this universe of Hellboy’s.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Firewall
As the years have gone on Harrison Ford has been able to adapt his changing body to continue making action films that still entertain audiences. Most of the films he does now are more cerebral then jumping and running stunt work, but their still exciting and fun to watch. This film keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and is a very tight story with real science and technology to back up the plot from beginning to end. These types of action films have become more sophisticated and rely on more brain power than physical action, and the audience has evolved to accept them for it.
When Jack Stanfield’s family is kidnapped he is forced to rob the bank where he has just finished installing a state-of -the-art security system. Like the movie "Swordfish" the audience is given a technology lesson so that they understand the terms and the action that goes on is believable. With the added standby story element of revenge this tale is able to hold the audiences attention as well as present a new aspect to an age old storyline. Robert Loncraine does a superb job as director and keeps the story nice and taut so that there isn’t a chance for the plot to stray from it’s course.
This film shows that Ford is not to be trifled with, he can still pull his weight when it comes to exciting movies that audiences want to see. With the action that drives the movie we’re given a chance to see an action star evolve his craft to the next stage of his career. With this evolution we see that there is a strong future after action films that use less stunts and more brain power, so with an audience that is demanding more from their action films, and their actors, we see that there is a place for these action stars, if they truly know how to act in the first place.
When Jack Stanfield’s family is kidnapped he is forced to rob the bank where he has just finished installing a state-of -the-art security system. Like the movie "Swordfish" the audience is given a technology lesson so that they understand the terms and the action that goes on is believable. With the added standby story element of revenge this tale is able to hold the audiences attention as well as present a new aspect to an age old storyline. Robert Loncraine does a superb job as director and keeps the story nice and taut so that there isn’t a chance for the plot to stray from it’s course.
This film shows that Ford is not to be trifled with, he can still pull his weight when it comes to exciting movies that audiences want to see. With the action that drives the movie we’re given a chance to see an action star evolve his craft to the next stage of his career. With this evolution we see that there is a strong future after action films that use less stunts and more brain power, so with an audience that is demanding more from their action films, and their actors, we see that there is a place for these action stars, if they truly know how to act in the first place.
Ratatouille
Its amazing how companies like DreamWorks and Pixar are able to bring to life the most amazing characters, from sports cars to insects to rodents. Here we have one of the most despised rodents that has ever plagued man, a rat, and the genesis’ at Pixar have turned him into a loveable and enjoyable character that kids, and adults, have fallen for. With the added life lessons of always going for your dreams and believing in yourself when others don’t the audience is taken on a fanciful ride through the culinary world of Paris, France. The wide range of characters that are presented here gives every member of the audience to identify with, from the outcast to the know-it-all to a person that is over compensating for losses, there is some one for everyone to see something in.
When a passionate rat by the name of Remy discovers a way to express himself through cooking he unwittingly teams up with a novice cook and shows that some of the best cooking comes from the heart. Even with the drama and the little bit of action that is involved in this film, the comedy and light-heartedness is what carries the story all the way to the end. The characters that are introduced are enjoyable to watch, even the villains, from Remy’s family of rats to the quirky cooks at the restaurant we’re given an abundance of character types to fall in love with. There are some emotional states within the film that maybe to much for a younger audience, but these are what helps draw the adults into the story and with the humor sprinkled in the whole family gets to laugh hardily.
With the established style of animation that Pixar has developed through the years the audience has come to expect nothing but the best, and when they’ve seen it they don’t think that anything else is possible. But hold on, the creative minds in this company never stop thinking and the world is given another whole new universe to play in. With each new movie that is put out we’re shown that imagination is not dead and that there are minds that do look in new directions and not just back at the old. I for one have enjoyed every one of Pixar’s feature films and shorts and just can’t wait for the next one to come out so that I can expand my mind and imagination beyond the limits of this world and reality.
When a passionate rat by the name of Remy discovers a way to express himself through cooking he unwittingly teams up with a novice cook and shows that some of the best cooking comes from the heart. Even with the drama and the little bit of action that is involved in this film, the comedy and light-heartedness is what carries the story all the way to the end. The characters that are introduced are enjoyable to watch, even the villains, from Remy’s family of rats to the quirky cooks at the restaurant we’re given an abundance of character types to fall in love with. There are some emotional states within the film that maybe to much for a younger audience, but these are what helps draw the adults into the story and with the humor sprinkled in the whole family gets to laugh hardily.
With the established style of animation that Pixar has developed through the years the audience has come to expect nothing but the best, and when they’ve seen it they don’t think that anything else is possible. But hold on, the creative minds in this company never stop thinking and the world is given another whole new universe to play in. With each new movie that is put out we’re shown that imagination is not dead and that there are minds that do look in new directions and not just back at the old. I for one have enjoyed every one of Pixar’s feature films and shorts and just can’t wait for the next one to come out so that I can expand my mind and imagination beyond the limits of this world and reality.
Ken Burns' The War
There has been so much film devoted to real, and made up, stories about World War II and the men and women that fought in the war that you’d believe that there was nothing new to talk about. But like so many other subjects Ken Burns brings new life and new stories into focus about the greatest generation of Americans and the Allies that fought by their sides. Even though this mini-series is 7-parts long it moves along very quickly and before you know it your drawn in by the emotions of the soldiers and their families and you just can’t stop watching.
Through the use of historical footage, photos and new interviews the larger story of World War II is brought home to small town USA and how it touched each and every person whether they went to the frontlines or stayed at the home front. With three and a half years of footage shot on the fields of battle, and on the home front, we’re given glimpses into lives that most of us only fantasize and dream about. From the happiness and sadness at home for the boys that have gone off to battle, to the horror of killing and dying that happened in those battles the audience is shown all of the war’s brutal honesty. There are some parts that are harsh and grotesque but that’s the truth about war it’s not clean and pretty like some movies portray it to be. With all the information that is presented throughout this mini-series it avoids the tendency of getting bogged down with that information, and that alone is amazing considering how long the series is.
With the personal accounts that are presented, the audience has no option but to become a part of the sorrow, triumph and tragedy Burns brings to life in this mini-series. This film should be seen by everyone, not just those of us who are interested in that time period, but all Americans for it is because of this generation that we are here today. We who live in the current world have nothing but admiration and thankfulness for the men and women who sacrificed their lives , and livelihood, for the liberty and freedom we enjoy today. And like the soldiers that are now deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are making sacrifices for the future generation of freedom.
Through the use of historical footage, photos and new interviews the larger story of World War II is brought home to small town USA and how it touched each and every person whether they went to the frontlines or stayed at the home front. With three and a half years of footage shot on the fields of battle, and on the home front, we’re given glimpses into lives that most of us only fantasize and dream about. From the happiness and sadness at home for the boys that have gone off to battle, to the horror of killing and dying that happened in those battles the audience is shown all of the war’s brutal honesty. There are some parts that are harsh and grotesque but that’s the truth about war it’s not clean and pretty like some movies portray it to be. With all the information that is presented throughout this mini-series it avoids the tendency of getting bogged down with that information, and that alone is amazing considering how long the series is.
With the personal accounts that are presented, the audience has no option but to become a part of the sorrow, triumph and tragedy Burns brings to life in this mini-series. This film should be seen by everyone, not just those of us who are interested in that time period, but all Americans for it is because of this generation that we are here today. We who live in the current world have nothing but admiration and thankfulness for the men and women who sacrificed their lives , and livelihood, for the liberty and freedom we enjoy today. And like the soldiers that are now deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are making sacrifices for the future generation of freedom.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Star Trek: Of Gods and Men
For years every time a Star Trek movie was made fans would jump for joy with the prospect of seeing their favorite characters on the big screen in a fast paced adventure. But in most instances the film doesn’t live up to the audience’s expectations and a little bit a devotion in the overall plot is lost. Continuity has always a life long problem for the Star Trek universe when it comes to correlating the TV stories with the film stories. With this new addition to the Star Trek film universe we actually have a story that works with continuity and gives the fans a believable story that works with past plotlines instead of against them.
While on an honorary mission, Captains Chekov, Uhura and Harriman are transported in time to an alternate universe where the Federation has been replaced by the bloodthirsty Galactic Order. The production value of this independent film revivals most other sci-fi films that have been coming out for a while now. Along with a strong cast and even stronger story this film brings back the high adventure of the original series and the earlier films with the original cast. Working old storylines into a brand new concept, with cast members that span the whole of the Star Trek universe, the audience is given a treat that is amazing to watch from beginning to end. Directed by Tim Russ, Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, has brought a new direction that the Star Trek alum, and Gene Roddenberry himself, would be proud to a part of.
Right now this film is only available through Renegade Studios but with word of mouth and one of the strongest fan bases this film should become a mega hit. This film harkens back to the day when science fiction was fun to watch and the action wasn’t just explosions. If you are a Star Trek fan this is one of those must see films, and if possible see it before you see the new J.J. Abrams version because right now this film is where the bar has been set for the future films of Star Trek.
While on an honorary mission, Captains Chekov, Uhura and Harriman are transported in time to an alternate universe where the Federation has been replaced by the bloodthirsty Galactic Order. The production value of this independent film revivals most other sci-fi films that have been coming out for a while now. Along with a strong cast and even stronger story this film brings back the high adventure of the original series and the earlier films with the original cast. Working old storylines into a brand new concept, with cast members that span the whole of the Star Trek universe, the audience is given a treat that is amazing to watch from beginning to end. Directed by Tim Russ, Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, has brought a new direction that the Star Trek alum, and Gene Roddenberry himself, would be proud to a part of.
Right now this film is only available through Renegade Studios but with word of mouth and one of the strongest fan bases this film should become a mega hit. This film harkens back to the day when science fiction was fun to watch and the action wasn’t just explosions. If you are a Star Trek fan this is one of those must see films, and if possible see it before you see the new J.J. Abrams version because right now this film is where the bar has been set for the future films of Star Trek.
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