Here we go again!
Fast Five is reportedly the last in the series of the Fast And The Furious Franchise. Only time will tell is that will hold true. FF or course brings Vin Diesel and his car driving troop back to the big screen for one final, huge pay day. If you have seen the first few movies in this story, you know exactly what you're in for. If you have never seen one of these movies and think you know what this is all about, you would more than likely be right.
There is a story here, but that's not why you're going. As always, go to see what stunts will be done by incredible stunt men, and women. Plus, what computers can do as well to make this whole thing come to life as an action packed car driving flick. I think the people that will be the most upset if this is the last flick in this series will be the stunt men. There are tons of them, and whether this is your thing or not, you do have to marvel on the fantastic and dangerous work that can be done by fearless and highly skilled professionals.
So how do you critique a movie like this? Truth is you can't really. It is what it is. Non stop action, and the same story rehashed over and over again. This flick continues the trend of Hollywood clearly targeting young men again, with fast cars, lots of action, glorified and encouraged and illegal bad behavior, and lots of young women wearing very little. There are compelling moments of driving and stunts, and that's what they want you to see.
Diesel is a strong presence on screen. I have enjoyed him at times outside of these flicks, and now I am hoping he can put all this behind him and move on. He is blessed with a good and distinct look, and a voice most would kill for. Now that the huge pay day of over with this stuff, maybe better work is ahead.
Fast Five. If you want to go see 90 minutes of stunt work this is your movie, it not..movie on.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Atlas Shrugged Part 1
Interesting, that this movie is at the box office right now.
Atlas Shrugged Part 1 is the first half of the classic Ayn Rand novel from 1957. It has been updated for the new century in some regard. It's the story of a young woman trying desperately to hold on to her giant company inof unheard of economic times. It is set in 2016. The economy is horrible, the Dow is at 4,000, and the United States federal government is controlling everything that it can. It has stepped in and made private enterprise almost non-existent. The basic message is, if the worlds people are not permitted to create freely, then the world is doomed.
The giant federal government has regulated virtually everything so that everything is "needs based" and the wealthy have no choice both in business and in private to give money to those, and to the states that have little or none. Quite simply this story of course is total social commentary by Rand, and now it's on the big screen for all to see. There is no doubt that Rand's story is compelling and of course has stood the test of half century. Especially after being panned by critics in 1957. But the book and story have become better received as time has gone on.
From a movie standpoint though, it has a ton to be desired. There is a lot of story to tell here, and seemingly they are in a hurry to do it. This movie flies right along and does push the plot down the line. No problem there. But, really stoic if not boring performances by the majority of our cast. This whole project even looks like a straight to DVD production. It even says "End of part one" at the end. This is certainly a better read than it is a movie. But I'm thinking this is thought to be topical for our times, because of the current economic climate. And it is. There is nothing wrong with this story in it's written form. It's just a boring production.
Atlas Shrugged Part 1. Last theater on the left, end of the hall. Please turn on the projector when you get there, and off when you leave. You know the that kind of movie.
Atlas Shrugged Part 1 is the first half of the classic Ayn Rand novel from 1957. It has been updated for the new century in some regard. It's the story of a young woman trying desperately to hold on to her giant company inof unheard of economic times. It is set in 2016. The economy is horrible, the Dow is at 4,000, and the United States federal government is controlling everything that it can. It has stepped in and made private enterprise almost non-existent. The basic message is, if the worlds people are not permitted to create freely, then the world is doomed.
The giant federal government has regulated virtually everything so that everything is "needs based" and the wealthy have no choice both in business and in private to give money to those, and to the states that have little or none. Quite simply this story of course is total social commentary by Rand, and now it's on the big screen for all to see. There is no doubt that Rand's story is compelling and of course has stood the test of half century. Especially after being panned by critics in 1957. But the book and story have become better received as time has gone on.
From a movie standpoint though, it has a ton to be desired. There is a lot of story to tell here, and seemingly they are in a hurry to do it. This movie flies right along and does push the plot down the line. No problem there. But, really stoic if not boring performances by the majority of our cast. This whole project even looks like a straight to DVD production. It even says "End of part one" at the end. This is certainly a better read than it is a movie. But I'm thinking this is thought to be topical for our times, because of the current economic climate. And it is. There is nothing wrong with this story in it's written form. It's just a boring production.
Atlas Shrugged Part 1. Last theater on the left, end of the hall. Please turn on the projector when you get there, and off when you leave. You know the that kind of movie.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Water For Elephants
Been a while since we've had a good circus tragedy move at the theaters. But that's this weeks Water For Elephants.
This beloved book now comes to the big screen with three big stars. Reece Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. This is an eternal triangle love story that takes place in 1931 at the heart of the great depression, in the golden age of the competing traveling circuses. It's the story of a young man named Jacob (Pattinson). After his parents are killed, he drops out of Cornell University where he was studying to be a veterinarian. He runs off and joins the Benzini Brothers circus and eventually ends up as the circus vet.
He also finds he has eyes for the star attraction of the circus, Marlena (Witherspoon) who is married to the head of the circus, August (Waltz). August is a maniacal man who sees nothing wrong with treating his wife badly, others, and animals. He buys an elephant, Rosie as his star animal attraction, and wastes no time in abusing her, and virtually everyone and thing around him. He learns of the Marlena/Jacob affair, and goes on the warpath to get his life right and kill Jacob. Rosie is the central character that brings them together as lovers. This is a nutshell of course, as this story is actually quite complicated, with many side characters and plots.
This is a very powerful story told with the backdrop of the circus in the early 20th century. It is wonderfully filmed with fantastic costuming and sets. It is a deep love story in the spirit of Titanic. Really great performances by our three big stars and a wonderful supporting cast as well. Should be noted, there is some very uncomfortable animal cruelty scenes from time to time here. This will make most of us flinch and cringe, and that's the idea. But in it's defense, there is nothing here that isn't central to the story.
It is also good to see Witherspoon make a good movie again. She is an Oscar winner, and her last couple of movies have been a real step back for her, but here she shines. It's also good to see Pattinson away from the Twilight movies again. I am so ready for those to be over, because this is Hollywood's next male dramatic star. He's very good here, and is each time he steps away from Twilight. Waltz, also an Oscar winner, is simple great again - period.
Water For Elephants, well written, and well done.
This beloved book now comes to the big screen with three big stars. Reece Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. This is an eternal triangle love story that takes place in 1931 at the heart of the great depression, in the golden age of the competing traveling circuses. It's the story of a young man named Jacob (Pattinson). After his parents are killed, he drops out of Cornell University where he was studying to be a veterinarian. He runs off and joins the Benzini Brothers circus and eventually ends up as the circus vet.
He also finds he has eyes for the star attraction of the circus, Marlena (Witherspoon) who is married to the head of the circus, August (Waltz). August is a maniacal man who sees nothing wrong with treating his wife badly, others, and animals. He buys an elephant, Rosie as his star animal attraction, and wastes no time in abusing her, and virtually everyone and thing around him. He learns of the Marlena/Jacob affair, and goes on the warpath to get his life right and kill Jacob. Rosie is the central character that brings them together as lovers. This is a nutshell of course, as this story is actually quite complicated, with many side characters and plots.
This is a very powerful story told with the backdrop of the circus in the early 20th century. It is wonderfully filmed with fantastic costuming and sets. It is a deep love story in the spirit of Titanic. Really great performances by our three big stars and a wonderful supporting cast as well. Should be noted, there is some very uncomfortable animal cruelty scenes from time to time here. This will make most of us flinch and cringe, and that's the idea. But in it's defense, there is nothing here that isn't central to the story.
It is also good to see Witherspoon make a good movie again. She is an Oscar winner, and her last couple of movies have been a real step back for her, but here she shines. It's also good to see Pattinson away from the Twilight movies again. I am so ready for those to be over, because this is Hollywood's next male dramatic star. He's very good here, and is each time he steps away from Twilight. Waltz, also an Oscar winner, is simple great again - period.
Water For Elephants, well written, and well done.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Win, Win
Many times small movies are the best movies.
Hollywood loves to spend billions of dollars on big budgeted action flicks, and that's OK. They make a ton of money after tons is laid out. Many of these take our breath away, and catapult us to places we can not otherwise go. People flock to them year after year. But a big budget does not always a great movie make.
Win, Win is a small movie with a big if not huge story. These small Indy movies can be really great and this one is. Paul Giamatti is the star of this modern story that deals with modern troubles that are seemingly engulfing a growing number of people today.
Giamatti plays a small town lawyer and a father of two young girls with a struggling practice. Due to bad financial troubles he pulls off a slick deal and starts drawing money from an old man who is a client, trust fund all the while lying to the court about it. The old mans daughter is in rehab, and the old mans teenage kid shows up out of nowhere. The teen is a strange kid who seemingly has no direction in life. He has no where to go, so he ends up with the lawyer and his family.
The lawyer is also a wrestling coach at the local high school, and as luck would have it the kid is a great wrestler. Wrestling becomes the tie that binds them all together. But, when the young mother shows back up to claim the angry teen and her fathers money, there is big trouble. How will this all play out?
Win, Win is first class movie making. This story is spot on in its plot line as it takes on family dysfunction, the recession, and the struggles that many families and parents are feeling today. WW is boldly written, dramatic, funny at times and interesting all of the time. It develops it's characters completely and without apology. These people are real to say the least. Great performances by Giamatti and the entire supporting cast. This 90 minutes just whistles along. Most great movies start with a great story, and this is.
Win, Win. Yay, for the small movie yet again. Go see this gem. A welcome addition in limited release. Worth the time and every dime.
Hollywood loves to spend billions of dollars on big budgeted action flicks, and that's OK. They make a ton of money after tons is laid out. Many of these take our breath away, and catapult us to places we can not otherwise go. People flock to them year after year. But a big budget does not always a great movie make.
Win, Win is a small movie with a big if not huge story. These small Indy movies can be really great and this one is. Paul Giamatti is the star of this modern story that deals with modern troubles that are seemingly engulfing a growing number of people today.
Giamatti plays a small town lawyer and a father of two young girls with a struggling practice. Due to bad financial troubles he pulls off a slick deal and starts drawing money from an old man who is a client, trust fund all the while lying to the court about it. The old mans daughter is in rehab, and the old mans teenage kid shows up out of nowhere. The teen is a strange kid who seemingly has no direction in life. He has no where to go, so he ends up with the lawyer and his family.
The lawyer is also a wrestling coach at the local high school, and as luck would have it the kid is a great wrestler. Wrestling becomes the tie that binds them all together. But, when the young mother shows back up to claim the angry teen and her fathers money, there is big trouble. How will this all play out?
Win, Win is first class movie making. This story is spot on in its plot line as it takes on family dysfunction, the recession, and the struggles that many families and parents are feeling today. WW is boldly written, dramatic, funny at times and interesting all of the time. It develops it's characters completely and without apology. These people are real to say the least. Great performances by Giamatti and the entire supporting cast. This 90 minutes just whistles along. Most great movies start with a great story, and this is.
Win, Win. Yay, for the small movie yet again. Go see this gem. A welcome addition in limited release. Worth the time and every dime.
Monday, April 18, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - The Conspirator
The new Robert Redford movie, The Conspirator is new in theaters this week.
TC, is the true story of the military trial of the surviving defendants of the Abraham Lincoln assassination in 1865. Of course we know that John Wilkes Boothe was the trigger man in the killing of the President. But there were conspirators that aided and planned this with him. After the assassination, Boothe is killed and is never brought to trial. But 6 men, and a woman, Mary Surratt are. This is the story essentially her trial story, as her lawyer risks everything he owns to ensure she will get a fair trail.
Sometimes these kind of movies are tough to review. The expectations are high, the project is noble, the cast is big and it's Redford at the controls. TC has the typical Redford look. Redford movies always seem to have a "pretty" look to them. Wonderfully filmed in fantastic sets, with painstaking thought and effort put into each and every shot. Redford, like Clint Eastwood, always seems to get the most from his young actors too, and that's the case here. I am good with most things in this movie.
As good as much of this is, there just seems to be something missing that doesn't allow you this movie to be really great. It's true that the story is new to most of us, and that's great. But there are some draggy sequences that slow the story line down a few times. A couple times almost to a halt. There is nothing really wrong with this movie, it just lacks a certain snap that holds it back a bit.
A big cast includes, James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Justin Long, Alexis Bledel and Tom Wilkinson. All well cast and deliver nice performances. Costuming is wonderful as you might expect too.
The Conspirator is great on look, and good on story. But as good as it is, I think I was expecting great.
TC, is the true story of the military trial of the surviving defendants of the Abraham Lincoln assassination in 1865. Of course we know that John Wilkes Boothe was the trigger man in the killing of the President. But there were conspirators that aided and planned this with him. After the assassination, Boothe is killed and is never brought to trial. But 6 men, and a woman, Mary Surratt are. This is the story essentially her trial story, as her lawyer risks everything he owns to ensure she will get a fair trail.
Sometimes these kind of movies are tough to review. The expectations are high, the project is noble, the cast is big and it's Redford at the controls. TC has the typical Redford look. Redford movies always seem to have a "pretty" look to them. Wonderfully filmed in fantastic sets, with painstaking thought and effort put into each and every shot. Redford, like Clint Eastwood, always seems to get the most from his young actors too, and that's the case here. I am good with most things in this movie.
As good as much of this is, there just seems to be something missing that doesn't allow you this movie to be really great. It's true that the story is new to most of us, and that's great. But there are some draggy sequences that slow the story line down a few times. A couple times almost to a halt. There is nothing really wrong with this movie, it just lacks a certain snap that holds it back a bit.
A big cast includes, James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Justin Long, Alexis Bledel and Tom Wilkinson. All well cast and deliver nice performances. Costuming is wonderful as you might expect too.
The Conspirator is great on look, and good on story. But as good as it is, I think I was expecting great.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Scream 4
It's been a bunch of years since we had the first Scream flick.
The innovative Wes Craven brainchild for a new generation of movie goers. The "movie within a movie" concept. The heavy, and I do mean heavy parody and satire on the slasher movies of primarily the 1970's and 80's. An interesting mix of drama, blood, and some of the darkest comedy imaginable. If you have young teens that want to go. Truth is - There are huge amounts of senseless killing, brutalization, torture, and graphic, bloody deaths one after another. Just the facts, so you know.
This fourth installment has all of the main surviving originals back. David Arquette, Courtney Cox, and Neve Campbell. There are also a ton of "cameo's" that are woven in and are pretty funny, and some new young stars sprinkled in too. If you've been following the Scream franchise you know what to expect, and you're going to get it. If you have not gone to the first three, don't go to this one. Viewing this flick is totally dependent on knowing the franchise.
Scream 4 though, goes a bit beyond the originally formula. Scream 4 also has been updated nicely for the new century in some ways. Not only do you get slashing, and all the rest, but it does take time to make heavy social commentary. If you get through the huge amount of blood and senseless killing, it does make you think about the possible motivation in some disturbed young people on their view of being famous. They take direct and indirect shots at social media, and the hunger we as a nation seem to have on the witnessing the misery of others.
Scream 4. If you know it, and love it.....you'll love this. If you want to jump in, rent first then go.
The innovative Wes Craven brainchild for a new generation of movie goers. The "movie within a movie" concept. The heavy, and I do mean heavy parody and satire on the slasher movies of primarily the 1970's and 80's. An interesting mix of drama, blood, and some of the darkest comedy imaginable. If you have young teens that want to go. Truth is - There are huge amounts of senseless killing, brutalization, torture, and graphic, bloody deaths one after another. Just the facts, so you know.
This fourth installment has all of the main surviving originals back. David Arquette, Courtney Cox, and Neve Campbell. There are also a ton of "cameo's" that are woven in and are pretty funny, and some new young stars sprinkled in too. If you've been following the Scream franchise you know what to expect, and you're going to get it. If you have not gone to the first three, don't go to this one. Viewing this flick is totally dependent on knowing the franchise.
Scream 4 though, goes a bit beyond the originally formula. Scream 4 also has been updated nicely for the new century in some ways. Not only do you get slashing, and all the rest, but it does take time to make heavy social commentary. If you get through the huge amount of blood and senseless killing, it does make you think about the possible motivation in some disturbed young people on their view of being famous. They take direct and indirect shots at social media, and the hunger we as a nation seem to have on the witnessing the misery of others.
Scream 4. If you know it, and love it.....you'll love this. If you want to jump in, rent first then go.
MOVIE REVIEW - Hanna
One of the real fun things about reviewing movies is you get to see all the movies. And you generally have an expectation one way or the other when going in.
For Hanna, I have to say expectations for me were low. And I was so pleasantly surprised at how really compelling this story was. Honestly, I was not looking forward to seeing a story where a 15 year old girl is a trained assassin, and the CIA has a hit out on her. There was just something about that sentence that bothered me. But Hanna is smarter than I thought it would be. This story line possibly disturbing, is handled and told expertly.
Hanna is the story this 15 year old kid, raised in the Antarctic by her father in seclusion. He educates her in numerous languages, she talks in staccato computer like sentences and has an amazing amount of self-defense skills. She in short, is some kind of prodigy assassin super weapon. She is a seemingly cold blooded, and hearted killer of animals and possibly people. But she yearns for human contact, and eventually makes her way to Europe where she hopes to begin some kind of normal life. But she finds because of her years of seclusion and upbringing, that will be impossible.
It turns out the CIA finds out about her and her father are now free in the world and they put a hit out on the both of them. Turns out he is a rogue ex-CIA agent and Hanna is some kind of freak genetic experiment that has gone both horribly right, and terribly wrong a the same time. As they are pursued around the world, Hanna herself cannot adjust to her surroundings in a positive way, and her father is trying hard to protect her. As he knows she is the only link left in the cover up of this now shut-down CIA program on genetic testing. And they will most assuredly kill her.
Hanna is exciting, smart and extremely well thought out. The story is original and told well. The real strength is the wonderful development of her character. You are right there with her every step of the way. She does not know she is a genetic freak. She thinks she is just a little girl and that is the great part of this story. Even though she knows what she is capable of, she only knows she wants what all 15 year old girls want. You can feel her pain, and sense her longings and her fear. Well done. It's a race against time, who will win?
Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) stars as Hanna and is very good in a challenging role. Very physically demanding and with a nice mix of scared little girl, and cold blooded killer. Cate Blanchett, and Eric Bana round out a real nice cast.
Hanna, a nice surprise that's very welcome right now at the movies.
For Hanna, I have to say expectations for me were low. And I was so pleasantly surprised at how really compelling this story was. Honestly, I was not looking forward to seeing a story where a 15 year old girl is a trained assassin, and the CIA has a hit out on her. There was just something about that sentence that bothered me. But Hanna is smarter than I thought it would be. This story line possibly disturbing, is handled and told expertly.
Hanna is the story this 15 year old kid, raised in the Antarctic by her father in seclusion. He educates her in numerous languages, she talks in staccato computer like sentences and has an amazing amount of self-defense skills. She in short, is some kind of prodigy assassin super weapon. She is a seemingly cold blooded, and hearted killer of animals and possibly people. But she yearns for human contact, and eventually makes her way to Europe where she hopes to begin some kind of normal life. But she finds because of her years of seclusion and upbringing, that will be impossible.
It turns out the CIA finds out about her and her father are now free in the world and they put a hit out on the both of them. Turns out he is a rogue ex-CIA agent and Hanna is some kind of freak genetic experiment that has gone both horribly right, and terribly wrong a the same time. As they are pursued around the world, Hanna herself cannot adjust to her surroundings in a positive way, and her father is trying hard to protect her. As he knows she is the only link left in the cover up of this now shut-down CIA program on genetic testing. And they will most assuredly kill her.
Hanna is exciting, smart and extremely well thought out. The story is original and told well. The real strength is the wonderful development of her character. You are right there with her every step of the way. She does not know she is a genetic freak. She thinks she is just a little girl and that is the great part of this story. Even though she knows what she is capable of, she only knows she wants what all 15 year old girls want. You can feel her pain, and sense her longings and her fear. Well done. It's a race against time, who will win?
Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) stars as Hanna and is very good in a challenging role. Very physically demanding and with a nice mix of scared little girl, and cold blooded killer. Cate Blanchett, and Eric Bana round out a real nice cast.
Hanna, a nice surprise that's very welcome right now at the movies.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Your Highness
The new stoner comedy Your Highness is in theaters this week.
I'm am not sure there are accurate words to fully describe this movie. Everyone likes a good silly, naughty, borderline raunchy flick from time to time. Hollywood makes them occasionally and if handled well, they can be guilty pleasure funny. That is not the case here. Your Highness is about as raunchy and vile as a rated R movie can be.
This is the flick you've seen advertised. A parody of mid-evil movies with plenty of knights, and ladies in distress to go around. You know going in, this is not award winning cinema, but most I think were jaw-dropped on how distasteful this really is. Many people got up and left the movie never to return.
There really is no reason to go into plot detail is there? After all, no one is going there for the actual story. This is a series of sight gags, terrible language and frankly disturbing 7th grade locker room humor. Clearly, this movie is targeting young 18 year old boys who have no regard for any kind of humor that is anywhere near palatable. Of course, that doesn't describe everyone, but there certainly must be a bunch out there, because these movies keep coming out. Granted not all this repugnant, but others certainly where the sex and drug use is envelope pushed to the extreme in every scene.
Troubling too is the cast here. Oscar winner Natalie Portman for one. It's decision time Nat. Be a good actress with worthwhile movies, or do this. Her Oscar for Black Swan seems so far away today after seeing this. Oscar nominee James Franco too. 127 Hours was a good flick in 2010. Again a distant memory today. The lovely Zooey Deschanel somehow was talked into this thing somehow by writer and star, Danny McBride. Who I have to say, this being his brainchild, looks completely perverted and shameless. I'm sure his mom is so proud today.
No one is so tight that there isn't room for a edgy, raunchy comedy with a bunch of goofs doing really dumb things if not questionable things . But this isn't that. This is just vile for vile's sake. And what this movie really does is make some really talented people, look really stupid. Not on screen, but in their decision making. It really is time to for some of these peeps to grow up, and understand that once it's on film, it's there forever.
Your Highness. Theres' tasteful, tasteless, and then there's this. Giggly locker room stuff, completely junior high.
I'm am not sure there are accurate words to fully describe this movie. Everyone likes a good silly, naughty, borderline raunchy flick from time to time. Hollywood makes them occasionally and if handled well, they can be guilty pleasure funny. That is not the case here. Your Highness is about as raunchy and vile as a rated R movie can be.
This is the flick you've seen advertised. A parody of mid-evil movies with plenty of knights, and ladies in distress to go around. You know going in, this is not award winning cinema, but most I think were jaw-dropped on how distasteful this really is. Many people got up and left the movie never to return.
There really is no reason to go into plot detail is there? After all, no one is going there for the actual story. This is a series of sight gags, terrible language and frankly disturbing 7th grade locker room humor. Clearly, this movie is targeting young 18 year old boys who have no regard for any kind of humor that is anywhere near palatable. Of course, that doesn't describe everyone, but there certainly must be a bunch out there, because these movies keep coming out. Granted not all this repugnant, but others certainly where the sex and drug use is envelope pushed to the extreme in every scene.
Troubling too is the cast here. Oscar winner Natalie Portman for one. It's decision time Nat. Be a good actress with worthwhile movies, or do this. Her Oscar for Black Swan seems so far away today after seeing this. Oscar nominee James Franco too. 127 Hours was a good flick in 2010. Again a distant memory today. The lovely Zooey Deschanel somehow was talked into this thing somehow by writer and star, Danny McBride. Who I have to say, this being his brainchild, looks completely perverted and shameless. I'm sure his mom is so proud today.
No one is so tight that there isn't room for a edgy, raunchy comedy with a bunch of goofs doing really dumb things if not questionable things . But this isn't that. This is just vile for vile's sake. And what this movie really does is make some really talented people, look really stupid. Not on screen, but in their decision making. It really is time to for some of these peeps to grow up, and understand that once it's on film, it's there forever.
Your Highness. Theres' tasteful, tasteless, and then there's this. Giggly locker room stuff, completely junior high.
Monday, April 11, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Soul Surfer
Before I begin I will say the new movie Soul Surfer has holes, problems, and is not really great cinematic movie making for a boat load of reasons.
But with that said..this is a story totally worth telling. And furthermore, I think every kid should see this movie with their parents. Soul Surfer is the true story of surfing champion Bethany Hamilton. You may know some of her story. She was savagely attacked by a huge great white shark as an adolescent while surfing in Hawaii. She was an up and coming surfer, and an all around good kid. The shark in an instant, bit off her left arm up to the shoulder, and she lived to tell about it.
This is the story of what she does after this horrible event. And she eventually goes on to become a surfing champion with one arm. But her journey there is an interesting one. I am not sure, nor is anyone if all of this is literally true word for word, but I say so what? This is a good flick for young people to see. As she literally becomes an inspiration to millions of young people around the world.
This movie does have a Christian overtone to it. The movie makers do not hide the fact that this is a spiritual based movie of sorts, made with and by people who have great passion for telling a story of faith. SS is told very methodically, and easily, with a very young audience in mind. SS does not venture far off the path of it's main story line, and that is the eventual calling for Bethany after her terrible tragedy.
Outside of the overtones, this is a great story. This young girl with such a unthinkable injury for someone her age really does amazing things, and continues to do them today. There are far worse things to make a movie about than a young person in our world today, being a great role model for others to follow. Truth be told there are not a lot of movies like this. And to be more than honest, that's probably a good thing. We like to see really good stories made for us to marvel at, not average ones. These kind of stories need to chosen carefully.
Yes, SS does have holes, and there are a lot of questions as you watch. They easily breeze over her "getting over" the attack. And they spend virtually no time on her physical rehab. And there is a bunch of formula characters and obligatory scenes. Some bad dialogue, and a bunch of poor writing. And you get to see a ton of surfing. But - so what to all of the above.
Bethany Hamilton's story is a great one. So, shrug off the wrinkles of this one and take the kids and have them be inspired by someone who is willing to put herself out there, when most would not. And this story can certainly supply some perspective for those struggling with their own problems.
Soul Surfer. Short on movie making, but a story worth knowing.
But with that said..this is a story totally worth telling. And furthermore, I think every kid should see this movie with their parents. Soul Surfer is the true story of surfing champion Bethany Hamilton. You may know some of her story. She was savagely attacked by a huge great white shark as an adolescent while surfing in Hawaii. She was an up and coming surfer, and an all around good kid. The shark in an instant, bit off her left arm up to the shoulder, and she lived to tell about it.
This is the story of what she does after this horrible event. And she eventually goes on to become a surfing champion with one arm. But her journey there is an interesting one. I am not sure, nor is anyone if all of this is literally true word for word, but I say so what? This is a good flick for young people to see. As she literally becomes an inspiration to millions of young people around the world.
This movie does have a Christian overtone to it. The movie makers do not hide the fact that this is a spiritual based movie of sorts, made with and by people who have great passion for telling a story of faith. SS is told very methodically, and easily, with a very young audience in mind. SS does not venture far off the path of it's main story line, and that is the eventual calling for Bethany after her terrible tragedy.
Outside of the overtones, this is a great story. This young girl with such a unthinkable injury for someone her age really does amazing things, and continues to do them today. There are far worse things to make a movie about than a young person in our world today, being a great role model for others to follow. Truth be told there are not a lot of movies like this. And to be more than honest, that's probably a good thing. We like to see really good stories made for us to marvel at, not average ones. These kind of stories need to chosen carefully.
Yes, SS does have holes, and there are a lot of questions as you watch. They easily breeze over her "getting over" the attack. And they spend virtually no time on her physical rehab. And there is a bunch of formula characters and obligatory scenes. Some bad dialogue, and a bunch of poor writing. And you get to see a ton of surfing. But - so what to all of the above.
Bethany Hamilton's story is a great one. So, shrug off the wrinkles of this one and take the kids and have them be inspired by someone who is willing to put herself out there, when most would not. And this story can certainly supply some perspective for those struggling with their own problems.
Soul Surfer. Short on movie making, but a story worth knowing.
Friday, April 8, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Arthur
I know, I know Arthur is the funniest movie of all time, Russell Brand is the bomb, and I can't stop laughing!
Here's to thinking that those prose will not be uttered anytime soon, and the remake of Arthur hits theaters this weekend. But you could glue two of those prose together and make an accurate statement. Arthur 2011 is a bomb.
First off, if you're going to remake Arthur, Brand is the guy. And if you're going to rework it for the new century, the idea of having Arthur have a Nanny and not a butler...good call, and Helen Mirren is a good choice. But man, give them something they can use. Clearly, Hollywood is still out of ideas.
This ageless tale of a spoiled, drunken middle aged man who has never grown up, and now faces the choice of love or money was funny with Dudley Moore some 30 years ago. But let's not go overboard. The original Arthur was not time-stopping fantastic. What made that flick funny, was the sheer animated Moore performance and the idea that being drunk all the time was funny. He played a great drunk. Now, a generation later or so, we just don't think that being crocked all the time is really funny movie making anymore. There have been about 40,000 drunken movies since. And even though I was not a huge Moore fan, there was a certain innocent charm as a short, underdog that made him funny and made you cheer for him.
This script is so thin, so fragile and to be very honest so watered down and boring, these actors have no chance. When I saw Arthur, it looked like the film makers were just trying to get it over with. There is no passion for this movie, within the movie itself. And if you've seen the trailer, you have seen the entire movie. Every scene that you might consider funny, has been played in commercials for months now. There is nothing more.
This movie has been sufficiently updated for a new audience. There is no "longing for the old days" here. I sat in a packed theater today, and did not hear one, not one... significant laugh from the theater. It takes guts, not to mention incredible skill as a movie maker to redo movies that defined a generation on some level and be good. To make an established movie your own, is very hard. Too hard for this bunch.
Sometimes, it would just be apt to leave well done enough alone. Nothing wrong with trying to introduce an old story to a new fan base. But don't take that responsibility lightly, or you will have Arthur 2011. It's just not funny. It's just not anything.
Except a real miss and bigger mess.
Here's to thinking that those prose will not be uttered anytime soon, and the remake of Arthur hits theaters this weekend. But you could glue two of those prose together and make an accurate statement. Arthur 2011 is a bomb.
First off, if you're going to remake Arthur, Brand is the guy. And if you're going to rework it for the new century, the idea of having Arthur have a Nanny and not a butler...good call, and Helen Mirren is a good choice. But man, give them something they can use. Clearly, Hollywood is still out of ideas.
This ageless tale of a spoiled, drunken middle aged man who has never grown up, and now faces the choice of love or money was funny with Dudley Moore some 30 years ago. But let's not go overboard. The original Arthur was not time-stopping fantastic. What made that flick funny, was the sheer animated Moore performance and the idea that being drunk all the time was funny. He played a great drunk. Now, a generation later or so, we just don't think that being crocked all the time is really funny movie making anymore. There have been about 40,000 drunken movies since. And even though I was not a huge Moore fan, there was a certain innocent charm as a short, underdog that made him funny and made you cheer for him.
This script is so thin, so fragile and to be very honest so watered down and boring, these actors have no chance. When I saw Arthur, it looked like the film makers were just trying to get it over with. There is no passion for this movie, within the movie itself. And if you've seen the trailer, you have seen the entire movie. Every scene that you might consider funny, has been played in commercials for months now. There is nothing more.
This movie has been sufficiently updated for a new audience. There is no "longing for the old days" here. I sat in a packed theater today, and did not hear one, not one... significant laugh from the theater. It takes guts, not to mention incredible skill as a movie maker to redo movies that defined a generation on some level and be good. To make an established movie your own, is very hard. Too hard for this bunch.
Sometimes, it would just be apt to leave well done enough alone. Nothing wrong with trying to introduce an old story to a new fan base. But don't take that responsibility lightly, or you will have Arthur 2011. It's just not funny. It's just not anything.
Except a real miss and bigger mess.
Monday, April 4, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Insidious
With Spring Break on the way for many, it's a great time of the year for a real young person scary flick. Insidious, though not great..is scary.
Insidious is a scary and well done thriller of a flick, that takes a more traditional approach to scaring you. This movie is not laden with blood, or gore like many of the cheap thrill flicks of today. Skillful film makers know that stuff isn't scary. It's just tasteless, and is targeting the lowest common denominator film goer. Real fear at the movies comes from a place of real. Being able to picture yourself in the same situation as the characters. Although Insidious a bit far fetched, does have strong elements of being real, and easier for most to possibly believe.
This young family with three young kids move into this grand old house. There, all kinds of weird things start happening. Basically the usual, doors slamming blah, blah. But their youngest son Dalton slips into this deep coma like state, and remains there for months without medical explanation. Even after this family moves to a new house, he remains coma-like and the weird stuff continues to plague this family. In fact, it escalates. Why the terror? Why the sleepless nights, and why is this young boy seemingly dead among the living.? That is Insidious.
To be honest, I am not easily frightened at the movies, but many moments in this one made me take notice. The nighttime terror scenes, especially in the first house are very well done, and equally compelling. Insidious does NOT rely on silly special effects to make you jump. It's just the dark, the house, the sound, the music, the situation you can't help but feel the helplessness our our characters. Although Insidious' plot does make a turn that is a bit more difficult to relate to, and somewhat harder to choke down there are still some rather scary moments for the duration.
Overall, Insidious has a plan...to scare you. And for the most part sticks to it. It doesn't sell out to ridiculous, underfunded and overused special effects. It goes more the Paranormal Activity route and finds what would frighten you, and puts it out there for you to jump and judge. Young people in packs will love this movie.
You want to be scared, and want a jolt at the movies? For what this is, Insidious is pretty good.
Insidious is a scary and well done thriller of a flick, that takes a more traditional approach to scaring you. This movie is not laden with blood, or gore like many of the cheap thrill flicks of today. Skillful film makers know that stuff isn't scary. It's just tasteless, and is targeting the lowest common denominator film goer. Real fear at the movies comes from a place of real. Being able to picture yourself in the same situation as the characters. Although Insidious a bit far fetched, does have strong elements of being real, and easier for most to possibly believe.
This young family with three young kids move into this grand old house. There, all kinds of weird things start happening. Basically the usual, doors slamming blah, blah. But their youngest son Dalton slips into this deep coma like state, and remains there for months without medical explanation. Even after this family moves to a new house, he remains coma-like and the weird stuff continues to plague this family. In fact, it escalates. Why the terror? Why the sleepless nights, and why is this young boy seemingly dead among the living.? That is Insidious.
To be honest, I am not easily frightened at the movies, but many moments in this one made me take notice. The nighttime terror scenes, especially in the first house are very well done, and equally compelling. Insidious does NOT rely on silly special effects to make you jump. It's just the dark, the house, the sound, the music, the situation you can't help but feel the helplessness our our characters. Although Insidious' plot does make a turn that is a bit more difficult to relate to, and somewhat harder to choke down there are still some rather scary moments for the duration.
Overall, Insidious has a plan...to scare you. And for the most part sticks to it. It doesn't sell out to ridiculous, underfunded and overused special effects. It goes more the Paranormal Activity route and finds what would frighten you, and puts it out there for you to jump and judge. Young people in packs will love this movie.
You want to be scared, and want a jolt at the movies? For what this is, Insidious is pretty good.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Source Code
Always good to get a new month started off on an good note. And Source Code is very good.
SC is a new action thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal that is so different and original that you can't help be compelled for the entire 100 minutes. Gyllenhaal stars as a military helicopter pilot who is chosen because of his unique abilities to be a part of a new method of fighting terrorism called The Source Code. What it is, is a computer program attached to the brain that can make the person, in essence travel back in time over and over again for 8 total minutes to try to prevent acts of terrorism.
After a horrible train bombing in Chicago, our hero is continually sent back to this same train before the bombing by the source code. There he tries to find out who the bomber is, and how he can hopefully prevent another bombing which is immanent in Chicago later that same day. On this train our hero meets Christina (Michelle Monaghan) and she is seemingly his key to the whole mystery. He falls for her, and even though this is only an illusion it is very real to him. And he is determained to save this train and her, both already destroyed. Sound complicated? It is but it is so much more.
Gyllenhaal delivers a real nice performance as Captain Colter Stevens and is very convincing as a reluctant hero. Monaghan isn't in nearly enough movies. I am a big, big fan of hers. She is very real on screen with her gentle way, her unmistakable charm, and her girl next door beauty. She is perfectly cast here, and gives SC a much needed diversion from it's "high techy" plot. She saves this movie from being nerdy and egg-headed. She was challenged to reconstruct the same scene over and over in this movie, and pulls it off wonderfully. She is the real star of this movie. Oscar nominated Vera Farmiga as the officer in charge of the Source Code program is also well cast and delivers, even in this very limited role.
Source Code is interesting, well paced, and exceedingly entertaining. Fine performances by all, with a fresh and intelligent plot. This is not your average "secret opps" movie. Very well done!
SC is a new action thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal that is so different and original that you can't help be compelled for the entire 100 minutes. Gyllenhaal stars as a military helicopter pilot who is chosen because of his unique abilities to be a part of a new method of fighting terrorism called The Source Code. What it is, is a computer program attached to the brain that can make the person, in essence travel back in time over and over again for 8 total minutes to try to prevent acts of terrorism.
After a horrible train bombing in Chicago, our hero is continually sent back to this same train before the bombing by the source code. There he tries to find out who the bomber is, and how he can hopefully prevent another bombing which is immanent in Chicago later that same day. On this train our hero meets Christina (Michelle Monaghan) and she is seemingly his key to the whole mystery. He falls for her, and even though this is only an illusion it is very real to him. And he is determained to save this train and her, both already destroyed. Sound complicated? It is but it is so much more.
Gyllenhaal delivers a real nice performance as Captain Colter Stevens and is very convincing as a reluctant hero. Monaghan isn't in nearly enough movies. I am a big, big fan of hers. She is very real on screen with her gentle way, her unmistakable charm, and her girl next door beauty. She is perfectly cast here, and gives SC a much needed diversion from it's "high techy" plot. She saves this movie from being nerdy and egg-headed. She was challenged to reconstruct the same scene over and over in this movie, and pulls it off wonderfully. She is the real star of this movie. Oscar nominated Vera Farmiga as the officer in charge of the Source Code program is also well cast and delivers, even in this very limited role.
Source Code is interesting, well paced, and exceedingly entertaining. Fine performances by all, with a fresh and intelligent plot. This is not your average "secret opps" movie. Very well done!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
