DVD Review: 47 Ronin

Due to my health, I was unable to get to the theater to see 47 Ronin.

I recently had the chance to rent it on DVD and jumped at the opportunity.

First, I want to express my dismay at the thrashing this film took from both critics and fans alike. I don't know what they were expecting, but I found 47 Ronin to be a fast-paced, engaging adventure film that was both captivating and memorable.

Based on a real historical story from the days of Feudal Japan, the film incorporates extraordinary cinematography, enchanting set design, gorgeous costuming, stunning orchestral music and a decent storyline that, though it does take a bit of creative freedom, tells a story of the 47 Ronin who sought to avenge their wrongly dishonored former master. The magical aspect incorporated in the film doesn't do any more than others from the era and the Asian studios that produce similar ventures. So I really can't find fault from that aspect.

Led by Keanu Reeves (Point Break, Speed, The Lake House), the acting was adequate, and never stilted. The Japanese acting troupe led by co-stars Hirouki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki and Rinko Kikuchi was excellent in their respective roles. One thing the Far Eastern movie Studios have a great grasp on is the medieval Asian  period piece. This film never really disappoints from this angle either.

Directed by Carl Rinsch (video shorts The Gift, Lovely Weather for Rain, The Quiz), 47 Ronin moves along at a satisfying pace, but never feels forced or clichéd). Personally, I think Rinsch did a tremendous job with his first feature-length project.

If you even entertained the thought of seeing this on, I strongly recommend that you rent 47 Ronin at the earliest possible occasion. I was pleasantly surprised by this highly underrated film, and have already added it to my DVD collection.

See it, suspend your belief and enjoy a surprising great film!

Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2

If you were surprised and delighted by How to Train Your Dragon, then you will adore How to Train Your Dragon 2.

This animated film is every bit as bright, energetic, fast-paced, engaging and hilarious as the original. I was laughing out loud numerous times, and walked out of the theater completely satisfied with this movie!

For both kids and adults, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is simply a delightful movie that will leave you smiling long after getting home.

GO SEE THIS WONDERFUL FILM--with the whole family! You'll be glad you did!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 one is an absolute buyer as soon as it is released on DVD and will accompany my copy of How to Train Your Dragon sitting on my DVD cabinet.

Review: Edge of Tomorrow

The Edge of Tomorrow is a fast-paced film that explores the possibilities of reshaping a history that hasn't even happened yet.

Directed by Doug Liman (think the Jason Bourne trilogy), this Groundhog-esque movie gives the heroes (Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt) plenty of chances to win a war that is devastating Europe and threatens to overrun the entire world.

There are numerous surprises that leave the audience on edge, and Liman takes advantage of these to great effect, causing moviegoers to jump in their seats a number of times--hey...he even got me to jump once and I even knew it was coming!

The CGI in this film is just OK. Unlike other offerings this Spring, the Special Effects (SFX) came across as a bit amateurish in both look and feel, as if the SFX folks really didn't know what to do with the alien character that was envisioned. I saw this in 3-D, and it was so nondescript that I often forgot I was seeing this in the format; adding nothing special that stood out.

Tom Cruise does his usual job in this effort...in other words, you're always aware this character is played by Tom Cruise, and like most of his roles, he doesn't care that this is what the audience sees. He is the epitome of a method actor, and Cruise makes absolutely no apologies for his acting.

To me, the real star of this film was Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, The Adjustment Bureau). She carries the film in every way; outshining Cruise, and everyone else, for that matter. Blunt brings an unexpected bit of authenticity to her role, and the film benefits from her presence. Without her acting, Edge of Tomorrow would have devolved into just another in a long line of 'shoot 'em up' sci fi flicks that never really try to be better than so many others in the genre.

Is The Edge of Tomorrow a great film? No.

Is it a good film worthy of your hard-earned $$? Maybe.

As I look back on this movie, I am torn on answering that question. On one hand, Tom Cruise is, well, Tom Cruise. On the other, Emily Blunt shines, and Doug Liman directs this film with his usual and considerable satisfying style. Even the supporting cast do their jobs well, but even they come across as a bit disinterested in their roles.
Then, there is the less-than-stellar CGI. To me, it was an unforgivable knock against this film that just can't be overlooked.

So, at least a decent effort? Yeah...I'll give it that much.

The Edge of Tomorrow is by no means a memorable film; but it has a certain appeal that let's me feel like I didn't waste my money; but I doubt I'd see it again in the theater.

Is the one a buyer? I don't know. Maybe on the five dollar rack.

Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

This is one of those reviews that just doesn't need much.

Why?

Because X-Men: Days of Future Past is freaking AWESOME!

The latest installment of the franchise is simply terrific sci-fi. It is a powerhouse of acting led by Sir Ian McKellan, Sir Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence and the up and coming Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult and the always impressive Peter Dinklage.

Everything in this film was spot on from the script to the cinematography to the deft directing of Brian Singer.

Even if you don't care for sci-fi, go see this film for the art of film making. It is an incredible work by a number of extremely talented people.

Go see X-Men: Days of Future Past!

Then, buy it when it comes out on DVD!

Review: Godzilla

I can easily summarize Gareth Edwards' latest directorial effort, Godzilla, in just two words...

...Freaking Awesome!

This latest incarnation of the Toho Company's creation, delivers a solid film from start to finish. The build-up is expertly guided so that when the reveal happens, you, as an audience member, are primed, ready and excited to see the gigantic reptile.

True to the titular Kaiju's original storyline, Godzilla is fighting for the good of mankind--even if it does so inadvertently; fixing the mistakes of man and restoring the proper balance to nature.

The CGI is exceptional--the 3-D effects were nothing short of spectacular--, and the best film CGI company in the World, Weta Digital (think, Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Avatar) lends their considerable talent to this film. The result is a visually stimulating, life-like monster mash-up that actually looks as if it really happens.

The acting, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick Ass, and an assortment of British productions), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Argo, Malcolm in the Middle) and the always superb Ken Watanabe (Last Samurai, Inception, Letters from Iwo Jima) is outstanding, if somewhat understated at times. The supporting cast delivers strong performances across the board, and help to create the overall authenticity that Godzilla delivers from start  to finish.

An equal part of this film to any actor is the often unheralded music score. Composed by Alexandre Desplat (The King's Speech, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Argo), the Godzilla film score takes viewers on a fantastic ride, as the music is perfectly crafted in every frame; leading us emotionally throughout the film, building us up, then toning things down at just the right moments, and in just the right ways. It was a terrific bit of writing that I'll have to add to my collection of film soundtracks.

Then there is the Director, Gareth Edwards (Monsters), a multi-talented filmmaker who obviously had a clear vision (not to mention an outstanding script) of what he wanted to do with this incredible film. I found his directing to be fast-paced, logical and coherent to the storyline as a whole. As I alluded to earlier, the build-up to the reveal of Godzilla was done with a deftness we rarely see in films these days; giving info away without telegraphing too much, too early. I am rarely drawn into a position of investment in a movie. In Godzilla, I was ready and definitely wanting to see the Kaiju in all its glory--and I was NOT disappointed one bit!

Even my wife, who had doubts that she would enjoy Godzilla, became fully invested in the film; so much so that she was actually cheering at all the right places in this great film. As for me, I analyze films from beginning to end. I easily see plot twists, expositional references, obvious errors and poor writing. In Godzilla, the nasty foe he faces was telegraphed just once; and only for about two seconds of screen time. Other than this intentionally placed bit of info, the script was tight and gave away almost no information that would scream how this film would conclude. It was a well-written effort by award winning screen writers Max Borenstein (Sword Swallowers and Thin Men) and David Callaham (The Expendables--all of them, Tell Tale, Horsemen).

I heartily encourage you to see this film! Even if you don't really care for monster movies, but enjoy good sci-fi (or just appreciate good film making), go see Godzilla! This film made close to $100M in its opening weekend just in the US. Audiences around the world will be flocking to this deserving film; and Japanese fans will be going nuts over this faithful adaptation to a cultural icon.

If you have any doubts about seeing Godzilla, set them aside and see this incredible film!

This one is absolutely a buyer as soon as it is out on DVD!

Review: Elysium

I don't need a long, drawn out, or overly explanatory review of Neil Blomkamp's latest film. There's no need. Like his breakout District 9 (2009), Elysium is pure, unadulterated, and phenomenal sci-fi.

This film is so good that you can actually forget this is science fiction. Yes, there's action, but that isn't the point of this superb offering into the genre.

Go see this tremendously well done, well directed sci-fi film...the best pure sci-fi since District 9.

Elysium is definitely a film any movie aficionado will want to own...me included!

Go see it! Elysium really IS that good!!!

Review: The Wolverine

I wasn't sure what to expect going into seeing The Wolverine. The trailers certainly made the movie look appealing and exciting.

As the film unfolded, it quickly became evident that this film wasn't an action piece so much as a character study. Yes, there is plenty of satisfying action; but The Wolverine is more about what drives Logan/Wolverine's life, and the pain he endlessly endures from his gift of immortality.

Set in modern-day Japan, the film picks up after the events of the third original X-Men movie and its events in San Francisco. In The Wolverine, Logan is confronted with an old debt that a former adversary wishes to repay [to Logan]. At this point the film takes off and we see the inner conflicts that Logan faces and is seemingly doomed to face forever.

The scenery in this film is beautiful, the portrayal of Japanese traditional culture is sumptuous, and the storyline holds you in place. The cinematography throughout is fantastic! The music perfectly serves to heighten and sooth emotions.

The Japanese cast is great. Led by the very beautiful Tao Okomoto, each cast member pulls off their characters with believability and conviction.

Though there are some points that are easily foreshadowed or are simply obvious, for the most part, this redemption flick is a fun, informative and hard look at a character whom movie-goers have really only briefly glimpsed to this point.  And, the film leaves everyone both bewildered, and excited for what is to come in the near future.

The Wolverine is a decent--but not great--flick that will leave you quite satisfied. If you are a fan of the X-Men, I recommend you see this film.

Would I buy it? Maybe. But I definitely want to see this again, even if it's "just" on DVD.