When I first saw the internet advertising for Skyline, I was excited! Though the storyline would be suspect, the visuals looked incredible. So, going into the film, I knew the movie would be visually stunning, but doubted the film as a whole.
Skyline turned out to be much different than I anticipated. Yes, the visuals really were unbelievable. The Brothers Strauss, who lent visual compositing their talents to such film as AVP; Requiem, 2012 and Avatar, really let their vision come out as we see dazzling effects throughout the film. But it was the outcome of the story that I didn't anticipate at all. I won't give anything away; let's just say that the ending will surprise you.
The actors in this film are entirely B-list, headed by Eric Balfour (Haven, 24), Scottie Thompson (TV Guest roles), Donald Faison (Scrubs, Remember the Titans) and David Zayas (The Expendables, Dexter). No great acting to be sure; but they certainly carry their parts well. Considering this film's total budget hovered somewhere around the $11M mark, I think the producers got the best actors they could for whatever monies were available.
While Skyline may not be a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, it does make for a decent theater-going experience. Plus, the ending leaves a rather large opening for a sequel--which I'm sure would be entirely dependent on consumer acceptance (aka $$$) of Skyline itself.
Would I see this again? I don't know. The visuals would be worth it, if nothing else. I'll probably end up buying this on DVD...who knows...maybe Skyline will end up being my next great guilty pleasure movie.
Tired of artsy, pompous, full of their own self-importance movie critics? Me Too! I started this blog to give you simple, straightforward movie reviews.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Review: Hereafter
*(Yes, I actually got out to see a movie. Unbelievable; I know.) :o)
Clint Eastwood is simply one of the greatest directors of the last thirty years. His latest offering, Hereafter, is a phenomenal piece of art.
Eastwood fascinatingly weaves three story lines into a single, satisfying conclusion. Along the way he involves the audience emotionally with at least two, if not all three, of the main characters. Doing that is not an easy thing to accomplish.
Unlike many of Eastwood's films, this one does not have a bittersweet ending. It remains however, a story of loss, journey and resolution--typical earmarks of Eastwood directed projects. Yet, in spite of the formulaic approach, you come away having had an incredibly satisfying movie-going experience.
I highly recommend that everyone see this film. This one will leave you thinking for a long time after walking away from the theater. This movie deserves an Oscar--it's that good!
This film will definitely be a part of my home movie library as soon as it comes out on video!
Clint Eastwood is simply one of the greatest directors of the last thirty years. His latest offering, Hereafter, is a phenomenal piece of art.
Eastwood fascinatingly weaves three story lines into a single, satisfying conclusion. Along the way he involves the audience emotionally with at least two, if not all three, of the main characters. Doing that is not an easy thing to accomplish.
Unlike many of Eastwood's films, this one does not have a bittersweet ending. It remains however, a story of loss, journey and resolution--typical earmarks of Eastwood directed projects. Yet, in spite of the formulaic approach, you come away having had an incredibly satisfying movie-going experience.
I highly recommend that everyone see this film. This one will leave you thinking for a long time after walking away from the theater. This movie deserves an Oscar--it's that good!
This film will definitely be a part of my home movie library as soon as it comes out on video!