Dear Readers,
I am sorry that I haven't posted any reviews lately. The truth of the matter is that my health no longer permits me to see any films in the theater. Additionally, my ability to write creatively has also decreased--again, because of my health--so I am not even able to write about recent DVD purchases. Please bear with me as I go through this whole process with the kidney disease.
As soon as I am physically able, I'll be going to the movies once again, and writing my impressions of those films that I watch.
Thank you for following my reviews.
ScottW
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Review: Green Lantern
I went to see Green Lantern hoping for a fun movie-going experience...which is exactly what I got.
Ryan Reynolds is a great choice for the lead. He was adept at properly portraying all the various emotions that his character, Hal Jordan, is subjected to in the journey that is Green Lantern.
The supporting cast is solid; especially so with the addition of Mark Strong (Stardust, Body of Lies, Sherlock Holmes) as Sinestro, the nominal leader of the Green Lantern Corps.
Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Vertical Limit), Green Lantern moves quickly and coherently as Campbell has a solid script to work from, and a stellar cast of CGI folks to help him create the world of Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns.
Though I don't think this has passed Thor as the best film of the 2011 summer box office season, Green Lantern is still a great ride! It's fun, fast-paced, completely unbelievable, and a terrific time!
I highly recommend you see this!
And YES...I'll buy this one on DVD!
(...go see it!)
Ryan Reynolds is a great choice for the lead. He was adept at properly portraying all the various emotions that his character, Hal Jordan, is subjected to in the journey that is Green Lantern.
The supporting cast is solid; especially so with the addition of Mark Strong (Stardust, Body of Lies, Sherlock Holmes) as Sinestro, the nominal leader of the Green Lantern Corps.
Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Vertical Limit), Green Lantern moves quickly and coherently as Campbell has a solid script to work from, and a stellar cast of CGI folks to help him create the world of Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns.
Though I don't think this has passed Thor as the best film of the 2011 summer box office season, Green Lantern is still a great ride! It's fun, fast-paced, completely unbelievable, and a terrific time!
I highly recommend you see this!
And YES...I'll buy this one on DVD!
(...go see it!)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Review: X-Men First Class
**I meant to get this review out earlier; but I've been feeling so lousy that it hasn't happened. So, here's the short, short version...**
X-Men First Class turned out to be a better film than I imagined it would be.
The actors are great, the story is fast-paced and coherent, and I really enjoyed this film.
Go see it!
X-Men First Class turned out to be a better film than I imagined it would be.
The actors are great, the story is fast-paced and coherent, and I really enjoyed this film.
Go see it!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Review: Priest
My review of Priest will be simple, brief, and to the point.
I had high expectations for this film based on the advance advertising that blitzed the country. However, taking in just $14.5M its first weekend, I had doubts about the film, but still wanted to see it in spite of poor box office receipts.
The CGI in Priest looked phenomenal in the adverts, the actors top-rate talent, and the storyline appeared interesting, if not downright tired by this point.
As I watched Priest (in 3D, mind you), I was struck with a feeling of loss when compared to my expectations. The storlyine is competent and moves nicely. However, the action is far too infrequent, and seems like it was there only to show action for the sole sake of having action in the film. There was nothing surprising whatsoever throughout the entire length of the feature--which was disappointing, to say the least.
The CGI and 3D effects were only OK by todays increasingly technical standards. The editing was choppy, and the directing seemed haphazard. The best technical aspect of the film was the score of music used throughout. It was enjoyable to listen to.
As far as acting, Paul Bettany is grossly leashed by the director and his fabulous talent is wasted. Even Christopher Plummer's small role was just fake and forced. The best acting came via actresses Maggie Q and Lily Collins. They seemed to best play their roles with a real sense of believability.
Though the film ends with a clear introduction for a sequel, a second undertaking would be ill advised unless a better director is found, who also has a better script to follow.
Priest isn't a bad movie...it's just not a very good film.
I'm glad I went to see it; but I won't buy this one on DVD. At most, it will be an enjoyable film on a free movie channel for at least one viewing.
I had high expectations for this film based on the advance advertising that blitzed the country. However, taking in just $14.5M its first weekend, I had doubts about the film, but still wanted to see it in spite of poor box office receipts.
The CGI in Priest looked phenomenal in the adverts, the actors top-rate talent, and the storyline appeared interesting, if not downright tired by this point.
As I watched Priest (in 3D, mind you), I was struck with a feeling of loss when compared to my expectations. The storlyine is competent and moves nicely. However, the action is far too infrequent, and seems like it was there only to show action for the sole sake of having action in the film. There was nothing surprising whatsoever throughout the entire length of the feature--which was disappointing, to say the least.
The CGI and 3D effects were only OK by todays increasingly technical standards. The editing was choppy, and the directing seemed haphazard. The best technical aspect of the film was the score of music used throughout. It was enjoyable to listen to.
As far as acting, Paul Bettany is grossly leashed by the director and his fabulous talent is wasted. Even Christopher Plummer's small role was just fake and forced. The best acting came via actresses Maggie Q and Lily Collins. They seemed to best play their roles with a real sense of believability.
Though the film ends with a clear introduction for a sequel, a second undertaking would be ill advised unless a better director is found, who also has a better script to follow.
Priest isn't a bad movie...it's just not a very good film.
I'm glad I went to see it; but I won't buy this one on DVD. At most, it will be an enjoyable film on a free movie channel for at least one viewing.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Review: Thor
Thor, the latest film by acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh, pretty much lived up to every expectation I had going into the theater.
While it is not meant to be a cinematic masterpiece, Thor lives up to the pre-release hype by bringing to the screen lots of action, humor, good acting and plenty of eye-pleasing special effects. I saw Thor in the 3D version, and was not disappointed by the effects that were presented. I would say that the 3D was the best I've seen since Avatar.
The actors are top notch from Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Sir Anothony Hopkins, to the always incredible Stellan Skarsgard, and lead actor Chris Hemsworth. They all bring authenticity and solid, relatable, believable performances. Personally, I thought the choice of Hemsworth as Thor was brilliant. The supporting cast were spot on in their respective roles from top to bottom.
Director Branagh (Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing) brings a real regalness to the sets of the Asgaard world where Odin and his people dwell. They are depicted as a race that is honorable and compassionate; and the reality that Branagh intended to illustrate is clearly evident. So to is the disparity between Thor and the earthly protagonists. The chemistry is very believable, and easily lends credibility to the play.
In short, I really enjoyed Thor for everything I watched. It is by far the best movie so far this year. Topping it will be difficult. It was for me a highly engrossing film that drew me right in. I will definitely see Thor at least one more time in the theater. Thor is absolutely a buyer; and I will be buying this film on DVD!
Go see it!
While it is not meant to be a cinematic masterpiece, Thor lives up to the pre-release hype by bringing to the screen lots of action, humor, good acting and plenty of eye-pleasing special effects. I saw Thor in the 3D version, and was not disappointed by the effects that were presented. I would say that the 3D was the best I've seen since Avatar.
The actors are top notch from Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Sir Anothony Hopkins, to the always incredible Stellan Skarsgard, and lead actor Chris Hemsworth. They all bring authenticity and solid, relatable, believable performances. Personally, I thought the choice of Hemsworth as Thor was brilliant. The supporting cast were spot on in their respective roles from top to bottom.
Director Branagh (Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing) brings a real regalness to the sets of the Asgaard world where Odin and his people dwell. They are depicted as a race that is honorable and compassionate; and the reality that Branagh intended to illustrate is clearly evident. So to is the disparity between Thor and the earthly protagonists. The chemistry is very believable, and easily lends credibility to the play.
In short, I really enjoyed Thor for everything I watched. It is by far the best movie so far this year. Topping it will be difficult. It was for me a highly engrossing film that drew me right in. I will definitely see Thor at least one more time in the theater. Thor is absolutely a buyer; and I will be buying this film on DVD!
Go see it!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Review: Hanna
Hanna turned out to be a film quite different than I anticipated.
Don't get me wrong, though. The acting was superb, the cinematography was stunning, and the flow of the film was well-paced and very satisfying.
The movie was not so much action; instead, it was about a journey of discovery wrapped inside an action film. I walked away from the theater quite pleased with what I had watched.
The storyline is fast-paced, intelligent and guides us to a predictable, but satisfying conclusion.
I don't really know what else to say about Hanna. You simply have to see it to know what I'm talking about.
When it's released on DVD I'll buy this one not only to enjoy it; but also to study what makes this film so great.
Don't get me wrong, though. The acting was superb, the cinematography was stunning, and the flow of the film was well-paced and very satisfying.
The movie was not so much action; instead, it was about a journey of discovery wrapped inside an action film. I walked away from the theater quite pleased with what I had watched.
The storyline is fast-paced, intelligent and guides us to a predictable, but satisfying conclusion.
I don't really know what else to say about Hanna. You simply have to see it to know what I'm talking about.
When it's released on DVD I'll buy this one not only to enjoy it; but also to study what makes this film so great.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Review: Battle Los Angeles
I have been anxiously awaiting Battle Los Angeles for months. Advance word spoke of a well-done, heart pounding adventure.
Well, I can tell you that Battle Los Angeles certainly lives up to the hype! It is fun, gritty, realistic and tense. The battle scene are incredibly realistic, and the acting confidently portrays flawed characters, and the ultimate sacrifice of military personnel in preserving our very lives.
Aaron Eckhart, who usually annoys me with his character portrayals, actually comes off as a believable, flawed soldier who does what he must in order to win the day; even to the thoughtless, automatic decision to place himself in harm's way in order to strike a major blow to the enemy.
The real star of this movie however, is the CGI team that developed and gave form and life to the alien invaders. They actually seem to take up real space on the film, and that lends authenticity to the alien presence. They are a real, visible enemy that we see for a good portion of the movie. I seriously doubt that Battle Los Angeles would be nearly as good without the CGI alien presence.
At nearly two hours, this movie completely captures your attention, and takes you along for the ride. Assuming you can suspend belief, watching this film will capture your attention, as well!
Go watch Battle Los Angeles at least once! I know that I'm going to see it at least one more time! And yes! I'll buy this one on DVD and likely watch it a number of times then, too! What a ride!
Well, I can tell you that Battle Los Angeles certainly lives up to the hype! It is fun, gritty, realistic and tense. The battle scene are incredibly realistic, and the acting confidently portrays flawed characters, and the ultimate sacrifice of military personnel in preserving our very lives.
Aaron Eckhart, who usually annoys me with his character portrayals, actually comes off as a believable, flawed soldier who does what he must in order to win the day; even to the thoughtless, automatic decision to place himself in harm's way in order to strike a major blow to the enemy.
The real star of this movie however, is the CGI team that developed and gave form and life to the alien invaders. They actually seem to take up real space on the film, and that lends authenticity to the alien presence. They are a real, visible enemy that we see for a good portion of the movie. I seriously doubt that Battle Los Angeles would be nearly as good without the CGI alien presence.
At nearly two hours, this movie completely captures your attention, and takes you along for the ride. Assuming you can suspend belief, watching this film will capture your attention, as well!
Go watch Battle Los Angeles at least once! I know that I'm going to see it at least one more time! And yes! I'll buy this one on DVD and likely watch it a number of times then, too! What a ride!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Review: The Adjustment Bureau
I'll make this review really short, and not overly sweet...
The Adjustment Bureau is a wonderful film!
I walked out of the theater thinking, and quite satisfied with my experience.
The acting is top-notch. Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp are all phenomenal! The supporting actors are equally talented.
This movie will leave you pondering on it long after leaving the theater. For that reason alone you too should go see this wonderful film!
Go See It!
I'll DEFINITELY buy this one!
The Adjustment Bureau is a wonderful film!
I walked out of the theater thinking, and quite satisfied with my experience.
The acting is top-notch. Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp are all phenomenal! The supporting actors are equally talented.
This movie will leave you pondering on it long after leaving the theater. For that reason alone you too should go see this wonderful film!
Go See It!
I'll DEFINITELY buy this one!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I Am Number Four
The previews of I Am Number Four were intriguing. A story about refugee aliens fighting for their lives against non-human hunters just had a non-formulaic ring that I hoped would turn out to be a decent film.
As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised by this DJ Caruso directed effort. His previous big screen efforts (Disturbia, Eagle Eye) were competent, well-paced films that kept the audience engaged.
I Am Number Four falls into the same characterization. In other words, it engages you. I found myself drawn into the film. I laughed at all the right times and felt tension whenever it was displayed. True, this movie is targeted towards an audience younger that I am, but my ability to enjoy this offering was not diminished by the age gap.
The acting is compelling by all the principles. Alex Pettyfer and Diana Agron are perfectly cast in the Lead roles. Timothy Olyphant gives his usual solid effort, and Callan McAuliffe is believable in the role of Sam.
The photography is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect.
Though touted as an action flick, I Am Number Four is more of a drama with some outstanding action (and CGI effects!) at the end. Still, the film moves along nicely, never getting bogged down.
I highly recommend you see this movie at least once! You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised by what you see.
I absolutely will buy this film when it is released. If I can find the score, I'll buy that as well!
As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised by this DJ Caruso directed effort. His previous big screen efforts (Disturbia, Eagle Eye) were competent, well-paced films that kept the audience engaged.
I Am Number Four falls into the same characterization. In other words, it engages you. I found myself drawn into the film. I laughed at all the right times and felt tension whenever it was displayed. True, this movie is targeted towards an audience younger that I am, but my ability to enjoy this offering was not diminished by the age gap.
The acting is compelling by all the principles. Alex Pettyfer and Diana Agron are perfectly cast in the Lead roles. Timothy Olyphant gives his usual solid effort, and Callan McAuliffe is believable in the role of Sam.
The photography is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect.
Though touted as an action flick, I Am Number Four is more of a drama with some outstanding action (and CGI effects!) at the end. Still, the film moves along nicely, never getting bogged down.
I highly recommend you see this movie at least once! You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised by what you see.
I absolutely will buy this film when it is released. If I can find the score, I'll buy that as well!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Review: True Grit
I was extremely skeptical about this remake of a true Hollywood classic. After all, by the idea of replacing the Duke, the Coen Brothers are treading very thin ice with all the older audiences, as well as genre purists who think that this is one film that should never have been remade because the original was certainly good enough to withstand the test of time.
That said, as True Grit unfolded on the screen, I became very aware that this version was not a remake so much as a truer, more faithful version of the book upon which the film is based. While no one can ever hope to replace John Wayne--the utter epitome/personification of the Hollywood Western--Jeff Bridges does a phenomenal job portraying a crusty, tired and thoroughly likable Rooster Cogburn.
Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, the eloquent, opinionated and self assured daughter who is out to avenge the murder of her father. Steinfeld is nothing short of Oscar worthy in her straight forward portrayal of Mattie. You are so drawn into her performance that you forget that she is literally only fourteen. I personally cannot imagine this film being as good without Steinfeld's incredible acting.
Matt Damon offers a very different character than I can recall him ever playing. At once both confident, and extremely vulnerable, Damon's LaBoeuf (pr. LaBeef in the film) is absolutely refreshing in the western genre.
The other major character is the dialogue itself. Written in true 19th century American English, the dialogue throughout takes a listening, intelligent ear to pick up the subtleties, jokes and general conversation. However, listening to it was never tiresome because the dialogue itself lent such an authentic air to the film that you don't think twice about the prose. You simply enjoy the banter, jokes and insults. It's really wonderful!
The rest of the cast is excellent. Headed up by Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, the supporting actors are all well-cast, and add significantly to the authenticity of the period.
True Grit is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Hudsucker Proxy, Oh Brother Where Art Thou). While I usually don't care for their films (aside from Raising Arizona), I found True Grit to be a fun, well-acted and period realistic movie that drew me in much quicker than I expected.
I highly recommend that you see True Grit. It is highly deserving of the praise you are hearing about.
This movie is a buyer when it is released on DVD; and I'll definitely be adding this to my collection.
That said, as True Grit unfolded on the screen, I became very aware that this version was not a remake so much as a truer, more faithful version of the book upon which the film is based. While no one can ever hope to replace John Wayne--the utter epitome/personification of the Hollywood Western--Jeff Bridges does a phenomenal job portraying a crusty, tired and thoroughly likable Rooster Cogburn.
Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, the eloquent, opinionated and self assured daughter who is out to avenge the murder of her father. Steinfeld is nothing short of Oscar worthy in her straight forward portrayal of Mattie. You are so drawn into her performance that you forget that she is literally only fourteen. I personally cannot imagine this film being as good without Steinfeld's incredible acting.
Matt Damon offers a very different character than I can recall him ever playing. At once both confident, and extremely vulnerable, Damon's LaBoeuf (pr. LaBeef in the film) is absolutely refreshing in the western genre.
The other major character is the dialogue itself. Written in true 19th century American English, the dialogue throughout takes a listening, intelligent ear to pick up the subtleties, jokes and general conversation. However, listening to it was never tiresome because the dialogue itself lent such an authentic air to the film that you don't think twice about the prose. You simply enjoy the banter, jokes and insults. It's really wonderful!
The rest of the cast is excellent. Headed up by Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, the supporting actors are all well-cast, and add significantly to the authenticity of the period.
True Grit is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Hudsucker Proxy, Oh Brother Where Art Thou). While I usually don't care for their films (aside from Raising Arizona), I found True Grit to be a fun, well-acted and period realistic movie that drew me in much quicker than I expected.
I highly recommend that you see True Grit. It is highly deserving of the praise you are hearing about.
This movie is a buyer when it is released on DVD; and I'll definitely be adding this to my collection.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Caprica
Tonight, I had the wonderful (and sad) opportunity to watch the series wrap up of the phenomenal sci-fi show, "Caprica."
This prelude to the epically grand Battlestar Galactica was a divinely crafted, intensely literate and superbly orchestrated television wonder every bit as gripping and engaging as Battlestar Galactica itself.
The entire production staff, the actors and especially the writers and executive producers should all be welling with pride at the unbelievable storytelling that was presented every week. Caprica was indeed one of the very few television series that actually expects its audience to think, analyze and predict where it would next go on its journey to the BSG years.
Smart television has lost yet another shining beacon to corporate nimrods who look for the fast buck over quality, intelligence and evolving social commentary that shows such as Caprica, Battlestar Galactica and Stargate Universe greet us with week in and week out; and which challenge each of us to better ourselves through insight and examination.
Farewell, Caprica.
Your time was far, far too brief.
This prelude to the epically grand Battlestar Galactica was a divinely crafted, intensely literate and superbly orchestrated television wonder every bit as gripping and engaging as Battlestar Galactica itself.
The entire production staff, the actors and especially the writers and executive producers should all be welling with pride at the unbelievable storytelling that was presented every week. Caprica was indeed one of the very few television series that actually expects its audience to think, analyze and predict where it would next go on its journey to the BSG years.
Smart television has lost yet another shining beacon to corporate nimrods who look for the fast buck over quality, intelligence and evolving social commentary that shows such as Caprica, Battlestar Galactica and Stargate Universe greet us with week in and week out; and which challenge each of us to better ourselves through insight and examination.
Farewell, Caprica.
Your time was far, far too brief.