I saw Dredd over the weekend, and let me start this review by stating that this film is far and away the better film when compared to the original Sly Stallone version.
Why do I say that? Dredd holds true to the source material where 1995's Judge Dredd strayed far afield by using a humor sidekick (Rob Schneider) and showed Dredd without his helmet during the majority of the film. Today's Dredd stays true to the source material so well that the only thing we see of the titular character is his lower jaw, and there is no overt humor used because the Dredd story is dark, gritty and bold.
Karl Urban was phenomenal as Dredd. I wouldn't doubt for even a second that Urban took on this role because of the acting challenge it presented. Everything we know about Dredd is conveyed from the body language, jaw movements and vocal intonations that Urban was able to bring to the table. And boy, did Urban deliver the goods! He gave an outstanding performance!
The rest of the main cast (Olivia Thirlby, Lena Heady, Wood Harris) were also good in their prospective roles. Especially so of Lena Heady as Ma-Ma, the gang leader. She was ruthless and cold in her portrayal, and came across quite believably.
The directing (by Pete Travis--Vantage Point, End Game) in Dredd was fast, detailed and had a clear path towards the film's conclusion. The music, overall, was great. Aside from the thunderous metal rock frequently heard, the symphonic music was used to great effect. Written by Paul Leonard Morgan, these pieces of orchestral music were used perfectly and added a depth that I did not expect.
Next to Urban [as Dredd], the real stars of this film were the Cinematographer (Anthony Dod Mantle) and the CGI team (headed by Sara Benett of The Mill). Without the art and skill of both (and their teams), Dredd would have been lacking in appearance and feel throughout the run-time.
Dredd is very violent, the language is really bad (a knock against the screenwriters), and there are inferred sex scenes that are themselves violent. However, as a whole, this is a great movie! I was actually left wanting more when the film ended!
If you go, please leave the kids at home. This is NOT a film for kids!
As far as buying this one, I will definitely be purchasing Dredd as soon as it comes out.
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Review: The Expendables 2
This review I will keep short because this film is not to be taken seriously at all.
The Expendables 2 is a tongue in cheek, make fun of all the actors, way, way over the top action film that is an awesome follow-up to the original. It's bloody--comically so--and is completely ridiculous...which is why it is so damned fun!
If you enjoyed The Expendables for all its irreverence and self-deprecating humor, you will love The Expendables 2.
Go see this not for its cinematic awesomeness, but for its sheer fun.
The Expendables 2 is a tongue in cheek, make fun of all the actors, way, way over the top action film that is an awesome follow-up to the original. It's bloody--comically so--and is completely ridiculous...which is why it is so damned fun!
If you enjoyed The Expendables for all its irreverence and self-deprecating humor, you will love The Expendables 2.
Go see this not for its cinematic awesomeness, but for its sheer fun.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Review: Snow White and the Huntsman
I was firmly undecided about going to see Snow White and the Huntsman, but went ahead and took the chance that my money would not be wasted. In the end, my decision was a good one.
I found Snow White and the Huntsman to be exceptionally well-written, extremely well-directed, and a joy to watch as the story unfolded before me on the screen.
The cast was wonderful, to put it mildly. Charlize Theron was nothing short of spectacular in her role as the evil Queen. Kristen Stewart showed me that she actually can act, and quite convincingly, at that. Chris Hemsworth put away his inner Thor to become a character full of flaws, weaknesses and courage. The supporting cast was equally exceptional, each in their own roles.
The storyline moved along at a very satisfying pace, but without sacrificing the plot arc of the film. I found myself actually emotionally responding to the buildup towards the reveal of the Snow White story, and was led to numerous and very satisfying surprises. If a film does that to me...then it is really, REALLY good--because I can see pretty much everything in a plot line about a third of the way through a film. So surprising me is an achievement!
This film is NOT for younger children--parents, you'll be dealing with nightmares if you take young kids--but is in no way offensive for audiences in general. Snow White and the Huntsman is intense, exciting, humorous, heart breaking, joyful and captivating.
GO SEE THIS FILM!
If I can, I will see this film again just so I can study it some more. Snow White and the Huntsman is absolutely a buyer, and this one will be added to my collection as soon as it is out on DVD!
I found Snow White and the Huntsman to be exceptionally well-written, extremely well-directed, and a joy to watch as the story unfolded before me on the screen.
The cast was wonderful, to put it mildly. Charlize Theron was nothing short of spectacular in her role as the evil Queen. Kristen Stewart showed me that she actually can act, and quite convincingly, at that. Chris Hemsworth put away his inner Thor to become a character full of flaws, weaknesses and courage. The supporting cast was equally exceptional, each in their own roles.
The storyline moved along at a very satisfying pace, but without sacrificing the plot arc of the film. I found myself actually emotionally responding to the buildup towards the reveal of the Snow White story, and was led to numerous and very satisfying surprises. If a film does that to me...then it is really, REALLY good--because I can see pretty much everything in a plot line about a third of the way through a film. So surprising me is an achievement!
This film is NOT for younger children--parents, you'll be dealing with nightmares if you take young kids--but is in no way offensive for audiences in general. Snow White and the Huntsman is intense, exciting, humorous, heart breaking, joyful and captivating.
GO SEE THIS FILM!
If I can, I will see this film again just so I can study it some more. Snow White and the Huntsman is absolutely a buyer, and this one will be added to my collection as soon as it is out on DVD!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Review: The Avengers
I will make my review of The Avengers really short...
WOW! You have absolutely got to see this film! Simply phenomenal!
(Yeah...it really is that good!)
WOW! You have absolutely got to see this film! Simply phenomenal!
(Yeah...it really is that good!)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Review: The Hunger Games
I went into seeing The Hunger Games without any prior understanding of the storyline as I had never read (or even heard of) the books; which means I get to judge the film as a stand-alone, rather than comparing it to the books.
So, as a film, The Hunger Games had its good moments, and slow, cumbersome moments. Overall, the directing (by Gary Ross--Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) was good, but not great. It seemed rushed in many places, then really slow in others. There just wasn't much consistency to the pace of the storytelling.
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen was excellent. Other outstanding actors were Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci and Wes Bentley.
Personally, I thought there was too much pre-games drama, and not enough about the games themselves; just like I already stated about the pacing of this film.
So, is The Hunger Games a bad film? Absolutely not. Is it a great film? Sorry, but the answer is again a solid "no." Unfortunately The Hunger Games falls somewhere in between. I won't be seeing this one again because [for me] it just isn't worth another price of admission. For hardcore fans of the book, the answer may be quite different than this. But again, as a stand-alone effort, The Hunger Games falls well short of the hype and expectations surrounding it.
I won't be buying this one, and likely won't even be renting it. Then again, I am not a fan of the books who might look on this film as a phenomenal effort.
So, as a film, The Hunger Games had its good moments, and slow, cumbersome moments. Overall, the directing (by Gary Ross--Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) was good, but not great. It seemed rushed in many places, then really slow in others. There just wasn't much consistency to the pace of the storytelling.
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen was excellent. Other outstanding actors were Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci and Wes Bentley.
Personally, I thought there was too much pre-games drama, and not enough about the games themselves; just like I already stated about the pacing of this film.
So, is The Hunger Games a bad film? Absolutely not. Is it a great film? Sorry, but the answer is again a solid "no." Unfortunately The Hunger Games falls somewhere in between. I won't be seeing this one again because [for me] it just isn't worth another price of admission. For hardcore fans of the book, the answer may be quite different than this. But again, as a stand-alone effort, The Hunger Games falls well short of the hype and expectations surrounding it.
I won't be buying this one, and likely won't even be renting it. Then again, I am not a fan of the books who might look on this film as a phenomenal effort.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Review: John Carter
Prior to seeing John Carter, I had read numerous reviews of this Disney offering that ranged from bad to great. As usual, reviewers either loathed it because they can, or simply enjoyed the film. For me, I fall into the latter.
Based on the early 1912 graphic novel A Princess of Mars, this film is filled with fantastical, original storylines that are really quite refreshing in today's cinematic offerings. With source material written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the author of numerous Tarzan books as well as his Barsoom series, we are presented with ideas and theories that easily captured the imagination of people at the time because Burroughs wrote of wondrous concepts that science could not yet disprove.
John Carter is a well written film that moves along quite nicely. The conclusion was, for me, predictable, yet satisfying at the same time--a typical E.R.B. style ending.
Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Mark Strong, James Purefoy and the voices of Willem Defoe, Brad Garret, Samantha Morton and Thomas Haden Church--amongst many others--this film was just fun to watch.
Don't let the negative reviewers tell you this film is garbage. Go into the theater expecting to have some fun and watch the science fiction storytelling as envisioned by an author a full century ago. Will this film win any awards? Highly doubtful. Is it a refreshing story in today's endlessly rehashed Hollywood regurgitations called movies? Absolutely!
Go see it! Then, buy it on DVD or Blue Ray and your family will have a great film to sit down together and watch.
If I was healthy enough, I would go see this again. However, John Carter is a buyer for me, and I will watch this one numerous times!
Based on the early 1912 graphic novel A Princess of Mars, this film is filled with fantastical, original storylines that are really quite refreshing in today's cinematic offerings. With source material written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the author of numerous Tarzan books as well as his Barsoom series, we are presented with ideas and theories that easily captured the imagination of people at the time because Burroughs wrote of wondrous concepts that science could not yet disprove.
John Carter is a well written film that moves along quite nicely. The conclusion was, for me, predictable, yet satisfying at the same time--a typical E.R.B. style ending.
Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Mark Strong, James Purefoy and the voices of Willem Defoe, Brad Garret, Samantha Morton and Thomas Haden Church--amongst many others--this film was just fun to watch.
Don't let the negative reviewers tell you this film is garbage. Go into the theater expecting to have some fun and watch the science fiction storytelling as envisioned by an author a full century ago. Will this film win any awards? Highly doubtful. Is it a refreshing story in today's endlessly rehashed Hollywood regurgitations called movies? Absolutely!
Go see it! Then, buy it on DVD or Blue Ray and your family will have a great film to sit down together and watch.
If I was healthy enough, I would go see this again. However, John Carter is a buyer for me, and I will watch this one numerous times!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Review: Underworld Awakening
This episode of Underworld: Awakening was more episodic than storytelling; a difference from all the past Underworld films. Don't let that thought scare you off though, because Awakenings comes off as a competent, well done movie that draws you in and keeps you entertained throughout.
Kate Beckinsale is as fabulous (and gorgeous!) as ever, and she really carries the weight of this cinematic offering on her shoulders. I've read a number of interviews with Ms. Beckinsale in which she repeatedly states how much she enjoys making the Underworld films; and this attitude clearly shines through throughout her performance.
Directed by Marlind & Stein--two Swedes who have co-directed a number of films overseas--Underworld: Awakenings flows smoothly, and integrates a number of new aspects into the story with ease, and you, as an audience member, are guided along with little effort.
The supporting cast of [mostly] unknowns includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Gosford Park), India Eisley, Stephen Rea (V for Vendetta), Michael Ealy and Theo James is well-cast and they each perform their respective parts quite well.
As with all Underworld films, the stunts are wonderful, the editing is top notch, and music really carries you along at the pace the filmmakers intend.
Underworld: Awakenings is fun, fast-paced, likable, and leaves a very wide opening for yet another chapter in this dark saga. For fans of the Underworld franchise, I highly recommend this latest offering.
This film is definitely a buyer. In fact, I'm going to be sure I complete my story set by adding Underworld: Awakenings when it is released on DVD.
Kate Beckinsale is as fabulous (and gorgeous!) as ever, and she really carries the weight of this cinematic offering on her shoulders. I've read a number of interviews with Ms. Beckinsale in which she repeatedly states how much she enjoys making the Underworld films; and this attitude clearly shines through throughout her performance.
Directed by Marlind & Stein--two Swedes who have co-directed a number of films overseas--Underworld: Awakenings flows smoothly, and integrates a number of new aspects into the story with ease, and you, as an audience member, are guided along with little effort.
The supporting cast of [mostly] unknowns includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Gosford Park), India Eisley, Stephen Rea (V for Vendetta), Michael Ealy and Theo James is well-cast and they each perform their respective parts quite well.
As with all Underworld films, the stunts are wonderful, the editing is top notch, and music really carries you along at the pace the filmmakers intend.
Underworld: Awakenings is fun, fast-paced, likable, and leaves a very wide opening for yet another chapter in this dark saga. For fans of the Underworld franchise, I highly recommend this latest offering.
This film is definitely a buyer. In fact, I'm going to be sure I complete my story set by adding Underworld: Awakenings when it is released on DVD.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
DVD Review: Rise of The Planet of The Apes
I wasn't able to get to the theater to see this film, but had heard a lot of both positive and negative comments regarding Rise of The Planet of The Apes. When it was finished, I was frankly perplexed as to why I'd heard so many negative reviews.
I found Apes to be an intelligent, well-directed, well-filmed story that moved along at the right pace, and had superb storytelling that gave real credence to the original Planet of the Apes' historical storyline. Plus, Andy Serkis, whose motion capture acting in the role of Caesar was nothing short of genius, made this film a realistic portrait of genetic science gone wrong. Serkis did not receive any Oscar nominations for this role, but he should have. Just phenomenal acting.
The CGI in Apes was beyond superb. This motion capture technology is fast becoming so life-like that soon, entire movies will be shot using this medium.
The remainder of the cast, headlined by James Franco, were competent and believable in their respective roles.
But again, the real highlight of this film was Andy Serkis and the CGI Motion Capture Team. I cannot say enough superlatives about them. Simply extraordinary.
This DVD is absolutely worth the price of purchase; or at least as a rental.
I found Apes to be an intelligent, well-directed, well-filmed story that moved along at the right pace, and had superb storytelling that gave real credence to the original Planet of the Apes' historical storyline. Plus, Andy Serkis, whose motion capture acting in the role of Caesar was nothing short of genius, made this film a realistic portrait of genetic science gone wrong. Serkis did not receive any Oscar nominations for this role, but he should have. Just phenomenal acting.
The CGI in Apes was beyond superb. This motion capture technology is fast becoming so life-like that soon, entire movies will be shot using this medium.
The remainder of the cast, headlined by James Franco, were competent and believable in their respective roles.
But again, the real highlight of this film was Andy Serkis and the CGI Motion Capture Team. I cannot say enough superlatives about them. Simply extraordinary.
This DVD is absolutely worth the price of purchase; or at least as a rental.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Review: MIssion Impossible 4--Ghost Protocol
I usually don't go to see formulaic movies whose ending is a foregone conclusion. However, I received free tickets and free concessions; so with no other good choices, I went to see MI4.
Let me sum this boring movie up in as few words as possible...
Tom Cruise's acting;
Cool gadgets;
Redundant death-defying stunts;
Wasted supporting cast--especially the ever-lovely Paula Patton;
Inevitable conclusion.
BORING!
Please, folks...keep your money safe from this tired formula film. Tom Cruise really needs to get the message that the Top Gun formula cycle film is dead. Give us something original and actually exciting.
Lastly, don't be lulled into believing this one is a buyer. I'll be better off forgetting I ever went to see this film...even if it was free.
Let me sum this boring movie up in as few words as possible...
Tom Cruise's acting;
Cool gadgets;
Redundant death-defying stunts;
Wasted supporting cast--especially the ever-lovely Paula Patton;
Inevitable conclusion.
BORING!
Please, folks...keep your money safe from this tired formula film. Tom Cruise really needs to get the message that the Top Gun formula cycle film is dead. Give us something original and actually exciting.
Lastly, don't be lulled into believing this one is a buyer. I'll be better off forgetting I ever went to see this film...even if it was free.
Review: Immortals
I was very late past release date seeing this film...but at least I got out to see one!
I enjoyed Immortals more than I thought I would. The previews looked exciting, and the film lived up to my expectations. The visuals were stunning, the CGI awesome, and the acting turned out to be more than competent and up to the task.
Henry Cavil and Luke Evans carried the movie as they deftly and believably carried their parts of Theseus and Zeus, respectively. Aside from two players, the supporting cast of Freida Pinto, Isabel Lucas, John Hurt, Kellan Lutz and company really did a great job in their roles. The only two I didn't like were Stephen Dorff (as the hero's sidekick) and Mickey Rourke (as King Hyperion). These two actors just felt miscast and uncomfortable in their roles.
I am glad I was able to catch this film while it was still in theaters. It'll still look great on DVD, but this one is definitely to be watched on the big screen.
If you still have it in your area theaters, I recommend this sword and sandal offering.
Immortals is definitely a buyer!
I enjoyed Immortals more than I thought I would. The previews looked exciting, and the film lived up to my expectations. The visuals were stunning, the CGI awesome, and the acting turned out to be more than competent and up to the task.
Henry Cavil and Luke Evans carried the movie as they deftly and believably carried their parts of Theseus and Zeus, respectively. Aside from two players, the supporting cast of Freida Pinto, Isabel Lucas, John Hurt, Kellan Lutz and company really did a great job in their roles. The only two I didn't like were Stephen Dorff (as the hero's sidekick) and Mickey Rourke (as King Hyperion). These two actors just felt miscast and uncomfortable in their roles.
I am glad I was able to catch this film while it was still in theaters. It'll still look great on DVD, but this one is definitely to be watched on the big screen.
If you still have it in your area theaters, I recommend this sword and sandal offering.
Immortals is definitely a buyer!