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!!!
Friday, August 16, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Review: Pacific Rim
I went in to Pacific Rim expecting to just have a fun time, and that is exactly what I found! This film is pure, unadulterated, smash 'em up, popcorn movie fun!!
Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hell Boy), Pacific Rim starts out on a flat our run and never lets down until the final credits. It was such a fun, joyful film to watch!
The real star of this film is the CGI team that turned the robots and monsters into tangible entities, and made the fight scenes at least somewhat believable. The other stars, such as Idris Elba (Thor, Prometheus, BBC TV's Luther), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), Max Martini (The Unit), and Rinko Kikuchi (The Brothers Bloom) are fabulous in their respective roles. The supporting cast that includes Ron Pearlman (Hell Boy), Burn Gorman (BBC TV's Torchwood, Penelope), Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and a host of others all combine to make this a blast of a film!
For me, one of the highlights of this movie is the music. Written by Ramin Djawadi (composer on Game of Thrones, Blade: Trinity, Clash of the Titans, TV's Person of Interest), the score wonderfully blends rock and symphonic into a solid, inspiring and emotionally captivating musical accompaniment that perfectly moves the film through it's paces.
del Toro commented that he wanted to make this movie one that was in no way serious, but that captured the audience and took them along for a wild ride. Pacific Rim does exactly that! It is so damned much fun!
Pacific Rim is simply a knock down, drag out, rock'em sock'em bit of film making, and you will miss out if you wait for this one to come out on DVD. The fights are so huge, that you really only see just how big on a gigantic theater screen.
Go see Pacific Rim! It really is that much fun!
Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hell Boy), Pacific Rim starts out on a flat our run and never lets down until the final credits. It was such a fun, joyful film to watch!
The real star of this film is the CGI team that turned the robots and monsters into tangible entities, and made the fight scenes at least somewhat believable. The other stars, such as Idris Elba (Thor, Prometheus, BBC TV's Luther), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), Max Martini (The Unit), and Rinko Kikuchi (The Brothers Bloom) are fabulous in their respective roles. The supporting cast that includes Ron Pearlman (Hell Boy), Burn Gorman (BBC TV's Torchwood, Penelope), Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and a host of others all combine to make this a blast of a film!
For me, one of the highlights of this movie is the music. Written by Ramin Djawadi (composer on Game of Thrones, Blade: Trinity, Clash of the Titans, TV's Person of Interest), the score wonderfully blends rock and symphonic into a solid, inspiring and emotionally captivating musical accompaniment that perfectly moves the film through it's paces.
del Toro commented that he wanted to make this movie one that was in no way serious, but that captured the audience and took them along for a wild ride. Pacific Rim does exactly that! It is so damned much fun!
Pacific Rim is simply a knock down, drag out, rock'em sock'em bit of film making, and you will miss out if you wait for this one to come out on DVD. The fights are so huge, that you really only see just how big on a gigantic theater screen.
Go see Pacific Rim! It really is that much fun!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Man of Steel
My review for Man of Steel doesn't need a long review.
That's because it can be summed up in one word...
...WOW!!!
From start to end, that one word perfectly describes this film. Director Zack Snyder was masterful in his work. Henry Cavill is perfect in the titular role. This film is THE new standard for the franchise. And for my money, it is in the top two of the recent superhero flicks.
You have GOT to go see Man of Steel! You will be blown away!
...WOW!!!
That's because it can be summed up in one word...
...WOW!!!
From start to end, that one word perfectly describes this film. Director Zack Snyder was masterful in his work. Henry Cavill is perfect in the titular role. This film is THE new standard for the franchise. And for my money, it is in the top two of the recent superhero flicks.
You have GOT to go see Man of Steel! You will be blown away!
...WOW!!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
DVD Review: Warm Bodies
I had wanted to see Warm Bodies in the theater, but never had the chance because of how I was feeling at the time. So, when the opportunity came to rent the DVD, I jumped at the chance! And boy, I sure am glad I did!
Warm Bodies is a delightful, refreshing and unexpected take on the zombie craze that has saturated Hollywood film making. Starring Theresa Palmer (I Am Number Four; Bedtime Stories) and Nicholas Holt (About A Boy; Clash of the Titans), this film has absolutely terrific acting by both leads, smart writing, and is directed at a pace that moves the story along, but without missing details and subplots that are essential to the storyline.
Warm Bodies was as good as I expected (and had heard) it to be!
Now, let me reiterate something about comedies...I generally hate them! They are obvious, clichéd and rarely surprise me. Warm Bodies was definitely outside of that mold and I really enjoyed this movie!
Go rent Warm Bodies! You'll be glad you did!
Warm Bodies is a delightful, refreshing and unexpected take on the zombie craze that has saturated Hollywood film making. Starring Theresa Palmer (I Am Number Four; Bedtime Stories) and Nicholas Holt (About A Boy; Clash of the Titans), this film has absolutely terrific acting by both leads, smart writing, and is directed at a pace that moves the story along, but without missing details and subplots that are essential to the storyline.
Warm Bodies was as good as I expected (and had heard) it to be!
Now, let me reiterate something about comedies...I generally hate them! They are obvious, clichéd and rarely surprise me. Warm Bodies was definitely outside of that mold and I really enjoyed this movie!
Go rent Warm Bodies! You'll be glad you did!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Review: Star Trek Into Darkness
Only a quick review today of Star Trek Into Darkness...
Pure Sci-Fi at its best!
Director Joss Whedon has directed another fantastic movie in the ongoing Star Trek universe. The storyline is gripping, engaging and just sucks you right in for a great ride!
The cast is nearly identical to the 2009 offering with a few additions. And Benedict Cumberbatch, as the villain, is superb!
Forget anyone who grouses about this film. Star Trek Into Darkness is a thrill ride from start to finish and will leave you a satisfied viewer when it is all over.
Go see this one!
Into Darkness is an absolute buyer when it comes out on DVD.
Next up...
Man of Steel! (Can't wait!)
Pure Sci-Fi at its best!
Director Joss Whedon has directed another fantastic movie in the ongoing Star Trek universe. The storyline is gripping, engaging and just sucks you right in for a great ride!
The cast is nearly identical to the 2009 offering with a few additions. And Benedict Cumberbatch, as the villain, is superb!
Forget anyone who grouses about this film. Star Trek Into Darkness is a thrill ride from start to finish and will leave you a satisfied viewer when it is all over.
Go see this one!
Into Darkness is an absolute buyer when it comes out on DVD.
Next up...
Man of Steel! (Can't wait!)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Review: Iron Man 3
(I'm not feeling the greatest today, so I'll keep this review brief...)
I had high hopes for Iron Man 3, and the movie certainly delivered! It was fun, fast-paced, and lives up to the expectations that the franchise has built in its fans.
The cast were great; in particular, Sir Ben Kingsley. His performance is...well, let's just say it was...unexpected. If you've seen the film, you know what I mean. If you haven't, you are in for a surprise!
This installment of the Marvel Studios latest leaves numerous avenues open for future films involving Iron Man.
Go see this! Personally, I thought Iron Man 3 is the best of the series to date. For me, it's a buyer.
I had high hopes for Iron Man 3, and the movie certainly delivered! It was fun, fast-paced, and lives up to the expectations that the franchise has built in its fans.
The cast were great; in particular, Sir Ben Kingsley. His performance is...well, let's just say it was...unexpected. If you've seen the film, you know what I mean. If you haven't, you are in for a surprise!
This installment of the Marvel Studios latest leaves numerous avenues open for future films involving Iron Man.
Go see this! Personally, I thought Iron Man 3 is the best of the series to date. For me, it's a buyer.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Review: The Host
Having never read the Stephanie Meyers novel, The Host, I went into the theater with only the previews to pique my interest. I knew Meyers had done the whole Twilight thing, and was hoping that this film would be far better; and I was not disappointed!
Directed by Andrew Niccol (In Time, Lord of War, Gattaca. Plus Niccol was Screenwriter of The Truman Show), this film delivered on its promise of a better film for a wider audience demographic. It was well-paced, beautifully photographed, and drew me into the story faster than I anticipated. With his skills behind the camera, I am surprised Niccol doesn't have a wider body of work under his name. He is very gifted, and I look forward to any projects he has coming up.
The acting from top to bottom was competent at the least, and excellent at the most. Led by Saoirse (pr. Sore-sh-uh) Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones), and backed by such notables as William Hurt (Gorky Park, Children of a Lesser God, Broadcast News), Diane Kruger (Troy, National Treasure, Unknown), Jake Abel (I Am Number Four, The Lovely Bones) and Frances Fischer (Titanic, Unforgiven--though, in this film (The Host) her talents are pretty much wasted), the cast comes across convincingly in their respective roles, and as a whole, lends authenticity to the plot and emotion of the film.
For me, the highlight of The Host was the music. Composed by Antonio Pinto (Love in the Time of Cholera, City of God), the soundtrack was perfect for the various moods and emotions that this movie presented. It easily alternated between rousing, tender and scared; and all the themes that Pinto wrote wove together as easily as anything created by my favorite film composer, Basil Poledouris. I hope a soundtrack of the composed music is released because it would quickly be placed amongst my personal favorites.
Running a close second in regards to my favorite aspects of The Host is the central message of Love, Hope, Kindness and Respect; all presented without sex, raunch or denigration. It was truly refreshing to see these virtues extolled on the big screen in such a positive, uplifting manner.
Is The Host a film for everyone? No...but then no film is. However, the message is good, the presentation is outstanding, and you will get out of this film exactly what you expect to. In other words, if you think it will be lousy, I'm sure you will find a way to make it so. However, if you go into the theater expecting great filmmaking, a great story, and to walk away having had an enjoyable time, then that is exactly what you will find.
This film is definitely one that I will add to my personal DVD collection when it is released.
Directed by Andrew Niccol (In Time, Lord of War, Gattaca. Plus Niccol was Screenwriter of The Truman Show), this film delivered on its promise of a better film for a wider audience demographic. It was well-paced, beautifully photographed, and drew me into the story faster than I anticipated. With his skills behind the camera, I am surprised Niccol doesn't have a wider body of work under his name. He is very gifted, and I look forward to any projects he has coming up.
The acting from top to bottom was competent at the least, and excellent at the most. Led by Saoirse (pr. Sore-sh-uh) Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones), and backed by such notables as William Hurt (Gorky Park, Children of a Lesser God, Broadcast News), Diane Kruger (Troy, National Treasure, Unknown), Jake Abel (I Am Number Four, The Lovely Bones) and Frances Fischer (Titanic, Unforgiven--though, in this film (The Host) her talents are pretty much wasted), the cast comes across convincingly in their respective roles, and as a whole, lends authenticity to the plot and emotion of the film.
For me, the highlight of The Host was the music. Composed by Antonio Pinto (Love in the Time of Cholera, City of God), the soundtrack was perfect for the various moods and emotions that this movie presented. It easily alternated between rousing, tender and scared; and all the themes that Pinto wrote wove together as easily as anything created by my favorite film composer, Basil Poledouris. I hope a soundtrack of the composed music is released because it would quickly be placed amongst my personal favorites.
Running a close second in regards to my favorite aspects of The Host is the central message of Love, Hope, Kindness and Respect; all presented without sex, raunch or denigration. It was truly refreshing to see these virtues extolled on the big screen in such a positive, uplifting manner.
Is The Host a film for everyone? No...but then no film is. However, the message is good, the presentation is outstanding, and you will get out of this film exactly what you expect to. In other words, if you think it will be lousy, I'm sure you will find a way to make it so. However, if you go into the theater expecting great filmmaking, a great story, and to walk away having had an enjoyable time, then that is exactly what you will find.
This film is definitely one that I will add to my personal DVD collection when it is released.
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