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!
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, May 28, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
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!
...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!