DVD Review: 47 Ronin

Due to my health, I was unable to get to the theater to see 47 Ronin.

I recently had the chance to rent it on DVD and jumped at the opportunity.

First, I want to express my dismay at the thrashing this film took from both critics and fans alike. I don't know what they were expecting, but I found 47 Ronin to be a fast-paced, engaging adventure film that was both captivating and memorable.

Based on a real historical story from the days of Feudal Japan, the film incorporates extraordinary cinematography, enchanting set design, gorgeous costuming, stunning orchestral music and a decent storyline that, though it does take a bit of creative freedom, tells a story of the 47 Ronin who sought to avenge their wrongly dishonored former master. The magical aspect incorporated in the film doesn't do any more than others from the era and the Asian studios that produce similar ventures. So I really can't find fault from that aspect.

Led by Keanu Reeves (Point Break, Speed, The Lake House), the acting was adequate, and never stilted. The Japanese acting troupe led by co-stars Hirouki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki and Rinko Kikuchi was excellent in their respective roles. One thing the Far Eastern movie Studios have a great grasp on is the medieval Asian  period piece. This film never really disappoints from this angle either.

Directed by Carl Rinsch (video shorts The Gift, Lovely Weather for Rain, The Quiz), 47 Ronin moves along at a satisfying pace, but never feels forced or clichéd). Personally, I think Rinsch did a tremendous job with his first feature-length project.

If you even entertained the thought of seeing this on, I strongly recommend that you rent 47 Ronin at the earliest possible occasion. I was pleasantly surprised by this highly underrated film, and have already added it to my DVD collection.

See it, suspend your belief and enjoy a surprising great film!

Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2

If you were surprised and delighted by How to Train Your Dragon, then you will adore How to Train Your Dragon 2.

This animated film is every bit as bright, energetic, fast-paced, engaging and hilarious as the original. I was laughing out loud numerous times, and walked out of the theater completely satisfied with this movie!

For both kids and adults, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is simply a delightful movie that will leave you smiling long after getting home.

GO SEE THIS WONDERFUL FILM--with the whole family! You'll be glad you did!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 one is an absolute buyer as soon as it is released on DVD and will accompany my copy of How to Train Your Dragon sitting on my DVD cabinet.

Review: Edge of Tomorrow

The Edge of Tomorrow is a fast-paced film that explores the possibilities of reshaping a history that hasn't even happened yet.

Directed by Doug Liman (think the Jason Bourne trilogy), this Groundhog-esque movie gives the heroes (Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt) plenty of chances to win a war that is devastating Europe and threatens to overrun the entire world.

There are numerous surprises that leave the audience on edge, and Liman takes advantage of these to great effect, causing moviegoers to jump in their seats a number of times--hey...he even got me to jump once and I even knew it was coming!

The CGI in this film is just OK. Unlike other offerings this Spring, the Special Effects (SFX) came across as a bit amateurish in both look and feel, as if the SFX folks really didn't know what to do with the alien character that was envisioned. I saw this in 3-D, and it was so nondescript that I often forgot I was seeing this in the format; adding nothing special that stood out.

Tom Cruise does his usual job in this effort...in other words, you're always aware this character is played by Tom Cruise, and like most of his roles, he doesn't care that this is what the audience sees. He is the epitome of a method actor, and Cruise makes absolutely no apologies for his acting.

To me, the real star of this film was Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, The Adjustment Bureau). She carries the film in every way; outshining Cruise, and everyone else, for that matter. Blunt brings an unexpected bit of authenticity to her role, and the film benefits from her presence. Without her acting, Edge of Tomorrow would have devolved into just another in a long line of 'shoot 'em up' sci fi flicks that never really try to be better than so many others in the genre.

Is The Edge of Tomorrow a great film? No.

Is it a good film worthy of your hard-earned $$? Maybe.

As I look back on this movie, I am torn on answering that question. On one hand, Tom Cruise is, well, Tom Cruise. On the other, Emily Blunt shines, and Doug Liman directs this film with his usual and considerable satisfying style. Even the supporting cast do their jobs well, but even they come across as a bit disinterested in their roles.
Then, there is the less-than-stellar CGI. To me, it was an unforgivable knock against this film that just can't be overlooked.

So, at least a decent effort? Yeah...I'll give it that much.

The Edge of Tomorrow is by no means a memorable film; but it has a certain appeal that let's me feel like I didn't waste my money; but I doubt I'd see it again in the theater.

Is the one a buyer? I don't know. Maybe on the five dollar rack.

Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

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!

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!

Review: Elysium

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!!!

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.

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!

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!!!

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!

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!)

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.

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.

Review: Dredd

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.

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.

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!

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!)

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.

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!

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.