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!

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.

DVD Review: "The Lovely Bones"

I didn't get the chance to see The Lovely Bones when it was in theaters.

A few night ago I finally got the opportunity to see the latest directorial effort of Academy Award winner Peter Jackson; and I am glad I did!

I have never read the book that this movie is based on, so I had no literary comparison to draw on as the story unfolded. Instead I saw the movie for what it was; and I loved what I saw!

The two real stars of this movie, Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci were magnificent in their roles (Ronan as murdered Susie, Tucci as the murderer). For me, they completely held my attention whenever either was onscreen. Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weis were superb as Susie's parents. Supporting actors Susan Sarandon, Michael Imperioli and Rose McIver added even more depth that might not have been there had lesser actors tackled their respective roles.

The cinematography was on par with Jackson's expectations. In other words, flawless and stunning. There's really not much more to say about the camera work; it was that good!

The CGI of the film did not disappoint me at all. It was clearly the work of WETA Digital, regarded by some as the best in the business. But Jackson balanced the CGI extremely well as it never overshadowed the actors, setting or story. It was simply a part of the story telling process; and it was phenomenal.

Peter Jackson's directing was detailed, tight, purposeful and magnificent. The pacing was great; the weaving of various story lines seemed completely natural; and he seemed to get the very best out of each actor.

If you haven't seen The Lovely Bones, I suggest you do so. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it turned out to be. If a movie surprises me like that, then it will almost certainly be as enjoyable for you.