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.

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.

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.

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!

Comments

Dear Readers,

I am sorry that I haven't posted any reviews lately. The truth of the matter is that my health no longer permits me to see any films in the theater. Additionally, my ability to write creatively has also decreased--again, because of my health--so I am not even able to write about recent DVD purchases. Please bear with me as I go through this whole process with the kidney disease.

As soon as I am physically able, I'll be going to the movies once again, and writing my impressions of those films that I watch.

Thank you for following my reviews.

ScottW

Review: Green Lantern

I went to see Green Lantern hoping for a fun movie-going experience...which is exactly what I got.

Ryan Reynolds is a great choice for the lead. He was adept at properly portraying all the various emotions that his character, Hal Jordan, is subjected to in the journey that is Green Lantern.

The supporting cast is solid; especially so with the addition of Mark Strong (Stardust, Body of Lies, Sherlock Holmes) as Sinestro, the nominal leader of the Green Lantern Corps.

Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Vertical Limit), Green Lantern moves quickly and coherently as Campbell has a solid script to work from, and a stellar cast of CGI folks to help him create the world of Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns.

Though I don't think this has passed Thor as the best film of the 2011 summer box office season, Green Lantern is still a great ride! It's fun, fast-paced, completely unbelievable, and a terrific time!

I highly recommend you see this!

And YES...I'll buy this one on DVD!

(...go see it!)

Review: X-Men First Class

**I meant to get this review out earlier; but I've been feeling so lousy that it hasn't happened. So, here's the short, short version...**

X-Men First Class turned out to be a better film than I imagined it would be.

The actors are great, the story is fast-paced and coherent, and I really enjoyed this film.

Go see it!