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!)
Friday, May 24, 2013
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
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!
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!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
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!)
WOW! You have absolutely got to see this film! Simply phenomenal!
(Yeah...it really is that good!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
