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!
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!
Friday, August 16, 2013
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!!!
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, June 17, 2013
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
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!
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!
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