My review of Sylvester Stallone's action flick The Expendables, will be another short one because there really isn't much to say about this campy, fun and bloody movie.
I didn't go see this film because it was going to be a cinematic masterpiece. No, I saw The Expendables because it promised to be a fun ride; and I wasn't disappointed.
The script constantly pokes fun at the action genre, as well as at the films and careers of the stars themselves. The one-liners are hilarious, and the subtle jokes are perfect. The dry, wry humor utilized throughout only made the humor better than anything forced would have done.
Stallone did a good job with this high-powered film. The stunts are nearly full-time, and the carnage is so over the top that it starts being funny.
The cast was great! Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Cotoure and Terry Crews were all having a ball. Backed up by Eric Roberts, David Zayas, Mickey Rourke, Steve Austin, Charisma Carpenter and Giselle Itie; along with brief cameos by Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarznegger, the entire cast played along with this truly self-skewering portait of action films coming out of Hollywood over the last twenty five years.
You don't go see this film because of its socially redeeming qualities, or because its a serious movie. You go see this because you just want to have fun, and enjoy the inside jokes that any true action-phile will surely understand.
I may or may not see this again; and I will probably include The Expendables on my very short list of Guilty Pleasure films. Will I buy it? Yeah. But only because it was just too damned fun!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Review: Salt
Salt is not a great movie by any standards.
It is a formula movie in just about every sense of the word. You know that the title character will win; you know that all the bad guys will die; and you know that it will be a fun, mindless ride all the way.
Directed by Phillip Noyce, the man behind films such as The Bone Collector, The Saint, Clear and Present Danger, and Patriot Games, is obviously comfortable with the action genre. The movie is a fast moving, high octane ride that definitely stretches credibility; but you are glued to your seat nonetheless.
Angelina Jolie is great as the titular character. She was well-trained for this physically demanding role, and she looks very comfortable and at ease throughout. Being an action film, there wasn't a whole lot of acting to do; but the dramatic parts Jolie had were done quite well.
The main supporting cast of Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor were both convincing in their respective roles.
The conclusion undoubtedly leaves the door open for sequels. I'd definitely go see them, assuming the cast and production crews were the same.
Again, Salt is by no means a great movie, but it is absolutely worth seeing at least once.
I'll go see this again, and will probably end up buying it when it is released.
It is a formula movie in just about every sense of the word. You know that the title character will win; you know that all the bad guys will die; and you know that it will be a fun, mindless ride all the way.
Directed by Phillip Noyce, the man behind films such as The Bone Collector, The Saint, Clear and Present Danger, and Patriot Games, is obviously comfortable with the action genre. The movie is a fast moving, high octane ride that definitely stretches credibility; but you are glued to your seat nonetheless.
Angelina Jolie is great as the titular character. She was well-trained for this physically demanding role, and she looks very comfortable and at ease throughout. Being an action film, there wasn't a whole lot of acting to do; but the dramatic parts Jolie had were done quite well.
The main supporting cast of Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor were both convincing in their respective roles.
The conclusion undoubtedly leaves the door open for sequels. I'd definitely go see them, assuming the cast and production crews were the same.
Again, Salt is by no means a great movie, but it is absolutely worth seeing at least once.
I'll go see this again, and will probably end up buying it when it is released.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Review: Inception
Baffling. Mind-bending. Complex.
These three words pretty much sum up the experience of watching Inception.
Without giving anything away, let me just say that as you're watching this film, you'll be saying to yourself, "What the...?" only to be answered sometime later in the film.
The main cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy and Tom Berenger are all outstanding in their respective roles. Christopher Nolan directs this seemingly impossible-to-make film with precision. His working with DiCaprio helped to eliminate the usual 'that's just Leo doing his usual acting;' instead replaced by an older, better Leonardo on the screen.
My praise to the script supervisor and the editors for maintaining the look, feel and movement of such a complicated production.
While not a great movie, it is good. The story will keep you in your seat, while the special effects will have you gasping at the complexity involved. I heard a LOT of 'Wows!' in the theater throughout the film.
I don't really know what else to say. This movie has to be viewed at least once. After that, it will chew on your mind, and drive you crazy thinking about it. There's definitely something to be said for an average film if it does that to the viewers who have witnessed Inception.
I may or may not see Inception again. I have to think about it more.
These three words pretty much sum up the experience of watching Inception.
Without giving anything away, let me just say that as you're watching this film, you'll be saying to yourself, "What the...?" only to be answered sometime later in the film.
The main cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy and Tom Berenger are all outstanding in their respective roles. Christopher Nolan directs this seemingly impossible-to-make film with precision. His working with DiCaprio helped to eliminate the usual 'that's just Leo doing his usual acting;' instead replaced by an older, better Leonardo on the screen.
My praise to the script supervisor and the editors for maintaining the look, feel and movement of such a complicated production.
While not a great movie, it is good. The story will keep you in your seat, while the special effects will have you gasping at the complexity involved. I heard a LOT of 'Wows!' in the theater throughout the film.
I don't really know what else to say. This movie has to be viewed at least once. After that, it will chew on your mind, and drive you crazy thinking about it. There's definitely something to be said for an average film if it does that to the viewers who have witnessed Inception.
I may or may not see Inception again. I have to think about it more.
Review: Despicable Me
There is a viable reason Despicable Me has made a lot of money.
That would be simply that this film is as fun as advertised! From beginning to end, young and old alike will be smiling and laughing right through most of the credits.
Steve Carell and the rest of the cast keep their lines fresh, entertaining, engaging and fun. The animation is wonderful, the storyline completely ludicrous (as it should be!), the music was perfect for the film, and the little yellow minions are as adorable as they are fun!
Go see this movie, and have a fun time!
Despicable Me is absolutely a buyer when it's released on DVD.
That would be simply that this film is as fun as advertised! From beginning to end, young and old alike will be smiling and laughing right through most of the credits.
Steve Carell and the rest of the cast keep their lines fresh, entertaining, engaging and fun. The animation is wonderful, the storyline completely ludicrous (as it should be!), the music was perfect for the film, and the little yellow minions are as adorable as they are fun!
Go see this movie, and have a fun time!
Despicable Me is absolutely a buyer when it's released on DVD.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Review: The Last Airbender
Ever since first seeing the teaser trailer [last Fall] showing a horizon full of ships firing on a temple, I've been looking forward to seeing The Last Airbender.
The latest (and non-original) work by M. Night Shyamalan is not a great movie, but it is a fun, satisfying and visually appealing film. About the only thing holding this movie back from being great is some bad acting, as well as a few moments of awkward emotions that are never really explained.
Having never read the series, or seen any anime of this storyline, I take the movie for what it is; on its own merits. The movie is a first chapter of a series, and is clearly the introductory, or set-up, of the remaining films. As such, there is a lot of backstory fill-in, but it is done deftly as it is nicely interwoven with the developing story. I was never lost as to what was happening, or where things were going.
Shyamalan's directing was a terrific as ever. He not only directs The Last Airbender, but he also produced and wrote the screenplay. Being that heavily involved certainly showed as scenes flowed easily, logically, and with little stumbling.
The young actors are mostly good. Noah Ringer as Aang, the Last Airbender, is a bit stilted, but his overall performance really carries the film. He obviously trained hard for the martial arts required; and his skill and grace in his execution of the arts was outstanding. Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Seychelle Gabriel, Dev Patel, Shaun Toub and Aasif Mandvi comprise the most prominent of the supporting cast. Overall, they are all good in their roles; though Peltz suffers the most from her obvious inexperience in her craft.
The Special Effects, by Industrial Light and Magic, are phenomenal. Not much else to say about it. The Music, by James Newton Howard, is a wonderful match to the films. It is both rousing and delicate, as the moments require. The rest of the production was exactly what we have come to expect from an M. Night Shyamalan film.
As to those critics and viewers who are saying what a terrible film this is--don't believe them. Remember, critics hate just about everything; and viewers who rip a good movie are usually doing so because it fails to live up to their personal expectations or mental images that they think it should follow.
Go see The Last Airbender expecting a fun, visually appealing and satisfying film. Again, while it's not a great film, it is certainly worth the price of admission. I really enjoyed the movie...and so will you. In fact, I look forward to the next chapter in the series. In the mean time, I'll see this again, and will buy The Last Airbender when it is released on DVD.
The latest (and non-original) work by M. Night Shyamalan is not a great movie, but it is a fun, satisfying and visually appealing film. About the only thing holding this movie back from being great is some bad acting, as well as a few moments of awkward emotions that are never really explained.
Having never read the series, or seen any anime of this storyline, I take the movie for what it is; on its own merits. The movie is a first chapter of a series, and is clearly the introductory, or set-up, of the remaining films. As such, there is a lot of backstory fill-in, but it is done deftly as it is nicely interwoven with the developing story. I was never lost as to what was happening, or where things were going.
Shyamalan's directing was a terrific as ever. He not only directs The Last Airbender, but he also produced and wrote the screenplay. Being that heavily involved certainly showed as scenes flowed easily, logically, and with little stumbling.
The young actors are mostly good. Noah Ringer as Aang, the Last Airbender, is a bit stilted, but his overall performance really carries the film. He obviously trained hard for the martial arts required; and his skill and grace in his execution of the arts was outstanding. Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Seychelle Gabriel, Dev Patel, Shaun Toub and Aasif Mandvi comprise the most prominent of the supporting cast. Overall, they are all good in their roles; though Peltz suffers the most from her obvious inexperience in her craft.
The Special Effects, by Industrial Light and Magic, are phenomenal. Not much else to say about it. The Music, by James Newton Howard, is a wonderful match to the films. It is both rousing and delicate, as the moments require. The rest of the production was exactly what we have come to expect from an M. Night Shyamalan film.
As to those critics and viewers who are saying what a terrible film this is--don't believe them. Remember, critics hate just about everything; and viewers who rip a good movie are usually doing so because it fails to live up to their personal expectations or mental images that they think it should follow.
Go see The Last Airbender expecting a fun, visually appealing and satisfying film. Again, while it's not a great film, it is certainly worth the price of admission. I really enjoyed the movie...and so will you. In fact, I look forward to the next chapter in the series. In the mean time, I'll see this again, and will buy The Last Airbender when it is released on DVD.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Review: Twilight Saga--Eclipse
Today's review is not from me, but from my wife and daughter, as well as a family friend. (I don't watch the Twilight films. No need to explain...) They all went to see the movie last Friday, and came back yapping almost non-stop.
Basically, here are their comments:
-Wonderful scenery! (Filmed in the Vancouver BC area now, instead of Western Washington.)
-Great at following the storyline!
-The fight scenes were awesome!
-There is some wonderful humor!
-The acting was as good as ever!
That's all I know about the film. (And really all I want to know about it.)
If you're looking for a better, longer review, you won't get it here. I watched the first Twilight movie on DVD, and was thoroughly bored with it. The second I have seen only sections of it on DVD...and really don't want to see any more.
I'm assuming Eclipse must be decent because it made a boatload of money on opening weekend. Either that, or the theaters were packed with crazed Edward, Bella or Jacob fans.
In any event, that's my review.
Now. on to the next film...
Basically, here are their comments:
-Wonderful scenery! (Filmed in the Vancouver BC area now, instead of Western Washington.)
-Great at following the storyline!
-The fight scenes were awesome!
-There is some wonderful humor!
-The acting was as good as ever!
That's all I know about the film. (And really all I want to know about it.)
If you're looking for a better, longer review, you won't get it here. I watched the first Twilight movie on DVD, and was thoroughly bored with it. The second I have seen only sections of it on DVD...and really don't want to see any more.
I'm assuming Eclipse must be decent because it made a boatload of money on opening weekend. Either that, or the theaters were packed with crazed Edward, Bella or Jacob fans.
In any event, that's my review.
Now. on to the next film...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
My Second List of the Ten Worst Films
After I finished my list of ten worst (major release) films, I've had others, equally bad which certainly deserve to be on that list. So, I've created "My Second List of the Ten Worst Films."
*Battlefield Earth: This stinker was the first film (I believe) to sweep the Razzies. It almost single-handedly destroyed the careers of Forrest Whittaker and Barry Pepper. There is literally nothing redeemable about this horrid attempt at filmmaking. Every copy in existence should be destroyed...immediately....I'm serious!
*The Adventures of Pluto Nash: I got to see this for free--and I still walked out after just ten minutes! I couldn't take it anymore! IQ-wise, I think this film equaled a rock...and a dumb one at that! As much as I hate to say it, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was Oscar worthy compared to Eddie Murphy's train wreck of a film. Don't believe me? Go rent it. You'll be demanding your money back before the popcorn is done in the microwave.
*Conan the Destroyer: The original Conan was awesome! The follow-up was terrible! The writing was ridiculously bad, and having Wilt Chamberlin and Grace Jones in the cast was a monumentally unforgivable mistake! Arnold and Olivia D'Abo were good, but everything else was a travesty.
*Red Sonja: This supposed addition to the Conan franchise was so awful that even an appearance by Arnold couldn't hope to legitimize this waste of perfectly good film stock. Brigitte Neilson was just plan terrible in the title role, and the film was merely a reason to show her in as little clothing as possible, while supposedly wrapping a storyline in there...somewhere.
*Fluke: What's wrong with the following premise: A man dies tragically in a car accident. He awakens in the body of a dog, and goes about finding his (now) former wife so he can watch over his family. Need I say more? (I actually fell asleep in this dog (pun completely intended!) of a movie.)
*James and the Giant Peach: I realize this movie was made from a kids book, and was targeted for kids, too; but this film was T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E! The stop-motion animation was anything but pleasing to the eye; the script was beyond even kid audience preposterous, and the film was so boring I fell asleep for about half of it. At least I got a good nap for my cost of admission!
*Dudley Do-Right: I will very rarely diss on anything Brendan Fraser acts in. His skills in front of the camera are generally exceptional. However, Dudley Do-Right, one of those films Fraser picks for reasons only he can explain, is a stinker from the opening credits to the closing credits. Between Fraser and Alfred Molina, you'd think this film had some value. Alas, the script was vomitous, to put it nicely; and so was the film!
*Traffic: I don't care what kinds of awards this film took in--It was a convoluted, tedious, confusing and all together ridiculous film. I never saw this in the theater (Thank Goodness!); but on DVD instead. After about thirty tiring minutes, I'd had enough. The movie was turned off, and I refused to watch any more. The acting was terrible by just about everyone--especially Benicio Del Toro (and he won an Oscar for that role...What a waste of a perfectly good award!), the directing seemed lost, and the whole storyline was far too ludicrous to be even remotely viable. I HATED this utterly AWFUL film!
*Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby: I still cannot comprehend why audiences flocked en masse to this Will Ferrell offering. I usually like his material, so I was looking forward to seeing this movie. The film however, was so gut-wrenchingly bad that I don't remember laughing even once. It was like a nightmarishly long skit from SNL that gets placed at the end of the show because all of the funny stuff was on earlier in the broadcast. Because of this film, I have not seen another Will Farrell movie in the years since.
*Rocky Horror Picture Show: I know I'm treading on hallowed ground for a number of people; but this film is so insanely stupid that I can't even fathom the reasons for its cult status. I saw this in its 1970's heyday at the Guild 45th in Seattle at a typical midnight showing. All the usual costumes, antics and sing alongs were in full swing. However, in spite of literally everyone around me dancing, singing, mimicking lines, etc, I waited for it to get as good as everyone had excitedly told me it was. Unfortunately, the film ended before that could happen...or, maybe the theater lights coming on was the good part.
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