I have been anxiously awaiting Battle Los Angeles for months. Advance word spoke of a well-done, heart pounding adventure.
Well, I can tell you that Battle Los Angeles certainly lives up to the hype! It is fun, gritty, realistic and tense. The battle scene are incredibly realistic, and the acting confidently portrays flawed characters, and the ultimate sacrifice of military personnel in preserving our very lives.
Aaron Eckhart, who usually annoys me with his character portrayals, actually comes off as a believable, flawed soldier who does what he must in order to win the day; even to the thoughtless, automatic decision to place himself in harm's way in order to strike a major blow to the enemy.
The real star of this movie however, is the CGI team that developed and gave form and life to the alien invaders. They actually seem to take up real space on the film, and that lends authenticity to the alien presence. They are a real, visible enemy that we see for a good portion of the movie. I seriously doubt that Battle Los Angeles would be nearly as good without the CGI alien presence.
At nearly two hours, this movie completely captures your attention, and takes you along for the ride. Assuming you can suspend belief, watching this film will capture your attention, as well!
Go watch Battle Los Angeles at least once! I know that I'm going to see it at least one more time! And yes! I'll buy this one on DVD and likely watch it a number of times then, too! What a ride!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Review: The Adjustment Bureau
I'll make this review really short, and not overly sweet...
The Adjustment Bureau is a wonderful film!
I walked out of the theater thinking, and quite satisfied with my experience.
The acting is top-notch. Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp are all phenomenal! The supporting actors are equally talented.
This movie will leave you pondering on it long after leaving the theater. For that reason alone you too should go see this wonderful film!
Go See It!
I'll DEFINITELY buy this one!
The Adjustment Bureau is a wonderful film!
I walked out of the theater thinking, and quite satisfied with my experience.
The acting is top-notch. Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp are all phenomenal! The supporting actors are equally talented.
This movie will leave you pondering on it long after leaving the theater. For that reason alone you too should go see this wonderful film!
Go See It!
I'll DEFINITELY buy this one!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I Am Number Four
The previews of I Am Number Four were intriguing. A story about refugee aliens fighting for their lives against non-human hunters just had a non-formulaic ring that I hoped would turn out to be a decent film.
As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised by this DJ Caruso directed effort. His previous big screen efforts (Disturbia, Eagle Eye) were competent, well-paced films that kept the audience engaged.
I Am Number Four falls into the same characterization. In other words, it engages you. I found myself drawn into the film. I laughed at all the right times and felt tension whenever it was displayed. True, this movie is targeted towards an audience younger that I am, but my ability to enjoy this offering was not diminished by the age gap.
The acting is compelling by all the principles. Alex Pettyfer and Diana Agron are perfectly cast in the Lead roles. Timothy Olyphant gives his usual solid effort, and Callan McAuliffe is believable in the role of Sam.
The photography is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect.
Though touted as an action flick, I Am Number Four is more of a drama with some outstanding action (and CGI effects!) at the end. Still, the film moves along nicely, never getting bogged down.
I highly recommend you see this movie at least once! You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised by what you see.
I absolutely will buy this film when it is released. If I can find the score, I'll buy that as well!
As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised by this DJ Caruso directed effort. His previous big screen efforts (Disturbia, Eagle Eye) were competent, well-paced films that kept the audience engaged.
I Am Number Four falls into the same characterization. In other words, it engages you. I found myself drawn into the film. I laughed at all the right times and felt tension whenever it was displayed. True, this movie is targeted towards an audience younger that I am, but my ability to enjoy this offering was not diminished by the age gap.
The acting is compelling by all the principles. Alex Pettyfer and Diana Agron are perfectly cast in the Lead roles. Timothy Olyphant gives his usual solid effort, and Callan McAuliffe is believable in the role of Sam.
The photography is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect.
Though touted as an action flick, I Am Number Four is more of a drama with some outstanding action (and CGI effects!) at the end. Still, the film moves along nicely, never getting bogged down.
I highly recommend you see this movie at least once! You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised by what you see.
I absolutely will buy this film when it is released. If I can find the score, I'll buy that as well!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Review: True Grit
I was extremely skeptical about this remake of a true Hollywood classic. After all, by the idea of replacing the Duke, the Coen Brothers are treading very thin ice with all the older audiences, as well as genre purists who think that this is one film that should never have been remade because the original was certainly good enough to withstand the test of time.
That said, as True Grit unfolded on the screen, I became very aware that this version was not a remake so much as a truer, more faithful version of the book upon which the film is based. While no one can ever hope to replace John Wayne--the utter epitome/personification of the Hollywood Western--Jeff Bridges does a phenomenal job portraying a crusty, tired and thoroughly likable Rooster Cogburn.
Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, the eloquent, opinionated and self assured daughter who is out to avenge the murder of her father. Steinfeld is nothing short of Oscar worthy in her straight forward portrayal of Mattie. You are so drawn into her performance that you forget that she is literally only fourteen. I personally cannot imagine this film being as good without Steinfeld's incredible acting.
Matt Damon offers a very different character than I can recall him ever playing. At once both confident, and extremely vulnerable, Damon's LaBoeuf (pr. LaBeef in the film) is absolutely refreshing in the western genre.
The other major character is the dialogue itself. Written in true 19th century American English, the dialogue throughout takes a listening, intelligent ear to pick up the subtleties, jokes and general conversation. However, listening to it was never tiresome because the dialogue itself lent such an authentic air to the film that you don't think twice about the prose. You simply enjoy the banter, jokes and insults. It's really wonderful!
The rest of the cast is excellent. Headed up by Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, the supporting actors are all well-cast, and add significantly to the authenticity of the period.
True Grit is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Hudsucker Proxy, Oh Brother Where Art Thou). While I usually don't care for their films (aside from Raising Arizona), I found True Grit to be a fun, well-acted and period realistic movie that drew me in much quicker than I expected.
I highly recommend that you see True Grit. It is highly deserving of the praise you are hearing about.
This movie is a buyer when it is released on DVD; and I'll definitely be adding this to my collection.
That said, as True Grit unfolded on the screen, I became very aware that this version was not a remake so much as a truer, more faithful version of the book upon which the film is based. While no one can ever hope to replace John Wayne--the utter epitome/personification of the Hollywood Western--Jeff Bridges does a phenomenal job portraying a crusty, tired and thoroughly likable Rooster Cogburn.
Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, the eloquent, opinionated and self assured daughter who is out to avenge the murder of her father. Steinfeld is nothing short of Oscar worthy in her straight forward portrayal of Mattie. You are so drawn into her performance that you forget that she is literally only fourteen. I personally cannot imagine this film being as good without Steinfeld's incredible acting.
Matt Damon offers a very different character than I can recall him ever playing. At once both confident, and extremely vulnerable, Damon's LaBoeuf (pr. LaBeef in the film) is absolutely refreshing in the western genre.
The other major character is the dialogue itself. Written in true 19th century American English, the dialogue throughout takes a listening, intelligent ear to pick up the subtleties, jokes and general conversation. However, listening to it was never tiresome because the dialogue itself lent such an authentic air to the film that you don't think twice about the prose. You simply enjoy the banter, jokes and insults. It's really wonderful!
The rest of the cast is excellent. Headed up by Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, the supporting actors are all well-cast, and add significantly to the authenticity of the period.
True Grit is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Hudsucker Proxy, Oh Brother Where Art Thou). While I usually don't care for their films (aside from Raising Arizona), I found True Grit to be a fun, well-acted and period realistic movie that drew me in much quicker than I expected.
I highly recommend that you see True Grit. It is highly deserving of the praise you are hearing about.
This movie is a buyer when it is released on DVD; and I'll definitely be adding this to my collection.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Caprica
Tonight, I had the wonderful (and sad) opportunity to watch the series wrap up of the phenomenal sci-fi show, "Caprica."
This prelude to the epically grand Battlestar Galactica was a divinely crafted, intensely literate and superbly orchestrated television wonder every bit as gripping and engaging as Battlestar Galactica itself.
The entire production staff, the actors and especially the writers and executive producers should all be welling with pride at the unbelievable storytelling that was presented every week. Caprica was indeed one of the very few television series that actually expects its audience to think, analyze and predict where it would next go on its journey to the BSG years.
Smart television has lost yet another shining beacon to corporate nimrods who look for the fast buck over quality, intelligence and evolving social commentary that shows such as Caprica, Battlestar Galactica and Stargate Universe greet us with week in and week out; and which challenge each of us to better ourselves through insight and examination.
Farewell, Caprica.
Your time was far, far too brief.
This prelude to the epically grand Battlestar Galactica was a divinely crafted, intensely literate and superbly orchestrated television wonder every bit as gripping and engaging as Battlestar Galactica itself.
The entire production staff, the actors and especially the writers and executive producers should all be welling with pride at the unbelievable storytelling that was presented every week. Caprica was indeed one of the very few television series that actually expects its audience to think, analyze and predict where it would next go on its journey to the BSG years.
Smart television has lost yet another shining beacon to corporate nimrods who look for the fast buck over quality, intelligence and evolving social commentary that shows such as Caprica, Battlestar Galactica and Stargate Universe greet us with week in and week out; and which challenge each of us to better ourselves through insight and examination.
Farewell, Caprica.
Your time was far, far too brief.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Review: Faster
I didn't know what to expect going into this film. The trailers looked promising; but the premise was a huge unknown. What unfolded on the theater screen was something altogether unexpected.
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Faster is a fast-paced thrill ride that is long on action, short on dialogue. Once it starts, there is no let up until the final scene.
Director George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food, Men of Honor) takes you on a ride of discovery throughout the film. He refuses to spoon feed the audience any of the plot. As the film progresses, so does our understanding of the motivations of 'Driver,' and the back story that precipitates all of the subsequent events we see unfold on screen.
It is well acted by Johnson and Gugino (one of my favorite actresses), with terrific support from Thornton and Jackson-Cohen. All actors seem comfortable in their roles, and come off as quite believable.
Now, any time I don't guess the ending less that one third of the way into the film, then the director and screenwriter have done a terrific job. With Faster, I didn't even see the end of the story until I had viewed about three fourths of the movie. To have that happen was quite satisfying. Like I stated early in this review, the ending was quite unexpected.
This movie is rated R for explicit violence, drug use and language. As far as I can recall, there was no nudity or even excessive swearing.
Faster is a far better film than I expected. I'm glad I went to see it.
Will I see it again? Probably not--but only because of the other films coming out. I'll most likely buy this one on DVD when it's released, though.
Go see it. You won't be disappointed.
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Faster is a fast-paced thrill ride that is long on action, short on dialogue. Once it starts, there is no let up until the final scene.
Director George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food, Men of Honor) takes you on a ride of discovery throughout the film. He refuses to spoon feed the audience any of the plot. As the film progresses, so does our understanding of the motivations of 'Driver,' and the back story that precipitates all of the subsequent events we see unfold on screen.
It is well acted by Johnson and Gugino (one of my favorite actresses), with terrific support from Thornton and Jackson-Cohen. All actors seem comfortable in their roles, and come off as quite believable.
Now, any time I don't guess the ending less that one third of the way into the film, then the director and screenwriter have done a terrific job. With Faster, I didn't even see the end of the story until I had viewed about three fourths of the movie. To have that happen was quite satisfying. Like I stated early in this review, the ending was quite unexpected.
This movie is rated R for explicit violence, drug use and language. As far as I can recall, there was no nudity or even excessive swearing.
Faster is a far better film than I expected. I'm glad I went to see it.
Will I see it again? Probably not--but only because of the other films coming out. I'll most likely buy this one on DVD when it's released, though.
Go see it. You won't be disappointed.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Review: Skyline
When I first saw the internet advertising for Skyline, I was excited! Though the storyline would be suspect, the visuals looked incredible. So, going into the film, I knew the movie would be visually stunning, but doubted the film as a whole.
Skyline turned out to be much different than I anticipated. Yes, the visuals really were unbelievable. The Brothers Strauss, who lent visual compositing their talents to such film as AVP; Requiem, 2012 and Avatar, really let their vision come out as we see dazzling effects throughout the film. But it was the outcome of the story that I didn't anticipate at all. I won't give anything away; let's just say that the ending will surprise you.
The actors in this film are entirely B-list, headed by Eric Balfour (Haven, 24), Scottie Thompson (TV Guest roles), Donald Faison (Scrubs, Remember the Titans) and David Zayas (The Expendables, Dexter). No great acting to be sure; but they certainly carry their parts well. Considering this film's total budget hovered somewhere around the $11M mark, I think the producers got the best actors they could for whatever monies were available.
While Skyline may not be a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, it does make for a decent theater-going experience. Plus, the ending leaves a rather large opening for a sequel--which I'm sure would be entirely dependent on consumer acceptance (aka $$$) of Skyline itself.
Would I see this again? I don't know. The visuals would be worth it, if nothing else. I'll probably end up buying this on DVD...who knows...maybe Skyline will end up being my next great guilty pleasure movie.
Skyline turned out to be much different than I anticipated. Yes, the visuals really were unbelievable. The Brothers Strauss, who lent visual compositing their talents to such film as AVP; Requiem, 2012 and Avatar, really let their vision come out as we see dazzling effects throughout the film. But it was the outcome of the story that I didn't anticipate at all. I won't give anything away; let's just say that the ending will surprise you.
The actors in this film are entirely B-list, headed by Eric Balfour (Haven, 24), Scottie Thompson (TV Guest roles), Donald Faison (Scrubs, Remember the Titans) and David Zayas (The Expendables, Dexter). No great acting to be sure; but they certainly carry their parts well. Considering this film's total budget hovered somewhere around the $11M mark, I think the producers got the best actors they could for whatever monies were available.
While Skyline may not be a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, it does make for a decent theater-going experience. Plus, the ending leaves a rather large opening for a sequel--which I'm sure would be entirely dependent on consumer acceptance (aka $$$) of Skyline itself.
Would I see this again? I don't know. The visuals would be worth it, if nothing else. I'll probably end up buying this on DVD...who knows...maybe Skyline will end up being my next great guilty pleasure movie.
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