What a disappointment! A superb cast and crew can't save this vapid, empty shell of a movie. The wonderful Downey and Law aren't given much to work with and the oppressively dark scenery can't add any actual mystery to this mystery that has no mystery in it. In fact, Holmes solves minor riddles constantly throughout, but can't figure out the stupidly obvious one that is the point of the whole thing. Ludicrous. Sir Conan Doyle would roll over in his grave.
There are some pretty impressive action and fight scenes that include a very small amount of my beloved Wing Chun Kung Fu, of which Downey is a student.
Guy Ritchie seems to have lost his way a bit since his divorce from Madonna. The less than focused RocknRolla was supposed to be the start of a trilogy. Maybe that's off now. Unfortunately, I've read mention of a Holmes sequel. It's possible that it will be better. Let's hope!
Wait till this comes out on DVD, when the expectations and ticket pricing are lower. Until then it's, sadly, a Fail.
Try a Basil Rathbone tour de force instead, The Pearl of Death for example, if you're in the mood for a Sherlock Holmes movie.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Movie | Formula 51| Pass
Another hyper-stylizes, hyper violent, over the top action movie a la Smokin' Aces, Crank and the Guy Ritchie movies.
Not quite as good as those films, this one's about a chemist that has created a drug that is 51 times stronger than cocaine. He's shopping it around to the highest bidder while his original benefactor is trying to get him back. High jinx ensue.
All of the elements (music, filming, editing, etc.) are excellent and this is yet another superb cast. Samuel L. Jackson is the lead, but the film also has Rhys Ifans, Robert Carlyle and other notable Euro actors. They're much more fun to watch than their American counterparts, unfortunately.
The only real let down is the plot. It's full of holes and is a tad lame.
Still, if you're in the mood for an outrageous actioner, this one could be for you. I give it a Pass.
Not quite as good as those films, this one's about a chemist that has created a drug that is 51 times stronger than cocaine. He's shopping it around to the highest bidder while his original benefactor is trying to get him back. High jinx ensue.
All of the elements (music, filming, editing, etc.) are excellent and this is yet another superb cast. Samuel L. Jackson is the lead, but the film also has Rhys Ifans, Robert Carlyle and other notable Euro actors. They're much more fun to watch than their American counterparts, unfortunately.
The only real let down is the plot. It's full of holes and is a tad lame.
Still, if you're in the mood for an outrageous actioner, this one could be for you. I give it a Pass.
Movie | The Hangover | Fail
Judging by the many positive reviews of people I've talked to and the outstanding rating on IMDB, a lot of folks really liked this comedy about four buddies on a stag weekend in Vegas.
We didn't and we don't get why people thought this was so funny. Here are a couple of typical examples:
Ha ha ha...uh, ha? Wait, where is the funny?
So, you see where this is headed. It's not hard to picture the writers sitting around coming up with outrageous scenarios to throw at the characters.
Comedy is so subjective. Why are movies like Caddyshack, Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber funny, when this was such a turkey? Because those movies struck a nerve and this one did not. It might be opposite for you, though!
For us (the wife and I), this one is a FAIL and we wonder what people saw in this stinker.
We didn't and we don't get why people thought this was so funny. Here are a couple of typical examples:
- Three of the four guys (the groom to be has disappeared and they're trying to find him) leave their hotel and get their car from valet parking. The valet pulls up in a cop car.
- One of the guys wakes up missing a tooth.
- There's a tiger in the bathroom. One guy, sans pants, goes in and is using the toilet, not aware of the potentially lethal animal in the room with him. When he does spot it, he pees on the floor, screams like a girl and runs out.
- A naked guy leaps out of the trunk of their car, hits them with a crow bar and runs away. They all bleed and say...wait for it...it's a brilliant line, wait for it...."Ouch. Why'd he do that?" Now, that's some awesome writing there!
Ha ha ha...uh, ha? Wait, where is the funny?
So, you see where this is headed. It's not hard to picture the writers sitting around coming up with outrageous scenarios to throw at the characters.
Comedy is so subjective. Why are movies like Caddyshack, Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber funny, when this was such a turkey? Because those movies struck a nerve and this one did not. It might be opposite for you, though!
For us (the wife and I), this one is a FAIL and we wonder what people saw in this stinker.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Movie | The Code | Fail
Also known as Thick As Thieves, this 2009 jewelry heist movie starts with some promise but never crosses the line into "good".
First, the worst part of the film. Unfortunately, it's...Antonio Banderas. I really like him and he seems like such a nice guy. But, his acting in this was horrific...cartoon-y and cardboard. He runs around making all of these ridiculous faces, smirking and delivering his lines like he's channeling Pepe Le Pew. His smoothness...isn't. In the process, he actually ruins the movie. They should have gotten someone else for the role.
Which might not have helped much. The plot twists were pretty obvious and you could see them coming a mile away. Nor was the story that rewarding in general. And the nonsensical jumps in timeline and geography...ouch.
Still, it was well shot and it was fun to watch Morgan Freeman and Robert Forster. Radha Mitchell didn't have much to work with either and it was a wasted role for her. Better to check her out in Finding Neverland.
The classic heist movie, Topkapi, is referenced in this film. Skip this dud and head directly for that 1964 jem (pun intended) starring the amazing Peter Ustinov.
First, the worst part of the film. Unfortunately, it's...Antonio Banderas. I really like him and he seems like such a nice guy. But, his acting in this was horrific...cartoon-y and cardboard. He runs around making all of these ridiculous faces, smirking and delivering his lines like he's channeling Pepe Le Pew. His smoothness...isn't. In the process, he actually ruins the movie. They should have gotten someone else for the role.
Which might not have helped much. The plot twists were pretty obvious and you could see them coming a mile away. Nor was the story that rewarding in general. And the nonsensical jumps in timeline and geography...ouch.
Still, it was well shot and it was fun to watch Morgan Freeman and Robert Forster. Radha Mitchell didn't have much to work with either and it was a wasted role for her. Better to check her out in Finding Neverland.
The classic heist movie, Topkapi, is referenced in this film. Skip this dud and head directly for that 1964 jem (pun intended) starring the amazing Peter Ustinov.
Movie | Carriers | Pass
This melancholy 2009 horror thriller is about four young adults who are trying to drive to the beach across an America that's been decimated by a mysterious contagious disease. Mainly airborne, once you have it you'll be dead within days. The few left are basically reverting to a savage, anarchic state.
A pretty good cast, including Chris Pine (the new Cpt. Kirk from Star Trek XI), Piper Perabo (The Prestige) and Emily VanCamp. It's hard to tell if Pine and Perabo can really act or if they're just pretty people. VanCamp, on the other hand, is the one to watch. Her role in this is very subdued, but there might be twinkle of a really amazing actor in the making going on. Nothing she's done so far has really given her much of an opportunity, but she'll be one to watch in future projects. There are a couple of interesting cameos.
The disease does not turn people into zombies, so this is not a zombie movie even though it has that feeling (similar to 28 Days Later). Not much violence and not very gory. The language isn't too bad for an adult film and there are no sexual situations, there are plenty of "edge of your seat" moments.
Definitely not a must see, but worth a gander if the description sounds interesting to you. I enjoyed it enough to give it a pass.
A pretty good cast, including Chris Pine (the new Cpt. Kirk from Star Trek XI), Piper Perabo (The Prestige) and Emily VanCamp. It's hard to tell if Pine and Perabo can really act or if they're just pretty people. VanCamp, on the other hand, is the one to watch. Her role in this is very subdued, but there might be twinkle of a really amazing actor in the making going on. Nothing she's done so far has really given her much of an opportunity, but she'll be one to watch in future projects. There are a couple of interesting cameos.
The disease does not turn people into zombies, so this is not a zombie movie even though it has that feeling (similar to 28 Days Later). Not much violence and not very gory. The language isn't too bad for an adult film and there are no sexual situations, there are plenty of "edge of your seat" moments.
Definitely not a must see, but worth a gander if the description sounds interesting to you. I enjoyed it enough to give it a pass.
My Top Ten of 2009
I rarely see movies in the theater any more. More often, I see them years later. I'm really very hither-skither about what I see and when I see them. Usually it's based more on what I'm in the mood for and how available it is to me at the time. So, to come up with a top ten for 2009 (and actually released in 2009) is nearly impossible. In fact, as I think about it, I can't! So, here's my top...okay, I could only come up with nine and the list is split between movies and TV. Maybe I'll revise at a later date...or maybe not!
Addendum!
NK reminded me that Battlestar Galactica (TV) had episodes in 2009, so add that to the list! There, now that's ten!
- 9 (Movie)
- Avatar (Movie)
- Big Love (TV)
- District 9 (Movie)
- Glee (TV)
- Hung (TV)
- Monsters vs Aliens (Movie)
- Moon (Movie)
- Sons of Anarchy (TV)
Addendum!
NK reminded me that Battlestar Galactica (TV) had episodes in 2009, so add that to the list! There, now that's ten!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Movie | Avatar | Pass
Put your sense of reality aside and just let this movie take you away to another place, another time. If you're able to do that, this 2009 action scifi movie will literally blow you away.
Stop now if you haven't already seen the movie - the above is all you need to know.
Having said that...before seeing this flick, I said to myself, "Self, this is a James Cameron movie. James Cameron doesn't know how to make a small movie, so this deserves all of the technology I can find to see it in."
I talk to myself sometimes.
So, I did. Not only did I see it in one of the bigger movie theater complexes, but I also paid for:
- Imax - there's nothing like BIGGER. That's the American way!
- ...and in 3D!
The acting, music and all of the elements are superb. Is the plot a tad predictable? Yes. But, it's still sooooo enjoyable, you won't care. There's a bit of everything for everone here, romance, action, plot twists, scifi, eye candy (characters and scenery).So, what's it about? Without giving too much away, the basic premise is that humans are trying to remove an obstacle from an alien planet to mine the rare and valuable ore that exists there. The problem is, the obstacle is the indigenous people, a tribal warrior race.
I've read a lot about the hidden and not-so-subtle messages in this film. I think that if that sort of thing really bothers you in this film, you might need to find a chill pill.
Anyway, this was a two thumbs WAAAAAY up movie for me! Definitely one of my top 10 movies of the year. Yep, it was that good.
Oh, and after you watch this, do yourself a favor and go rent the 1985 John Boorman movie, The Emerald Forest.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Movie | (500) Days of Summer | Fail
This disappointing 2009 modern romantic comedy about a guy who falls for a girl who doesn't believe in true love is uninvolved and dreadfully slooooow. There are some fun pop culture references and interesting filming, but it doesn't make up for the fact that the plot is moronic. We just plain didn't give a hoot about any of the characters.
I'm worried that Zooey Deshanel can't act. She seems so appealing, but just doesn't deliver. It's too bad. Maybe she just hasn't found the right role yet.
I'm worried that Zooey Deshanel can't act. She seems so appealing, but just doesn't deliver. It's too bad. Maybe she just hasn't found the right role yet.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Movie | Zombieland | Pass
This 2009 horror action comedy doesn't quite top the fantastic Shaun of the Dead (and Army of Darkness), but it's pretty close. Similar in plot to SOTD, the cast is pretty good and the rest of the movie is enjoyable enough.
I'd heard a lot about how great Woody Harrelson is in this and it's great to see him in good form again. But, his character really doesn't break any new ground that others have (Bruce Campbell, for example).
Not too gory, plenty of foul language and no sexual situations. There are a couple of cameos, notably by Bill Murray, and the marvelous but underutilized Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Mike White (Chuck and Buck) - who is completely uncredited! Ouch. The narrator and lead, played by Jesse Eisenberg (The Village) may or may not irritate some people with his incessant whining. It almost seems like he's channeling Woody Allen...
If the title and the zombie theme sounds good, you'll enjoy this one.
I'd heard a lot about how great Woody Harrelson is in this and it's great to see him in good form again. But, his character really doesn't break any new ground that others have (Bruce Campbell, for example).
Not too gory, plenty of foul language and no sexual situations. There are a couple of cameos, notably by Bill Murray, and the marvelous but underutilized Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Mike White (Chuck and Buck) - who is completely uncredited! Ouch. The narrator and lead, played by Jesse Eisenberg (The Village) may or may not irritate some people with his incessant whining. It almost seems like he's channeling Woody Allen...
If the title and the zombie theme sounds good, you'll enjoy this one.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Movie | Unknown | Pass
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2006 thriller from new director Simon Brand and created by new writer Matthew Waynee.
The Plot: A man wakes up in a abandoned factory, with complete amnesia. There are three bodies nearby, a man handcuffed to a railing, another tied to a chair and yet another face down in a pool of blood. Suddenly, yet another guy runs in and it turns out that the three guys are not quite dead yet (suffering various stages of damage). They run over and discover that all of the windows are barred and the door has been fitted with an impregnable lock.
The Cast: if I were to pick a perfect cast for a thriller, this would be it! Not too well known, yet proven all have absolutely proven chops. What an ensemble, including:
The Plot: A man wakes up in a abandoned factory, with complete amnesia. There are three bodies nearby, a man handcuffed to a railing, another tied to a chair and yet another face down in a pool of blood. Suddenly, yet another guy runs in and it turns out that the three guys are not quite dead yet (suffering various stages of damage). They run over and discover that all of the windows are barred and the door has been fitted with an impregnable lock.
The Cast: if I were to pick a perfect cast for a thriller, this would be it! Not too well known, yet proven all have absolutely proven chops. What an ensemble, including:
- James Caviezel (Outlander)
- Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine, etc.)
- Bridget Moynahan (Lord of War)
- Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix, etc.)
- Barry Pepper (The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada)
- Jeremy Sisto (Waitress)
- Peter Stormare (Fargo, etc.)
- Mark Boone Junior (Sons of Anarchy)
TV | Ideal | PASS
This is an EDGY show, unlike anything you've ever seen. It's a simple enough premise: slacker slob deals drugs out of his apartment, of which he never leaves. His girlfriend is sleeping with his best friend. And a HUGE cast of the most whacked-out characters you've ever seen.
The guys that writes it (and co-stars) is a GENIUS.
If you're a fan of trip-hop, like I am, you will go CRAZY over the music they play in the show.
Occasional shocking violence. Twists and turns in the plot that, if you blink, you'll miss. Thick accents that you get used to.
This is a MUST SEE SHOW. Not available in the US, yet. DVDs can be purchased on eBay.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. I can't wait for series (season) six!
The guys that writes it (and co-stars) is a GENIUS.
If you're a fan of trip-hop, like I am, you will go CRAZY over the music they play in the show.
Occasional shocking violence. Twists and turns in the plot that, if you blink, you'll miss. Thick accents that you get used to.
This is a MUST SEE SHOW. Not available in the US, yet. DVDs can be purchased on eBay.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. I can't wait for series (season) six!
Movie | Moon | Pass
2009. A 2001-esque scifi flick about a guy manning a moon mining base all by himself and it's the end of his 3 year stint. Here's the formula to this flick:
The unsurprisingly fantastic Sam Rockwell,
+
a soundtrack by the amazing Clint Mansell,
+
David's Bowie's son wrote and directing...
----------------------------------------------------------
Equals: FANTASTICO! This is the slow paced kind of movie that inspires thoughtful conversation. Three weightless thumbs waaaay up!
Movie | The Boat That Rocked | Pass
AKA "Pirate Radio".
Good lord I loved this movie. Rollicking, lovingly made comedy about a pirate rock and roll station broadcasting from a ship off the coast of England in the '60s.
SO MANY fantastic actors in this, it's AMAZING. I can't even tell you! Folks from Flight of the Conchords, The IT Crowd...Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Kenneth Branagh, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost...the list goes on and on and on. Here are a couple of hightlights:
Zoinks!
Gorgeously filmed. A super, simple (but not necessarily super simple) plot. Fantastic soundtrack.
At times very raunchy and other times touching, you'll love this one if you like Hunter S. Thompson-ishness, (truly) classic rock and... sex, drug and ROCK AND ROLL, BABY!!!!!!!
Not for the kiddies and not for the prudes. Two very, VERY up thumbs. Add a third if you're from Mars.
Good lord I loved this movie. Rollicking, lovingly made comedy about a pirate rock and roll station broadcasting from a ship off the coast of England in the '60s.
SO MANY fantastic actors in this, it's AMAZING. I can't even tell you! Folks from Flight of the Conchords, The IT Crowd...Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Kenneth Branagh, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost...the list goes on and on and on. Here are a couple of hightlights:
- Chris O'Dowd and Katherine Parkinson from The IT Crowd
- Rhys Darby from Flight of the Conchords
- Sinead Matthews from Ideal
Zoinks!
Gorgeously filmed. A super, simple (but not necessarily super simple) plot. Fantastic soundtrack.
At times very raunchy and other times touching, you'll love this one if you like Hunter S. Thompson-ishness, (truly) classic rock and... sex, drug and ROCK AND ROLL, BABY!!!!!!!
Not for the kiddies and not for the prudes. Two very, VERY up thumbs. Add a third if you're from Mars.
Movie | The Brain Eaters | Pass
1958. Parasites from the center of the earth show up and zombify the inhabitants of a small town. Strangely, a small group of people are unaffected and it's up to them to save everyone!
Fun, in a Ed Wood sort of way. Bad acting, laughingly terrible effects, great period ambiance.
Fun, in a Ed Wood sort of way. Bad acting, laughingly terrible effects, great period ambiance.
Movie | GI Joe The Rise of Cobra | Pass (barely)
2009. Dopey flick with a decent cast, mostly underutilized. Good action, stupid script. A fun one for free if you're looking for Transformers-type explosions. Snake Eyes is easily the best part of the whole mishmash.
Skip this and seek out the original animated movie, instead. It's far more rewarding.
Skip this and seek out the original animated movie, instead. It's far more rewarding.
Movie | Biker Boyz | Fail
Well cast, horrifically written yarn about modern African-American biker gangs.
Other than the cool motorcycles and the T-Rex, unwatchable.
Other than the cool motorcycles and the T-Rex, unwatchable.
Movie | Hardware | PAss
Some really cool imagery, subtle political commentary and religious symbolism. If you're intrigued by the subgenre, this is a cult classic must see!
Movie | Silent Running | Pass
Bruce Dern leads a diposable cast in this 1972 eco-militant scifi classic about a guy in space that won't follow company orders to destroy the "forest" that he's built in outspace.
Two green thumbs up, but slow moving.
Two green thumbs up, but slow moving.
Movie | Battle for Terra | Pass
Another inappropriate for younger kids movie, with elements of war, sacrifice and death.
This one is a stunningly animated movie that centers on a young alien girl who befriends an invading soldier.
I enjoyed this a lot, though. It had a lot to say, but still, it's not a good choice for the younger crowd. At least it has an uplifting ending.
Two thumbs up.
This one is a stunningly animated movie that centers on a young alien girl who befriends an invading soldier.
I enjoyed this a lot, though. It had a lot to say, but still, it's not a good choice for the younger crowd. At least it has an uplifting ending.
Two thumbs up.
Movie | Walker | Fail
Unwatchable Alex Cox (Repo Man) movie about William Walker, the mercenary that was sent in the early 1900s to take over Nicaragua.
It was just too dry and boring for my tastes. The cast is superb, all elements were in place. It just didn't click with me and I didn't finish it.
FAIL
It was just too dry and boring for my tastes. The cast is superb, all elements were in place. It just didn't click with me and I didn't finish it.
FAIL
Movie | Death and the Compass | Fail
1992. Another unwatchable Alex Cox movie (see my previous listing for Walker).
Again, a superb cast is placed in an interesting setting. In this movie, their in a post-apocalyptic world where detective is trying to solve mysterious murders.
I think what really ruined this movie for me was the distinct feeling that there wasn't any real plan BEFORE the start of production. It comes across like Cox and his friends had some cameras laying around, so they decided to make a movie.
Sometimes that works. In this case, it didn't. The dialogue in particular was extremely poor.
FAIL
Again, a superb cast is placed in an interesting setting. In this movie, their in a post-apocalyptic world where detective is trying to solve mysterious murders.
I think what really ruined this movie for me was the distinct feeling that there wasn't any real plan BEFORE the start of production. It comes across like Cox and his friends had some cameras laying around, so they decided to make a movie.
Sometimes that works. In this case, it didn't. The dialogue in particular was extremely poor.
FAIL
Movie | In the Name of the King | Fail
Hoowhee. What a stinker. This 2007 dud is actually titled "In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale" and is by the infamous director, Uwe Boll. The man loves to do video games adaptions. Unfortunately, he suuuuuucks at it.
A superb cast proves that a crap movie can bring anybody down, like a sinking ship. Positively unwatchable - and it stars my boy Jason Statham. It's a crime, I tell you! A crime.
FAIL
A superb cast proves that a crap movie can bring anybody down, like a sinking ship. Positively unwatchable - and it stars my boy Jason Statham. It's a crime, I tell you! A crime.
FAIL
Movie | Pathfinder | Pass
I saw this 2007 flick back to back with In the Name of the King. The differences were night and day.
Like Outlander, it wasn't the greatest movie ever, but it was so stylishly done and the acting, plot and dialogue were good enough to recommend it to anyone who loved Beowulf, Conan and Tarzan.
The costumes and sets are straight out of a Frank Frazetta (and his ilk) painting.
This tale is about a young Viking orphan boy who is taken in and raised by a Native American tribe.
You can see where this one is headed, but it doesn't matter because this movie is so well done. I'm looking forward to more from the director, Marcus Nispel.
One and a half thumb up!
Like Outlander, it wasn't the greatest movie ever, but it was so stylishly done and the acting, plot and dialogue were good enough to recommend it to anyone who loved Beowulf, Conan and Tarzan.
The costumes and sets are straight out of a Frank Frazetta (and his ilk) painting.
This tale is about a young Viking orphan boy who is taken in and raised by a Native American tribe.
You can see where this one is headed, but it doesn't matter because this movie is so well done. I'm looking forward to more from the director, Marcus Nispel.
One and a half thumb up!
Movie | Up | Pass
Yet ANOTHER kids movie that isn't very good for the younger set. This one has themes revolving around death and loss.
Still, it's excellent. A senior citizen decides to attach balloons to his house to fly it to his dead wife's dream location. Adventure abounds.
Very good, as are most Pixar movies.
Two thumbs floating up.
Still, it's excellent. A senior citizen decides to attach balloons to his house to fly it to his dead wife's dream location. Adventure abounds.
Very good, as are most Pixar movies.
Two thumbs floating up.
Movie | The Final Cut | Pass
2004. In the very near future, your memories will be available for others to see after your death. If you did good things, people will know. If you did bad things, people will know...
So, your family hires a "cutter" - person who will edit all of the bad stuff out of the recordings that the implant in your head digitized.
What are your memories worth?
Robin Williams heads a cast that also includes Mira Sorvino and James Caviezel. While extremely slow, this film was enjoyable to me. It's probably too slow for most folks.
It's also interesting to note what ongoing impact authors like William Gibson and Neal Stephenson have on today's pop culture. Additionally, it will be interesting to see what director/writer Omar Naim does next.
A thumb and a half up.
So, your family hires a "cutter" - person who will edit all of the bad stuff out of the recordings that the implant in your head digitized.
What are your memories worth?
Robin Williams heads a cast that also includes Mira Sorvino and James Caviezel. While extremely slow, this film was enjoyable to me. It's probably too slow for most folks.
It's also interesting to note what ongoing impact authors like William Gibson and Neal Stephenson have on today's pop culture. Additionally, it will be interesting to see what director/writer Omar Naim does next.
A thumb and a half up.
Movie | The Blood of Heroes | Pass
Rutger Hauer leads the cast in this 1989 release is also known as "The Salute of the Jugger". Basically, a cheapo mixture of Mad Max and Rollerball, it's just about perfect for genre fans. A must see if you loved the aforementioned movies.
Vincent D'Onofrio was only 30 when he appeared in this as a supporting character.
A thumb and a half up.
Vincent D'Onofrio was only 30 when he appeared in this as a supporting character.
A thumb and a half up.
Movie | Puzzlehead | Pass
2005. This little indy gem was a real find. Very creative and marvelous in every way. It's slow and reminded me a bit of two of my favorite movies of all time (Pi and Being There). But, that pace really creates a texture and ambiance that not many bazillion dollar productions have.
Basically a retelling of Pinocchio set in a strangely deserted apocalyptic urban world, a man created a humanoid robotic clone of himself. A love triangle unsues between him, the robot and the woman that runs the corner grocery.
Some mild violence.
Two robotic thumbs up!
Basically a retelling of Pinocchio set in a strangely deserted apocalyptic urban world, a man created a humanoid robotic clone of himself. A love triangle unsues between him, the robot and the woman that runs the corner grocery.
Some mild violence.
Two robotic thumbs up!
Movie | The Island | Pass
2005. I'd seen this one when it came out in theaters and had forgotten all about it. Just another big budget ho-hum clone movie, but still rather entertaining.
Not a must see, but a good one if you're in the mood.
One cloned thumb up.
Not a must see, but a good one if you're in the mood.
One cloned thumb up.
Movie | My Kid Could Paint That | Pass
his excellent 2007 documentary follows the real Olmstead family. Back in 2004, little 4 year old Marla was being heralded as a genius by the abstract (and greater) art world.
Then scandal ensued.
The film explores many topics, including the ridiculousness of the art world in general, what IS art and what is the proper care of a "child prodigy".
Fascinating stuff. Two paint smeared thumbs up.
Then scandal ensued.
The film explores many topics, including the ridiculousness of the art world in general, what IS art and what is the proper care of a "child prodigy".
Fascinating stuff. Two paint smeared thumbs up.
Movie | District 9 | PASS
WARNING: HERE BE SPOILERS
Okay, I finally got around to watching this. Truthfully, I've been avoiding it because of Peter "Ham Hands" Jackson. The man ruins movies for me, I tell ya. But then I found out he just produced and some other guy wrote and directed District 9.
Turns out that guy is none other than Neill Blomkamp, he of visual effects fame. Blomkamp has been making and remaking (in short form) this movie for the last 3-4 years, so he knows how to tweak and refine it by now. Jackson saw the potential and handed Blomkamp 30 million dollars and this is what we got.
And what we got is superb. Part Alien Nation, part The Fly and nods to Transformers and Alien: Resurrection...all seen thru the apartheid lens to excellent results.
To me, this was two movies - the first half and the second half. The beginning was shot as a documentary and, intentional or not, very poorly put together. The edits were so obvious...uh oh, here come Jackson!
Then, midway through, Blomkamp (thankfully) gives up on the mock documentary and the whole thing tightens up, becoming much more enjoyable for me. Sure, there's still the cheapo shaky camera work, but it's now a movie and IT'S ON.
Sharlto Copley, in his first full length movie role EVER (much less a starring role!), is superb. He wrote and directed the notable movie Spoon, which is well worth checking out if you're in the mood for a supernatural thriller. But, otherwise, he just knocks it out of the park - picture perfect!
Bleak, brutal and beautifully realized, District 9 is a must for scifi action fans. Two prawn thumbs up!
Okay, I finally got around to watching this. Truthfully, I've been avoiding it because of Peter "Ham Hands" Jackson. The man ruins movies for me, I tell ya. But then I found out he just produced and some other guy wrote and directed District 9.
Turns out that guy is none other than Neill Blomkamp, he of visual effects fame. Blomkamp has been making and remaking (in short form) this movie for the last 3-4 years, so he knows how to tweak and refine it by now. Jackson saw the potential and handed Blomkamp 30 million dollars and this is what we got.
And what we got is superb. Part Alien Nation, part The Fly and nods to Transformers and Alien: Resurrection...all seen thru the apartheid lens to excellent results.
To me, this was two movies - the first half and the second half. The beginning was shot as a documentary and, intentional or not, very poorly put together. The edits were so obvious...uh oh, here come Jackson!
Then, midway through, Blomkamp (thankfully) gives up on the mock documentary and the whole thing tightens up, becoming much more enjoyable for me. Sure, there's still the cheapo shaky camera work, but it's now a movie and IT'S ON.
Sharlto Copley, in his first full length movie role EVER (much less a starring role!), is superb. He wrote and directed the notable movie Spoon, which is well worth checking out if you're in the mood for a supernatural thriller. But, otherwise, he just knocks it out of the park - picture perfect!
Bleak, brutal and beautifully realized, District 9 is a must for scifi action fans. Two prawn thumbs up!
Movie | Los cronocrÃmenes | Pass
AKA "Timecrimes", this 2007 Spanish time machine thriller is a must see for genre fans.
The plot is seemingly simple. A man sees a naked girl out in the woods behind his house. Then he's stabbed by a man with his head wrapped in a pink bandage. That man might actually be...himself!
All hell breaks loose. Fun, fun, fun! Good plot twists, average cinematography and acting.
The only thing that bothered me about this movie was that I was forced to see it dubbed in English. I would have much preferred to see it with subtitles. Still, a super cool movie and I give it 2, 4, 6 thumbs up!
See the movie and you'll get that reference.
The plot is seemingly simple. A man sees a naked girl out in the woods behind his house. Then he's stabbed by a man with his head wrapped in a pink bandage. That man might actually be...himself!
All hell breaks loose. Fun, fun, fun! Good plot twists, average cinematography and acting.
The only thing that bothered me about this movie was that I was forced to see it dubbed in English. I would have much preferred to see it with subtitles. Still, a super cool movie and I give it 2, 4, 6 thumbs up!
See the movie and you'll get that reference.
Movie | Star Trek XI | Pass + Fail
I enjoyed this JJ Abrams produced and directed movie. I thought it was a very worthy addition to the franchise.
The production levels were so high, it practically made the sets translucent. Truly spectacular.
I loved the whole "alternative reality" angle, which made for interesting plot twists.
Excellent music that moved past the previous movies, but didn't leave the signatures out.
The entire cast was superb. I was extremely disappointed in the under utilization of Simon Pegg and John Cho, but I'd just seen Karl Urban (he played Bones) in Pathfinder and I'm now a big fan. He stole the show, in my opinion. Spot on.
There wasn't much character development because there was so many plot lines going on. Maybe a tad too many.
I haven't seen the Nemisis movie (I think), but I've enjoyed all of the other Star Trek movies - even the "Save The Whales" one.
Two thumbs up in a Vulcan Death Grip!
************
Here's Nancy's review of the 2009 Star Trek movie:
This movie sucked. It was just a lot of explosions and action scenes. I didn't care about any of the characters and I didn't care about what happened. The Star Trek references went over my head and the humor was lackluster.
FAIL.
The production levels were so high, it practically made the sets translucent. Truly spectacular.
I loved the whole "alternative reality" angle, which made for interesting plot twists.
Excellent music that moved past the previous movies, but didn't leave the signatures out.
The entire cast was superb. I was extremely disappointed in the under utilization of Simon Pegg and John Cho, but I'd just seen Karl Urban (he played Bones) in Pathfinder and I'm now a big fan. He stole the show, in my opinion. Spot on.
There wasn't much character development because there was so many plot lines going on. Maybe a tad too many.
I haven't seen the Nemisis movie (I think), but I've enjoyed all of the other Star Trek movies - even the "Save The Whales" one.
Two thumbs up in a Vulcan Death Grip!
************
Here's Nancy's review of the 2009 Star Trek movie:
This movie sucked. It was just a lot of explosions and action scenes. I didn't care about any of the characters and I didn't care about what happened. The Star Trek references went over my head and the humor was lackluster.
FAIL.
Movie | Repo! The Genetic Opera | Fail
Here's the online plot synopsis for this 2008 film:
"A worldwide epidemic encourages a biotech company to launch an organ-financing program similar in nature to a standard car loan. The repossession clause is a killer, however."
Similar to Rocky Horror Picture Show, but minus the electric personality of an actor like Tim Curry, this scifi/macabre/gore/kitchen
"A worldwide epidemic encourages a biotech company to launch an organ-financing program similar in nature to a standard car loan. The repossession clause is a killer, however."
Similar to Rocky Horror Picture Show, but minus the electric personality of an actor like Tim Curry, this scifi/macabre/gore/kitchen
Movie | Tykho Moon | Fail
This live action French 1996 scifi film from the fertile mind of Enki Bilal just wandered all over the place, never giving a story worth caring about.
It's the future (in that unique, bloated, lush and dirty Bilal way) and everybody's got some weird disease. Somebody's got to find a cure! Whoopee. Boring. Too many scenes of people standing around delivering irrelevant dialogue, having sex and the shooting each other, and more...dialogue that I didn't care about!
FAIL
It's the future (in that unique, bloated, lush and dirty Bilal way) and everybody's got some weird disease. Somebody's got to find a cure! Whoopee. Boring. Too many scenes of people standing around delivering irrelevant dialogue, having sex and the shooting each other, and more...dialogue that I didn't care about!
FAIL
Short Movie | Ataque de Panico! | Pass
2009 absolutely superb four minute short by up and coming director Federico Alvarez. No dialogue (okay, there's a tiny line delivered by a news reporter, but that's it!).
Very War of the Worlds/District 9/Robots Blowing Stuff Up, utilizing the 28 Days Later soundtrack and supposedly costing only $300....two exploding robotic thumbs up!
Very War of the Worlds/District 9/Robots Blowing Stuff Up, utilizing the 28 Days Later soundtrack and supposedly costing only $300....two exploding robotic thumbs up!
Movie | Mutant Chronicles | Pass
2008. Great cast, including Ron Perlman, Thomas Jane and a cameo by John Malkovitch.
Rather bewildering plot with several lapses in logic, but a neat mix of WWI, steampunk, secret monks who guard the world and zombies.
The strangest part of the whole thing was the, at times, laughable FX. Mostly they were good, but sometimes they wandered into a almost TV movie of the week style, extremely poor usage of green screen territory. Odd.
I rather enjoyed it, though. You might too, if you liked the Resident Evil and Underworld franchises.
One mutated thumb up.
Rather bewildering plot with several lapses in logic, but a neat mix of WWI, steampunk, secret monks who guard the world and zombies.
The strangest part of the whole thing was the, at times, laughable FX. Mostly they were good, but sometimes they wandered into a almost TV movie of the week style, extremely poor usage of green screen territory. Odd.
I rather enjoyed it, though. You might too, if you liked the Resident Evil and Underworld franchises.
One mutated thumb up.
Movie | Julie & Julia | Pass
This excellent 2009 romantic dramatic comedy stars Meryl Streep and Amy Adams as two women traveling a similar path, separated by time. Streep is fantastic as the renown and loved chef Julia Childs and Adams plays a woman that works through her famous recipe book, one meal at a time over a years' span. A combination of two true stories, this movie was beautifully made and highly entertaining.
Wonderful supporting cast, led by the always superb Stanley Tucci.
Two thumbs up (in that shrill voice of Childs).
Wonderful supporting cast, led by the always superb Stanley Tucci.
Two thumbs up (in that shrill voice of Childs).
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Movie News | Kick-Ass | Coming Soon!
Okay, I rarely see a trailer that I get both very excited and absolutely repulsed by. But, here's one: Kick-Ass, from the director of two excellent movies - Stardust and Layer Cake - and I'll leave it to you to search out some trailers (the first one I saw was very adult). Will it be a good movie or will the violence overtake the plot? It will be interesting to see! Release date is April, 2010.
TV | The Closer | Pass
This is another cop/CSI murder drama TV show that doesn't add much new to the genre. What's unique about it is that it stars the interesting Kyra Sedgwick. She's a nervous, less than confident Deputy Police Chief that happens to be a spectacular interviewer that can get a confession out of anyone.
The individual episode plot lines are occasionally overly complex and hard to follow and there isn't much of a back story. Some of the story elements are hard to believe - for instance, the downright unprofessional behavior of some of the officers stretches the reality of the show.
Still, the cast is very enjoyable and the quality of the show is above average. A must see and high quality.
3.5 out of 5 stars!
The individual episode plot lines are occasionally overly complex and hard to follow and there isn't much of a back story. Some of the story elements are hard to believe - for instance, the downright unprofessional behavior of some of the officers stretches the reality of the show.
Still, the cast is very enjoyable and the quality of the show is above average. A must see and high quality.
3.5 out of 5 stars!
TV Miniseries | Alice | Fail
This 2009 TV show (shown on the SyFy channel) is yet another retelling of Lewis Carroll's (actually, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) 1865 novel, Alice in Wonderland.
The twist is that it's 150 years since the original Alice's visit...and boy, did she mess things up. Wonderland is in ruins and basically a DMZ. This Alice is an adult woman who just so happens to have the same name. Back in the "regular" world, she's a neurotic Judo teacher. How's that for ridiculous?
You'd think that the martial arts would be an interesting addition to the story, but it isn't (because it's terrible - now, how hard is it to find a decent fight choreographer these days?). And the plot is just not involving at all.
The only saving graces are Andrew Lee Pots (Ideal - interestingly, this show has a guy wearing a Rabbit mask and Ideal had a guy wearing a Mouse mask...is there a connection or is it just a coincidence?) and Matt Frewer (Max Headroom). Tim Curry, Kathy Bates and several other very interesting actors are just wasted, given nothing to do and nothing to say.
Wait for the upcoming Tim Burton adaptation.
One and a half stars out of five...not so good and one to skip unless you really like Alice in Wonderland.
The twist is that it's 150 years since the original Alice's visit...and boy, did she mess things up. Wonderland is in ruins and basically a DMZ. This Alice is an adult woman who just so happens to have the same name. Back in the "regular" world, she's a neurotic Judo teacher. How's that for ridiculous?
You'd think that the martial arts would be an interesting addition to the story, but it isn't (because it's terrible - now, how hard is it to find a decent fight choreographer these days?). And the plot is just not involving at all.
The only saving graces are Andrew Lee Pots (Ideal - interestingly, this show has a guy wearing a Rabbit mask and Ideal had a guy wearing a Mouse mask...is there a connection or is it just a coincidence?) and Matt Frewer (Max Headroom). Tim Curry, Kathy Bates and several other very interesting actors are just wasted, given nothing to do and nothing to say.
Wait for the upcoming Tim Burton adaptation.
One and a half stars out of five...not so good and one to skip unless you really like Alice in Wonderland.
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