Cutthroat Island - 2 stars out of 10
When a film is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the biggest box office flop, you know that you are in for a treat. I just had to see it to believe it, that a single film could bankrupt a production company. I guess that when you spend $98 million dollars to create a film with such a poor script, it makes complete sense. The script is beyond awful, and the acting isn't much better. No wonder this film singlehandedly destroyed Geena Davis' career. It is a shame that this script is so bad because the special effects are so good during the piratical fight sequences â" it is basically like "Pirates of the Caribbean" without a good storyline. Some of the random lines, whether intended to be funny or not, are nauseating while the ship explosion is one of the coolest things I've ever seen in a movie. Unfortunately, bad acting wins (well, loses) over the special effects. Davis and Matthew Modine are so awful that I actually found myself rooting against the heros. In stark contrast to the awfulness that takes place during this film, the swashbuckling musical score will grab your attention from the opening credits. It is hard to believe that such an epically awesome score could be paired with such a lackluster movie. I guess that they got their $98 million dollarâ(TM)s worth when it came to the music. Do yourself a favor - skip out on this epically bad failure of a movie unless you simply must know what all of the negative hype is about. This isn't a terrible movie that is fun to watch like "Birdemic." It is just sad.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
The Hunger Games - 10 stars out of 10
The Hunger Games - 10 stars out of 10
650th Review
"The Hunger Games" is one of the most creative films that I have seen in years. This interesting dystopian story is much more than a sci-fi film or an action film - it is the complete package. Its first half unfolds as a drama, taking time to absorb us into its futuristic totalitarian world and allowing the actors to actually use their acting skills (since this is so often lost in action films). The character development of the Hunger Games contestants is important as the writers guide us to support certain contestants and to fear others. The second half contains the action as the Hunger Games are underway. Once again, there is much more to this than your typical action sequences. Amidst the knives and arrows, the characters continue to develop as we see the inherent good in Katniss and the devotion of Peeta, not to mention the things that we learn about members of the government. I credit the writers and editors for their careful treatment of violence in this film. Obviously fighting and killing is a very important part of the, but they have settled on the perfect degree of violent imagery to effectively tell the story and create emotions while keeping it clean enough for the 9-year-old girls who inevitably watch the film. There was a lot of shakey camera technique in this film, almost too much, but it really helped to bring the violent sequences to life without showing too much. The special effects are simply awesome, from the fire dress to the tracker jackers, not to mention the entire futuristic world. Amidst these special effects, the film takes time for its emotional moments, particularly Rue's entire death sequence and Katniss' goodbye with Cinna. Probably the only part of the film that I didn't care for was the final battle on the Cornucopia which just felt weak compared to the rest of the film. Regardless, this film is a success because of the acting of Jennifer Lawrence. This unbelievably talented young actress (of "Winter's Bone" fame) brings this heroine to life and energizes the entire film. She provides both the sacrificial devotion to her family and the kick-butt attitude that we love to see in Katniss. After her, it is the secondary characters that really stuck out to me - I barely recognized Stanley Tucci in the role of Caesar Flickerman and it was tough to believe that this reality tv host is the same person who played a child molester in "The Lovely Bones." Donald Sutherland is marvelous as always and the surprise performance for me came from Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. "The Hunger Games" left me frozen in my seat, barely able to leave the theater because it was such an awesome trip. I can't wait to see the rest of the series and highly recommend that you jump onto the bandwagon ASAP!
650th Review
"The Hunger Games" is one of the most creative films that I have seen in years. This interesting dystopian story is much more than a sci-fi film or an action film - it is the complete package. Its first half unfolds as a drama, taking time to absorb us into its futuristic totalitarian world and allowing the actors to actually use their acting skills (since this is so often lost in action films). The character development of the Hunger Games contestants is important as the writers guide us to support certain contestants and to fear others. The second half contains the action as the Hunger Games are underway. Once again, there is much more to this than your typical action sequences. Amidst the knives and arrows, the characters continue to develop as we see the inherent good in Katniss and the devotion of Peeta, not to mention the things that we learn about members of the government. I credit the writers and editors for their careful treatment of violence in this film. Obviously fighting and killing is a very important part of the, but they have settled on the perfect degree of violent imagery to effectively tell the story and create emotions while keeping it clean enough for the 9-year-old girls who inevitably watch the film. There was a lot of shakey camera technique in this film, almost too much, but it really helped to bring the violent sequences to life without showing too much. The special effects are simply awesome, from the fire dress to the tracker jackers, not to mention the entire futuristic world. Amidst these special effects, the film takes time for its emotional moments, particularly Rue's entire death sequence and Katniss' goodbye with Cinna. Probably the only part of the film that I didn't care for was the final battle on the Cornucopia which just felt weak compared to the rest of the film. Regardless, this film is a success because of the acting of Jennifer Lawrence. This unbelievably talented young actress (of "Winter's Bone" fame) brings this heroine to life and energizes the entire film. She provides both the sacrificial devotion to her family and the kick-butt attitude that we love to see in Katniss. After her, it is the secondary characters that really stuck out to me - I barely recognized Stanley Tucci in the role of Caesar Flickerman and it was tough to believe that this reality tv host is the same person who played a child molester in "The Lovely Bones." Donald Sutherland is marvelous as always and the surprise performance for me came from Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. "The Hunger Games" left me frozen in my seat, barely able to leave the theater because it was such an awesome trip. I can't wait to see the rest of the series and highly recommend that you jump onto the bandwagon ASAP!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Changing Lanes - 5 stars out of 10
Changing Lanes - 5 stars out of 10
"Changing Lanes" is a thriller whose characters go beyond reasonable (and believable) actions, but you won't care. The film works because the car crash at the beginning of the film dramatically destroys the lives of both men involved, and it makes complete sense. The writers were really smart when they chose the time-sensitive situations of the lead characters and not forcing us to suspend our disbelief at that point. I realized that this film effectively gets its point across when I grew very frustrated that Samuel L. Jackson is trying to do the right thing, but Ben Affleck's actions force him into a retaliatory action. I typically hate Ben Affleck (and this film is no exception), but it works this time since he's supposed to be a complete jerk. The film grows a bit far-fetched with the world of lawyers paying people to change the bank accounts of others, but it keeps the momentum going. My favorite part of this entire film is the irony at the end, when you realize that if Affleck had simply taken the time to respond to Jackson when he requested a ride after the accident, they would have found that they were both headed to the same courthouse and the entire "battle" could have been avoided. It's a simple moral about taking time to do the right thing, but an important moral nonetheless.
"Changing Lanes" is a thriller whose characters go beyond reasonable (and believable) actions, but you won't care. The film works because the car crash at the beginning of the film dramatically destroys the lives of both men involved, and it makes complete sense. The writers were really smart when they chose the time-sensitive situations of the lead characters and not forcing us to suspend our disbelief at that point. I realized that this film effectively gets its point across when I grew very frustrated that Samuel L. Jackson is trying to do the right thing, but Ben Affleck's actions force him into a retaliatory action. I typically hate Ben Affleck (and this film is no exception), but it works this time since he's supposed to be a complete jerk. The film grows a bit far-fetched with the world of lawyers paying people to change the bank accounts of others, but it keeps the momentum going. My favorite part of this entire film is the irony at the end, when you realize that if Affleck had simply taken the time to respond to Jackson when he requested a ride after the accident, they would have found that they were both headed to the same courthouse and the entire "battle" could have been avoided. It's a simple moral about taking time to do the right thing, but an important moral nonetheless.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mary Poppins - 10 stars out of 10
Mary Poppins - 10 stars out of 10
"Mary Poppins" is practically perfect in every way. Not just the character, but the entire movie! This Jolly Holiday is Walt Disney's live-action masterpiece. Whether it is the music, characters, script, special effects, art direction, or any other aspect that you can name, it is difficult to find fault with "Mary Poppins." The amazing thing about this film is that, as much as I enjoyed it as a child, this classic definitely gets better with age. In addition to the "magical" moments that make this film perfect for children, it also has a certain sophistication about its characters and some more complex themes that a child might not absorb. You really can't beat the acting in this film. Julie Andrews made this role into what it is, David Tomlinson is perfect as the father that works too many hours to get to know his children (not to mention his comical flustered moments), and who could forget Ed Wynn as Uncle Albert, laughing on the ceiling during a tea party. Reta Shaw (Cook), Hermione Baddeley (Maid), and Glynis Johns (Mother) are a wonderful trio of comic relief. And you simply have to save Dick van Dyke for last in his dual roles, first as Bert, the storyteller with a different occupation each day, and hilariously disguised as Mr. Dawes Sr. Its memorable songs are known by every child and adult, even the ones who have never seen it, from A Spoonful of Sugar to Let's Go Fly A Kite, Feed the Birds to Step in Time, and Chim Chim Cher-ee to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Even the secondary songs are awesome! I particularly enjoy these songs as an adult because the lyrics mean so much more to me (sometimes in a sentimental way, but more often in a comical, clever way). But the most important aspect of "Mary Poppins" is the film's magical quality. What other movie has someone riding up a banister in reverse, a tea party in mid-air, a bottomless carpet bag, a delightful cartoon world inside of a sidewalk chalk picture, a rooftop staircase made of smoke, a duet with your reflection (and a whistling bird), carousel horses that race without a carousel, and a nanny who comes and goes by way of umbrella? The number of special effects is countless, my favorite of which being Bert's dance with the cartoon penguins. This family-friendly film is the definition of a classic. To anybody who has seen it, the words "Mary Poppins" will automatically bring a smile to their face and once you've seen it, you will also find yourself with a sentimental smile at the simple mentioning of its title.
"Mary Poppins" is practically perfect in every way. Not just the character, but the entire movie! This Jolly Holiday is Walt Disney's live-action masterpiece. Whether it is the music, characters, script, special effects, art direction, or any other aspect that you can name, it is difficult to find fault with "Mary Poppins." The amazing thing about this film is that, as much as I enjoyed it as a child, this classic definitely gets better with age. In addition to the "magical" moments that make this film perfect for children, it also has a certain sophistication about its characters and some more complex themes that a child might not absorb. You really can't beat the acting in this film. Julie Andrews made this role into what it is, David Tomlinson is perfect as the father that works too many hours to get to know his children (not to mention his comical flustered moments), and who could forget Ed Wynn as Uncle Albert, laughing on the ceiling during a tea party. Reta Shaw (Cook), Hermione Baddeley (Maid), and Glynis Johns (Mother) are a wonderful trio of comic relief. And you simply have to save Dick van Dyke for last in his dual roles, first as Bert, the storyteller with a different occupation each day, and hilariously disguised as Mr. Dawes Sr. Its memorable songs are known by every child and adult, even the ones who have never seen it, from A Spoonful of Sugar to Let's Go Fly A Kite, Feed the Birds to Step in Time, and Chim Chim Cher-ee to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Even the secondary songs are awesome! I particularly enjoy these songs as an adult because the lyrics mean so much more to me (sometimes in a sentimental way, but more often in a comical, clever way). But the most important aspect of "Mary Poppins" is the film's magical quality. What other movie has someone riding up a banister in reverse, a tea party in mid-air, a bottomless carpet bag, a delightful cartoon world inside of a sidewalk chalk picture, a rooftop staircase made of smoke, a duet with your reflection (and a whistling bird), carousel horses that race without a carousel, and a nanny who comes and goes by way of umbrella? The number of special effects is countless, my favorite of which being Bert's dance with the cartoon penguins. This family-friendly film is the definition of a classic. To anybody who has seen it, the words "Mary Poppins" will automatically bring a smile to their face and once you've seen it, you will also find yourself with a sentimental smile at the simple mentioning of its title.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Grey - 3 stars out of 10
The Grey - 3 stars out of 10
"The Grey" is another Hollywood thriller that takes itself too seriously. Pretending to be an action film in which a group of low-lifes are being stalked by a pack of wolves, this is actually a philosophical examination of the value of life and, out of nowhere, the existence of a merciful God in the last few minutes. Maybe I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem like the target audience of "The Grey" would be watching the film for these themes. Who wrote this script anyways? The creators of "1000 Ways to Die"? "Have we already had someone eaten by wolves?" "Yep." "How about falling out of a tree, breaking his legs, and then eaten by wolves?" "Yep." "Drowned?" "Hmm... nope, not yet." "Okay, let's drown this guy." The writers wrote themselves in circles until it becomes very apparent during the final half-hour that there is not a good way to end this story. Whether they all get eaten or a few survive, this film was sure to end with dissatisfaction. Liam Neeson is a great actor and the wolves were cool, but there is a lot missing from the equation to make this film worth watching.
"The Grey" is another Hollywood thriller that takes itself too seriously. Pretending to be an action film in which a group of low-lifes are being stalked by a pack of wolves, this is actually a philosophical examination of the value of life and, out of nowhere, the existence of a merciful God in the last few minutes. Maybe I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem like the target audience of "The Grey" would be watching the film for these themes. Who wrote this script anyways? The creators of "1000 Ways to Die"? "Have we already had someone eaten by wolves?" "Yep." "How about falling out of a tree, breaking his legs, and then eaten by wolves?" "Yep." "Drowned?" "Hmm... nope, not yet." "Okay, let's drown this guy." The writers wrote themselves in circles until it becomes very apparent during the final half-hour that there is not a good way to end this story. Whether they all get eaten or a few survive, this film was sure to end with dissatisfaction. Liam Neeson is a great actor and the wolves were cool, but there is a lot missing from the equation to make this film worth watching.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey - 10 stars out of 10
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey - 10 stars out of 10
"Being Elmo" is more than you expect. I had heard that this documentary was great but I could not understand why. I mean, it's cool to see the other half of puppeteering but how would this be any different than a DVD featurette on one of the Muppet movies? Little did I know that this film is more about the journey than the destination. "Being Elmo" is the inspirational story of Kevin Clash, who fell in love with Sesame Street and began building puppets with nothing more than the fur from his father's coat and a dream. As Clash goes from being the kid who gets teased for playing with puppets (by classmates and adults alike) to local tv star, you'll definitely be cheering him on. I might have even been more proud of him than his own mother when he visits the Sesame Street studio and... I don't want to tell anymore and spoil the journey for you! Once he arrives, it is very heartwarming to see the love that the Make-A-Wish children have for Elmo, the personality that Clash designed. This is simple the story of a great guy who deserves the success that he has found. By the end of this film, if you aren't convinced that you can reach your dreams if you simply refuse to give up, then you have completely missed the point
"Being Elmo" is more than you expect. I had heard that this documentary was great but I could not understand why. I mean, it's cool to see the other half of puppeteering but how would this be any different than a DVD featurette on one of the Muppet movies? Little did I know that this film is more about the journey than the destination. "Being Elmo" is the inspirational story of Kevin Clash, who fell in love with Sesame Street and began building puppets with nothing more than the fur from his father's coat and a dream. As Clash goes from being the kid who gets teased for playing with puppets (by classmates and adults alike) to local tv star, you'll definitely be cheering him on. I might have even been more proud of him than his own mother when he visits the Sesame Street studio and... I don't want to tell anymore and spoil the journey for you! Once he arrives, it is very heartwarming to see the love that the Make-A-Wish children have for Elmo, the personality that Clash designed. This is simple the story of a great guy who deserves the success that he has found. By the end of this film, if you aren't convinced that you can reach your dreams if you simply refuse to give up, then you have completely missed the point
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Anonymous - 2 stars out of 10
Anonymous - 2 stars out of 10
"Anonymous" is all over the place. Its title is ironic since this film does not seem to have an identity. Is it a thriller? Is it historical? Is it a romance? Is it philosophical? What exactly is this film, if not a jumble of ideas mixed into one. I wish that they could have just told the Shakespearean conspiracy theory without trying to mimic "Amadeus" by telling the story in the background of another story. The film continually moves forward and backward through time. Since it sometimes flashes back 40 years and other times only 5 years, confusion takes over as the characters are sometimes played by the same actors, sometimes by different ones. You will need a road map to keep all of the characters straight as this film dawdles through time. It is a shame that this story lacked cohesiveness since the action was good and Vanessa Redgrave offers a nice performance as Queen Elizabeth. This film showed promise in its previews and offers a unique conspiracy theory but, based on this poor execution, if I was the producer I would want to remain "Anonymous."
"Anonymous" is all over the place. Its title is ironic since this film does not seem to have an identity. Is it a thriller? Is it historical? Is it a romance? Is it philosophical? What exactly is this film, if not a jumble of ideas mixed into one. I wish that they could have just told the Shakespearean conspiracy theory without trying to mimic "Amadeus" by telling the story in the background of another story. The film continually moves forward and backward through time. Since it sometimes flashes back 40 years and other times only 5 years, confusion takes over as the characters are sometimes played by the same actors, sometimes by different ones. You will need a road map to keep all of the characters straight as this film dawdles through time. It is a shame that this story lacked cohesiveness since the action was good and Vanessa Redgrave offers a nice performance as Queen Elizabeth. This film showed promise in its previews and offers a unique conspiracy theory but, based on this poor execution, if I was the producer I would want to remain "Anonymous."
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