The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - 9 stars out of 10
Though none of the Narnia films will compare to the first, this movie comes pretty close. The special effects steal the show though, as with the first, I was extremely impressed with the acting of such a young cast (particularly Peter and Susan)! Consistent with the books, the second movie was much darker than the first. I was glad that they did not try to make this TOO family friendly by cutting away before anybody died. Overall, the fighting was pretty intense and the story was effectively told in this limited movie length. The music was not as effective as in the first, though I loved Regina Spector at the end. The bad guys are truly evil, you'll really want the good guys to win, Caspian is likeable, and you will really blown away by the special effects; in short, see this movie!!!
(note that I did not mention Aslan in this review - that was not a mistake)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Ulee's Gold - 1 star out of 10
Ulee's Gold - 1 star out of 10
"Ulee's Gold" is literally one of the most boring films that I have ever viewed. It is on par with (if not worse than) a Lifetime original movie. I regret continually telling myself that it would get better, all the way up until it'd anti-climactic ending. Unrealistically overdramatic and dragging slower than a body being dragged by an Amish buggy, this film created some of the worst moments of 2011 for me.
"Ulee's Gold" is literally one of the most boring films that I have ever viewed. It is on par with (if not worse than) a Lifetime original movie. I regret continually telling myself that it would get better, all the way up until it'd anti-climactic ending. Unrealistically overdramatic and dragging slower than a body being dragged by an Amish buggy, this film created some of the worst moments of 2011 for me.
Roger & Me - 2 stars out of 10
Roger & Me - 2 stars out of 10
"Roger & Me" explores the economic failure of Flint, Michigan following the closing of their General Motors plant. Although it is interesting to see people being evicted from their homes on December 23 and the city's failed attempts to make this a tourist spot, in the end it is just too boring. Roger Smith deserves to have an entire documentary dragging his name through the mud after blowing off Michael Moore so many times, but in the end the documentary proves to be informative without being entertaining.
"Roger & Me" explores the economic failure of Flint, Michigan following the closing of their General Motors plant. Although it is interesting to see people being evicted from their homes on December 23 and the city's failed attempts to make this a tourist spot, in the end it is just too boring. Roger Smith deserves to have an entire documentary dragging his name through the mud after blowing off Michael Moore so many times, but in the end the documentary proves to be informative without being entertaining.
Death to Smoochy - 8 stars out of 10
Death to Smoochy - 8 stars out of 10
I've been avoiding this movie for years because of the cover but couldn't believe the depth hiding within this dark comedy. Amidst the ridiculousness of this plot, "Death to Smoochy" has some interesting themes regarding the exploitation of children through television and merchandise. Edward Norton, who is so well known for his bad-boy persona on (and off) the screen, has a dynamite performance as the kind-hearted dork that wants to change the world. Norton's versatility turns Smoochy into an incredibly loveable character and gives Sheldon Mopes an impressive transformation from start to finish. Though I never would have expected it, this is one of Robin Williams' finest roles. This character allows him to portray a blend of humor and drama, while allowing him to do all of his voices and accents! Finally, I must admit that Catherine Keener became one of my favorite actresses through this feisty lead role (and it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous). Although Norton and Williams are incredible, Keener really stole the show for me, with fire in her eyes and also showing an interesting transformation. These three stood out, but the acting was strong all the way around, effectively bringing comedy to this dark plot. With things like Michael Rispoli's brain-damaged character and the step dad song, "Death to Smoochy" will have you rolling on the floor before the film draws to a conclusion.
I've been avoiding this movie for years because of the cover but couldn't believe the depth hiding within this dark comedy. Amidst the ridiculousness of this plot, "Death to Smoochy" has some interesting themes regarding the exploitation of children through television and merchandise. Edward Norton, who is so well known for his bad-boy persona on (and off) the screen, has a dynamite performance as the kind-hearted dork that wants to change the world. Norton's versatility turns Smoochy into an incredibly loveable character and gives Sheldon Mopes an impressive transformation from start to finish. Though I never would have expected it, this is one of Robin Williams' finest roles. This character allows him to portray a blend of humor and drama, while allowing him to do all of his voices and accents! Finally, I must admit that Catherine Keener became one of my favorite actresses through this feisty lead role (and it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous). Although Norton and Williams are incredible, Keener really stole the show for me, with fire in her eyes and also showing an interesting transformation. These three stood out, but the acting was strong all the way around, effectively bringing comedy to this dark plot. With things like Michael Rispoli's brain-damaged character and the step dad song, "Death to Smoochy" will have you rolling on the floor before the film draws to a conclusion.
Tuck Everlasting - 7 stars out of 10
Tuck Everlasting - 7 stars out of 10
"Tuck Everlasting" was much better than I expected. The key was its perfect casting, from the bright blue eyes of the beautiful Alexis Bledel to the incredible acting of Ben Kingsley to the spark in Elisabeth Shue's voice as the narrator. This unique take on the Fountain of Youth is clean enough for children but creates a nostalgic feel to provide the sentimentality necessary to keep adults interested. The film is complimented by William Ross's original score that transports you back to the turn of the 20th century. Disney has succeeded again at creating a children's film that is entertaining (not merely tolerable) for the entire family.
"Tuck Everlasting" was much better than I expected. The key was its perfect casting, from the bright blue eyes of the beautiful Alexis Bledel to the incredible acting of Ben Kingsley to the spark in Elisabeth Shue's voice as the narrator. This unique take on the Fountain of Youth is clean enough for children but creates a nostalgic feel to provide the sentimentality necessary to keep adults interested. The film is complimented by William Ross's original score that transports you back to the turn of the 20th century. Disney has succeeded again at creating a children's film that is entertaining (not merely tolerable) for the entire family.
The Fifth Element - 3 stars out of 10
The Fifth Element - 3 stars out of 10
"The Fifth Element" offers an interesting perspective into futuristic Earth of the 23rd century, but not much else. I enjoyed the images of New York City much more than the characters, storyline, and particularly Chris Tucker screaming like a little girl. I typically love Willis and Oldman but these were not good roles for either of them. I gave this movie another shot, figuring that I was bound to like it better the second time but it actually had the inverse effect. This film has a few interesting moments and I like looking at Milla Jovovich but I probably won't ever watch this one again.
"The Fifth Element" offers an interesting perspective into futuristic Earth of the 23rd century, but not much else. I enjoyed the images of New York City much more than the characters, storyline, and particularly Chris Tucker screaming like a little girl. I typically love Willis and Oldman but these were not good roles for either of them. I gave this movie another shot, figuring that I was bound to like it better the second time but it actually had the inverse effect. This film has a few interesting moments and I like looking at Milla Jovovich but I probably won't ever watch this one again.
Waterworld - 2 stars out of 10
Waterworld - 2 stars out of 10
"Waterworld" is one of those films that isn't good but everybody has to see it at least once for its unique concept (and for being an infamously overbudgeted failure). The dialogue and the acting leave something to be desired (someone should've strangled Tina Majorino who ruined every scene by opening her mouth), but the scenery is gorgeous. The Peter Gunn Theme was horribly out of place and made me realize early on that this would not be a good experience. If they were trying to be anachronistic... they failed. When a film uses popular music throughout it can work (A Knight's Tale), but that single song was completely out of place. The Smokers had might as well been the extreme skateboarding robbers from Paul Blart: Mall Cop, possessing a lot of characteristics of goofy children's movie villains. I have a hard time believing that Kevin Costner didn't have the lead in Shawshank Redemption because of this film but everybody makes mistakes. I typically like Dennis Hopper but he was a less-than-adequate villain, earning a Razzie for being awful. Finally, when the old guy reappears in the sky, I was just done. This movie could've been an epic and innovative film is not for horrible dialogue, bad acting, and a weak story. Actually, they should just scrap this movie and use some of the scenery in Disney's "Earth."
"Waterworld" is one of those films that isn't good but everybody has to see it at least once for its unique concept (and for being an infamously overbudgeted failure). The dialogue and the acting leave something to be desired (someone should've strangled Tina Majorino who ruined every scene by opening her mouth), but the scenery is gorgeous. The Peter Gunn Theme was horribly out of place and made me realize early on that this would not be a good experience. If they were trying to be anachronistic... they failed. When a film uses popular music throughout it can work (A Knight's Tale), but that single song was completely out of place. The Smokers had might as well been the extreme skateboarding robbers from Paul Blart: Mall Cop, possessing a lot of characteristics of goofy children's movie villains. I have a hard time believing that Kevin Costner didn't have the lead in Shawshank Redemption because of this film but everybody makes mistakes. I typically like Dennis Hopper but he was a less-than-adequate villain, earning a Razzie for being awful. Finally, when the old guy reappears in the sky, I was just done. This movie could've been an epic and innovative film is not for horrible dialogue, bad acting, and a weak story. Actually, they should just scrap this movie and use some of the scenery in Disney's "Earth."
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