Starship Troopers - 2 stars out of 10
"Starship Troopers" is a lot of decent bug-explosion special effects with nothing of quality to pull them together. The story is okay but the dialogue and acting gives an overarching sensation of "who cares?" There was about as much attraction between the lead characters as there is between oil and water. While the special effects are realistic (CGI bugs as well as gore), they just made it apparent that the actors had less depth than the computer generated bugs. There are a lot of action films and a lot of sci-fi films better than this one - this one isn't really a necessity.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Rashomon (In the Woods) - 3 stars out of 10
Rashomon (In the Woods) - 3 stars out of 10
The synopsis sounded awesome. The film was mediocre. A series of contradictory stories from the perspectives of witnesses reveals the details of a rape/murder while the viewer tries to decide what is true and what is false. Conceptually, it is great and inspired many films to use this technique, my favorite of which is "Clue." Unlike its modern equivalents, "Rashomon" never confirms which version of the story (if any) is true. Unfortunately, this film lacks in the acting category. Every time that the Bandit laughs, I just wanted to slap him. The film got better as the film progressed, delivering about 40 minutes of entertainment. Unfortunately, it drops off again during the final battle scene. I understand that it's making a statement of how different the characters are from the Woodcutter's perspective, but it was annoying to watch a few Japanese guys keep falling on the ground for 15 minutes. It's an historical piece but I'd rather watch a modern film that also uses the multiple-perspective concept.
The synopsis sounded awesome. The film was mediocre. A series of contradictory stories from the perspectives of witnesses reveals the details of a rape/murder while the viewer tries to decide what is true and what is false. Conceptually, it is great and inspired many films to use this technique, my favorite of which is "Clue." Unlike its modern equivalents, "Rashomon" never confirms which version of the story (if any) is true. Unfortunately, this film lacks in the acting category. Every time that the Bandit laughs, I just wanted to slap him. The film got better as the film progressed, delivering about 40 minutes of entertainment. Unfortunately, it drops off again during the final battle scene. I understand that it's making a statement of how different the characters are from the Woodcutter's perspective, but it was annoying to watch a few Japanese guys keep falling on the ground for 15 minutes. It's an historical piece but I'd rather watch a modern film that also uses the multiple-perspective concept.
Reversal of Fortune - 6 stars out of 10
Reversal of Fortune - 6 stars out of 10
Despite its title constantly making me think of "Wheel of Fortune," this film has nothing to do with a wheel and everything to do with and interesting true court case. Although Jeremy Irons deservedly won an Oscar for his dastardly performance, this film is all about Ron Silver. His portrayal of Alan Dershowitz is the single source of momentum in the film. Although Glenn Close is a great actress, this is one of the stalest performances that I have seen from her. What do you expect from an actress playing a vegetable? If you have a poor impression of her after this film, just watch Fatal Attraction. This story would be impressive if it was fiction, but the fact that this was a real court case makes it incredible. Despite it's excellent dialogue, the film does drag at points but it's worth it to see the case come together. The highlight of the film is definitely when Jeremy Irons, with the exact inflection as Scar, says ?u have no idea?verbatim from The Lion King. I wouldn't put it in my Top 100, but "Reversal of Fortune" is definitely an interesting historical court case brought to life on the screen.
Despite its title constantly making me think of "Wheel of Fortune," this film has nothing to do with a wheel and everything to do with and interesting true court case. Although Jeremy Irons deservedly won an Oscar for his dastardly performance, this film is all about Ron Silver. His portrayal of Alan Dershowitz is the single source of momentum in the film. Although Glenn Close is a great actress, this is one of the stalest performances that I have seen from her. What do you expect from an actress playing a vegetable? If you have a poor impression of her after this film, just watch Fatal Attraction. This story would be impressive if it was fiction, but the fact that this was a real court case makes it incredible. Despite it's excellent dialogue, the film does drag at points but it's worth it to see the case come together. The highlight of the film is definitely when Jeremy Irons, with the exact inflection as Scar, says ?u have no idea?verbatim from The Lion King. I wouldn't put it in my Top 100, but "Reversal of Fortune" is definitely an interesting historical court case brought to life on the screen.
Sunshine Cleaning - 3 stars out of 10
Sunshine Cleaning - 3 stars out of 10
I probably should've loved this movie but I didn't. Amy Adams is wonderful, but when it comes down to it I just can't get into dark comedies. I was actually very interested by the plot but I just did not find it entertaining and, compared to the dynamic characters of "Little Miss Sunshine," these fell flat. I didn't really latch onto the kid and I feel like that would've probably helped me to feel a connection to the characters. I can think of better ways to spend my time than by watching this movie but in the end, at least I had a chance to watch Amy Adams further diversify her acting career in another unique role.
I probably should've loved this movie but I didn't. Amy Adams is wonderful, but when it comes down to it I just can't get into dark comedies. I was actually very interested by the plot but I just did not find it entertaining and, compared to the dynamic characters of "Little Miss Sunshine," these fell flat. I didn't really latch onto the kid and I feel like that would've probably helped me to feel a connection to the characters. I can think of better ways to spend my time than by watching this movie but in the end, at least I had a chance to watch Amy Adams further diversify her acting career in another unique role.
Street Smart - 6 stars out of 10
Street Smart - 6 stars out of 10
"Street Smart" provides insight into the world of pimps and prostitutes; unfortunately, I didn't really want this much insight into prostitution. I must laud Morgan Freeman for his Oscar-nominated role, as his bi-polarity between friendliness and cruelty was unnerving. He was great, though I prefer his roles in Driving Miss Daisy, Shawshank, Batman, or just about any other film over this one. Christopher Reeve was just okay while Kathy Baker stole the show as the prostitute Punchy, particularly during the chiling threat scene ("which eye?") with Freeman. While the concept of a fictional article that resembles real-life events was interesting, the thought to use the concept on a story about a pimp was a mistake.
"Street Smart" provides insight into the world of pimps and prostitutes; unfortunately, I didn't really want this much insight into prostitution. I must laud Morgan Freeman for his Oscar-nominated role, as his bi-polarity between friendliness and cruelty was unnerving. He was great, though I prefer his roles in Driving Miss Daisy, Shawshank, Batman, or just about any other film over this one. Christopher Reeve was just okay while Kathy Baker stole the show as the prostitute Punchy, particularly during the chiling threat scene ("which eye?") with Freeman. While the concept of a fictional article that resembles real-life events was interesting, the thought to use the concept on a story about a pimp was a mistake.
Ladrón Que Roba A Ladrón (To Rob a Thief) - 8 stars out of 10
Ladrón Que Roba A Ladrón (To Rob a Thief) - 8 stars out of 10
"Ladrón Que Roba A Ladrón" (To Rob a Thief) is an excellent heist movie that is appropriately performed in Spanish. Although the film takes place in the United States, the main characters are immigrants and the heist victim is a Latin American who has taken advantage of other Latinos through infomercials on a Spanish-speaking television network. The dialogue is easy to follow, the story avoids plotholes, and the twists are very clever. The best part of the film come from the actors. Stunning performances by Colunga, Varoni, and Lisazo as the protagonists and antagonist (respectively) give the film life while Ivonne Montero is aided by her character's feisty personality to leave a very memorable impression. Julie Gonzalo surprised me, as I am so used to her English-speaking roles. The writers did a great job of creating quirky characters in the crew that played well off of each other (Torre as the buffoon actor was great) and I'd watch this film again just for the comedic chemistry in the group. This is one of the better Spanish-speaking films that I have seen and if you like heist movies, this is one of the few that can compare with "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Italian Job".
"Ladrón Que Roba A Ladrón" (To Rob a Thief) is an excellent heist movie that is appropriately performed in Spanish. Although the film takes place in the United States, the main characters are immigrants and the heist victim is a Latin American who has taken advantage of other Latinos through infomercials on a Spanish-speaking television network. The dialogue is easy to follow, the story avoids plotholes, and the twists are very clever. The best part of the film come from the actors. Stunning performances by Colunga, Varoni, and Lisazo as the protagonists and antagonist (respectively) give the film life while Ivonne Montero is aided by her character's feisty personality to leave a very memorable impression. Julie Gonzalo surprised me, as I am so used to her English-speaking roles. The writers did a great job of creating quirky characters in the crew that played well off of each other (Torre as the buffoon actor was great) and I'd watch this film again just for the comedic chemistry in the group. This is one of the better Spanish-speaking films that I have seen and if you like heist movies, this is one of the few that can compare with "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Italian Job".
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Super 8 - 9 stars out of 10
Super 8 - 9 stars out of 10
This unique mystery from J.J. Abrams did everything right and very few things wrong. Setting itself apart from Cloverfield, "Super 8" blends action and drama with comedy to make for an entertaining experience. The comedy sometimes interrupts a serious moment for a lighthearted feel but is always appropriately timed, never ruining the overall mood of the film. I had my doubts about Elle Fanning, even after her first few scenes of the movie, but once she started to cry it became immediately apparent that a new star has been born. It was very smart to use a basically unknown cast for this period piece, giving it a historical and believable feel. It would have lost the effect with a well-known celebrity in all of the scenes. I thought that the child actors were incredible (giving the film a Goonies feel with more believable acting). Joel Courtney and Fanning provided the dramatic moments while Ryan Lee and Riley Griffiths were absolutely hilarious. The action is incredible, particularly the train crash sequence. That sequence seems to last for an adrenaline-packed eternity. There was a good balance of jump scenes with pure action scenes and, though you really have to suspend your disbelief for aspects of the ending, it was a nice blend of action and emotion. I think that any cinematic resemblances to E.T. (particularly the end) were completely intentional from Spielberg. My only complaint is that the "mystery" receives way too much screen time, particularly in the cave. The novelty of Cloverfield is that, in Hitchcockian style, you only see the monster for a split second at a time and your imagination fills in all of the gaps. The same strategy would have been incredibly effective here (and was for the first 80 minutes of the movie), but the impressive CGI should have been edited out at the last minute in lieu of the mystery. I'd rather see too little and be kept wondering than to see too much and wish I hadn't. I personally did not like this movie as much as Cloverfield (and I shouldn't compare them so much), but I think that it's a great story with great characters and some stunning special effects that will thrill the first, second, and fifteenth time viewing this film.
This unique mystery from J.J. Abrams did everything right and very few things wrong. Setting itself apart from Cloverfield, "Super 8" blends action and drama with comedy to make for an entertaining experience. The comedy sometimes interrupts a serious moment for a lighthearted feel but is always appropriately timed, never ruining the overall mood of the film. I had my doubts about Elle Fanning, even after her first few scenes of the movie, but once she started to cry it became immediately apparent that a new star has been born. It was very smart to use a basically unknown cast for this period piece, giving it a historical and believable feel. It would have lost the effect with a well-known celebrity in all of the scenes. I thought that the child actors were incredible (giving the film a Goonies feel with more believable acting). Joel Courtney and Fanning provided the dramatic moments while Ryan Lee and Riley Griffiths were absolutely hilarious. The action is incredible, particularly the train crash sequence. That sequence seems to last for an adrenaline-packed eternity. There was a good balance of jump scenes with pure action scenes and, though you really have to suspend your disbelief for aspects of the ending, it was a nice blend of action and emotion. I think that any cinematic resemblances to E.T. (particularly the end) were completely intentional from Spielberg. My only complaint is that the "mystery" receives way too much screen time, particularly in the cave. The novelty of Cloverfield is that, in Hitchcockian style, you only see the monster for a split second at a time and your imagination fills in all of the gaps. The same strategy would have been incredibly effective here (and was for the first 80 minutes of the movie), but the impressive CGI should have been edited out at the last minute in lieu of the mystery. I'd rather see too little and be kept wondering than to see too much and wish I hadn't. I personally did not like this movie as much as Cloverfield (and I shouldn't compare them so much), but I think that it's a great story with great characters and some stunning special effects that will thrill the first, second, and fifteenth time viewing this film.
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