*** Man of Steel Review ***
Man of Steel Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner , Diane
Lane, Michael Shannon, and Russell Crowe as Jor-El. The film was an
awesome movie and I really enjoyed how freshly original it was. I really
enjoyed how they concentrated on Clark Kent/Superman personal and
emotion growth more than the romance between Superman and Lois Lane. I
thought the film was very raw, gritty,
and it's one of the most realistic comic book films ever made. The film
was darker, more confident and more character driven piece than
expected. The script and dialogue by David S. Goyer and Christopher
Nolan manages to take an all-too familiar story (the script is a
combination of the first two Donner Superman movies) and tell it with
emotional depth, subtle humor, and with enough variables changed around
that prevents it from feeling like a dull film. The script and dialogue
did had a few flaws specially when we get into the climactic battles,
third act of the action and fighting sequences were stretched too long.
The film has a big problem of pacing. Director, Zack Snyder crafted an
extraordinary masterpiece with gorgeous action sequences that is shining
with a Terence Malick-type of art-house quality. Snyder also proves to
be the perfect choice to direct the epic-scale visceral action that was
severely lacking in the 2006 'Superman Returns'. Henry Cavill steps
into the cape as the Man of Steel and he was an absolute revelation in
the part. Cavill does a great job in balancing raw charm and unflinching
sincerity while also convincingly selling a younger more uncertain
Clark Kent who is just beginning to realize his calling as a superhero.
Amy Adams was delightful and fantastic as Lois Lane and it was great to
see her become a more active character in the plot (aside from being the
damsel in distress). Kevin Costner and Diane Lane gave such strength
and heart to their characters and delivered wonderful performances.
Russell Crowe was excellent, he has more screen time than you expect and
leaves a strong impression. Michael Shannon was incredible, his
interpretation of General Zod was just fearless. The special and visual
effects are amazing and astounding, which makes it feels real and such
an eye candy experience. The action sequences are immaculate and well
choreographed. But, they were just stretched way to long for the screen
time of the film. I thought that the film provides a successful and
refreshing reboot to a franchise that was in desperate need of it after
the disaster of 2006 'Superman Returns’. The film was a powerful and
entertaining rebirth of the American icon that has been clearly made
with complete care to the source material and as a film as well. I will
give this film an A-.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
The Conjuring Review
*** The Conjuring Review ***
The Conjuring Starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor. The film was very intense and very scary. The film takes its time to build up tension; therefore it's more harrowing, because you don't know when the scares will start. Everything in the film was unpredictable. While it is not the scariest movie in recent memory, the scares themselves are well-crafted, and smartly delivered, and incredibly effective. The best part about them was that they are old-schooled crafted where CGI has little or nothing to do with them. The events, for the most part, was well made that it is almost impossible to find the computer made scares. While the scares are effective and realistically made, the creepy atmosphere is where the movie really shines. The creepiness of this movie is fantastic as there are numerous scenes where you cannot help but shudder. The script and dialogue by Chad and Carey Hayes was perfectly well written and who show off their skill at setting up scares and delivering increasingly suspenseful scenes. The plot was perfectly well constructed and the film boasts a powerful and tense atmosphere that will chill and terrify you. The Director James Wan did another amazing job and the fact that he can craft a truly intense and creepy ghost tale. The acting on this film was very strong and convincingly well acted. The film uses a unique framing to create tension, with creative camera angles and shots that don't feel gimmicky, rather fresh and often ingenious. The cinematography is both beautiful but is also a classical throw-back. The film really does feel like its setting, that of the late 60s. I will give this film an A.
The Conjuring Starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor. The film was very intense and very scary. The film takes its time to build up tension; therefore it's more harrowing, because you don't know when the scares will start. Everything in the film was unpredictable. While it is not the scariest movie in recent memory, the scares themselves are well-crafted, and smartly delivered, and incredibly effective. The best part about them was that they are old-schooled crafted where CGI has little or nothing to do with them. The events, for the most part, was well made that it is almost impossible to find the computer made scares. While the scares are effective and realistically made, the creepy atmosphere is where the movie really shines. The creepiness of this movie is fantastic as there are numerous scenes where you cannot help but shudder. The script and dialogue by Chad and Carey Hayes was perfectly well written and who show off their skill at setting up scares and delivering increasingly suspenseful scenes. The plot was perfectly well constructed and the film boasts a powerful and tense atmosphere that will chill and terrify you. The Director James Wan did another amazing job and the fact that he can craft a truly intense and creepy ghost tale. The acting on this film was very strong and convincingly well acted. The film uses a unique framing to create tension, with creative camera angles and shots that don't feel gimmicky, rather fresh and often ingenious. The cinematography is both beautiful but is also a classical throw-back. The film really does feel like its setting, that of the late 60s. I will give this film an A.
The Heat Review
*** The Heat Review ***
The Heat Starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I thought the film was hilariously laugh out loud funny film. I thought that Bullock and McCarthy have terrific chemistry and elevate the simple-minded material with their riffing and adept physical comedy. The film does have a few flaws mainly in the script and dialogue which relies on the same type of buddy cop dynamic and clichés that have been done hundreds of times before. But despite similarities and an overdone plot, it's still a very funny movie. Surprisingly, there are also a few twists in the film that few will see coming. The main reason the film was awesome was because of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy made this movie better than it should be. The action and fighting sequences were very well done and very well choreographed. The talents of director Paul Feig, who we know is highly capable of showing the intricacies of female relationships from his other film, 'Bridesmaids' and he knows funny, and he gives his actors plenty of room to work and improv time to knock back shots, bust a move and beat up men . The film has no claims on sophistication or originality, but it includes perhaps a never seen level of absurdity and joyful sense of naughtiness. I just thought it was simply hilarious, very enjoyable and surprisingly witty lines. I will give this film a B+.
The Heat Starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I thought the film was hilariously laugh out loud funny film. I thought that Bullock and McCarthy have terrific chemistry and elevate the simple-minded material with their riffing and adept physical comedy. The film does have a few flaws mainly in the script and dialogue which relies on the same type of buddy cop dynamic and clichés that have been done hundreds of times before. But despite similarities and an overdone plot, it's still a very funny movie. Surprisingly, there are also a few twists in the film that few will see coming. The main reason the film was awesome was because of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy made this movie better than it should be. The action and fighting sequences were very well done and very well choreographed. The talents of director Paul Feig, who we know is highly capable of showing the intricacies of female relationships from his other film, 'Bridesmaids' and he knows funny, and he gives his actors plenty of room to work and improv time to knock back shots, bust a move and beat up men . The film has no claims on sophistication or originality, but it includes perhaps a never seen level of absurdity and joyful sense of naughtiness. I just thought it was simply hilarious, very enjoyable and surprisingly witty lines. I will give this film a B+.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Scream 2 Review
*** Scream 2 Review***
Scream 2 Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox and Sarah Michelle Gellar. The film was equally as good as the original. The film was smart and entertaining like the original and it delivers the shocks and some unexpected plot twists. The film is remarkably well-acted, well written and well directed. Kevin Williamson's script and dialogue was incredible here. It builds on all the ideas that were touched on in the original and digs deeper into the characters and fan reception of horror movies in general. Wes Craven did a terrific job as director, and it shows again that he's the master of horror movies. The deaths are suspenseful, the characters are charming and likable, and the twist ending works better than it has any right to. I really enjoyed most devastating moment of the film, which is Randy’s death. Jamie Kennedy gets the movie's most shocking death scene, as well as, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s death scene was the best in the film. Overall, the kills are more threatening, it's double the horror and the film explains to us how a horror sequel works which is the most important fact of all. Again, I really liked the in-jokes, the self-aware characters, and the incredible level of gore in this film like in the original. I will give this movie an A.
Scream 2 Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox and Sarah Michelle Gellar. The film was equally as good as the original. The film was smart and entertaining like the original and it delivers the shocks and some unexpected plot twists. The film is remarkably well-acted, well written and well directed. Kevin Williamson's script and dialogue was incredible here. It builds on all the ideas that were touched on in the original and digs deeper into the characters and fan reception of horror movies in general. Wes Craven did a terrific job as director, and it shows again that he's the master of horror movies. The deaths are suspenseful, the characters are charming and likable, and the twist ending works better than it has any right to. I really enjoyed most devastating moment of the film, which is Randy’s death. Jamie Kennedy gets the movie's most shocking death scene, as well as, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s death scene was the best in the film. Overall, the kills are more threatening, it's double the horror and the film explains to us how a horror sequel works which is the most important fact of all. Again, I really liked the in-jokes, the self-aware characters, and the incredible level of gore in this film like in the original. I will give this movie an A.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Fast and Furious 6 Review
***Fast and Furious 6 Review***
Fast and Furious 6 Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez. The film was very entertaining with it’s over the top action and fighting sequences. When the action scenes happen, they are awesome. Justin Lin keeps getting better as a director, and it’s always easy to understand what's happening amidst the high-speed chaos that inevitably ensues. The film was so amazing during the action and fighting sequence because over the course of the series it’s easy to buy in to the insane logic of people jumping out of and onto speeding cars, or to survive burning wrecks without a scratch. But try to introduce a half-hearted romance, double-cross, or rivalry into the film and the momentum is lost. The script and dialogue in this film was so awful that it makes you wonder why they keep trying. The performances in the film were decent, but Dwayne Johnson and Gina Carano were just terrible in the movie. Johnson and Carano are just terrible actors and the audience can see how awful their performance was in the film. The film was explosively entertaining, wonderfully funny and outrageously over the top good time with intense action and fighting sequences. The film has the most ridiculous plot points and repetitious messages, but when it comes time to unleash some top-draw action, that's when Lin earns his mettle. The last two extended action set pieces in the film are stunners, massive, constantly evolving, and ridiculous in the best ways possible. The first was a freeway chase involving a tank and along a coastal Spanish highway high above cliffs. The second was the finale involves a giant military aircraft and a seemingly endless runway, which was the best thing about the film. I strongly believe that Fast 5 was way better than this film overall. I will give this movie a B.
Fast and Furious 6 Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez. The film was very entertaining with it’s over the top action and fighting sequences. When the action scenes happen, they are awesome. Justin Lin keeps getting better as a director, and it’s always easy to understand what's happening amidst the high-speed chaos that inevitably ensues. The film was so amazing during the action and fighting sequence because over the course of the series it’s easy to buy in to the insane logic of people jumping out of and onto speeding cars, or to survive burning wrecks without a scratch. But try to introduce a half-hearted romance, double-cross, or rivalry into the film and the momentum is lost. The script and dialogue in this film was so awful that it makes you wonder why they keep trying. The performances in the film were decent, but Dwayne Johnson and Gina Carano were just terrible in the movie. Johnson and Carano are just terrible actors and the audience can see how awful their performance was in the film. The film was explosively entertaining, wonderfully funny and outrageously over the top good time with intense action and fighting sequences. The film has the most ridiculous plot points and repetitious messages, but when it comes time to unleash some top-draw action, that's when Lin earns his mettle. The last two extended action set pieces in the film are stunners, massive, constantly evolving, and ridiculous in the best ways possible. The first was a freeway chase involving a tank and along a coastal Spanish highway high above cliffs. The second was the finale involves a giant military aircraft and a seemingly endless runway, which was the best thing about the film. I strongly believe that Fast 5 was way better than this film overall. I will give this movie a B.
Iron Man 3 Review
*** Iron Man 3 Review***
Iron Man 3 Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Guy Pearce. The film was just amazing and very exhilarating adrenaline-rush of a film. Director, Shane Black succeeds perfectly with his direction, writing and mixing it up with real world events and villains. Shane Black (of the fantastic "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang") wisely takes a deeper look at the humanity of Stark, by the process of stripping him bare and making him ask himself if he really needs the suit. The script and dialogue was ambitious but not wise enough to be rightfully beneficial. The film delivers some decent dialogue, intriguing plot-twist, sharp humor and incredible non-stop action sequences. Aside from its darker tone it still manages to be a load of fun to watch. The all-star cast was truly amazing in the film. Robert Downy Jr. is at the top of his game once again, delivering humor, charm and confidence. Downy Jr. adds new depth to the character and shines in a different light. Downey Jr. has an amazing chemistry with Paltrow and Cheadle. Don Cheadle was just terrific. Gwyneth Paltrow was fantastic. Guy Pearce was excellent. Ben Kingsley was brilliant. Pearce and Kingsley are outstanding villains and it looked like they are having a blast. I totally like that the film was darker and more serious than its predecessors. The pacing is perhaps a little uneven, but it was still enjoyable. The twist in the tale revolving around The Mandarin was a great idea and very effectively smart and extremely thought out. The Plot of the story kind of feels a little cliché and very similar to the plot line of Batman Forever. The special and visual effects were amazing and well planned out with exhilarating imagination. I thought the film ended with a bang and it was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I will give this movie an A.
Iron Man 3 Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Guy Pearce. The film was just amazing and very exhilarating adrenaline-rush of a film. Director, Shane Black succeeds perfectly with his direction, writing and mixing it up with real world events and villains. Shane Black (of the fantastic "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang") wisely takes a deeper look at the humanity of Stark, by the process of stripping him bare and making him ask himself if he really needs the suit. The script and dialogue was ambitious but not wise enough to be rightfully beneficial. The film delivers some decent dialogue, intriguing plot-twist, sharp humor and incredible non-stop action sequences. Aside from its darker tone it still manages to be a load of fun to watch. The all-star cast was truly amazing in the film. Robert Downy Jr. is at the top of his game once again, delivering humor, charm and confidence. Downy Jr. adds new depth to the character and shines in a different light. Downey Jr. has an amazing chemistry with Paltrow and Cheadle. Don Cheadle was just terrific. Gwyneth Paltrow was fantastic. Guy Pearce was excellent. Ben Kingsley was brilliant. Pearce and Kingsley are outstanding villains and it looked like they are having a blast. I totally like that the film was darker and more serious than its predecessors. The pacing is perhaps a little uneven, but it was still enjoyable. The twist in the tale revolving around The Mandarin was a great idea and very effectively smart and extremely thought out. The Plot of the story kind of feels a little cliché and very similar to the plot line of Batman Forever. The special and visual effects were amazing and well planned out with exhilarating imagination. I thought the film ended with a bang and it was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I will give this movie an A.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Scream (1996) Review.
*** Scream (1996) *** Review
Scream Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Rose McGowan and Skeet Ulrich. The film has a great mixed of bone chilling suspense and witty dialogues. The film is scary, tightly structured, and often effective as a straight horror film. I really enjoyed the in-jokes and the self-aware characters and the incredible level of gore in this film. The script and dialogue was just very cleverly crafted with well developed characters and very original killing scenes. The film is also very original and entertaining with great suspense throughout, great plot, and a smart way of making fun of itself and all other great scary flicks. The film is directed with precision by the master of horror Wes Craven, who populates the film with tons of neat little in jokes as well. The script and dialogue by Kevin Williamson is very intelligent and smartly written. I just love the opening sequence with the taunting and eventually brutal phone call is very gripping and I still have fond memories of Rose McGowan going out to meet her demise in the garage doggie door. The acting was very great with intense and very emotional performances by all the actors in the film. I will give it an A+.
Scream Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Rose McGowan and Skeet Ulrich. The film has a great mixed of bone chilling suspense and witty dialogues. The film is scary, tightly structured, and often effective as a straight horror film. I really enjoyed the in-jokes and the self-aware characters and the incredible level of gore in this film. The script and dialogue was just very cleverly crafted with well developed characters and very original killing scenes. The film is also very original and entertaining with great suspense throughout, great plot, and a smart way of making fun of itself and all other great scary flicks. The film is directed with precision by the master of horror Wes Craven, who populates the film with tons of neat little in jokes as well. The script and dialogue by Kevin Williamson is very intelligent and smartly written. I just love the opening sequence with the taunting and eventually brutal phone call is very gripping and I still have fond memories of Rose McGowan going out to meet her demise in the garage doggie door. The acting was very great with intense and very emotional performances by all the actors in the film. I will give it an A+.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Evil Dead (2013) Review.
*** Evil Dead (2013) *** Review
Evil Dead (2013) Starring Jane levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci and Jessica Lucas. I thought it was a very good film, but It lack the absurd humor that underlined the original. The film does compensate with brutal terror, gory scares, and gleefully bloody violence. The classic original had a sense of atmosphere and brooding tension, which added so much to the terrifying experience. This remake on the hand just suffers from start to finish. The only thing that makes the film stand out is the gore effects, and they are quite good and very well done. However where the film lacks significantly is that it relies too closely on the original film to create its scares. The film was not that scary, but it does have excellently crafted gory violence. The Film looks amazingly good thanks to director Fede Alvarez, and the practical gore effects can be memorable and truly digesting in the best possible way, but it just doesn't feel like an Evil Dead movie. The script and dialogue was written decently, but it overcomplicated the plot way to much especially on the book of the dead. I believe that this film's level of violence is as high as can be without veering into over-the-top territory. Truly horrific things are done to the human body, many of which are guaranteed to make you cringe, and all brought to life by what are easily some of the best makeup and gore effects ever put to film. No CGI here, folks, and only good old fashioned practical effects which are utterly, terrifyingly convincing. The entire cast does an ok job, but it’s not as strong as the acting from the original classic. The breakout member is Jane Levy (who plays Mia, the lead character), expertly infusing desperation into a performance that is truly remarkable. I will give this movie a B+.
Evil Dead (2013) Starring Jane levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci and Jessica Lucas. I thought it was a very good film, but It lack the absurd humor that underlined the original. The film does compensate with brutal terror, gory scares, and gleefully bloody violence. The classic original had a sense of atmosphere and brooding tension, which added so much to the terrifying experience. This remake on the hand just suffers from start to finish. The only thing that makes the film stand out is the gore effects, and they are quite good and very well done. However where the film lacks significantly is that it relies too closely on the original film to create its scares. The film was not that scary, but it does have excellently crafted gory violence. The Film looks amazingly good thanks to director Fede Alvarez, and the practical gore effects can be memorable and truly digesting in the best possible way, but it just doesn't feel like an Evil Dead movie. The script and dialogue was written decently, but it overcomplicated the plot way to much especially on the book of the dead. I believe that this film's level of violence is as high as can be without veering into over-the-top territory. Truly horrific things are done to the human body, many of which are guaranteed to make you cringe, and all brought to life by what are easily some of the best makeup and gore effects ever put to film. No CGI here, folks, and only good old fashioned practical effects which are utterly, terrifyingly convincing. The entire cast does an ok job, but it’s not as strong as the acting from the original classic. The breakout member is Jane Levy (who plays Mia, the lead character), expertly infusing desperation into a performance that is truly remarkable. I will give this movie a B+.
The Call Review.
*** The Call *** Review
The Call Starring Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund and Michael Imperioli. I thought the film was good and very entertaining. I thought the film was taunting, and an exciting thriller. When it comes to the third act of the film it goes flat and very unbelievable. The script and dialogue was very good, but it’s still very formulaic and cliché that follows the same formula of other generic thrillers. Director Brad Anderson gives us a full blown, edge of your seat thriller with a few surprising twists and turns along the way. Anderson, however, ratchets up the tension, aided by a lean, mean script by Richard D'Ovidio, and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat through most of it until the stupid end. I just hated the ending of the film because it just killed the whole movie with an unrealistic and unbelievable ending. The film has terrific performances from Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin which made the film more believable and very convincing. Michael Eklund, who plays the psychotic homicidal maniac, did an amazingly creepy job. The film was an intense, smart, but predictable edgy thriller. That actually makes you cringe a little bit. Although not unique or original in any way shape or form it’s still very entertaining. For the most part it’s that fun guilty pleasure. I will give this movie a B+.
The Call Starring Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund and Michael Imperioli. I thought the film was good and very entertaining. I thought the film was taunting, and an exciting thriller. When it comes to the third act of the film it goes flat and very unbelievable. The script and dialogue was very good, but it’s still very formulaic and cliché that follows the same formula of other generic thrillers. Director Brad Anderson gives us a full blown, edge of your seat thriller with a few surprising twists and turns along the way. Anderson, however, ratchets up the tension, aided by a lean, mean script by Richard D'Ovidio, and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat through most of it until the stupid end. I just hated the ending of the film because it just killed the whole movie with an unrealistic and unbelievable ending. The film has terrific performances from Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin which made the film more believable and very convincing. Michael Eklund, who plays the psychotic homicidal maniac, did an amazingly creepy job. The film was an intense, smart, but predictable edgy thriller. That actually makes you cringe a little bit. Although not unique or original in any way shape or form it’s still very entertaining. For the most part it’s that fun guilty pleasure. I will give this movie a B+.
The Host Review.
*** The Host *** Review
The Host Starring Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, William Hurt , Jake Abel and Diane Kruger. I thought the movie was decent, but pretty much exactly what you expect it to be; an interesting concept, borrowed from millions of other sci-fi films, watered down by hilariously laughable dialogue and a melodramatic, derivative romantic sub-plot. The script and dialogue was a major problem on this film, it was very slow paced and it was just badly written with inconsistencies. The script and dialogue was very weak, and it was lazy at times, as well as the slow tone of the film that does not match well with the witty dialogued of the film. The cinematography by Roberto Schaefer is crisp with plenty of cool colors to signify the mood of our pleasant overlords. The saddest part for me was that Andrew Niccol directed this movie as well as adapted the screenplay. Niccol who gave us The Truman Show and Gattaca did just a downright uninspired job on this film. The film was entertaining, but the material feels rushed, disjointed and messy. Saoirse Ronan overcomes the odds and delivers an excellent performance as best she can give the material. Saoirse Ronan brings depth and emotion to the embattled alien 'Wanderer' who still has remnants of Melanie, the human she inhabited. For the most part I can't say anything negative about the cast. They did a solid effort and they did the best they could with a poor material they had to work with. The cast is the only aspect of the movie that works, it's a shame the talent that went into this was wasted. I will give this movie a D.
The Host Starring Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, William Hurt , Jake Abel and Diane Kruger. I thought the movie was decent, but pretty much exactly what you expect it to be; an interesting concept, borrowed from millions of other sci-fi films, watered down by hilariously laughable dialogue and a melodramatic, derivative romantic sub-plot. The script and dialogue was a major problem on this film, it was very slow paced and it was just badly written with inconsistencies. The script and dialogue was very weak, and it was lazy at times, as well as the slow tone of the film that does not match well with the witty dialogued of the film. The cinematography by Roberto Schaefer is crisp with plenty of cool colors to signify the mood of our pleasant overlords. The saddest part for me was that Andrew Niccol directed this movie as well as adapted the screenplay. Niccol who gave us The Truman Show and Gattaca did just a downright uninspired job on this film. The film was entertaining, but the material feels rushed, disjointed and messy. Saoirse Ronan overcomes the odds and delivers an excellent performance as best she can give the material. Saoirse Ronan brings depth and emotion to the embattled alien 'Wanderer' who still has remnants of Melanie, the human she inhabited. For the most part I can't say anything negative about the cast. They did a solid effort and they did the best they could with a poor material they had to work with. The cast is the only aspect of the movie that works, it's a shame the talent that went into this was wasted. I will give this movie a D.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Oz the Great and Powerful Review
***Oz the Great and Powerful Review***
Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. I thought this film was just a masterpiece and very incredible well made. I thought it was way better than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film’s features visual and special effects that were a true highlight of this film. The film’s visual and special effects were vivid, colorful and enchanting, which Sam Raimi turns Oz into its own wonderland without it ever seeming predictable or tired. It had great character design and it gives audiences exactly what they're looking for. Gems, flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, sunsets, etc. that are completely breathtaking. Not only that, but the CGI is crisp and clean as well as excellently well done. The film was magical and very entertaining with a great sense of fun, is sometimes surprisingly touching. Director Sam Raimi brought a great sense of style to the movie. From the creative opening titles sequence onward, the film is full of stylistic flair, plenty of heart, and just enough brains to make it all come together beautifully. Danny Elfman's score is excellent. From the eerily beautiful theme used for the music box and Theodora's waltz, to the Wizard's fanfare, memorable melodies abound. James Franco was good in the role of Oz, and he had just the right balance of vulnerability and amiability. Rachel Weisz gives an excellent and villainess performance as the wicked witch of the east. Weisz performance turns Evanora into one of the best villainesses in Disney history. Michelle Williams did Glinda more than justice. She brought the character to life with a wonderfully sincere sweetness, and brings a real sincerity to the role. Mila Kunis was very good as Theodora before and during her transformation, but afterward she looked lost in her performance. She was not believable as the wicked witch of the west. China Girl was a scene-stealer. The effects used to create her were so good that she looked like she was made of real china. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were equally impressive, and was voiced by Joey King. The flying monkey Finley (voiced by Zach Braff) was actually pretty good and very funny. The script and dialogue was good, it had excellent character development especially with the three witch sisters. It does suffer from a story that, although simple and a bit silly. I believe this movie was just great with a few minor flaws, but it stays true to the original classic, while still making changes and feeling a little different. Everyone should watch this movie and walk through the yellow brick road to see the wizard of oz the great and powerful. I will give it an A.
Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. I thought this film was just a masterpiece and very incredible well made. I thought it was way better than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film’s features visual and special effects that were a true highlight of this film. The film’s visual and special effects were vivid, colorful and enchanting, which Sam Raimi turns Oz into its own wonderland without it ever seeming predictable or tired. It had great character design and it gives audiences exactly what they're looking for. Gems, flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, sunsets, etc. that are completely breathtaking. Not only that, but the CGI is crisp and clean as well as excellently well done. The film was magical and very entertaining with a great sense of fun, is sometimes surprisingly touching. Director Sam Raimi brought a great sense of style to the movie. From the creative opening titles sequence onward, the film is full of stylistic flair, plenty of heart, and just enough brains to make it all come together beautifully. Danny Elfman's score is excellent. From the eerily beautiful theme used for the music box and Theodora's waltz, to the Wizard's fanfare, memorable melodies abound. James Franco was good in the role of Oz, and he had just the right balance of vulnerability and amiability. Rachel Weisz gives an excellent and villainess performance as the wicked witch of the east. Weisz performance turns Evanora into one of the best villainesses in Disney history. Michelle Williams did Glinda more than justice. She brought the character to life with a wonderfully sincere sweetness, and brings a real sincerity to the role. Mila Kunis was very good as Theodora before and during her transformation, but afterward she looked lost in her performance. She was not believable as the wicked witch of the west. China Girl was a scene-stealer. The effects used to create her were so good that she looked like she was made of real china. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were equally impressive, and was voiced by Joey King. The flying monkey Finley (voiced by Zach Braff) was actually pretty good and very funny. The script and dialogue was good, it had excellent character development especially with the three witch sisters. It does suffer from a story that, although simple and a bit silly. I believe this movie was just great with a few minor flaws, but it stays true to the original classic, while still making changes and feeling a little different. Everyone should watch this movie and walk through the yellow brick road to see the wizard of oz the great and powerful. I will give it an A.
Olympus Has Fallen Review
***Olympus Has Fallen Review***
Olympus
Has Fallen Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman and Ashley
Judd. The film was just an excellent actioner with impressive
gun fights, hand-to-hand combat, and it’s very dark and grim. The film was just
so intense and very realistic that I felt that it was really happening. The
action itself is intense and suspenseful. The entirety of the White House's
takeover is a great piece of action. The Film isn't high on originality but
high on some of the best elements to own in an action film. The film does suffer
from a very cliché and very predictable script and dialogue, but it’s packed
with top notch action and a great story to boot. The director Antoine
Fuqua directs the heck out of this film with his aggressive approach and he does
an excellent job of establishing the geography of his action and presenting a
surprising variety. The special and visual effects were just amazing and very
well done. Gerard Butler gives one of his best strong and convincing performances
since 300. The supporting cast which includes Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman,
Melissa Leo, Angela Bassett, Ashley Judd, and Dylan McDermott gave real
convincing performances and they really gave the film a lot of credibility. I
really enjoy this film and it proves to be one of the year’s most entertaining
films of this year when it comes to action films. The film has excellent choreographed
action sequences and some in-your-face jingoism (a character, when faced with
the notion of execution, literally starts reciting the Pledge of Allegiance)
that made the situation more intense and dark. I will give it a B+.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A Good Day To Die Hard Review
**A Good Day To Die Hard** Review
A Good Day to Die Hard Starring Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. I thought the film was decent, but still very disappointed. The reason is because the characters along with their dialogue are lazily manufactured at best, and the storyline is pretty flat and otherwise boring. The script and dialogue also suffers from a lot of plot holes in the film and the character development was just not that strong. The script and dialogue was overdone with too many clichés and the writing also doesn't work in many scenes.The only reason to watch this film is for its adrenaline-drenched and spectacular edge action sequences. It delivers some awesome action, showing some great gun battles, insane explosions and including one of the best car chase sequences ever filmed. It's nothing but a non-stop joy-ride of an action movie. A mind-blowing and eye-popping ride that's jammed with explosive action and heart-pounding suspense. Like I said, the biggest important problem was the story, which was the weakest and most out-of-place when compared to the previous four films. It seems that this story was just put together at the last minute and it shows not only in its uninspired script but also its run time. I found the film’s story to be too forced and don’t actually feel like a "Die Hard" film. The acting was actually good especially by Jai Courtney who portrays Jack, who is John McClane son. Bruce Wills’s performance as John McClane was very over done, but he did a great good with the terrible material he had to work with. The direction by director John Moore was sloppy and unimpressive. Overall it was a decent film, but this fifth entry of the Die Hard series was the weakest. I will give this film a C-.
A Good Day to Die Hard Starring Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. I thought the film was decent, but still very disappointed. The reason is because the characters along with their dialogue are lazily manufactured at best, and the storyline is pretty flat and otherwise boring. The script and dialogue also suffers from a lot of plot holes in the film and the character development was just not that strong. The script and dialogue was overdone with too many clichés and the writing also doesn't work in many scenes.The only reason to watch this film is for its adrenaline-drenched and spectacular edge action sequences. It delivers some awesome action, showing some great gun battles, insane explosions and including one of the best car chase sequences ever filmed. It's nothing but a non-stop joy-ride of an action movie. A mind-blowing and eye-popping ride that's jammed with explosive action and heart-pounding suspense. Like I said, the biggest important problem was the story, which was the weakest and most out-of-place when compared to the previous four films. It seems that this story was just put together at the last minute and it shows not only in its uninspired script but also its run time. I found the film’s story to be too forced and don’t actually feel like a "Die Hard" film. The acting was actually good especially by Jai Courtney who portrays Jack, who is John McClane son. Bruce Wills’s performance as John McClane was very over done, but he did a great good with the terrible material he had to work with. The direction by director John Moore was sloppy and unimpressive. Overall it was a decent film, but this fifth entry of the Die Hard series was the weakest. I will give this film a C-.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Mama Review.
Watched Mama Starring Zero Dark Thirty’s Jessica Chastain and Games of Thrones Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. I thought the film was not scary at all; this film is more of a psychological drama with a supernatural element. Overall, the film was very entertaining film and a very touching fable about how a mother’s loves is eternal. Writer/director Andres Muschetti's short version of Mama reportedly wowed producer Guillermo del Toro, who green-lit this full-length go-round. In short doses, this first-time feature filmmaker shows promise as a true master of psychological dramas. This expansion of his story and style also pushes his shortcomings to the forefront, however. Sadly, he shrouds every setting in darkness--including daytime scenes. The film’s special effects and visual effects were amazing and very well done, but it could have done better on fright attacks which made it very formulaic and cliché. The plot of this film tries a lot of new stuff and I can honestly say I couldn't predict what was going to happen, although the script and dialogue still suffers from many clichés, confusing story and contrived plot devices. The cast is one of the main reasons why people should see this film, because Jessica Chastain is always able to pull off different roles in each of her films, and in this film she plays a very unlikable character that grows into a likable person. This character has a personality and depth to who she is, and Chastain brilliantly pulls it off. She helps the tension of the fear build up thanks to her great performance in the film. She carries the weight of this on her shoulders and she completely pulls it off. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau gives an exhilarating performance that helps the film flow and has an amazing chemistry with Chastain. Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nélisse both give frightening and conceiving performances, and I liked watching their characters grow through the film. Thanks to Guillermo del Toro we are given a smart and effective psychological drama that will leave you with chills. This film just felt like it had a dark and special style to it that made the film more effective and more believable to the story. Writer/director Andres Muschietti was in charge of this film and should be given credit for bringing a smart and effective story to the big screen. I believe the ending was good enough, but there's also the matter of the batspit crazy ending, which turns a supernatural antagonist into somewhat of a Scooby Doo villain. Overall, the film was told with such beauty with an amazing cinematography that makes the film feels vibrate and fine chilling. I will give it a B.
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