Don't take that as too much of a slate on New Moon. I haven't seen it, don't really intend to. It's more just a praise on Duncan Jones' Moon, which hardly has the familiarity that the Twilight saga does, but is just as much worth watching, if not more so, given it appeals to a vastly wider audience.
I first heard about this film from being a fairly big David Bowie fan. When I heard his son was making a movie, it got my attention. I looked further, and it seemed really interesting. After missing out on it in the cinema, I decided it was one title I could hold out for until I made the upgrade to Blu Ray. Now I've done so, it was one of the first movies I watched on the format. And it was definitely worth the wait. While there's not as many visuals of space as I anticipated, the general look of the film translates to HD brilliantly all the same. And the few exterior shots that are there, do look fantastic.
Sam Rockwell stars in the movie, in what must have been a fairly challenging role, for reasons I won't go into as, well my reviews are always to remain spoiler free. So if you've seen the movie, you'll understand why. If not, hopefully I'm convincing you to go see it right now anyway!! He's incredibly convincing in his character, also named Sam, and you can really feel for him, especially in the latter half of the movie as both he and we, discover the truth within the film.
Kevin Spacey, with his legendary voice, provides this talent to robot and Sam's only companion, Gerty. There's never much to say when people are playing robots, I don't think. But I guess you could say, Spacey plays the role convincingly, but it's always good to hear that mans voice, and the familiar sound is a nice bonus for the movie, really.
As for the plot itself, there is in fact, a "twist" within it. After a post-film discussion with someone about it, it's evident some people believe this twist comes in too early. On the other hand, people such as me, believe it was done just at the right time, as the latter half of the movie focuses a lot on reaction to said plot turn, and without it coming where it was, the closing scenes may just seem a bit too rushed. But that's up for debate, and either way, it seems that most people enjoy the movie regardless.
Verdict: a very solid sci-fi movie, possibly to go down with the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey with time. Not one to miss. Catch it in HD if you can.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Thursday, 25 March 2010
While In Shutter Island The Ending Sucks, So Does My Title...
Honestly, cannot think of any kind of pun or play on words to go with this movie. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't good. Martin Scorcese, the guy's set a standard for himself in gangster flicks with Goodfellas and The Departed, so this is quite a step away from that, and his standard of directing remains the same. Just great. He may not be the most "exciting" director, with quick cuts, and all that malarky you find in action movies, but the visuals in the film are still atmospheric. Builds almost like, and better than, a horror film at times, but by no means is the movie part of this genre, no no. It's very much a thriller, but definitely an entertaining one... if you've got the patience. The great thing about seeing movies in a cinema in a group is, you get a variety of reactions. In said group of five, two of us really loved the movie, and if I remember rightly, the other three, just genuinely hated it (but keep in mind, they didn't even want to see it...) With patience for it, this can mostly be an entertaining way to spend two hours.
Leonardo DiCaprio, now. Well, after The Departed, I've grown a new liking for the guy. However, his accent in that movie was simply horrific. So when I heard, he was playing a guy from Boston in Shutter Island, I got worried. But pointlessly! The accent was just fine this time around, very bearable and had no problems with it. The acting, also great. He plays a deeply disturbed, very paranoid character, which simply worsens throughout the movie, and despite no regular direct references to this fact, you can tell, simply with Leo's acting, body language, tone of voice. Very well done on his part. And he was definitely the best part about the film.
The ending, however... I was warned beforehand, that the ending wasn't good. So, I was basically prepared for it, and it didn't really bother me. But I can see that it simply wasn't good. Of course, I won't ruin a thing, but be warned.. And by me warning you to not get your hopes up for the end, I too hope that yo can not be botherd by it, like myself. Just take the first 100 minutes and enjoy the plot thicken, the acting and the atmosphere, then just completely disband from reality, sit back, and watch the outcome pour out in a slightly drawn out conclusion.
Verdict: Leo fans, worth a watch. Everyone else.. don't go out of your way, but if the trailer appeals to you, I'd say go for it.
Leonardo DiCaprio, now. Well, after The Departed, I've grown a new liking for the guy. However, his accent in that movie was simply horrific. So when I heard, he was playing a guy from Boston in Shutter Island, I got worried. But pointlessly! The accent was just fine this time around, very bearable and had no problems with it. The acting, also great. He plays a deeply disturbed, very paranoid character, which simply worsens throughout the movie, and despite no regular direct references to this fact, you can tell, simply with Leo's acting, body language, tone of voice. Very well done on his part. And he was definitely the best part about the film.
The ending, however... I was warned beforehand, that the ending wasn't good. So, I was basically prepared for it, and it didn't really bother me. But I can see that it simply wasn't good. Of course, I won't ruin a thing, but be warned.. And by me warning you to not get your hopes up for the end, I too hope that yo can not be botherd by it, like myself. Just take the first 100 minutes and enjoy the plot thicken, the acting and the atmosphere, then just completely disband from reality, sit back, and watch the outcome pour out in a slightly drawn out conclusion.
Verdict: Leo fans, worth a watch. Everyone else.. don't go out of your way, but if the trailer appeals to you, I'd say go for it.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Sarah Who? Mila Kunis all the way..
Well, after Friday nights travesty of a rom com, I had to prove to myself that not everything within said genre was awful. So I took out the always-out-a-treat Forgetting Sarah Marshall from my Sky+ library, and laughed the sour taste of Bounty Hunter away.
Written by and starring, Jason Segel, the film already seems like it's going to be a hit with me, as a HUUUGE fan of How I Met Your Mother. Okay, so, Segel is only the second best thing about it*, but y'know, he provides plenty of laughs. Anyway, if Segel isn't enough for you, who's along side him, you ask? Only Paul Rudd!! One of the funniest American actors around right now. Don't believe me? Watch Role Models, listen to Danny's horror story about sex trafficking, and if you still don't believe me, you have NO taste. And, by the way, the third major actor in this film? It's only Russell friggin' Brand!! One of the funniest, and strangest comedians in Britain right now. He's basically just playing himself, but, when you're as funny as Brand is, there's no issue with that. It's like Hugh Grant.. There's no harm in him just playing himself, because there's just something so likeable about himself in the first place!
Okay, but back to Sarah Marshall. I'll tell ya, as a guy, the one thing I love about this movie more than anything, is the fact that it's finally the woman who wrongs the man. FINALLY. It DOES happen in reality, but in Hollywood? For far too long in major motion rom-coms, it's always the man being an idiot. This time around, Sarah muckcs him around, and, well, I'm not going to ruin anything, so let's just go with the minialistic, "with sexily hilarious results."
Fine casting in this stunning example of a rom com, where even though the ending may be predictable, it's one you WANT for a change, and you don't feel like strangling the guy for making the wrong choice. That's about the most infuriating thing about these movies usually, but for a change, everything about it is right. Plus, it's funny, with just awesome acting. And since I mentioned her in the title and not again since, I'll take a second to here... Mila Kunis is just great here! Only really know her from providing the voice of Meg in Family Guy (ew.. even typing the name makes me angry!!) so it was great to see someone obviously talented do something, you know.. good.
For the one bad point, for fellow male viewers though.. be warned. We do see a little TOO much of Mr. Segel's penis. It's quite worrying, the amount of time he spends naked, since HE wrote that role for himself...
Verdict: If you want a rom-com, you probably wont find any better. Maybe a bit more of a sex-com than a rom-com, but these days, what's the difference?! If this is the genre you're after, don't miss it.
*Nel Patrick Harris is the best thing about HIMYM, as Barney Stinson... that guy's awesome!
Written by and starring, Jason Segel, the film already seems like it's going to be a hit with me, as a HUUUGE fan of How I Met Your Mother. Okay, so, Segel is only the second best thing about it*, but y'know, he provides plenty of laughs. Anyway, if Segel isn't enough for you, who's along side him, you ask? Only Paul Rudd!! One of the funniest American actors around right now. Don't believe me? Watch Role Models, listen to Danny's horror story about sex trafficking, and if you still don't believe me, you have NO taste. And, by the way, the third major actor in this film? It's only Russell friggin' Brand!! One of the funniest, and strangest comedians in Britain right now. He's basically just playing himself, but, when you're as funny as Brand is, there's no issue with that. It's like Hugh Grant.. There's no harm in him just playing himself, because there's just something so likeable about himself in the first place!
Okay, but back to Sarah Marshall. I'll tell ya, as a guy, the one thing I love about this movie more than anything, is the fact that it's finally the woman who wrongs the man. FINALLY. It DOES happen in reality, but in Hollywood? For far too long in major motion rom-coms, it's always the man being an idiot. This time around, Sarah muckcs him around, and, well, I'm not going to ruin anything, so let's just go with the minialistic, "with sexily hilarious results."
Fine casting in this stunning example of a rom com, where even though the ending may be predictable, it's one you WANT for a change, and you don't feel like strangling the guy for making the wrong choice. That's about the most infuriating thing about these movies usually, but for a change, everything about it is right. Plus, it's funny, with just awesome acting. And since I mentioned her in the title and not again since, I'll take a second to here... Mila Kunis is just great here! Only really know her from providing the voice of Meg in Family Guy (ew.. even typing the name makes me angry!!) so it was great to see someone obviously talented do something, you know.. good.
For the one bad point, for fellow male viewers though.. be warned. We do see a little TOO much of Mr. Segel's penis. It's quite worrying, the amount of time he spends naked, since HE wrote that role for himself...
Verdict: If you want a rom-com, you probably wont find any better. Maybe a bit more of a sex-com than a rom-com, but these days, what's the difference?! If this is the genre you're after, don't miss it.
*Nel Patrick Harris is the best thing about HIMYM, as Barney Stinson... that guy's awesome!
Friday, 19 March 2010
The Bounty Hunter doesn't deserve a snappy title...
Well, as it says in the title, the movie I last viewed was The Bounty Hunter, starring Jennifer Anniston and Gerard Butler. And like it suggests in the title, it wasn't very good.
It took the best part of 30-40 minutes to even get going, with really only about two laughs coming in that time. And not even proper LOL moments, just kina titters or giggles.. But that can be said about the whole movie, really. They just became a little more frequent as the film progressed. Emphasis on a "little."
Now, when I pay for a movie, I always try to see SOME good in it. I've given my money, I like to convince myself that I got at least something out of it. For this movie, it would be Gerard Butler. His character, eh, I'm not going to say he was likeable, nor was he unlikeable. He was just a character. But he provided pretty much the only laughs, near enough. Basically just him bullying and abusing Jen Anniston was the most giggle-worthy thing in there. But it's nothing you haven't seen in a rom-com before. In fact, there's probably even LESS in here than your usual rom-com.
In fact, on that note, I think I'll wrap up. It's not worth your time reading a review, nor is it worth your time seeing this unfunny, predictable dribble, unless you're REALLY a fan of Butler. I wouldn't even advise Jen fans to see it, as she (not her fault, more the writers) didn't really get any funny lines. She was basically just... there.
Verdict: just avoid, to be honest. If you just wanna go waste 90 mins in a cinema this week, at least try make it something you can get more out of.
It took the best part of 30-40 minutes to even get going, with really only about two laughs coming in that time. And not even proper LOL moments, just kina titters or giggles.. But that can be said about the whole movie, really. They just became a little more frequent as the film progressed. Emphasis on a "little."
Now, when I pay for a movie, I always try to see SOME good in it. I've given my money, I like to convince myself that I got at least something out of it. For this movie, it would be Gerard Butler. His character, eh, I'm not going to say he was likeable, nor was he unlikeable. He was just a character. But he provided pretty much the only laughs, near enough. Basically just him bullying and abusing Jen Anniston was the most giggle-worthy thing in there. But it's nothing you haven't seen in a rom-com before. In fact, there's probably even LESS in here than your usual rom-com.
In fact, on that note, I think I'll wrap up. It's not worth your time reading a review, nor is it worth your time seeing this unfunny, predictable dribble, unless you're REALLY a fan of Butler. I wouldn't even advise Jen fans to see it, as she (not her fault, more the writers) didn't really get any funny lines. She was basically just... there.
Verdict: just avoid, to be honest. If you just wanna go waste 90 mins in a cinema this week, at least try make it something you can get more out of.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Nobody Wants Him, He Just Stares At The World...
To those of you who don't know your music, the movie I will be reviewing now is last nights excellent choice in flick.. Iron Man.
Okay, so, I've never been an Iron Man fan, of the charcter or the comics. He just seemed so very LAME. But y'know, then they go and cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the film gets great reviews.. it gets my interest. And I'm so very glad it did.
There's not much to say on it. I can't compare to the comics having not really read any. All I can really say is, you can never go wrong with Downey Jr. One of the greatest character actors around at the minute, along with Johnny Depp and Gary Oldman. If someone could get the three of them in one film.. you'd have yourself a perfect cast. Secondly, it's just a great action movie. It's not constantly over the top, it keeps up a continuous level of excitement so you're not feeling bored halfway through. It's just a very entertaining movie. A small plot, butI refuse to say this is a bad thing, as it's mainly about Stark becomming Iron Man, with an action ending to draw it all in for a thrilling close. Iron Man 2, I'm sure, will focus a little more on plot than this one, and we'll see if that works out for the better or not...
Verdict: Seriously. Don't miss it. I waited 18 months to finally watch it, and regreat that. Just, watch it. NOW.
Okay, so, I've never been an Iron Man fan, of the charcter or the comics. He just seemed so very LAME. But y'know, then they go and cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the film gets great reviews.. it gets my interest. And I'm so very glad it did.
There's not much to say on it. I can't compare to the comics having not really read any. All I can really say is, you can never go wrong with Downey Jr. One of the greatest character actors around at the minute, along with Johnny Depp and Gary Oldman. If someone could get the three of them in one film.. you'd have yourself a perfect cast. Secondly, it's just a great action movie. It's not constantly over the top, it keeps up a continuous level of excitement so you're not feeling bored halfway through. It's just a very entertaining movie. A small plot, butI refuse to say this is a bad thing, as it's mainly about Stark becomming Iron Man, with an action ending to draw it all in for a thrilling close. Iron Man 2, I'm sure, will focus a little more on plot than this one, and we'll see if that works out for the better or not...
Verdict: Seriously. Don't miss it. I waited 18 months to finally watch it, and regreat that. Just, watch it. NOW.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL! Ape-tastic Review Pt. II
Well, this is basically just a follow up to my Planet of the Apes review from the weekend, now that I've watched through all five movies.
After starting out with such a classic like PotA, there's not much room to get better. And a LOT of space to get worse to be wary of... This series, for the most part, was wary of this. Overall, it's a steadily entertaining series, despite a continous rise in ridiculousness, before a redeeming final chapter.
In Beneath, we continue from where the original left off. In a very ambitious and effective first two acts, we find ourselves not only attached to Heston's Taylor and his newly found Nova, but also a new astronaut who came looking for Taylor, whose name slips my mind (my most sincere apologies, to those so anal that they'll hate me for not knowing this). We follow them underground, and, I'm not going to spoil anything, but basically, if you're watching, at this point, detach yourself from feeling for charcters, and just be ready to be simply entertained and nothing more, because it's just downhill after a strong start.
Escape follows Cornelius and Zira from the original two, back in time, to our time, on Earth... It's fairly silly, but definitely entertaining. There's not really much to say on this, to be honest. Just imagine what'd happen if talking apes landed on Earth tomorrow, and you'll have an idea of this plot. Until the end, which again, I won't spoil, that's about it. Again though, just be ready to be entertained, because that's ALL this movie gives you. It is entertaining, but just don't expect much more.
Conquest then starts up with Caesar, the son of Zira and Cornelius. Basically, apes are now humans slaves in 1991. Caesar doesn't like this and starts a rebellion against the humans to become the superior race on Earth. Basically it's just telling us how the Planet of the Apes came about from the first movie. It's a little more violent than the others, but also much more silly. Entertaining again, but eh, it's hit or miss with audiences, I'm sure.
Battle then finishes us off nicely. Basically, chimps are the good Apes, gorillas are the bad apes, and humans fight to be equal with the Apes. More or less along those lines. It's essentially just a further telling of how the Planet of the Apes came about, however, it's hinted at the end, that the future may have been altered. Won't say how, you'll have to see for yourself, but this film, basically, as in the title, is the humans vs. the apes, in a battle for the planet.
Overall, it's a nice series. For a non-completist fan, the original is probably enough for you, and maybe Beneath to fill in any curiosities, but not worth past that. For the completist fans, I'm sure you can find something to like in all five movies, and most are at least worth the watch.
Series verdict: worth a watch, but only the original is not to be missed.
After starting out with such a classic like PotA, there's not much room to get better. And a LOT of space to get worse to be wary of... This series, for the most part, was wary of this. Overall, it's a steadily entertaining series, despite a continous rise in ridiculousness, before a redeeming final chapter.
In Beneath, we continue from where the original left off. In a very ambitious and effective first two acts, we find ourselves not only attached to Heston's Taylor and his newly found Nova, but also a new astronaut who came looking for Taylor, whose name slips my mind (my most sincere apologies, to those so anal that they'll hate me for not knowing this). We follow them underground, and, I'm not going to spoil anything, but basically, if you're watching, at this point, detach yourself from feeling for charcters, and just be ready to be simply entertained and nothing more, because it's just downhill after a strong start.
Escape follows Cornelius and Zira from the original two, back in time, to our time, on Earth... It's fairly silly, but definitely entertaining. There's not really much to say on this, to be honest. Just imagine what'd happen if talking apes landed on Earth tomorrow, and you'll have an idea of this plot. Until the end, which again, I won't spoil, that's about it. Again though, just be ready to be entertained, because that's ALL this movie gives you. It is entertaining, but just don't expect much more.
Conquest then starts up with Caesar, the son of Zira and Cornelius. Basically, apes are now humans slaves in 1991. Caesar doesn't like this and starts a rebellion against the humans to become the superior race on Earth. Basically it's just telling us how the Planet of the Apes came about from the first movie. It's a little more violent than the others, but also much more silly. Entertaining again, but eh, it's hit or miss with audiences, I'm sure.
Battle then finishes us off nicely. Basically, chimps are the good Apes, gorillas are the bad apes, and humans fight to be equal with the Apes. More or less along those lines. It's essentially just a further telling of how the Planet of the Apes came about, however, it's hinted at the end, that the future may have been altered. Won't say how, you'll have to see for yourself, but this film, basically, as in the title, is the humans vs. the apes, in a battle for the planet.
Overall, it's a nice series. For a non-completist fan, the original is probably enough for you, and maybe Beneath to fill in any curiosities, but not worth past that. For the completist fans, I'm sure you can find something to like in all five movies, and most are at least worth the watch.
Series verdict: worth a watch, but only the original is not to be missed.
And I Love Paul Rudd, Too.
That's right. I Love You, Man was the first movie on my agenda tonight.
Very funny comedy from over the pond. You've got Paul Rudd, a semi-regular for two seasons on Friends, and co-star of 2008's Role Models. And Jason Segel, regular in "Friends replacement" sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, and co-star of the hilarious Forgetting Sarah Marshall. What more could you ask for?!
In terms of plot, other than a bit of role reversal, it's nothing you haven't seen before. It's basically the guys answer to an romcom. Instead of guy wants gal, guy finds gal, relationship goes to Hell, everything's okay in the end really, we have, guy wants a buddy, guy finds a buddy, buddy messes it up, but everything's okay in the end really. Sound lame? A little... But so what? It's a silly comedy movie that'll have you laughing continually for an hour and forty minutes. It's all it's for, and it achives that pretty much to perfection.
There's not much else to say really. It's a comedy movie, and it makes you laugh. A lot. I always struggle to review comedy. To me, with comedy, if it's funny, it's great, if it's not, it sucks. I don't look much further, unless it's by Edgar Wright in which case, there's not enough praise to be given for the technical side of things.
So, verdict, you ask?! If you want a few cheap laughs for 100 minutes, don't miss it.
Very funny comedy from over the pond. You've got Paul Rudd, a semi-regular for two seasons on Friends, and co-star of 2008's Role Models. And Jason Segel, regular in "Friends replacement" sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, and co-star of the hilarious Forgetting Sarah Marshall. What more could you ask for?!
In terms of plot, other than a bit of role reversal, it's nothing you haven't seen before. It's basically the guys answer to an romcom. Instead of guy wants gal, guy finds gal, relationship goes to Hell, everything's okay in the end really, we have, guy wants a buddy, guy finds a buddy, buddy messes it up, but everything's okay in the end really. Sound lame? A little... But so what? It's a silly comedy movie that'll have you laughing continually for an hour and forty minutes. It's all it's for, and it achives that pretty much to perfection.
There's not much else to say really. It's a comedy movie, and it makes you laugh. A lot. I always struggle to review comedy. To me, with comedy, if it's funny, it's great, if it's not, it sucks. I don't look much further, unless it's by Edgar Wright in which case, there's not enough praise to be given for the technical side of things.
So, verdict, you ask?! If you want a few cheap laughs for 100 minutes, don't miss it.
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