Saturday night, I decided to go see Puss in Boots (had 2 free tickets from a contest), as well as $10 on my AMC Stubs card. So I went with my brother, and decided to do something fun on a Saturday night, instead of the usual (which is go out for a walk, come home, stay up for a few hours, go to sleep and get up on Sunday morning early for church). As mentioned, we did see Puss in Boots, however before we went to see Puss in Boots, we did buy tickets for In Time for after Puss in Boots at the local AMC Theatre, and (no pun intended) were in time to walk to and from each theater before the previews ended, thus not missing any of the movies.
For what it's worth, Puss in Boots does it's part to stray away from the Shrek Universe, and ultimately, I feel this is where the film fails, as it came across as rather ok. To be honest, most of the animated films released this year (thus far) have been anywhere from ok to average at best. This animated film although in all fairness does set up the first of perhaps more films to come along starring Puss in Boots, although I'm not sure how that would translate, as the film did open up with a $34 million dollar box office this past weekend. If you went in to this film expecting to see how Puss came into the Shrek world, then you will feel disappointed (as I did).
There isn't much I can honestly say about Puss in Boots, without spoiling the film. (The movie is that short), so with that said, I will move on to In Time. In Time is Justin Timberlake's first solo big time movie role, to see whether or not he can cut it as a leading actor. After seeing this film, I feel that he's ready for more and better roles, although his acting can still improve. This comes across when you first seeing him crying. I almost felt like laughing, then feeling sorry for him. This film scores more for a message the film tries to send, then the plot itself. Well, not the plot, but the settings. I'll just say that Justin Timberlake growing up in the ghetto, and then acting the part, is laughable at best. With that said, it's the message the film sends that really gets the moviegoer to think and reflect on things (at least it did for me).
The premise around the movie is mankind has been genetically altered. Everyone has a full 25 years to live. Once those 25 years are up, a clock is started, and this clock is in green and is on your left arm (or right), as I couldn't really tell at times. There are things one can do to increase your time, and the concept of money has been taken out of the film, and replaced with time. Some people clock out (die) at a young age, others live for centuries, if not longer, with the only way of dieing is by a crime, however the only thing that remains constant in the film, is that you don't age a day over 25 (physical-wise).
The film does get you thinking, and as for me, it got me to thinking. What would you do if you only had a certain amount of time to live? If you knew someone only had a certain amount of time to live, and you could help them live longer, by giving them some of your time, would you do it? That's just two questions I felt like mentioning, but it is a worthwhile film to go see.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Johnny English Reborn Into A Big Year
Yesterday, I went out and added to my ever growing list of movies I've seen in theaters. I saw and Johnny English Reborn, and The Big Year. I was interested in seeing Johnny English from the trailers, and the fact I'm a fan of Rowan Atkinson from the Mr. Bean days, and The Big Year had promise due in large part to the main actors in the film (Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, and Jack Black). In hindsight, I was wrong. Disappointing was my reaction after seeing both films.
Johnny English Reborn is the sequel to Johnny English, which came out in 2003. For the most part, this movie was flat, and found it hard to laugh at certain parts, even though I wanted to. Perhaps it was the fact that the comedy in this film seemed outdated, and not up to date. When I first saw the trailer to this film, I honestly thought it was a sequel to Mr. Bean, but the comedy shown during the trailer, I thought would translate well throughout the film, but I was wrong. The film isn't bad, but it isn't good either. It's average at best.
What happens when you get Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, three actors known for comedy all in one film? A good comedy right? Answer to that would be a NO. This movie left me feeling like it was a waste of a film. The premise around the film would have been better with new and upcoming actors, not these actors that have been around for quite a while. The premise around this movie is birds. Yes, birds. All three characters in this film played by the three actors mentioned above are determined to have a big year (which is how many different birds they can spot in a year across North America).
After seeing the two films, I wouldn't recommend you go see them while they are out in theaters. I would recommend Three Musketeers before these films, and I felt that movie was average at best as well. Perhaps I'm a bit too harsh with that film, but it's how I viewed it.
Johnny English Reborn is the sequel to Johnny English, which came out in 2003. For the most part, this movie was flat, and found it hard to laugh at certain parts, even though I wanted to. Perhaps it was the fact that the comedy in this film seemed outdated, and not up to date. When I first saw the trailer to this film, I honestly thought it was a sequel to Mr. Bean, but the comedy shown during the trailer, I thought would translate well throughout the film, but I was wrong. The film isn't bad, but it isn't good either. It's average at best.
What happens when you get Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, three actors known for comedy all in one film? A good comedy right? Answer to that would be a NO. This movie left me feeling like it was a waste of a film. The premise around the film would have been better with new and upcoming actors, not these actors that have been around for quite a while. The premise around this movie is birds. Yes, birds. All three characters in this film played by the three actors mentioned above are determined to have a big year (which is how many different birds they can spot in a year across North America).
After seeing the two films, I wouldn't recommend you go see them while they are out in theaters. I would recommend Three Musketeers before these films, and I felt that movie was average at best as well. Perhaps I'm a bit too harsh with that film, but it's how I viewed it.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Videogames & The 2011 Holiday Season
It's that time of the year again. If your thinking Halloween, then no think harder, as I'm referring to the holiday season. For every gamer out there, it's a cause for joy, as just about every major studio out there is in a rush to throw their best at you for you to go out and buy. For movie buffs out there, it's comparable to awards season, or the blockbuster months of summer. For sports fans, it's the equivalent of a championship game or series.
With that said, I'm going to break things down by platform. I will start off with the PSP. My recommendation if you don't have a PSP, is to wait until next year, as Sony has recently announced the release date for the PSP's successor the PSP Vita, and it will set you back either $249.99 or $299.99, depending as to which model you are interested in.
On the Nintendo DS side of things, Nintendo will be pushing hard for their new 3DS. Currently the system is $169.99, and with Black Friday a month away, there will no doubt be deals out there to tempt you to go this route. Games being released between now and the end of the year include: Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns, Super Mario 3D Land, and Mario Kart 7. To be honest, the 3DS titles seem to be a bit lackluster as of right now, but as sales begin to pickup since the price drop, as recent sales numbers that I've seen has shown, then more and better games will be made available on this console.
With the Nintendo Wii, there are still a few games out there worth getting, even though Nintendo will be bringing out the Wii U next year, and without a doubt the biggest title is The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. Other titles include Kirby's Return to Dreamland, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (although if you have a PS3 or Xbox 360, do buy this game for either system, as there's no comparison in terms of what system it's better for), and Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 (same with either PS3 or Xbox 360). As far as price for the system goes, the system still retails for $149.99 (occasional gift card deals out there) and there are two different models out there. The original model (black or white), and a slimmed down model, which looks similar to what the Wii U will look like. Difference being the newer model will not play Gamecube games, so if you want to continue to play Gamecube games and don't have a Gamecube, then buy the original.
The PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 will share a number of games this fall. By sharing, I'm not referring to being able to play the games on both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, but rather the same game will be out on both platforms. Reason why you see games out on all platforms is because the game in question is made by a third party platform, and in large part, there are not as many exclusives out on systems as there was back in the day during the PlayStation 2 days, due in large part to increase in costs. If there are any exclusives these days, in large part they are timed exclusives or various things you'll get access to on one system and not the other. With that said, the big hitters out this fall are: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (my personal pick to win this holiday season), Battlefield 3 (will make Call of Duty sweat it out), Assassin's Creed Revelations, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Saints Row The Third, WWE 12, Need for Speed: The Run, Sonic Generations, Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Medal Gear Solid HD Collection, and Goldeneye 007: Reloaded.
As far exclusives go, both systems still have them, and these are called first party titles. A game that is out now for the Xbox 360, will no doubt continue to sell well, and that is Gears of War 3. The other big title due out is Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. For the PlayStation 3, the biggest exclusive due out, is Uncharted 3 Drake's Deception.
As far as buying systems goes, Microsoft has Sony beat in terms of limited edition consoles that will make any gamer drool. Microsoft has 3 such consoles. The current model is the Gears of War limited edition Xbox 360. Next month will bring about the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 bundle, and last, but certainly not least, is the Star Wars Kinect bundle, which looks like R2 D2 (the 360 and Kinect), with a gold controller. If I had the money for any of the 3 bundles (which I don't), I'd go with the Gears of War 3 bundle.
With that said, I'm going to break things down by platform. I will start off with the PSP. My recommendation if you don't have a PSP, is to wait until next year, as Sony has recently announced the release date for the PSP's successor the PSP Vita, and it will set you back either $249.99 or $299.99, depending as to which model you are interested in.
On the Nintendo DS side of things, Nintendo will be pushing hard for their new 3DS. Currently the system is $169.99, and with Black Friday a month away, there will no doubt be deals out there to tempt you to go this route. Games being released between now and the end of the year include: Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns, Super Mario 3D Land, and Mario Kart 7. To be honest, the 3DS titles seem to be a bit lackluster as of right now, but as sales begin to pickup since the price drop, as recent sales numbers that I've seen has shown, then more and better games will be made available on this console.
With the Nintendo Wii, there are still a few games out there worth getting, even though Nintendo will be bringing out the Wii U next year, and without a doubt the biggest title is The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. Other titles include Kirby's Return to Dreamland, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (although if you have a PS3 or Xbox 360, do buy this game for either system, as there's no comparison in terms of what system it's better for), and Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 (same with either PS3 or Xbox 360). As far as price for the system goes, the system still retails for $149.99 (occasional gift card deals out there) and there are two different models out there. The original model (black or white), and a slimmed down model, which looks similar to what the Wii U will look like. Difference being the newer model will not play Gamecube games, so if you want to continue to play Gamecube games and don't have a Gamecube, then buy the original.
The PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 will share a number of games this fall. By sharing, I'm not referring to being able to play the games on both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, but rather the same game will be out on both platforms. Reason why you see games out on all platforms is because the game in question is made by a third party platform, and in large part, there are not as many exclusives out on systems as there was back in the day during the PlayStation 2 days, due in large part to increase in costs. If there are any exclusives these days, in large part they are timed exclusives or various things you'll get access to on one system and not the other. With that said, the big hitters out this fall are: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (my personal pick to win this holiday season), Battlefield 3 (will make Call of Duty sweat it out), Assassin's Creed Revelations, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Saints Row The Third, WWE 12, Need for Speed: The Run, Sonic Generations, Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Medal Gear Solid HD Collection, and Goldeneye 007: Reloaded.
As far exclusives go, both systems still have them, and these are called first party titles. A game that is out now for the Xbox 360, will no doubt continue to sell well, and that is Gears of War 3. The other big title due out is Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. For the PlayStation 3, the biggest exclusive due out, is Uncharted 3 Drake's Deception.
As far as buying systems goes, Microsoft has Sony beat in terms of limited edition consoles that will make any gamer drool. Microsoft has 3 such consoles. The current model is the Gears of War limited edition Xbox 360. Next month will bring about the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 bundle, and last, but certainly not least, is the Star Wars Kinect bundle, which looks like R2 D2 (the 360 and Kinect), with a gold controller. If I had the money for any of the 3 bundles (which I don't), I'd go with the Gears of War 3 bundle.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Four...Err Three Musketeers
Yesterday, I went out and saw The Three Musketeers, and unlike what I usually do, it was the only movie I saw. Would've been more than that one, but I didn't go alone.
Anyways, with regards to the movie, in my opinion, the movie was average at best. The movie was set in France, and would've been a whole lot better, if it had French accents, or any other European accents for that matter. The film came across as American actors and actresses being placed in a European setting, and it wasn't very convincing at that.
Another complaint I had with the film, was the title. It was The Three Musketeers. This film, at times made it seem like Milady, a teen, guest starring 3 actors playing The Three Musketeers. Pretty disappointing in that sense.
Other than that, the film does make an attempt at setting up a new movie franchise, and without giving anything away, the ending drives home that point. The film seemed to be channeling Sherlock Holmes in it's approach, but in retrospect, the makers of the film failed hard.
Would I recommend this film? Can't say I honestly would. In 3D (which I saw it in), I'd give a no, but for $6 before noon at say an AMC Theatre, or other local theaters where the price isn't high, I'd say ok, but other than that, I'd recommend waiting for this film to be released on Blu-ray/DVD.
Anyways, with regards to the movie, in my opinion, the movie was average at best. The movie was set in France, and would've been a whole lot better, if it had French accents, or any other European accents for that matter. The film came across as American actors and actresses being placed in a European setting, and it wasn't very convincing at that.
Another complaint I had with the film, was the title. It was The Three Musketeers. This film, at times made it seem like Milady, a teen, guest starring 3 actors playing The Three Musketeers. Pretty disappointing in that sense.
Other than that, the film does make an attempt at setting up a new movie franchise, and without giving anything away, the ending drives home that point. The film seemed to be channeling Sherlock Holmes in it's approach, but in retrospect, the makers of the film failed hard.
Would I recommend this film? Can't say I honestly would. In 3D (which I saw it in), I'd give a no, but for $6 before noon at say an AMC Theatre, or other local theaters where the price isn't high, I'd say ok, but other than that, I'd recommend waiting for this film to be released on Blu-ray/DVD.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The More Side of Things
Seeing as how my blog is titled Jonny's Thoughts On Movies, Games, and More (highlighted for a reason), and that reason being this entry is on the more side of things. My church I go to (first church I've really felt like I belong to be honest) has had a series for the past 6 weeks, and will be finishing it's last week this upcoming Sunday, has pretty much caused me to take a look at my life to be honest.
The series I'm referencing is a simple one, yet something more profound than what appears on the surface. Maybe it's not simple, but the series has lasted 7 weeks, with each week featuring a person telling their story, leading up to how they got to where they got to today in their walk with God, wherever that may be. I got to tell my story as I mentioned in this entry: August Entry What I did not share, are things that I have mentally blocked. At least it felt that way.
Having said that, each week that I have listened to people tell their stories (and let me say, I respect each person that has gone up and shared their story. It's not easy to go up there and share a story, let alone about oneself, and for me, I know I could never do such a thing, as I struggle speaking in front of a group like that, it's probably why I have no problem expressing myself through writing. I love it.), I have found myself looking back on my childhood, and life in general to be honest with you.
There are things about my life I haven't really shared with anyone. One being about my mom. When I first went to my church (GracePoint), I'd be lieing if I didn't say it felt weird. Not weird in being that it meets at a school, but weird in being that the school it's at, it's the last place my mother worked at.
There are other things, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver on my brother that was choking, and successfully might I add. Could have been bad if I didn't, I know that's what my parents said at the time. Funny thing, it was my first and only time doing that, and I only did it, because I had saw it on television.
A weight set almost fell on my youngest brother back at one of our first houses when I was a kid, and I somehow managed to push him out of the way, just in time, or it would have hit his head, and who knows what would have happened.
Then there are the arguments between my parents I had to go through. Alcohol was heavily used and was the cause of fights between my parents when I was growing up. I remember one time emptying out a new case of beer (down the drain) because I was sick of the fighting it was causing.
There's other things, but those are just a few I felt like mentioning and/or sharing in this entry.
The series I'm referencing is a simple one, yet something more profound than what appears on the surface. Maybe it's not simple, but the series has lasted 7 weeks, with each week featuring a person telling their story, leading up to how they got to where they got to today in their walk with God, wherever that may be. I got to tell my story as I mentioned in this entry: August Entry What I did not share, are things that I have mentally blocked. At least it felt that way.
Having said that, each week that I have listened to people tell their stories (and let me say, I respect each person that has gone up and shared their story. It's not easy to go up there and share a story, let alone about oneself, and for me, I know I could never do such a thing, as I struggle speaking in front of a group like that, it's probably why I have no problem expressing myself through writing. I love it.), I have found myself looking back on my childhood, and life in general to be honest with you.
There are things about my life I haven't really shared with anyone. One being about my mom. When I first went to my church (GracePoint), I'd be lieing if I didn't say it felt weird. Not weird in being that it meets at a school, but weird in being that the school it's at, it's the last place my mother worked at.
There are other things, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver on my brother that was choking, and successfully might I add. Could have been bad if I didn't, I know that's what my parents said at the time. Funny thing, it was my first and only time doing that, and I only did it, because I had saw it on television.
A weight set almost fell on my youngest brother back at one of our first houses when I was a kid, and I somehow managed to push him out of the way, just in time, or it would have hit his head, and who knows what would have happened.
Then there are the arguments between my parents I had to go through. Alcohol was heavily used and was the cause of fights between my parents when I was growing up. I remember one time emptying out a new case of beer (down the drain) because I was sick of the fighting it was causing.
There's other things, but those are just a few I felt like mentioning and/or sharing in this entry.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Cookies and Cream Popcorn From Popcorn Palace
This past week, I won a bag of popcorn from Popcorn Palace. I've been following Popcorn Palace for a while now, so winning one of their contests, was a blessing in disguise for me, for I've always wanted to try their popcorn, but haven't been able to.
Upon visiting their site, I was blown away by the vast varieties of flavors that Popcorn Palace had to choose from. Cookies and Cream first caught my eye, but other flavors (such as Cinnamon Spice, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie) also caught my eye. Nonetheless, I decided to stick with Cookies and Cream.
Roughly three days or so after I informed Popcorn Palace of my decision, I came home (as I usually do on a Friday) from the movies, and was greeted by a box on my front porch. Upon opening the box (once I took it inside), I was greeted with a one gallon bag of popcorn, and the presence of Oreo cookies peaked my interest.
The game plan was to save the popcorn, but as I grew hungry today (10/8), I gave in and opened the popcorn. I admit, at first when I took a few bites, I did not taste the cookie aspect of the popcorn, and it wasn't until I had an oreo in the bag that my taste buds took off. The flavor of cookies gradually increases with each and every bite (or at least it did for me) upon eating the first cookie.
After having a bit of the popcorn, I think it's safe to say that this popcorn should be eaten with a glass of milk. I don't think I ever could have said this about popcorn prior to having popcorn here, but after eating it, I can say that it's almost a requirement, and I'm sure it won't be the last time I say its a recommendation while eating popcorn from Popcorn Palace.
I can say that, as soon as I can afford it, I will be buying popcorn from Popcorn Palace again, and will take a bag or two with me to Home Church.
If you are interested in checking out and possibly ordering from Popcorn Palace, checkout their site here: http://popcornpalace.com/
Upon visiting their site, I was blown away by the vast varieties of flavors that Popcorn Palace had to choose from. Cookies and Cream first caught my eye, but other flavors (such as Cinnamon Spice, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie) also caught my eye. Nonetheless, I decided to stick with Cookies and Cream.
Roughly three days or so after I informed Popcorn Palace of my decision, I came home (as I usually do on a Friday) from the movies, and was greeted by a box on my front porch. Upon opening the box (once I took it inside), I was greeted with a one gallon bag of popcorn, and the presence of Oreo cookies peaked my interest.
The game plan was to save the popcorn, but as I grew hungry today (10/8), I gave in and opened the popcorn. I admit, at first when I took a few bites, I did not taste the cookie aspect of the popcorn, and it wasn't until I had an oreo in the bag that my taste buds took off. The flavor of cookies gradually increases with each and every bite (or at least it did for me) upon eating the first cookie.
After having a bit of the popcorn, I think it's safe to say that this popcorn should be eaten with a glass of milk. I don't think I ever could have said this about popcorn prior to having popcorn here, but after eating it, I can say that it's almost a requirement, and I'm sure it won't be the last time I say its a recommendation while eating popcorn from Popcorn Palace.
I can say that, as soon as I can afford it, I will be buying popcorn from Popcorn Palace again, and will take a bag or two with me to Home Church.
If you are interested in checking out and possibly ordering from Popcorn Palace, checkout their site here: http://popcornpalace.com/
There's An Ide That Marches Inside The Dream House Made of Real Steel
Or to simply put, yesterday I went out and saw (in order) Real Steel, Dream House, and The Ides of March. I pretty much have the timing down as to when they'd start, so my showtimes were perfect (10:15, 12:25, and 2:00 respectively). The movies actually start roughly 16-20 minutes after their showtimes.
The first movie Real Steel, I actually did go in thinking it would not live up to its hype, for the reason that Hugh Jackman actually appeared on an episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, and in large part for the reason that movies that are promoted on Raw in large part turn out to (for lack of a better word) suck. Needless to say, I was wrong. I really enjoyed Real Steel, and if you thought the film's main plot line, was fighting robots, you along with myself thought wrong.
The movie is more than just fighting robots. The movie is also about redeeming oneself, in the case of Charlie Kenton (played by Jackman), whom happens to be a dead beat father, gets that opportunity when his 11 year old son comes back into his life, following the death of the kids mom (that they don't show). Originally when Charlie's son is brought into the picture, he's only looking at it from the money side of things, but as most films with this plot, that gradually changes over time.
Overall, this movie is really enjoyable. Will this film win any awards? Probably not, aside from visual effects, but when it comes to fighting robots, Transformers has this beat in terms of the visual effects department. The acting side of things, this film has Transformers beat.
My second film of the day was Dream House, which for those not familiar, is a psychological thriller, and in my opinion Daniel Craig's best film to date this year. (Happens to be the second film I've seen of his this year, the first being Cowboys & Aliens, which ultimately was a big disappointment). This film however, was the opposite of disappointment, but rather a pleasant surprise.
Although predictable, the film was done really well, and the more I think about it, took a page out of the sixth sense's book. Daniel Craig plays Will Atenton, and as the film plays along, you learn that it's a made up name he gave himself. I can go on and on, but I would simply be giving spoilers, so I won't. I will just say that if you do enjoy thrillers, or your simply a fan of Daniel Craig or Rachel Weisz, you won't be disappointed with this film at all. Outside of the predictable plotline, the film does leave you thinking, and reflecting on things (at least it did for me).
The third movie of the day for me, was a movie that could very well be up for several Academy Award nominations come Oscar time. That film would be The Ides of March, starring Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marissa Tomei.
This film is really another instance in which Ryan Gosling (whose quickly rising up on my list of must see actors) shines, perhaps as equally, if not more so than he did in Drive. At first glance, you would think that this movie was just about an election, and the process behind it, and the movie played out that way for the first 20 to 30 minutes or so, but the film goes deeper than that.
Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Meyers, a head Democratic strategist for Governor Mike Morris (played by Clooney). However, he isn't the top strategist for the campaign as of yet. That honor would go to Paul (played by Hoffman). As mentioned, the film goes deeper than what goes on in a normal campaign. This film shows how a campaign can change a person, in some cases for the better, but in other cases like this film, for the worst.
Stephen Meyers in large part was your normal, up and coming, hard working Democratic strategist in the Democratic Party, who gets involved with Molly Stearns (played by Evan Rachel Wood), and it isn't until their relationship starts to grow, where Meyers learns of a side relationship with the Governor in this film. Upon learning of the relationship, is where the film takes off, and you see the bad side of politics, and how they can change a person. There are ultimate issues this film points out, some that could create good conversation starters.
Having said that, I found this movie to be even more enjoyable than Real Steel. Then again, I do like critically acclaimed movies as much, or more so than big blockbuster type films (which Real Steel is). If you are into politics, whether you be Democrat, Republican, or simply an Independent, you should go see the film. It gives one an insight into politics, or at least attempts to.
My recommendations for this week, is to go with either Real Steel or The Ides of March. You can't go wrong with either choice.
The first movie Real Steel, I actually did go in thinking it would not live up to its hype, for the reason that Hugh Jackman actually appeared on an episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, and in large part for the reason that movies that are promoted on Raw in large part turn out to (for lack of a better word) suck. Needless to say, I was wrong. I really enjoyed Real Steel, and if you thought the film's main plot line, was fighting robots, you along with myself thought wrong.
The movie is more than just fighting robots. The movie is also about redeeming oneself, in the case of Charlie Kenton (played by Jackman), whom happens to be a dead beat father, gets that opportunity when his 11 year old son comes back into his life, following the death of the kids mom (that they don't show). Originally when Charlie's son is brought into the picture, he's only looking at it from the money side of things, but as most films with this plot, that gradually changes over time.
Overall, this movie is really enjoyable. Will this film win any awards? Probably not, aside from visual effects, but when it comes to fighting robots, Transformers has this beat in terms of the visual effects department. The acting side of things, this film has Transformers beat.
My second film of the day was Dream House, which for those not familiar, is a psychological thriller, and in my opinion Daniel Craig's best film to date this year. (Happens to be the second film I've seen of his this year, the first being Cowboys & Aliens, which ultimately was a big disappointment). This film however, was the opposite of disappointment, but rather a pleasant surprise.
Although predictable, the film was done really well, and the more I think about it, took a page out of the sixth sense's book. Daniel Craig plays Will Atenton, and as the film plays along, you learn that it's a made up name he gave himself. I can go on and on, but I would simply be giving spoilers, so I won't. I will just say that if you do enjoy thrillers, or your simply a fan of Daniel Craig or Rachel Weisz, you won't be disappointed with this film at all. Outside of the predictable plotline, the film does leave you thinking, and reflecting on things (at least it did for me).
The third movie of the day for me, was a movie that could very well be up for several Academy Award nominations come Oscar time. That film would be The Ides of March, starring Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marissa Tomei.
This film is really another instance in which Ryan Gosling (whose quickly rising up on my list of must see actors) shines, perhaps as equally, if not more so than he did in Drive. At first glance, you would think that this movie was just about an election, and the process behind it, and the movie played out that way for the first 20 to 30 minutes or so, but the film goes deeper than that.
Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Meyers, a head Democratic strategist for Governor Mike Morris (played by Clooney). However, he isn't the top strategist for the campaign as of yet. That honor would go to Paul (played by Hoffman). As mentioned, the film goes deeper than what goes on in a normal campaign. This film shows how a campaign can change a person, in some cases for the better, but in other cases like this film, for the worst.
Stephen Meyers in large part was your normal, up and coming, hard working Democratic strategist in the Democratic Party, who gets involved with Molly Stearns (played by Evan Rachel Wood), and it isn't until their relationship starts to grow, where Meyers learns of a side relationship with the Governor in this film. Upon learning of the relationship, is where the film takes off, and you see the bad side of politics, and how they can change a person. There are ultimate issues this film points out, some that could create good conversation starters.
Having said that, I found this movie to be even more enjoyable than Real Steel. Then again, I do like critically acclaimed movies as much, or more so than big blockbuster type films (which Real Steel is). If you are into politics, whether you be Democrat, Republican, or simply an Independent, you should go see the film. It gives one an insight into politics, or at least attempts to.
My recommendations for this week, is to go with either Real Steel or The Ides of March. You can't go wrong with either choice.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Courageous...More Than A Movie
Courageous is more than a movie. It's a movie that delivers a powerful message centered around five men, their roles as fathers, and the role God and faith plays in being better overall fathers. It's a theme that anyone, not just fathers can relate to, or at least aspire to.
The film dealt with different approaches one can take towards faith, but the end result was the same. If you put your trust in God, God will be there for you. Sure there are many instances in our lives where we've questioned his existence, or if there are things that go wrong in our lives, we question if he's there or not. I know there's been times when I have, but I no longer feel that way, as I've placed my faith in God. In many ways, that's what this film tries to drive across. Sure there's parts of the film that were layed on a little too thick, and parts where it wasn't realistic, but that's not the point.
Wherever you are in your walk with God, you could benefit from seeing this film. Even for those that don't believe. It's that touching. Sure there were people that walked out, and I'm guessing they are the same type of people that walked out during the MercyMe concert earlier this past Summer, but that's really to be expected. As I mentioned there are scenes in the film where the message they are trying to drive across is played on a bit too thick. For instance, Javier loses his job in the film, (pay attention to the cross on the wall when he's talking to his wife, that's the first instance of faith in the film) goes out looking for a job, and a day or so later, after striking out on a job he thought he had lined up, he questions his faith and says a prayer to himself while walking, and as soon as he done, someone calls him from across the street by name (assuming he was the guy that was scheduled to work, which he wasn't) and instantly his prayers were answered.
For myself watching, it was completely unrealistic, but it's not that it's unrealistic that matters, it's the point being reached. The point being if you put your trust and faith in the lord, he will watch out for you. Maybe in not the way you may expect it, or want, but things happen for a reason. Sure we may not know that that reason is at the time, and probably won't for years to come, but they do. For myself, I've always believed that God works in mysterious ways. Ways that we simply don't understand, but like I said, they happen for a reason. It's another point this film delivers.
The film dealt with different approaches one can take towards faith, but the end result was the same. If you put your trust in God, God will be there for you. Sure there are many instances in our lives where we've questioned his existence, or if there are things that go wrong in our lives, we question if he's there or not. I know there's been times when I have, but I no longer feel that way, as I've placed my faith in God. In many ways, that's what this film tries to drive across. Sure there's parts of the film that were layed on a little too thick, and parts where it wasn't realistic, but that's not the point.
Wherever you are in your walk with God, you could benefit from seeing this film. Even for those that don't believe. It's that touching. Sure there were people that walked out, and I'm guessing they are the same type of people that walked out during the MercyMe concert earlier this past Summer, but that's really to be expected. As I mentioned there are scenes in the film where the message they are trying to drive across is played on a bit too thick. For instance, Javier loses his job in the film, (pay attention to the cross on the wall when he's talking to his wife, that's the first instance of faith in the film) goes out looking for a job, and a day or so later, after striking out on a job he thought he had lined up, he questions his faith and says a prayer to himself while walking, and as soon as he done, someone calls him from across the street by name (assuming he was the guy that was scheduled to work, which he wasn't) and instantly his prayers were answered.
For myself watching, it was completely unrealistic, but it's not that it's unrealistic that matters, it's the point being reached. The point being if you put your trust and faith in the lord, he will watch out for you. Maybe in not the way you may expect it, or want, but things happen for a reason. Sure we may not know that that reason is at the time, and probably won't for years to come, but they do. For myself, I've always believed that God works in mysterious ways. Ways that we simply don't understand, but like I said, they happen for a reason. It's another point this film delivers.
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