This past week turned out to be a movie filled week for me. I managed to go out and see a total of 5 movies. In order, the movies I saw were as follows: Immortals, J. Edgar, Jack and Jill, Hugo, and The Muppets. Rather than break down the films in that order, I'm going to go from my favorite to the worst.
Leonardo DiCaprio. What more is there to say? He is without a doubt one of the best actors in Hollywood, and this movie proved no exception. This movie was directed by Clint Eastwood, and chronicles the rise, and ultimate fall (death) of J Edgar. There isn't much fault (if any) you'll find with the acting in this film. In fact, if I were to guess, this film has put DiCaprio in the lead to win best actor at next year's Academy Awards (of course I'm putting the cart before the horse, as the nominations aren't out until January). For those unaware, J. Edgar (J. Edgar Hoover, was the director of the FBI), and Leonardo DiCaprio plays the director at a young age, and in makeup at an old age.
The makeup in this film was superbly done, Leonardo DiCaprio for the most part, was convincing in playing an old man. Rarely did his voice slip up, while he was in makeup playing an old man. Granted there were times where you noticed he sounded like a young man, while he playing J. Edgar at an older age, but it was barely noticeable.
Around this time of the year, is when Oscar oriented movies are released, and outside of the Help, and perhaps Warrior, among others, this one could lead the pack in terms of Oscar nominations. Clint Eastwood delivered a great directorial performance, with the lighting, the way the film switched back and forth between the days where Edgar was a young man, and when he was old. As far as recommending this film, I would highly recommend it.
Coming in at second, was Hugo. This film was directed by Martin Scorsese, and marked his first plunge into the world of 3D. Granted I didn't see this film in 3D, and the only reason being is that the AMC I saw this at, does not have any 3D screens.
Having said that, this movie was highly enjoyable, and an all around great family movie, that the adults out there would not mind seeing. The film centers around a 12 year old boy, whom has lost his father, and goes on to live in a train station, where he fixes clocks, and other mechanical devices. The boy thinks a mechanical machine in the shape of a small boy (I honestly forget the name of the device) holds a message from his father, but in truth, the machine holds more than that, and ultimately brings about everlasting relationships with a girl he meets and her godparents, along with the Train Inspector, and others you see in the train station. How that is, I shall not say. I will say that the "villain" in this film, and I use this word lightly, isn't really a villain at all, as he has no motive for his actions.
Coming in at third was The Muppets. What more is there to say? This film was a very good family movie, and if you are a fan of the Muppets in anyway shape or form, you won't be disappointed with this film. The main plot deals with a Muppet (although at the time he doesn't view himself as a Muppet, but more of a boy) getting his wish to travel to Los Angeles, and see the Muppet Studio in person. It is there on his tour of the studio where he learns of the plot to tear down the Muppet Studio, and it is there where the adventure takes off.
The adventure you ask? Simple. Get the band back together again. There is nothing really more to add to this, other than it is genuinely 2 hours of family fun, that won't leave you disappointed.
Up fourth this week was the 300 knockoff, otherwise known as Immortals. It's not surprising considering it's made from the same people, however it felt almost like they followed the same format as 300, and as a result it was rather predicable. The visual effects were (like 300) rather impressive and gorgeous at times, and at times it was again being reminded of 300.
The film deals with Theseus, and his rise from a mere peasant, to a man that would go on to defeat King Hyperion and his army. The film attempts to showcase a battle between Gods, Titans, and mankind itself, and like I mentioned follows the path of 300. Was this film bad? No, not in the slightest. Was it good? Depends how you look at it, but in my opinion, this film was average. Had we not seen 300 a few years earlier than this film, then it would have been something special, but alas that is not the case.
The lead actors in this film (Henry Cavill - whom for those unaware playing Superman and Mickey Rourke) delivered solid performances in terms of acting, and were not a part in why this film felt the way it did. In fact the acting in this film, in my opinion was a bright spot. If you are a fan of 300, then by all means I do recommend this film, but if your one of those that felt like the Hangover 2 was too much like the first one, then you'll get the same vibe with this film, even though Immortals is not a sequel of 300.
Last, and certainly least is none other than Jack and Jill. I will say that a week before I saw this, I did receive a Jack and Jill prize pack from Rave Movies, so that got me to give this movie a chance. Otherwise, I was completely ok and open to skipping this movie.
After seeing it, I kind of wish I didn't see it (ok, not really, I do like going to see a movie). This film served no other purpose other than establishing that fact that Adam Sandler has no business in playing the role of a woman. He was absolutely terrible in this film, and as a result, this film suffered greatly. The only bright spot of this film, and in all honesty what saved this film from being worse than the movie Abduction (worst movie I've seen this year in theaters), was the performance of Al Pacino.
Al Pacino, delivered an hilarious performance, and was consistent from his first he appeared in this movie, to his last. For reference on his role, think of Adam West and how he makes fun of himself on Family Guy. There was no difference, and the more you think about it, the more it looks like that's where they got the idea for Pacino's category. If you've had any incling to go and see this movie because your a fan of Sandler, or simply because you want to go see it, I would recommend skip. This film isn't even worth a rental, and you'd be better off waiting till it hits a premium movie channel in the future.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
An Anonymous Review...Sort of
Well not really, as I'm the one writing the review. However, the latest movie I went out and saw was Anonymous. This film has already been pulled at my local AMC Theater (not surprising as the box office returns have been anything less than spectacular).
Regardless, the film was a rather good film, considering the premise of the film. The film poises a question, that gets the movie goer to think. The question, which is what if William Shakespeare was not a famous play-write, or a writer period. It is from the point of view that this film sets off, and gets you to think.
William Shakespeare. Just about everyone that's ever gone to high school, or at some point or another is familiar with his work. Titles such as Romeo & Juliet, and MacBeth. This film proposes that the Earl of Oxford wrote the plays, and that William Shakespeare merely had his name attached to the plays, and other famous writings. I will leave the brief synopsis at that, without spoiling exactly how Shakespeare's name became famous (at least as presented by this film).
I found this movie to be really enjoyable, with only a few minor complaints (actually more like 2). Those complaints were the soundtrack. I found myself getting a bit distracted during the film as part of the theme in the movie sounded exactly like it came from another movie. My second complaint is the movie jumped a bit too much, and if you aren't paying attention, can't get lost in the movie rather quickly. By jumping, I'm referring to flashbacks, and back to present day in the film. Just as scenes were getting good, and you were following the characters, you were taken back in time, and thus any attachment you were gaining towards the characters were lost.
Other then those complaints of the film, I did enjoy the film. The acting was done rather well in this film, although a few more British accents could have been added into the film to make it a bit more convincing. I can't really recommend you go out and see this film, as depending upon which theater is closest to you, it could very well be out of theaters. I will however anyone to see this movie when it's out on blu-ray/dvd. It's a rather enjoyable film.
Regardless, the film was a rather good film, considering the premise of the film. The film poises a question, that gets the movie goer to think. The question, which is what if William Shakespeare was not a famous play-write, or a writer period. It is from the point of view that this film sets off, and gets you to think.
William Shakespeare. Just about everyone that's ever gone to high school, or at some point or another is familiar with his work. Titles such as Romeo & Juliet, and MacBeth. This film proposes that the Earl of Oxford wrote the plays, and that William Shakespeare merely had his name attached to the plays, and other famous writings. I will leave the brief synopsis at that, without spoiling exactly how Shakespeare's name became famous (at least as presented by this film).
I found this movie to be really enjoyable, with only a few minor complaints (actually more like 2). Those complaints were the soundtrack. I found myself getting a bit distracted during the film as part of the theme in the movie sounded exactly like it came from another movie. My second complaint is the movie jumped a bit too much, and if you aren't paying attention, can't get lost in the movie rather quickly. By jumping, I'm referring to flashbacks, and back to present day in the film. Just as scenes were getting good, and you were following the characters, you were taken back in time, and thus any attachment you were gaining towards the characters were lost.
Other then those complaints of the film, I did enjoy the film. The acting was done rather well in this film, although a few more British accents could have been added into the film to make it a bit more convincing. I can't really recommend you go out and see this film, as depending upon which theater is closest to you, it could very well be out of theaters. I will however anyone to see this movie when it's out on blu-ray/dvd. It's a rather enjoyable film.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Nothing Like A Saturday Night Out At The Movies
Went out again with my brother on Saturday night and saw A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, and Tower Heist. Had the much hyped, and quite frankly, a game that did not live up to its hype (between LSU and Alabama) been worthwhile, I wouldn't have gone out, but after 3 missed field goals by Alabama, and a halftime score of 3-3, I decided a trip to the theaters were in order.
First up, was the comedic duo of John Cho (Harold) and Kal Penn (Kumar) in A Very Harld & Kumar 3D Christmas. For those unaware, this is the third movie, and if a certain line by Neil Patrick Harris (as himself) in the film is any indication, there will be a fourth. This movie won't win any type of awards, and it's not that type of movie. It's just a pure, fun comedic movie that is worth getting lost in, although perhaps not at the night time price of $15.50, but more along the daytime price of $10 (still not cheap).
If you've seen the first two films, and are a fan of the films, then you won't be disappointed. In many ways, I felt this film was better than the second film in the series. This comedy isn't for everyone, as it is Rated R. The part of the film I didn't like is the scene involving Heaven. Other than that, the film is an enjoyable comedy, and I would recommend it. Without giving too much away, I will say that the baby in this film stole the show.
Up next was another comedy, or one that was billed up as one (I suppose), judging from the trailers. The movie stars Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, and Tea Leoni, amongst others. The premise of the movie is a simple one. Old guy that is loaded, defrauds employees of the hotel he lives at, and a few of the employees get together and try to formulate a plan to get the money back.
Judging from the trailer, you would assume with the cast that it would be a non-stop laugh fest, or something close to it, but in all honesty, the film doesn't pick up and really become it's own, until Eddie Murphy is heavily featured in the film (which would be when he's bailed out of jail). The chemistry between the actors is clear when Eddie is in the scenes. It's almost as if the other actors feed off of him.
If I were to recommend this movie, I would. I found this film to be really enjoyable once Eddie Murphy was featured more in the film.
First up, was the comedic duo of John Cho (Harold) and Kal Penn (Kumar) in A Very Harld & Kumar 3D Christmas. For those unaware, this is the third movie, and if a certain line by Neil Patrick Harris (as himself) in the film is any indication, there will be a fourth. This movie won't win any type of awards, and it's not that type of movie. It's just a pure, fun comedic movie that is worth getting lost in, although perhaps not at the night time price of $15.50, but more along the daytime price of $10 (still not cheap).
If you've seen the first two films, and are a fan of the films, then you won't be disappointed. In many ways, I felt this film was better than the second film in the series. This comedy isn't for everyone, as it is Rated R. The part of the film I didn't like is the scene involving Heaven. Other than that, the film is an enjoyable comedy, and I would recommend it. Without giving too much away, I will say that the baby in this film stole the show.
Up next was another comedy, or one that was billed up as one (I suppose), judging from the trailers. The movie stars Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, and Tea Leoni, amongst others. The premise of the movie is a simple one. Old guy that is loaded, defrauds employees of the hotel he lives at, and a few of the employees get together and try to formulate a plan to get the money back.
Judging from the trailer, you would assume with the cast that it would be a non-stop laugh fest, or something close to it, but in all honesty, the film doesn't pick up and really become it's own, until Eddie Murphy is heavily featured in the film (which would be when he's bailed out of jail). The chemistry between the actors is clear when Eddie is in the scenes. It's almost as if the other actors feed off of him.
If I were to recommend this movie, I would. I found this film to be really enjoyable once Eddie Murphy was featured more in the film.
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