Really looking forward to this, really like both the male stars in this, and been looking forward to some Whedon for a while (I am a fan of half his stuff such as firefly, and his X-Men comics). Looks good, although the actual blog is a kind of musical!
Okay, I apoligies to all those that expected a review for the Escapist, sadly they weren't showing that when I went (everyday bar Wednesday), so instead I went for the split second decision to watch Wanted. So, preperation was in order, rather than an escape drama, I was in for highoctane action, and I had a sore throat. So what to do, skittles give a good sugar high, so that was the way forward.
Director: Timur Bekmambetov Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie
As the film started, a reminist over the trailers, and reminded myself of my preconceptions of this film, and how I was concerned this would just go a long the lines of 'I am lame, but now I can shoot guns, and here Angelina Jolie naked and hot, I save the day, and then walk off to kick more ass in sequels'. Now, I am not saying this isn't the basis for the film or that this film is a super-inteligent drama, BUT it seemed to be a lot more interesting than the trailers expressed, the humour in it was dark, and not aiming for cheap shots. The choreography, although at times reminded me of some of the unnecessary photography in Asumi, was still cool to see, and some deaths were gross, yet not overly bloody.
The acting in this cannot be a downside, the actors are all fantastic, and I even found myself enjoying Angelinas performance it was darker than some of her more recent blockbuster flicks (as opposed to the more deep films) and this brings an interesting element to the characters development. It wasn't me favourite film, and several scenes will be forgotten, but in the end, this is a summer blockbuster for a slightly older audience, and it does this well.
Exciting action flick, and not an overdose of retina burn (like Speed Racer and some of the other comic book fare). Go watch if you fancy guns, girls, a little interesting story thrown in for good measure.
It doesn't take much it would seem, but I am very excited abouy this film. It just sounds stupid, and random, but that's what we want from Bruce. For those that don't know, this film revolves around monsters invading, and fans going to Bruce Campbell (as himeslf) for help to vanquish them. So Bruce, as Bruce, as actor, fighting monsters. SWEEEET
A new Wall*E trailer, the film may mnot have this much action in it, but I don't care, it looks cool, and I am interested in seeing how they pull off the film aimed at kids where the main character doesn't talk without making it all too childish. Hopefully not too slapstick (but a little is always good)
New trailer, go watch it, I am actually excited now after this one, it really does look like it could be good, and I am thankful for this (especially after the last film, which was a bit too much like a microwave meal for me).
Directed by: Louis Leterrier Written by: Zak Penn Starring: Edward Norton, Tim Roth, Liv Tyler
Okay, whilst this film isn't officially a sequel, they haven't remade the 2003 film, which in my mind, is clever, as no-one wants to rewatch the film. They have simply condensed the mythology of Hulk (which most people should now - should be taught in schools I personally think - Gamma radiation = hulk), but the general gist is, Bruce Banner (Norton) submits himself as a test subject in his own gamma radiation experiments, and ultimately becomes a behemoth of rage and uncontrollable aggression. This 'hulk' comes to form when his heartrate reaches certain levels. This film starts with Banner on the run, and also, Emil Blonsky (Roth) hunting him down, and admiring the raw power of the hulk.
Now, plotwise, this film, well, it's a marvel summer blockbuster, so dont expect to feel like it goes too deep into the psychology behind uncontrollable rage that is in all of us which is often a subtle overtown in the comics, and as so, it is VERY subtle in this (with Bettys [tylers] boyfriend as a psychologist). Whilst there is nothing particularly clever about this film, it does give us a few basics, some good action/chase scenes, and some interesting moral dilemmas concerning the use of the hulks power. Couple of drawbacks to this film, Betty Ross, Tyler seemed to make the character a little too weak in the film, whilst she isn't supposed to be an action star, she is meant to be very strong willed, and you would have expected her to be a little pi***d off the Banner hadn't contacted her in all these years, returns, and still doesn't get in touch.
This said, whilst the fight scenes were pretty huge, there was (as in Iron Man) a sense of relying on them too much in parts, whilst the beginning was excellent, and most scenes throughout the film used the CGI as though it wasn't there, the final action scenes, well, CGI-fest. I mean it was done well, but still, could have been thought about better, I felt. Also, finally Marvel realised their mistake with Iron Man, no extra scene after all the credits, it came at the end of the film, after the story ended, and it made me happy. Although, they could have gone for the in between credits area, I would have accepted that as a good compromise.
Overall, not quite as good as Iron Man, but a worthy Marvel film.
THE RANT - okay, I have decided I need an area in my reviews for a good old rant, this week, it comes from reviews that simply state 'well it isn't Batman'. Of course it isn't Batman is a completely different style of comics. To be brief about it DC stands for detective comics, working in solid stories of discovery, and personal agony. Whereas Marvel, well you know what the term marvel means, so is based on the huge, the very much in your face, and as such, is focussed on a younger, and more fantasy based audience as opposed to DC.
I saw these trailer about 8months ago now, and couldn't remember what the film was called, and now, once again, it has crossed my path, and is called Banlieue 13 (or Distract 13). Is this going to be the beginning of a new genre of'parkour' films. Could I watch this for a whole film, I don't know, but may be worth a try yet. They are now also making a sequel, so some people may have thought it worth it, so long as that isn't just the equivalent of a skateboard video, may be good.
New trailer for the Deathrace remake, although I do dislike the idea of a remake, and this may nood look great. It's exactly what lads need for a night it, very OTT, and mindless action, in cars.
Kinda like that arnie/king film running man, with lovejoy in it for good measure. Strange that, 2 english actors that have made it to the american audiences, go boys.
Ok, I have been realising of late that my reviews are very unstructured, and verge on waffle, so am going to try and structure them all a bit more. I will start this week, by working with a basic framework from a UK publishing company, and we will see how it goes.
-------------------------------------
Gone Baby Gone Stars Casey Affleck (Assassination of Jesse James, Oceans 11) and is directed by his brother Ben (Goodwill Hunting, Dogma) alongside Ed Harris (history of violence, the Rock). Based on the Dennis Lehane (Mystic River) novel.
In this film we are introduced to private detectives Patrick (Affleck) and Angie (Monaghan) as they are hired onto the case of a missing girl in their Boston area. As they move through asking questions, and assisting with police investigations, they find themselves not only questioning the society they live in, but their own morals and opinions too.
There are very few, if any special effects in this film, which I feel is very important, I think the closest we get is in a gun fight, but this is old school fake blood. This is not only a nice change, but I feel it strengthens the story, it could have easily have become bad if too many pyrotechnics, or drawn out death scenes were added. This film was to the point, and showed how even our most basic personal opinions can be brought into question.
I really did enjoy this film, others have said that towards the end there are too many twists, but to be honest, I felt they worked well with the story, certain twists were a little obvious, but this only caused is to focus on them and not look past to the twist behind it, lurking to surprise us. It was definately a nice change from a lottle of the hollywood bright colors we are getting due to the summer blockbuster season. I sadly have still to watch 'The Assassination of Jesse James byu the coward Henry Ford', but based on caseys acting chops here, I think I will toroughly enjoy it.
Be warned though, this film has certain elements to it that shock, there isn't lots of gore or extensive violence. The language is dark, but it is the topic of the plot that will make some feel uncomfortable. Overall though, a very good film, may Ben stay behind the camera directing works like this, than being in front.
I have a soft spot for Riddick, so my fingers are crossed for Vin Diesel in a new scifi film. I know he is a geek about these things, so hope he can pull it off. It looks like city of men with loads of fightscenes, this I can handle. It needs to be a better than average film for me to not be dissapointed, fingers crossed, it doesn't look a masterpiece, but may be an entertaining flick.
If this is legit, and not some kid with photoshop open, then I will agree that this is an awesome movie poster, although I would imagine a little costly, seeing as it spans a buildings wall and two cars, this would not have been a small task for a corporation, unless some geurilla artist finished the job, expanding from the ordinary billboard. Wish this was in my neighbourhood, although I dare say, the kids parents in the school nearby may have issues with it.
