Comments: Those of you expecting some exciting Angels vs. Angels vs. Demons movie with lots of cool action, this isn't the movie for you.
You get a lone angel (who cuts off his wings at the beginning of the movie anyways) who acts more like The Punisher or 80's cliche action stars with dual-guns bein wielded. Think more of the movies where people are trapped in a building with terrorists/mafia/aliens/zombies trying to get in and instead make them evil angel possed people.
There's one neat battle of a steel-winged angel versus our lead non-winged angel and cheesy wannabe Mary & Joseph, Messiah plot. The big action and scariness you see in the movie trailers are pretty much it. There's a lot of scenes of the characters acting very stupidly and getting themselves killed.
If you've seen the Prophecy direct-to-dvd series from the late 90s and 2000's, this would fit right in it. The two angels pretty much act like any Rambo/Predator hero-types but without the charisma.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
Review: Thanks to the Circuit City DVD sale this week, Mr. Monster was finally able to purchase the long awaited Superman II- The Richard Donner Cut for only $5.99.
For those who don't know, Richard Donner was the director of the original Superman movie and was filming the sequel at the same time as part I. After nearly completing Part II, Donner was taken off the movie by the studio and replaced with another director, Richard Lester who ended up crafting his own story and releasing the sequel that we've seen over the last 30 years. Lester used some footage from Donner's version but Donner's unique take never resurfaced, until 2006.
After being seen by only a few and reading that Donner's version was also good (I liked Lester's Part II also) I wanted to be able to compare their films. In a short take Donner's version has the strongest take on Clark Kent/Superman's decision to lose his powers in order to be with Lois Lane, his speech on giving so much to humanity and only wanting one thing he desired was pretty strong. There is also additional scenes with Marlon Brando's Jor-El speaking to his son. Another strong point is that the three villains had stronger presence here and were more diabolical in taking over the U.S., I do wish that their deleted scenes that was not integrated into the main move WERE added in.
There are weaknesses to this film as well. The film misses some of the more light-hearted and comical aspects from Lester's film, scenes are not played out as long causing viewers to miss segments that would explain ideas better such as why Clark had to lose his power? I do wish they cleaned up some areas that did not make sense such as the villains able to talk to the astronauts on the moon (airless) and such. The ending for me was the low point since it takes the same cue as the original movie and so I wish they updated it for this version. Sure, it was the original intended ending, but since it was already done in Part I, why do it again 30 years later when they could have made the ending more logical. The first eight minutes of the movie is also a recap of the original film that ties into Part II, a bit longer than I feel should have been shown.
The score shouldn't reflect the overall enjoyment of the movie, it is enjoyable but if you were expecting something significant, then this DVD isn't it. It has certain good aspects not present in the theatrical version, but nothing super-new that would warrant non-superman buffs to go out and get this version. For film historians and comic book geeks, this one is for you. Compare and enjoy!
Score: 2.95 out of 5
Review: I thought Gotham Knight was a nice looking movie, but very plain and down right boring in parts. "Work Through the Pain" was the best section for me since it opened up another training aspect of Bruce Wayne that shows how he can take all the hits and near-death events and continue to survive.
"Deadshot" was a good section as well, closest to a comic book type story. The rest of the episodes were more in the vein of Batman vs. mobsters and moved slowly for me, they probably kept it this way to tie into the more Dark Knight theme without the more outlandish themes with more comic-type villains.
Did enjoy seeing the original Tim Burton Batmobile though. The animation style is pure Japanese anime, with certain styles reminding me of the over-the-top Fist of the North Star series from the 80s. Still, though it looked nice it had no substance or "wow" moments for a comic book super hero.
Score: 2.75 out of 5
Review: Based on a comic book, Wanted (2008) is a send-up of the traditional "loser guy becomes hero" flick. I read the original comic series and that Wanted book varies greatly from the film. Let me break the two formats for you in case you want to compare.
Comic Book version- Wesley is a down-and-out guy with a cheating girlfriend, bad job and no direction. In comes Fox, a super villain assassin brought in to train Wesley after his super villain assassin father is killed. Wes then get trained by Fox and a myriad of villains and comic book-style monsters in the ways to kill others. Becoming aware of his abilities, Wesley robs, kills, rapes innocent people along the way to become an super villain killer.
It is explained that the evil villains have gotten together in the past and eradicated the super heroes from the world, so now no one can stop them. They rule earth and do what they wish. There is a fracture in the villain alliance and now Wesley must choose sides in order to gain control of the world. Bloody killings and deceit are shown as Wesley comes to realize his place in the world as a cold-blooded evil killer.
Movie version- Wesley is a down-and-out guy with a cheating girlfriend, bad job and no direction. In comes Angelina Jolie, a super villain assassin brought in to train Wesley after his super assassin father is killed. Wes then get trained by Jolieand a myriad of specialists such as the Gunsmith, Repairman, Butcher, etc. in the ways to kill. Becoming aware of his abilities, Wesley kills, people told to him by Morgan Freeman who explains that by killing one, it saves thousands along the way to become an super killer.
The movie does not explain who the people being killed are or why. It comes down to a cheesy fabric loom telling in secret code who should be murdered. There is no talk of the assassins as being "evil" at all, just killers doing bidding by a machine. There's a slight twist in the end to change Wesley's point of view as to who he should trust.
Still the movie varies greatly from the comic and tames down the killings, plot points to a more generic action movie level. Exciting in some areas, but hardly pushing any boundaries that you've seen in The Matrix, Mission Impossible series, etc.
Score: 3 out of 5 (movie)
Score: 4 out of 5 (comic book)
Review: Do you remember the old Don Adams "Get Smart" t.v. show? Well I do, barely. For a show I watched with my cousins when we were in elementary show I remember only a handful of items from the series. I remember Agent 99, Agent 86, Jaime, The Chief, the Cone of Silence, shoe phone, the opening sequence...and that's it.
I don't remember any episodes or plots since it wasn't remarkable, well that sums up this movie. Steve Carrell pulls off Agent 86 well, with the style of Don Adams I remember. His deadpan humor and determination to b a good secret agent move the film along well. Anne Hatahway is a smart, strong and confident Agent 99, though her character is a big departure from the original series, her character initially dislikes Maxwell Smart and hijinx ensues.
The plot is standard "bomb the world" scenario and the agents are to track evil Russian spies with nuclear weapons. There a slight reveal of a double agent and it was pretty easy to see, like a needle in a Rock. Thre are nods to the original show such as the t.v. show suit, car, cone of silence, brief use of the shoe phone and the motto, "Missed it by that much."
Overall Get Smart was an interesting diversion with a handful of laughs. I've read others call this an action movie with comedy and I see it the other way. The action sequences are over the top implausible, but fits in with th tone of the movie. Nothing too exciting or original, but still charming. Just like the original Get Smart series.Score: 2.85 out of 5
Review: Another new hyped film by M. Night Shyamalan. The reviews haven't been kind and I'd have to agree. I liked the Sixth Sense and Signs (except the water deus ex machina), flat on Unbreakable, haven't seen The Village fully (kinda boring in the parts I've seen on cable), and don't want to watch Lady in the Water (read the spoiler and plot and it was ridiculous).
The premise to The Happening seemed interesting. People killing themselves from out of the blue and the rest of the populace trying to figure it it out and running outta the way. Well if you've see the recent horror film The Ruins, there's the plot twist inserted into this movie. The acting and actors were flat and the premise ridiculous when halfway through the movie a side character brings out his theory on why people are dying.
The studio keeps bragging on how this is the first R rated movie from M. Night and the scenes that should be enacted on screen to showcase the horror of the deaths are all shown IN THE TV COMMERCIALS. That's right, if you watch the trailer then 90% of the "gruesome" deaths are already shown to you.The ending is a big let down with after 3 months post-mini apocalypse everyone seems all honky-dory and then another outbreak appears elsewhere. Beejezus! My main problem was how characters who seemed smart make really bad decisions: Leaving a Hummer behind when running away, not stying together or letting each other know they're moving, and the most problematic for me was escaping the root of the menace by closing door and windows...when the toxic "thing" should already be part of the oxygen based on where it's coming from. Beejezus Part II!
Score: 1.5 out of 5
In honor of M. Night's movies and the twists he put on them, here's a link from Yahoo! exposing the Top 20 movie plot twists!
Review: If you've seen The Ring or The Grudge or the countless other asian remake films Hollywood has put out, then you've seen Shutter. If you'd like to see Pacey from the Dawson's Creek t.v. series get his due, then this is the movie for you. Standard fare for horror.
A newlywed couple move to Japan where the photographer husband is schedule to shoot. Strange appearances and ghostly images start to appear on film, windows, reflective things etc. so the wife starts to investigate. There's a small plot twist in the end that I saw a mile coming. There's maybe a couple jumps but nothing out of the ordinary.
There are tons of similarities to The Ring movie (which the American film I find the pinnacle of the u.s. remakes) with the dead girl, plot twist at the end, fly, appearing in media, etc. A good dvd rental or catch on HBO but nothing too spectacular or original.
Score: 2.95 out of 5
Comments: I thought the movie was so-so, the handling of the Abomination at the end was not thoroughly explained. Once the solider changes he starts thrashing the city and so they have to let Banner take him out?
This one played more of a cat and mouse thriller than the Ang Lee psychological version. Too me it felt more like a beefed up version of the Bruce Bixby show, still I did like some of the homages to the t.v. and comic sources. There are about three main action scenes with the Hulk and only one where he has some problems (the fight with The Abomination monster). There was never a sense of danger for Banner in the movie for me, not even at the end when he throws himself out of a flying helicopter. I do like how the super soldier is shown juicing up to match the Hulk, though adding extra screen time for his character would have been better than the scenes with Banner and Betty Ross which was standard movie fare and didn't add a real romance aspect to the story.
I liked Ang Lee's version for the more insightful dealings with Banner's psyche and where the Hulk comes from in his mind. This 2008 version I dig for the more closely comic book related origin and homages. Gonna have to watch Lee's version again to compare. I do prefer Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly's representation for their character's and Norton's and Tyler's seem comic-lite.
Not as good as Iron Man though, time to see if Dark Knight topples it as the comic movie of 2008.
Score: 2.75 out of 5
Comments: I didn't have high expectations from this movie but after reading some positive reviews I decided to check it out. It's a pretty funny and light-hearted romp in animal-infused China with a hilarious Po the Panda by Jack Black. All-star voice cast lends it's talents to this fast-paced film, runs about 88 minutes so there are not a lot of slow meandering moments.
A DreamWorks Animated Film, I didn't like their recent Shrek 2 or 3 movies so I was pleasantly surprised at the subtle jokes and kooky plots that didn't have to rely on crude humor like the Shrek series has become. The story is pretty standard hero comes from unlikely background then learns martial arts after a hilarity-infused training and defeats the bad guy.
I do wish they delved more into the background of the main bad guy (I think he was a snow leopard) and the Five Masters. Still with the brief running time you'll barely have time to use the bathroom during the film, so go beforehand!
Score: 4 out of 5
Comments: Another Japanese horror movie turned into an poor American remake. Think of this movie as a poor man's The Grudge but with a substandard plot based on haunted cell phone calls instead of watching a haunted video.
Here's the whole plot: College kids get mysterious calls from themselves in the future with their last sentences spoken before dying (repeat), then storyline jumps where the protagonist is not who you thought it was (Think The Grudge), movie ends... no real closure.
The deaths are unimaginative, the scares and jumps are easy to predict and the actors not compelling enough to pull it off. Skip this unless you're bored at home and it's playing on cable.Score: 2 out of 5.
I'm giving it a 2 instead of a 1 since at the beginning of the movie I got a laugh when the "ghost" abducts one of the college kids....and then her cat!
Comments: Finally saw the movie. My two cents. I went in it expecting an adventure film, came away feeling a definite sci-fi tone near the middle once the plot was shown. I like Indy films separate from other genres. Kinda like how I'd be disappointed if the Bourne movies somehow integrate Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster into it, not my cup of tea.
Still, I enjoyed the movie for what it was... a flick with a history of fun adventures and slap-dash action. I could've done away with the cheesy one-liners in the first 20 minutes or Tarzan/Mutt scene.
Wonder now when Shia will be taking over the enterprise for the 5th film?
Score: 3 out of 5
Comments: The kids return to Narnia to help fellow teen-Prince Caspian recapture his rightful throne. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is a bit darker in tone than the original as well as a lot more of the cinematography shot at night creates a more harrowing mood to this film. A couple action sequences make this film bereft of a Lord of the Rings feel.
I saw it odd where in this Disney film the kids are shown killing human characters during their battles even if it was for good. Still, I thought this film was better than the first which bored me until the final battle.
Score: 3 out of 5
Synopsis: Sherry (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has just been released from prison after becoming a heroin addict and getting caught in a robbery. After winding into a half-way house she tries to re-establish her relationship with her young daughter who was taken in by Sherry's brother and wife.
We learn that Sherry has been molested by her father after a scene at her daughter's birthday party which may have contributed to her sleeping around vicariously since leaving prison. She tries to establish a life working at a kid's school and fighting her addiction as well as her brother and his wife's attempt to keep her separated from her daughter.Comments: A strong performance from Maggie Gyllenhaal, a vibrant actress in independent films and soon the new Batman: The Dark Knight movie this summer. The movie establishes the character of Sherry as a strong willed person but also weak in her dabbling in drugs and sex to try and cope with her prison, abuse, and relationship-troubled past.
The viewer will become well acquainted with the character and her fight to reunite with her daughter and maintain her life on the straight and narrow. I just wish the ending was more fruitful instead as feeling truncated and ending abruptly.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Summary: Cafe Lumiere is a Japanese film by a Taiwanese director. Follows the snippet of life when a young Japanese woman finds out she's pregnant by her long-distance Taiwanese boyfriend and her relationship with her parents as they learn the news. She also encounters and befriends a local used bookstore clerk who they share a low level crush on each other.
Comments: The shots and cinematography used felt a bit to me like Chinese director Wong Kar Wai with extensive scenes comprised of long static shots and lingering and silent moments. Unfortunately unlike the famous Wong Kari Wai's movies, this one dragged on for so long without the movement of the story to capture my attention at all. You could go on for long stretches of the film with no speech, just watching people hang clothes or eating.
Unlike a movie such as the Vietnamese-made The Scent of Green Papaya where long lingering and silent shots account for the establishment of a character and emotion, the ones in Cafe Lumiere just dwells on repeated everyday moments that does not move the story, characters or enjoyment of the film at all. Thoroughly boring, a movie that felt pretentious trying to feel expansive and deep by trying to be minimalist and simple....in the end it didn't capture anything except my Fast Forward button and finally Eject.
Score: 1.5 out of 5
Description: The festival award-winning Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity - is the January selection in The Film Movement Series. In LONG LIFE, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY, twelve-year old Mindy Ho (Valerie Tian) tries Taoist magic to fix her single mothers (Sandra Oh) financial situation and seemingly hopeless romantic prospects. Mindy's directed charms appear to cause an aging security guard to lose his job and a local butcher to win the lottery. The guard, the butcher and her mother's stories all intersect, bound together by Mindys attempts at magic intervention.
Set in the Chinese Canadian community, LONG LIFE, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY is a story of hope and the importance of keeping faith in this sometimes difficult world.
Comments: A nice, cute, quirky and funny movie that explores both Chinese culture and its mingling with a western-influenced lifestyle. The story follows three main arcs: daughter trying to find love for her single mom, recently laid-off elder security guard, and a butcher store father trying to pass on the family legacy to his American born son.
The lead little girl (Valerie Tian from Juno) at age twelve here was really funny and down-to-earth. I experienced a few laughs from the situations brought about in the story. The ending may throw you off since a few of the arcs don't really spell out the ending for some of the characters; that's why I had to turn on the commentary for the ending scenes to hear the director's explanation. Still, this a a well-made film and good times for the entire family.
Score: 4 out of 5
Comments: Interesting movie that does keep you on your toes as long as you pay attention as to which characters work for which company and their motivations in this legal drama.
Kinda gets you mad at big corporations though. I thought it was going to be a thriller such as The Firm, and this was more a drama trying to learn if Clooney will come through and win.
Score: 3 out of 5
Movie Summary: Speed Racer (That's his name), drives for his family's racing team. After the death of his older brother, Speed must choose to join another racing conglomerate team. Speed later teams up with the secret agent, Racer X, who may or may not be his "deceased" brother to take down an evil corporation at the biggest race of his life.
Comments: Another movie based on a previous existing cartoon, this is a live-action update of the 1960s Japanese anime. Produced by the Matrix team, this is a slap-dash movie incorporating comedy, action, and tons of special effects. Too bad the plot line is paper thin and the story jumps around so much that it gets boring fast. The cast is played so much like a cheesy troupe, that its hard to figure out why only Speed and Racer X don't realize that their lives are just for fun and that even though they are shot at, run over, spun around, nobody ever seems to get hurt.
Contrary to reports I've read, the special effects aren't too daunting to the eyes. The FX are pretty nice, too bad the whole time instead of thinking about the movie I was thinking that this would probably be better played as a video game than a film.
The most annoying aspect of the movie that could have been radically fixed was to take out the annoying kid brother and the chimp. They were played as a slapstick team that just didn't pan out and made watching the film even more intolerable....film makers, haven't you read that kid sidekicks and animals in film are never a good mix in an action film? Kid's animated movie or Sea World, yes. Action film, no.
Score: 2 out of 5.
Comments: Just saw it, pretty good movie. The non-Iron Man scenes were pretty standard to me, but the IM action sequences were fun and exciting. Seeing IM in action against the terrorist as they're attacking families was my favorite scene. In comparison to the other previous Marvel movies, I say it's up there with Spider-Man, X2, and Hulk (I'm one of the few who liked Lee's version).I liked the comedy used that it didn't try and go overboard. My one nitpick of the movie is how Stane was able to pilot and knock IM around so easily after strapping on the Iron Monger suit for the first time without any training. Still, it's a comic book movie and it was fun. Now going to look forward to both the new Batman, Hulk, and Indy movies.Score: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: A cross between the sci-fi classic 2001 and the 90's space-horror Event Horizon, Sunshine stars the actors who played the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four as well as the Scarecrow in Batman Returns along with Michelle Yeoh from Jame Bond's Tomorrow Never Dies. With that pedigree you'd think this would be an action movie, you'd be wrong.
While the movie has some action elements, most of the film plays out slow and solemn as the crew try to ignite the planet Mercury before it dies out and kills Earth. While I enjoyed the movie slightly with some good cinematography in such tight quarters, the ending and villain seem tacked on. I don't even think the movie needed the bad guy at all to accomplish the end result. But after the lack of new movies out for rent, this is a passable flick to watch.
Score: 2 out of 5
Comments: Nice easy-paced movie. At first I thought it was going to be a romance-type comedy and it is in the first arc with the lead actress and her 20ish fling. Then once her character meets up with Steve Martin's older courter, it moves into more of the tradition drama phase. The movie has exquisite cinematography and a wonderful orchestrated soundtrack.
Colors and shots used are very detailed and shots appear dramatically staged. There's not a lot of history of the characters given, so you're forced to accept the relationships and tangles they get into just from the screen. It's a very thoughtful movie that I'd like to get for my collection, if you enjoy movies like In the Mood for Love, 2040, Big Fish, this one should be for you.
Score: 4 out fo 5
