And, quite unfortunately, it also killed my afternoon.
Remember that movie bucket list I spoke of oh so long ago? Well, I've been slowly but surely watching the movies from that list, but I'm beginning to think what started out as a fun idea is becoming a bit of a chore. And it's movies we're talking about here! They've never been a chore to me!
It started with Annie Hall a few months ago and culminated in the headache that was Breakfast at Tiffany's just this afternoon. Needless to say, I've made the discovery that I am very much a product of my time. I have very little patience - if I'm going to be staring at a screen for two hours of my day, there'd better be something worthwhile about it.
...Here's my idea of a good basic story: there's a clear beginning, a clear middle and an end. Within that there should be one or two likable characters - maybe even loveable, but I can deal with just liking them. At least one of these characters should have some sort of purpose to their lives and the story as a whole should probably have a conceise point. Sure, call me German, but I do like a little logic to my storytelling.
Annie Hall met none of those criteria.
And, the lingering headache confirms that Breakfast at Tiffany's didn't meet any of 'em either.
I know, I know - they're classics.
But I don't think I care about whether or not it's a classic - just tell me a good story and I'm yours, Hollywood.
I know I haven't dissected any plots in this movie review, but that's because there are no plots to dissect. Which is just hurting me inside. Both Annie Hall and Breakfast at Tiffany's had main characters who were all over the place in all the worst ways and the "plot" was much the same. One thing happened, then another, then another - no connections, no purpose, no nothing but a migraine on my part.
I apologize to everyone who loves the classics, and these two in particular... I know it's just a matter of differing tastes. But please never put me in the same room as either of these movies ever again.
At least Breakfast at Tiffany's had a dashing leading man. I can't say the same for Annie Hall, but I guess that's neither here nor there.
I need to go do something. After spending 2 hours watching nothing happening but pretty people having fun on a movie set... I need to get rid of some of this pent up energy. Apparently when high expectations come crashing down, it makes me a little wired.
I may have to wait a while before I take on the task of watching another "classic". Until then,
Keep it real!
Showing posts with label movie reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
First Class gets Top Marks
And not just in my books.
I've only heard good things about this movie - and, having already seen it three times, I can definitely vouch for it. X-Men: First Class rocked.
It made a modest $55 million since its opening on Friday and I'm hoping it'll stay in its top box office spot for at least another weekend more. If my movie attendance has anything to do with it, it will.
But enough with the vague compliments - let's get into the gritty details.
I guess I should start by saying that I am a huge X-Men fan. HUGE. So, sure, I probably have a bit of a bias, but I'll try to tone it down a bit. Still, being the big fan that I am, I very much appreciated all the small throw-backs to the previous three films interspersed throughout this one. Ashley Edward Miller and Zach Stentz proved their worth ten times over (they're the screenwriters, by the way). I mean, I actually left the theatre (the first time I watched it) thinking if there was anyone I could meet who worked on this movie, it'd be the screenwriters, because they did such a good job.
Of course, it wasn't just the throw-backs or the incredibly well-written characters - which, let me just say right now - for a comic book movie, these characters have no equal (except maybe Chris Nolan's Batman)... Add the fact that the plot (though a bit jumpy at times) was quite riveting and definitely entertaining and you've got yourself a script that I totally fall in love with.
Oh, and speaking of falling in love, I think it's time I give my two cents on some of the actors who brought these well-written characters to life.
I've only heard good things about this movie - and, having already seen it three times, I can definitely vouch for it. X-Men: First Class rocked.
It made a modest $55 million since its opening on Friday and I'm hoping it'll stay in its top box office spot for at least another weekend more. If my movie attendance has anything to do with it, it will.
But enough with the vague compliments - let's get into the gritty details.
I guess I should start by saying that I am a huge X-Men fan. HUGE. So, sure, I probably have a bit of a bias, but I'll try to tone it down a bit. Still, being the big fan that I am, I very much appreciated all the small throw-backs to the previous three films interspersed throughout this one. Ashley Edward Miller and Zach Stentz proved their worth ten times over (they're the screenwriters, by the way). I mean, I actually left the theatre (the first time I watched it) thinking if there was anyone I could meet who worked on this movie, it'd be the screenwriters, because they did such a good job.
Of course, it wasn't just the throw-backs or the incredibly well-written characters - which, let me just say right now - for a comic book movie, these characters have no equal (except maybe Chris Nolan's Batman)... Add the fact that the plot (though a bit jumpy at times) was quite riveting and definitely entertaining and you've got yourself a script that I totally fall in love with.
Oh, and speaking of falling in love, I think it's time I give my two cents on some of the actors who brought these well-written characters to life.
Okay, I'll just come out and admit it. The actor who really caught my attention (and yeah, maybe my fancy too) was none other than Mr. Michael Fassbender - the one who played Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto). I thought he was amazing. And no, before you ask, it's not just because of his chisled jaw, leather jacket or sa-weet RayBans. I assure you, my legs go wobbly for a good performance just as much as they do for a good looking guy. So, let's just say I'm glad I was sitting to watch this movie...
Of course, there was Rose Byrne, whom I haven't seen since Troy, but that's just because I don't watch Nick Cage or Jonah Hill movies... Needless to say, I'm glad she's in better movies again. She's very good (in both this movie and another great one - Bridesmaids)!
James McAvoy plays a young Professor X... need I say more? We all know we've loved him since he appeared under a lamppost as Mr. Tumnus.
And one more definitely worth mentioning - Nicholas Hoult. Yep - the kid from About A Boy all growed up and only a year younger than me! When did that happen? He's actually kinda fantastic. In general. But especially in this movie.
If you could materialize two hours of a good time - it would look like a ticket to this movie. No joke and no exaggeration. Everything from the soundtrack to the interesting sets to the action scenes - it was all movie magic. I thoroughly enjoyed myself every time I watched it. So I have no doubt you - whoever you may be (and ps. you totally don't even need to be a superhero/comic book fan to love this movie) - will have a great time too.
Seriously - get out there and watch it!
:) Keep it real!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
tangled
I just have one word to describe this movie: incredible. It had everything a great movie needs - action, adventure, humour and romance. And it's Disney, so there were even a few catchy tunes!
It definitely earned a spot right near the top of my favorite Disney movies - and that's saying something, believe me - I'm a Disney freak.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that my favorite endearing actor plays the role of the hilarious 'prince' in this fairytale. None other than Zachary Levi, of course. And he can sing! Who knew?!
The movie was very well done; relevant for kids these days, but also stuck to a lot of its old school Disney ways, which, I have to say, I appreciated. I loved every minute of it. I'm anxiously awaiting the day when I can bring it home to my movie shelves so I can watch it again and again, just like my other favorite classics.
I'm thinking you should make an effort to see it. Unless you really hate Disney, there's no way this movie can let you down.
PS. If you need someone to go with you - I'll gladly see it again. And again... and again!
Keep it real!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Hardwicke Hardships
On Wednesday night my world shattered.
...Okay, well maybe it didn't shatter... but it definitely cracked.
I was perusing the internet like I usually do when I'm in a class that allows computers and decided it was time to check up on my old pal, Emile Hirsch (and by old pal I mean I wish he knew I existed... but he's a great actor nonetheless). So I was checking on him and discovered he was set to star in an upcoming remake of Hamlet which I was immediately skeptical of. He's going up against the likes of Sir Lawrence Olivier. No one wants to be compared to that.
Regardless, I wanted to see who was crazy enough to direct such a difficult piece and my heart (I'm pretty sure) stopped beating when I saw the name: Catherine Hardwicke.
You may not recognize that name, but I do. Unfortunately.
She was the director of Twilight: the worst movie ever made (well... that and The Happening).
If you were to ask me who my favorite director was, I wouldn't be able to tell you because there are too many. But ask me who my least favorite is and that's Catherine Hardwicke. Hands down.
Now, don't get me wrong here - I'm not blaming the story of Twilight on Hardwicke. Obviously she had nothing to do with that part of the monstrosity that is the phenomenon. But the movie itself, everything about it screams poor direction. That mixed with the fact that I've watched the commentary (I do that with tons of movies, not just bad ones - don't judge me) which gives one an inside look into the poorly thought out choices and ridiculous days on set when no one knew what was going on...
Just bad all around.
But the fact that she will destroy - I mean direct - Hamlet wasn't even the most world-shattering part of my evening. It gets oh-so-much worse.
For a brief moment I felt perhaps I was being too hard on Hardwicke. I mean, she made one horrible movie, but she also directed Lords of Dogtown which I've heard a few good things about. With only these two movies (and Thirteen, but I haven't seen that one either) to go on, it was hardly fair to judge her so harshly so I decided to look at her resume.
She's been a production designer on almost twenty films and has directed four (not including Hamlet or the other two that are listed as in production).
I'd known three of her four credits and the fourth one was the shocker.
She directed The Nativity Story. The director whom I've referred to for years as the one that can do no right - she directed one of my favorite movies of all time. A movie I thought to be incredibly well done. I adore The Nativity Story.
Crash!
(That was the sound of my world on Wednesday night.)
I actually feel like my world has flipped on its head. Right is wrong, left is right... and bad does good. What is going on?
I can't even conclude this blog. I can't end it with something like, "And now I like Catherine Hardwicke." All I can do is stare blankly at the screen (much like I did when I first discovered this life...well, perspective altering fact) and go, "uhhhhhhhh......."
When will this news stop making my brain hurt? I no longer know what to think...
"uhhhhhhhhhh.........."
Keep it real?
...Okay, well maybe it didn't shatter... but it definitely cracked.
I was perusing the internet like I usually do when I'm in a class that allows computers and decided it was time to check up on my old pal, Emile Hirsch (and by old pal I mean I wish he knew I existed... but he's a great actor nonetheless). So I was checking on him and discovered he was set to star in an upcoming remake of Hamlet which I was immediately skeptical of. He's going up against the likes of Sir Lawrence Olivier. No one wants to be compared to that.
Regardless, I wanted to see who was crazy enough to direct such a difficult piece and my heart (I'm pretty sure) stopped beating when I saw the name: Catherine Hardwicke.
You may not recognize that name, but I do. Unfortunately.
She was the director of Twilight: the worst movie ever made (well... that and The Happening).
If you were to ask me who my favorite director was, I wouldn't be able to tell you because there are too many. But ask me who my least favorite is and that's Catherine Hardwicke. Hands down.
Now, don't get me wrong here - I'm not blaming the story of Twilight on Hardwicke. Obviously she had nothing to do with that part of the monstrosity that is the phenomenon. But the movie itself, everything about it screams poor direction. That mixed with the fact that I've watched the commentary (I do that with tons of movies, not just bad ones - don't judge me) which gives one an inside look into the poorly thought out choices and ridiculous days on set when no one knew what was going on...
Just bad all around.
But the fact that she will destroy - I mean direct - Hamlet wasn't even the most world-shattering part of my evening. It gets oh-so-much worse.
For a brief moment I felt perhaps I was being too hard on Hardwicke. I mean, she made one horrible movie, but she also directed Lords of Dogtown which I've heard a few good things about. With only these two movies (and Thirteen, but I haven't seen that one either) to go on, it was hardly fair to judge her so harshly so I decided to look at her resume.
She's been a production designer on almost twenty films and has directed four (not including Hamlet or the other two that are listed as in production).
I'd known three of her four credits and the fourth one was the shocker.
She directed The Nativity Story. The director whom I've referred to for years as the one that can do no right - she directed one of my favorite movies of all time. A movie I thought to be incredibly well done. I adore The Nativity Story.
Crash!
(That was the sound of my world on Wednesday night.)
I actually feel like my world has flipped on its head. Right is wrong, left is right... and bad does good. What is going on?
I can't even conclude this blog. I can't end it with something like, "And now I like Catherine Hardwicke." All I can do is stare blankly at the screen (much like I did when I first discovered this life...well, perspective altering fact) and go, "uhhhhhhhh......."
When will this news stop making my brain hurt? I no longer know what to think...
"uhhhhhhhhhh.........."
Keep it real?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Remember Me
I just watched a Robert Pattinson movie that FINALLY redeemed him as an actor! I had seriously lost faith in his acting abilities... you may have read one of my earlier (way earlier) posts that discussed How to Be... and by 'discussed' I mean tore to shreds. But Remember Me was a great movie with a full cast of talented people including Robert Pattinson. He was actually bordering on fantastic, I think. So huzzah!!
This is going to sound so lame, but I finished watching the movie over an hour ago now, and I still have a few renegade tears. Good tears, don't get me wrong. The film was incredibly moving, at least for me. But it pulled it off really well. Usually moving films (not moving pictures, so to speak - you know what I mean when I say moving, right? Like, they get you all swelled up and emotional inside... though almost anything can do that for me... still... I'm off topic.) Sorry, I was saying, usually moving films are something I shy away from. I love them, but I can't handle them. 'Cause they hurt too much to watch. Like A Walk to Remember, Finding Neverland... you know, those kinds of movies I can only watch once ever two years or so, if not three or four. But this one was such a great story, I already want to watch it again, despite the tears I know will come with it.
I don't know if you noticed, but I'm trying to tell you how great a movie this is without giving anything away... I'm not sure I'm doing a good job of it. And I know you'll think I'm biased because I think Robert Pattinson is gorgeous, but you need to remember, I was practically calling down curses on him before I watched this movie. Well, actually, I was praying he'd discover the talent I could see somewhere in him that he hadn't used in the Twilight Saga or How to Be. I was definitely impressed by his performance in this film.
Look, all I'm trying to say is give this movie a chance. Not only does it tell a real human story but it reminds us that the seemingly insignificant moments in life can actually be significant to somebody. A Walk to Remember was a moving love story and Finding Neverland was a moving coming of age ish kind of story. Remember Me is just real life. I think that is what makes it so moving.
Just do me a favor and watch it sometime. It wasn't made for screaming teenaged girls (or weird screaming moms), it's just a story that you need to hear. I'll probably own it pretty soon (when it's on the previously viewed shelves at Blockbuster) so you can just borrow it from me.
In other news, my giant crush on Robert Pattinson has returned. Oh joy. I thought this stage of my life was over. Apparently not.
Maybe school will serve as a nice distraction...
Until next time,
Keep it real!
This is going to sound so lame, but I finished watching the movie over an hour ago now, and I still have a few renegade tears. Good tears, don't get me wrong. The film was incredibly moving, at least for me. But it pulled it off really well. Usually moving films (not moving pictures, so to speak - you know what I mean when I say moving, right? Like, they get you all swelled up and emotional inside... though almost anything can do that for me... still... I'm off topic.) Sorry, I was saying, usually moving films are something I shy away from. I love them, but I can't handle them. 'Cause they hurt too much to watch. Like A Walk to Remember, Finding Neverland... you know, those kinds of movies I can only watch once ever two years or so, if not three or four. But this one was such a great story, I already want to watch it again, despite the tears I know will come with it.
I don't know if you noticed, but I'm trying to tell you how great a movie this is without giving anything away... I'm not sure I'm doing a good job of it. And I know you'll think I'm biased because I think Robert Pattinson is gorgeous, but you need to remember, I was practically calling down curses on him before I watched this movie. Well, actually, I was praying he'd discover the talent I could see somewhere in him that he hadn't used in the Twilight Saga or How to Be. I was definitely impressed by his performance in this film.
Look, all I'm trying to say is give this movie a chance. Not only does it tell a real human story but it reminds us that the seemingly insignificant moments in life can actually be significant to somebody. A Walk to Remember was a moving love story and Finding Neverland was a moving coming of age ish kind of story. Remember Me is just real life. I think that is what makes it so moving.
Just do me a favor and watch it sometime. It wasn't made for screaming teenaged girls (or weird screaming moms), it's just a story that you need to hear. I'll probably own it pretty soon (when it's on the previously viewed shelves at Blockbuster) so you can just borrow it from me.
In other news, my giant crush on Robert Pattinson has returned. Oh joy. I thought this stage of my life was over. Apparently not.
Maybe school will serve as a nice distraction...
Until next time,
Keep it real!
Friday, June 11, 2010
This Weekend:
I might be a little too excited... but I can't wait to see this!! Sometime this weekend... :D
Keep it real!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Want Fantastic?
Today is a special day. One may even call it fantastic. Today is the day Fantastic Mr. Fox can enter the living rooms of homes all across North America.
If you haven't seen this yet, you need to rent it. It's great for all ages. Albeit, some... maybe most of the jokes will go over kids' heads, but that doesn't mean they won't be entertained.
It is based on the book bearing the same title by Roald Dahl; directed by Wes Anderson. Man, I don't even know where to start - there was so much to rave about! My sides were aching when I left the theater the first (and second and third) time I watched it. It has an amazing cast supplying voices to the most incredible characters I have ever 'met'. The story line is great and family friendly, the jokes are funny no matter how many times you quote them (and you'll be quoting them a lot, believe me) and the characters are so lovable in that 'what the heck is wrong with you?!' sort of way. It's very Wes Anderson even though it's his first 'animated' movie. That being said, you can't tell that this is the first time Wes tried his hand at stop-motion animation. It's so detailed... and FANTASTIC!
Oh man, just talking about it makes me want to go out and buy it right now. It is laugh-out-loud funny while still having a lot of heart.
Thinking of renting a movie tonight? Fantastic Mr. Fox. Thinking of renting a movie tomorrow night? Fantastic Mr. Fox. Thinking of ... okay, you get the point. TRUST ME, you will like this movie. ...Unless you don't like intelligent humour, complex yet relate-able (and hilarious) characters, and fun stories.
Go! Right now!! Rent it!
Keep it real! ;)
If you haven't seen this yet, you need to rent it. It's great for all ages. Albeit, some... maybe most of the jokes will go over kids' heads, but that doesn't mean they won't be entertained.
It is based on the book bearing the same title by Roald Dahl; directed by Wes Anderson. Man, I don't even know where to start - there was so much to rave about! My sides were aching when I left the theater the first (and second and third) time I watched it. It has an amazing cast supplying voices to the most incredible characters I have ever 'met'. The story line is great and family friendly, the jokes are funny no matter how many times you quote them (and you'll be quoting them a lot, believe me) and the characters are so lovable in that 'what the heck is wrong with you?!' sort of way. It's very Wes Anderson even though it's his first 'animated' movie. That being said, you can't tell that this is the first time Wes tried his hand at stop-motion animation. It's so detailed... and FANTASTIC!
Oh man, just talking about it makes me want to go out and buy it right now. It is laugh-out-loud funny while still having a lot of heart.
Thinking of renting a movie tonight? Fantastic Mr. Fox. Thinking of renting a movie tomorrow night? Fantastic Mr. Fox. Thinking of ... okay, you get the point. TRUST ME, you will like this movie. ...Unless you don't like intelligent humour, complex yet relate-able (and hilarious) characters, and fun stories.
Go! Right now!! Rent it!
Keep it real! ;)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
How fitting that today is Valentine's Day and that just happens to be the theme of my post. Weird...
I know my last post ended with some kind of promise that I would write about the results for the Globes, but there are some promises I just don't feel like keeping... or maybe it's just that promise. Either way, if you're really that interested, you can check their official website. I doubt anyone is that interested though. So back to Valentine's Day.
I'm not a hater but I'm also not a lover of this particular day. I guess I'm indifferent. I won't reject a box of chocolate or better yet, a bouquet of red roses (I'm soooo original. I can't believe red roses are my favorite flower... I mean, grow a personality Lars! Oh well, what can you do?) but I still don't really understand the point for anyone outside of the chocolate and flower industry. It's like Black Friday for those guys!
BUT I don't want to ruin the day for anyone who loves it, so I figured I'd give my rave review of Garry Marshall's new film, Valentine's Day.
I'll start by saying that I have a bit of a bias - I like most of Garry Marshall's work. I mean, come on, Pretty Woman? Who can argue with that? It's for shizzle a classic. But if I can be so bold to make a crazy statement, I think this movie was his best since Pretty Woman.
With an all star cast telling about ten different story lines, it is an entertaining two hours. I went into the theatre expecting to be barely satisfied but I came out really surprised and I'll even admit to some warm, fuzzy feelings too. It was a genuinely good movie. The connections between all the story lines were actually really clever and the characters were so lovable.
I wish I could say more but I don't want to give anything away. I'll just say that this wasn't just another ordinary rom-com. It's an excellent date movie, or a great way to spend two hours with some girlfriends. I can only speak as a girl, but I'm sure guys would find it enjoyable and not a complete waste of time. All the actors did a great job - some were cast in roles I wouldn't have pegged them in, but they definitely held their ground.
So don't just shrug this one off. And this is coming from someone who doesn't even like Valentine's Day (the day... not the movie). I think I'll make one more bold statement before I sign off. Go see this movie - you won't be disappointed.
Keep it real.
I know my last post ended with some kind of promise that I would write about the results for the Globes, but there are some promises I just don't feel like keeping... or maybe it's just that promise. Either way, if you're really that interested, you can check their official website. I doubt anyone is that interested though. So back to Valentine's Day.
I'm not a hater but I'm also not a lover of this particular day. I guess I'm indifferent. I won't reject a box of chocolate or better yet, a bouquet of red roses (I'm soooo original. I can't believe red roses are my favorite flower... I mean, grow a personality Lars! Oh well, what can you do?) but I still don't really understand the point for anyone outside of the chocolate and flower industry. It's like Black Friday for those guys!
BUT I don't want to ruin the day for anyone who loves it, so I figured I'd give my rave review of Garry Marshall's new film, Valentine's Day.
I'll start by saying that I have a bit of a bias - I like most of Garry Marshall's work. I mean, come on, Pretty Woman? Who can argue with that? It's for shizzle a classic. But if I can be so bold to make a crazy statement, I think this movie was his best since Pretty Woman.
With an all star cast telling about ten different story lines, it is an entertaining two hours. I went into the theatre expecting to be barely satisfied but I came out really surprised and I'll even admit to some warm, fuzzy feelings too. It was a genuinely good movie. The connections between all the story lines were actually really clever and the characters were so lovable.
I wish I could say more but I don't want to give anything away. I'll just say that this wasn't just another ordinary rom-com. It's an excellent date movie, or a great way to spend two hours with some girlfriends. I can only speak as a girl, but I'm sure guys would find it enjoyable and not a complete waste of time. All the actors did a great job - some were cast in roles I wouldn't have pegged them in, but they definitely held their ground.
So don't just shrug this one off. And this is coming from someone who doesn't even like Valentine's Day (the day... not the movie). I think I'll make one more bold statement before I sign off. Go see this movie - you won't be disappointed.
Keep it real.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
AVATAR
There's something that's been on my mind for about a week now. Well, more than a week actually, but before I could kind of shove it to the back of my mind, and now it's all I think about. So I figure since I can't get it out of my head, I might as well write about it!
There's a little indie film out right now, you may have heard of it. It's called 'Avatar' and it was directed by James Cameron. Ah, now I've got your full attention; this movie definitely has mine. Did you know that it broke a huge box office record in a matter of 17 days? Yeah, it made over one billion dollars within the first three weeks! That just astounds me.
Now me being the movie dork that I am, I went to see the movie in theater and then came home and proceeded to stay up all night just to read everything I could get my hands on about this movie. I read, I listened, I watched, I loved. I've now seen countless cast and crew interviews and have read article after article about this movie. You want to know the coolest thing I've learned from all this research?: I don't have a life... well, yeah, but that's a given. No, the coolest thing I've learned is that no matter what opinions people have about this movie, James Cameron has officially, without a doubt, achieved what he set out to do.
What did he set out to do?: Open people's eyes up to the environment around them? No (though he seemed to achieve that in the process anyway). Promote Pantheism? Nope. All James Cameron really wanted to do was get people back to the cinema! And boy, did he ever! I don't regret spending one penny of the fourteen fifty I paid to watch it. I actually walked away feeling as though I may have been the one who cheated Cameron. I only paid fifteen bucks and I got to experience this mind-blowing thing that's going to change how we do movies forever. Thanks Jim, I owe you one!
What an experience, man! I really don't want to give anything away, all I want to do is inform people that it is the furthest thing from a waste of time or money. Go! Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
My favorite aspect of this movie obviously comes from an acting perspective, I can't help it. Sam Worthington plays both a human and a Na'vi (blue alien) and he gives a stellar performance. What I love most is the way they captured his and Zoe Saldana's performances. Everything you see the blue people do, the actors actually did. The face expressions, the tears, the jumping, the fighting, everything. It wasn't just cartoons or simple animation... I mean, it's just incredible.
A friend of mine went to see it recently and I asked her what she thought of Sam Worthington (he's Australian, I try to root a little extra for people who share my heritage) and she said he was great but wondered if he was really disabled in real life. I couldn't understand why she'd ask this question since I already knew that he also played the avatar who could clearly use both his legs. I realized she was asking because she, like many other people I guess, assumed that he was only lending his voice to the other character. She couldn't be more wrong. Again, this is why the movie is so revolutionary and amazing.
Long story short: great movie. I can't guarantee you'll like every aspect of it, but I can guarantee there are enough aspects for everyone to walk away happy. I'm going to stop talking now so you can get your butt to a theater! You'll be glad you did!
Keep it real!
There's a little indie film out right now, you may have heard of it. It's called 'Avatar' and it was directed by James Cameron. Ah, now I've got your full attention; this movie definitely has mine. Did you know that it broke a huge box office record in a matter of 17 days? Yeah, it made over one billion dollars within the first three weeks! That just astounds me.
Now me being the movie dork that I am, I went to see the movie in theater and then came home and proceeded to stay up all night just to read everything I could get my hands on about this movie. I read, I listened, I watched, I loved. I've now seen countless cast and crew interviews and have read article after article about this movie. You want to know the coolest thing I've learned from all this research?: I don't have a life... well, yeah, but that's a given. No, the coolest thing I've learned is that no matter what opinions people have about this movie, James Cameron has officially, without a doubt, achieved what he set out to do.
What did he set out to do?: Open people's eyes up to the environment around them? No (though he seemed to achieve that in the process anyway). Promote Pantheism? Nope. All James Cameron really wanted to do was get people back to the cinema! And boy, did he ever! I don't regret spending one penny of the fourteen fifty I paid to watch it. I actually walked away feeling as though I may have been the one who cheated Cameron. I only paid fifteen bucks and I got to experience this mind-blowing thing that's going to change how we do movies forever. Thanks Jim, I owe you one!
What an experience, man! I really don't want to give anything away, all I want to do is inform people that it is the furthest thing from a waste of time or money. Go! Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
My favorite aspect of this movie obviously comes from an acting perspective, I can't help it. Sam Worthington plays both a human and a Na'vi (blue alien) and he gives a stellar performance. What I love most is the way they captured his and Zoe Saldana's performances. Everything you see the blue people do, the actors actually did. The face expressions, the tears, the jumping, the fighting, everything. It wasn't just cartoons or simple animation... I mean, it's just incredible.
A friend of mine went to see it recently and I asked her what she thought of Sam Worthington (he's Australian, I try to root a little extra for people who share my heritage) and she said he was great but wondered if he was really disabled in real life. I couldn't understand why she'd ask this question since I already knew that he also played the avatar who could clearly use both his legs. I realized she was asking because she, like many other people I guess, assumed that he was only lending his voice to the other character. She couldn't be more wrong. Again, this is why the movie is so revolutionary and amazing.
Long story short: great movie. I can't guarantee you'll like every aspect of it, but I can guarantee there are enough aspects for everyone to walk away happy. I'm going to stop talking now so you can get your butt to a theater! You'll be glad you did!
Keep it real!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Colour Me Disappointed
I just spent the last hour and a half watching 'How to Be', starring Robert Pattinson. The only thing more pathetic than the time I wasted was the money I spent. I bought the movie based soley on what I had seen in the trailer. I definitely don't want to waste anyone else's time by making them read a long review so I'll sum it up for you in a few sentences.
Mediocre writing (and that's me being generous), painfully bad acting (though I do give Pattinson a bit of credit - I'd say he was the best actor of the cast, unfortunately the character he played was extremely dull and not funny), no real plot development and a sad excuse for an ending. The only reason I kept watching was because I was hoping the movie would redeem itself by at least concluding nicely. Instead, after watching Art (Pattinson) search for answers for an hour and ten minutes of film, the story skips ahead to a month later when he is perfectly fine (in fact, the movie ends with Art singing a song titled 'I'm doing fine'). The audience never sees Art find his answers, they are just exposed to the painful 'before' and the mediocre 'after'.
Do yourself a favor: don't watch this movie. I guess I'm sounding a bit harsh, the movie had five or six good moments. I even chuckled once or twice. It called itself a comedy, and boy, did it ever try hard to be one. There were just too many moments when it looked like it was trying too hard. Instead of funny, it came across as pathetic.
So here I am feeling as though I wasted eight dollars and eighty-three minutes. You should know (and if you know me, you DO know), I am a huge fun of Robert Pattinson. But I'm starting to question the grounds on which I base this approval. I thought he showed acting potential in Twilight, though I did not actually feel he did his best in the first or second movie of the saga and now I see him in this. What exactly am I basing my opinions on? Maybe it's just the feeling I get in the pit of my stomach. The 'that guy has the makings of a great actor' feeling.
It really hurts to know that I'll never get those eighty-three minutes back.
Keep it real!
Mediocre writing (and that's me being generous), painfully bad acting (though I do give Pattinson a bit of credit - I'd say he was the best actor of the cast, unfortunately the character he played was extremely dull and not funny), no real plot development and a sad excuse for an ending. The only reason I kept watching was because I was hoping the movie would redeem itself by at least concluding nicely. Instead, after watching Art (Pattinson) search for answers for an hour and ten minutes of film, the story skips ahead to a month later when he is perfectly fine (in fact, the movie ends with Art singing a song titled 'I'm doing fine'). The audience never sees Art find his answers, they are just exposed to the painful 'before' and the mediocre 'after'.
Do yourself a favor: don't watch this movie. I guess I'm sounding a bit harsh, the movie had five or six good moments. I even chuckled once or twice. It called itself a comedy, and boy, did it ever try hard to be one. There were just too many moments when it looked like it was trying too hard. Instead of funny, it came across as pathetic.
So here I am feeling as though I wasted eight dollars and eighty-three minutes. You should know (and if you know me, you DO know), I am a huge fun of Robert Pattinson. But I'm starting to question the grounds on which I base this approval. I thought he showed acting potential in Twilight, though I did not actually feel he did his best in the first or second movie of the saga and now I see him in this. What exactly am I basing my opinions on? Maybe it's just the feeling I get in the pit of my stomach. The 'that guy has the makings of a great actor' feeling.
It really hurts to know that I'll never get those eighty-three minutes back.
Keep it real!
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