DIRECTOR: Daniel Barnz
STUDIO: CBS Films
STARRING: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
GRADE: C-
So, yet again - it's been a long time since my last review. I had actually been wanting to see this film for a long time, but finally got to tonight with a good friend of mine.
Basically, this is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. It's pretty accurate, in that sense. And there are a few references that make it all the more cute, because of the classic plot elements that we all know and love.
The part that makes it not so good is the "fairy-tale-ness" of it all. So much of it is unbelieveable, and even though it IS a movie, it's set in a real-life format, therefore so much of it makes you want to roll your eyes.
However, Neil Patrick Harris stars in this, and though he may not have been directed perfectly, his acting keeps any scene light and very entertaining. Overall, a "C-" fits this movie quite well, and if you want a cute story to end your Sunday night, by all means rent it.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall
STUDIO: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
STARRING: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
GRADE: B-
Wow. Just as an intro, it has been WAY too long since my last review. Hope I haven't lost anybody. (not like anyone's actually reading, anyways). Anyways, onto the review!
I've always felt likethe Pirate series was the new generation's Indiana Jones series. Wildly popular and exciting, with more sequels than you can count. Unfortuantely for the Pirates series, the sequels have always been far worse than the original. Although the fourth installment is better than the second and third, it still doesn't reach the potential of the original film.
The film deals with Captain Jack Sparrow looking for the fountain of youth with an old flame, played by Penelope Cruz's character. It's a very simple plot line - almost TOO simple, for a PotC movie - and quite easy to follow. The writers just started from scratch and began the entire stories over again.
The dialouge is...decent and is a bit wishy-washy at times, but it gets the job done. The only thing that I really didn't like was the romantic subplot between two VERY supporting characters. It might have worked better if it was more developed, but it should have been taken out completely.
A "B-" suits this film well, especially compared with trying to recover from that AWFUL third installment that made audiences go bald from scratching their heads so often.
STUDIO: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
STARRING: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
GRADE: B-
Wow. Just as an intro, it has been WAY too long since my last review. Hope I haven't lost anybody. (not like anyone's actually reading, anyways). Anyways, onto the review!
I've always felt likethe Pirate series was the new generation's Indiana Jones series. Wildly popular and exciting, with more sequels than you can count. Unfortuantely for the Pirates series, the sequels have always been far worse than the original. Although the fourth installment is better than the second and third, it still doesn't reach the potential of the original film.
The film deals with Captain Jack Sparrow looking for the fountain of youth with an old flame, played by Penelope Cruz's character. It's a very simple plot line - almost TOO simple, for a PotC movie - and quite easy to follow. The writers just started from scratch and began the entire stories over again.
The dialouge is...decent and is a bit wishy-washy at times, but it gets the job done. The only thing that I really didn't like was the romantic subplot between two VERY supporting characters. It might have worked better if it was more developed, but it should have been taken out completely.
A "B-" suits this film well, especially compared with trying to recover from that AWFUL third installment that made audiences go bald from scratching their heads so often.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Red Riding Hood (2011)
DIRECTOR: Catherine Hardwicke
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
GRADE: C-
Everyone knows the BASIC story of Red Riding Hood, but this is a complete twist (and by twist I mean, driving around the block to go next door, kind of twist). The story wasn't all that original, but it at least kept the audience slightly interested for the entire time.
Acting was... bad? It wasn't the worst I've ever seen, but let's just say you can tell the director of "Twilight" directed this movie as well! The actors had much less motivation, it seemed and some acted like they didn't even care.
Another HUGE complaint is the anachronisms! Shiloh Fernandez (Peter) had hair gel in his hair, and they made it VERY obvious, especially putting him next to those who looked like they just got out of bed. This is just one of MANY small mistakes that could have easily been avoided.
The movie's redeeming point was the slight surprise ending, but it wasn't good enough to rate it higher than a "C-". Besides, it's not like anybody's going to remember this film in 6 months, anyways.
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
GRADE: C-
Everyone knows the BASIC story of Red Riding Hood, but this is a complete twist (and by twist I mean, driving around the block to go next door, kind of twist). The story wasn't all that original, but it at least kept the audience slightly interested for the entire time.
Acting was... bad? It wasn't the worst I've ever seen, but let's just say you can tell the director of "Twilight" directed this movie as well! The actors had much less motivation, it seemed and some acted like they didn't even care.
Another HUGE complaint is the anachronisms! Shiloh Fernandez (Peter) had hair gel in his hair, and they made it VERY obvious, especially putting him next to those who looked like they just got out of bed. This is just one of MANY small mistakes that could have easily been avoided.
The movie's redeeming point was the slight surprise ending, but it wasn't good enough to rate it higher than a "C-". Besides, it's not like anybody's going to remember this film in 6 months, anyways.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Limitless (2011)
DIRECTOR: Neil Burger
STUDIO: Relativity Media
STARRING: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Mystery, Thriller
GRADE: B-
One of the biggest problems in this film is the previews. In every commercial or trailer I've seen of it, you literally have no idea what happens in it. All you ever find out is there's this magic pill that can make you really smart and time-efficient.
Even though that literally is the plot, it's a bit deeper than that. Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is an author with writer's block who just got broken up with his girlfriend, for basically being a loser, and he meets his ex-brother-in-law, Vernon, on the street. They talk and it's implied that Vernon is a drug-dealer, and he even offers a tiny, clear pill - NZT - to Eddie for free. Eddie declines at first, but eventually when he's alone, he takes it and the world changes around him. He can see, hear, speak, and especially think clearer. He can recall every single memory from his entire life.
The visuals in this film, although very subtle, are stunning! You can tell how enhanced his entire life is, just with one dose of NZT. Even the colors in this film symbolically change how the viewer sees his character.
Bradley Cooper is...okay. I've never really been a fan of his acting, and this doesn't really prove much to me how well he can act. His ex-girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, probably does the worst job of all. Mostly just because she has nothing to do the entire film. It's possibly the direction that was really lukewarm, too.
The dialogue, however, was some of the best I've heard in quite awhile, especially when he's explaining things as he's on NZT. But, some of Cooper's delivery is just a little flat.
Overall, a "B-" is a solid rating on this film, because I did enjoy it, but there're too many flaws that make me want to give it a higher rating.
STUDIO: Relativity Media
STARRING: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Mystery, Thriller
GRADE: B-
One of the biggest problems in this film is the previews. In every commercial or trailer I've seen of it, you literally have no idea what happens in it. All you ever find out is there's this magic pill that can make you really smart and time-efficient.
Even though that literally is the plot, it's a bit deeper than that. Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is an author with writer's block who just got broken up with his girlfriend, for basically being a loser, and he meets his ex-brother-in-law, Vernon, on the street. They talk and it's implied that Vernon is a drug-dealer, and he even offers a tiny, clear pill - NZT - to Eddie for free. Eddie declines at first, but eventually when he's alone, he takes it and the world changes around him. He can see, hear, speak, and especially think clearer. He can recall every single memory from his entire life.
The visuals in this film, although very subtle, are stunning! You can tell how enhanced his entire life is, just with one dose of NZT. Even the colors in this film symbolically change how the viewer sees his character.
Bradley Cooper is...okay. I've never really been a fan of his acting, and this doesn't really prove much to me how well he can act. His ex-girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, probably does the worst job of all. Mostly just because she has nothing to do the entire film. It's possibly the direction that was really lukewarm, too.
The dialogue, however, was some of the best I've heard in quite awhile, especially when he's explaining things as he's on NZT. But, some of Cooper's delivery is just a little flat.
Overall, a "B-" is a solid rating on this film, because I did enjoy it, but there're too many flaws that make me want to give it a higher rating.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Producers (1968)
DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
STUDIO: Embassy Pictures
STARRING: Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn
RATING: PG
GENRE: Comedy, Music
GRADE: B+
Mel Brooks is at it again! Although not his best film, per se, it's one of his most genius concepts! Brooks has such a unique style, that even if I didn't know it was him directing, I'd feel the familiar nature with his other movies.
The film's about a down-on-his-luck Broadway show producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and he needs to find a hit - and fast. So, when his accountant, Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) shows up and accidentally tells him that a flop would be more profitable than a hit, Max realizes all he needs to do is find the worst play, the worst director and the worst actors and he'll have a sure-fire failure!
This movie is so crazy, but realistic, that you can't help but laugh, because trying to figure it out won't get you anywhere. Mostel and Wilder are both perfect for their roles. They even have so much chemistry, you could even call it a "bromance".
My only real complaint is the time. Strangely enough, it's a very short film. Just about 85 minutes. I felt they could have drawn out the really funny scenes a bit more, or even developed the story of the secretary, like they've done in the remake. But, regardless, I love this film and recommend to all!
STUDIO: Embassy Pictures
STARRING: Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn
RATING: PG
GENRE: Comedy, Music
GRADE: B+
Mel Brooks is at it again! Although not his best film, per se, it's one of his most genius concepts! Brooks has such a unique style, that even if I didn't know it was him directing, I'd feel the familiar nature with his other movies.
The film's about a down-on-his-luck Broadway show producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and he needs to find a hit - and fast. So, when his accountant, Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) shows up and accidentally tells him that a flop would be more profitable than a hit, Max realizes all he needs to do is find the worst play, the worst director and the worst actors and he'll have a sure-fire failure!
This movie is so crazy, but realistic, that you can't help but laugh, because trying to figure it out won't get you anywhere. Mostel and Wilder are both perfect for their roles. They even have so much chemistry, you could even call it a "bromance".
My only real complaint is the time. Strangely enough, it's a very short film. Just about 85 minutes. I felt they could have drawn out the really funny scenes a bit more, or even developed the story of the secretary, like they've done in the remake. But, regardless, I love this film and recommend to all!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Runaways (2010)
DIRECTOR: Floria Sigismondi
STUDIO: Apparition
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon
RATING: R
GENRE: Biography, Drama
GRADE: C
To be quite honest, I'd only heard of Joan Jett before I saw this movie. I didn't even realize there was a band called the Runaways. Honestly, what blew me away with this film was Kristen Stewart. She actually can do more than just one expression and tone. She had raw emotion, and many times I forgot it was that life-less actress who "portrays" Bella Swan.
The film is interesting enough, but Dakota Fanning's character, Cherie Currie, felt so underwritten and sloppy that I didn't understand her motivations. It must have been a problem with both the director and writers, because I felt lost in most scenes were she had any sort of break-down or lash out. Also, the film seems to end on an awkward note. There was no resolution of any deep sort. I don't want to spoil anything, but the last scene felt like it could have been more of an ending, then just a falling action. I understand that it's a film based on true events, but it's still a film that needs to follow the regular formula for story-telling.
Something to compliment this movie on is that it acurately portrayed everything during that time: women were hated for being anything but housewives, drugs were still a problem at that time. And the lighting of each scene felt like it was very well thought-out for each emotion of the characters.
A decent film, that you may like to watch if you feel the need to see Kristen Stewart or Dakota Fanning act fairly well.
STUDIO: Apparition
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon
RATING: R
GENRE: Biography, Drama
GRADE: C
To be quite honest, I'd only heard of Joan Jett before I saw this movie. I didn't even realize there was a band called the Runaways. Honestly, what blew me away with this film was Kristen Stewart. She actually can do more than just one expression and tone. She had raw emotion, and many times I forgot it was that life-less actress who "portrays" Bella Swan.
The film is interesting enough, but Dakota Fanning's character, Cherie Currie, felt so underwritten and sloppy that I didn't understand her motivations. It must have been a problem with both the director and writers, because I felt lost in most scenes were she had any sort of break-down or lash out. Also, the film seems to end on an awkward note. There was no resolution of any deep sort. I don't want to spoil anything, but the last scene felt like it could have been more of an ending, then just a falling action. I understand that it's a film based on true events, but it's still a film that needs to follow the regular formula for story-telling.
Something to compliment this movie on is that it acurately portrayed everything during that time: women were hated for being anything but housewives, drugs were still a problem at that time. And the lighting of each scene felt like it was very well thought-out for each emotion of the characters.
A decent film, that you may like to watch if you feel the need to see Kristen Stewart or Dakota Fanning act fairly well.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Unknown (2011)
DIRECTOR: Jaume Collet-Serra
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
GRADE: B
I feel that this is the film that has all those actors and actresses that you've seen before, but never knew their name and wraps them up into one! The best part of this film is definitely the acting and directing, and how well they melded together. Liam Neeson was fantastic, as always and Diane Kruger - I didn't even recognize her!
There were many action sequences and only one did I have any trouble following. Most were the best I've seen in a long time, so I was very pleased. The score went well with this movie, too, because it wasn't so loud you couldn't think, but it wasn't so faint you couldn't hear it.
Something about this film keeps you guessing, because you really don't figure it out until the last 20 minutes, or so, and the twist isn't a hard one to believe. It's something that you almost want to slap yourself in your face for not realizing it!
VERY well put-together film, and I'm not even a fan of action movies in the first place.
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
GRADE: B
I feel that this is the film that has all those actors and actresses that you've seen before, but never knew their name and wraps them up into one! The best part of this film is definitely the acting and directing, and how well they melded together. Liam Neeson was fantastic, as always and Diane Kruger - I didn't even recognize her!
There were many action sequences and only one did I have any trouble following. Most were the best I've seen in a long time, so I was very pleased. The score went well with this movie, too, because it wasn't so loud you couldn't think, but it wasn't so faint you couldn't hear it.
Something about this film keeps you guessing, because you really don't figure it out until the last 20 minutes, or so, and the twist isn't a hard one to believe. It's something that you almost want to slap yourself in your face for not realizing it!
VERY well put-together film, and I'm not even a fan of action movies in the first place.
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