Released: June 8, 2012
OVERALL SCORE: * * 1/2
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Ridley Scott
Writers: Jon Spaihts, Damon Lindelof
Producers: Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, Walter Hill, David Giler
Main Actors: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbinder, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce
Acting: * * *
Directing: * * *
Predictability: * *
Plot Line: * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Yeah, Yeah, prequel to Alien, sci fi, stuff blows up... why am I only giving this 2 and a half stars? Here is why: I can't get past the talking head. THAT is what I most remember about this movie. A talking head. What was Mr. Scott thinking?! Really?
I also kept thinking that Elizabeth Shaw had to be in immense pain! Poor girl - I couldn't do what she did. Of course, I'm not on an alien planet and my coworkers aren't being killed by freakish 'things'. That would be really cool if I was, but alas, I work in a cubical and don't get to carry a gun nor a CSI type case to study the carpet fibers.
Talking heads and preoccupation with Ms. Shaw's health had a huge factor on my rating. It was visually awesome and at times reminded me of Star Trek (when they were on the bridge) and other times it reminded me of Star Wars. There was one scene that was like the Star Wars garbage shoot scene. I wanted to tell them to call C3PO or R2.
So... if you like aliens, see this movie. If you don't care much about them, don't see the movie (wait for DVD).
Favorite Scene: The one where Millburn and Fifield meet the 'aliens' and get killed. Arm breaking = awesomeness.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Released: June 22, 2012
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Writer: Seth Grahame-Smith
Producers: Tim Burton, Jim Lemley
Main Actors: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directing: * *
Acting: * *
Predictability: * * *
Story Line: * * * (so absurd it has to be good)
Entertainment Value: * * *
First off, I am writing this at 2:30 in the morning. I went to the midnight showing because I was very excited about seeing this movie. I just finished reading the book earlier in the day and I really liked it. Logically, the movie would be just as good as the book right? Well... not so much.
Second off (I had a "First off" so I have to have a second), suspension of disbelief can only be held to a certain level. It was different in the book. You got to know a lot more about Abe, a lot more. It was more understandable why he went after the vampires so aggressively and Henry was a advocate of his going into politics, not in opposition to it. It was just so out there. I know... with a title like "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" what was I expecting. Unfortunately, I was expecting it to be more like the book.
I do think this is a movie worth seeing. It has stuff that blows up - always a good thing in movies. If you have read the book though, you may be a little disappointed.
Favorite Scene: The one where Abe and Mary Todd danced. I loved the costumes and it was an "awwww" type scene.
NOTE: Alan Tudyk as Steven Douglas wasn't credited according to IMDB. WTH? That just isn't right...
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Writer: Seth Grahame-Smith
Producers: Tim Burton, Jim Lemley
Main Actors: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directing: * *
Acting: * *
Predictability: * * *
Story Line: * * * (so absurd it has to be good)
Entertainment Value: * * *
First off, I am writing this at 2:30 in the morning. I went to the midnight showing because I was very excited about seeing this movie. I just finished reading the book earlier in the day and I really liked it. Logically, the movie would be just as good as the book right? Well... not so much.
Second off (I had a "First off" so I have to have a second), suspension of disbelief can only be held to a certain level. It was different in the book. You got to know a lot more about Abe, a lot more. It was more understandable why he went after the vampires so aggressively and Henry was a advocate of his going into politics, not in opposition to it. It was just so out there. I know... with a title like "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" what was I expecting. Unfortunately, I was expecting it to be more like the book.
I do think this is a movie worth seeing. It has stuff that blows up - always a good thing in movies. If you have read the book though, you may be a little disappointed.
Favorite Scene: The one where Abe and Mary Todd danced. I loved the costumes and it was an "awwww" type scene.
NOTE: Alan Tudyk as Steven Douglas wasn't credited according to IMDB. WTH? That just isn't right...
Monday, June 18, 2012
Moonrise Kingdom
Released: May 16, 2012
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Scott Rudin
Main Actors: Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Cinematography: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Wow... just wow. The framing of this film were perfect. It was beautiful and heart warming. Yes, I am gushing at a non action, non scifi, non horror movie. I know, try to wipe the shock off your face.
Seeing as I enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson), I'm not surprised I liked the movie. I am surprised I LOVED the movie. I even want to go see it again! This is definitely a Bluray movie purchase. No doubt about that!
The two kids in the movie were amazing. The close ups of them were, well, perfect. The whole cast was really talented. It shouldn't be a shocker that I say that about Bruce Willis and Edward Norton, but really, everyone in the movie was superb.
Visually, the film was pure art. The colors, shot framing, movement (or lack of), and timing were brilliant.
I recommend this film. As a matter of fact, I support you seeing this film. If this movie was running for President, it would have my vote for sure! Wait... I have an idea... ;)
Favorite Line: "Jiminy Cricket, he flew the coop!"
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Scott Rudin
Main Actors: Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Cinematography: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Wow... just wow. The framing of this film were perfect. It was beautiful and heart warming. Yes, I am gushing at a non action, non scifi, non horror movie. I know, try to wipe the shock off your face.
Seeing as I enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson), I'm not surprised I liked the movie. I am surprised I LOVED the movie. I even want to go see it again! This is definitely a Bluray movie purchase. No doubt about that!
The two kids in the movie were amazing. The close ups of them were, well, perfect. The whole cast was really talented. It shouldn't be a shocker that I say that about Bruce Willis and Edward Norton, but really, everyone in the movie was superb.
Visually, the film was pure art. The colors, shot framing, movement (or lack of), and timing were brilliant.
I recommend this film. As a matter of fact, I support you seeing this film. If this movie was running for President, it would have my vote for sure! Wait... I have an idea... ;)
Favorite Line: "Jiminy Cricket, he flew the coop!"
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Rock of Ages
Released: 2012
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Adam Shankman
Producers: Jennifer Gibgot; Garrett Grant; Carl Levin; Matt Weaver
Writers: Justin Theroux; Chris D'Arienzo; Alen Loeb
Main Actors: Diego Boneta; Julianne Hough; Tom Cruise; Russell Brand; Alec Baldwin
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Predictability: * * .5
Plot: * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Like, Totally Shut the Back Door! This movie was awesome. It was so funny and, of course, I wanted to sign along with every single song. I was not expecting it to be as funny as it was. Oh how I loved the 80s!
Okay, I have to look at this objectively. Despite the fact that the movie totally made me relive my junior and high school days (oh Eric Pugh and Jason Vanlandingham, where did you guys go I wonder), I have to look at this as a movie critic would. NOT!!!! It's fun, it's silly, it's funny, it makes you want to dance your socks off. Tom Cruise was friggin hilarious! I just saw Bret Michael's in concert too - made me laugh even harder. Come on - that HAD to be based off of him!
Anyway, see this movie, especially if you're my age!
Favorite Quotes:
Drew: "I'm in a boy band."
Sherrie: "Ok, you win."
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Adam Shankman
Producers: Jennifer Gibgot; Garrett Grant; Carl Levin; Matt Weaver
Writers: Justin Theroux; Chris D'Arienzo; Alen Loeb
Main Actors: Diego Boneta; Julianne Hough; Tom Cruise; Russell Brand; Alec Baldwin
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Predictability: * * .5
Plot: * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Like, Totally Shut the Back Door! This movie was awesome. It was so funny and, of course, I wanted to sign along with every single song. I was not expecting it to be as funny as it was. Oh how I loved the 80s!
Okay, I have to look at this objectively. Despite the fact that the movie totally made me relive my junior and high school days (oh Eric Pugh and Jason Vanlandingham, where did you guys go I wonder), I have to look at this as a movie critic would. NOT!!!! It's fun, it's silly, it's funny, it makes you want to dance your socks off. Tom Cruise was friggin hilarious! I just saw Bret Michael's in concert too - made me laugh even harder. Come on - that HAD to be based off of him!
Anyway, see this movie, especially if you're my age!
Favorite Quotes:
Drew: "I'm in a boy band."
Sherrie: "Ok, you win."
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Chernobyl Diaries
Released: 2012
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Bradley Parker
Writer: Oren Peli
Producers: Oren Peli; Brian Witten
Main Actors: Jonathan Sadowski; Devin Kelley; Olivia Dudley
Entertainment Value: * * *
Plot / Story Line: * *
Predictability: *
Acting: * *
Directing: * *
Ummm... what can I say about this movie.... using one word... Humdrum. Yes, humdrum. It was so formula-istic! Spell check says formula-istic isn't a word, but I'm making it one now. Formula-istic! Take that spell check.
Back to the movie... it was okay. I was engaged and wanted to keep watching, but the story line was so 'normal' for a horror film. Young, pretty adults make bad decision, get lost in the woods and die. The only difference is that the woods were in Russia and the villains were mutants.
There was one part that made no sense and I think they just through it in there cause it is something that is normally put into horror films. If you watch it, I think you'll know which part I'm referring to.
Final Recommendation: Rent it when it comes out on DVD. It is worth watching if you like horror films cause it did keep you in the movie, but if your not into that type of thing, skip it.
Favorite Scene: The bear - I love randomness.
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Bradley Parker
Writer: Oren Peli
Producers: Oren Peli; Brian Witten
Main Actors: Jonathan Sadowski; Devin Kelley; Olivia Dudley
Entertainment Value: * * *
Plot / Story Line: * *
Predictability: *
Acting: * *
Directing: * *
Ummm... what can I say about this movie.... using one word... Humdrum. Yes, humdrum. It was so formula-istic! Spell check says formula-istic isn't a word, but I'm making it one now. Formula-istic! Take that spell check.
Back to the movie... it was okay. I was engaged and wanted to keep watching, but the story line was so 'normal' for a horror film. Young, pretty adults make bad decision, get lost in the woods and die. The only difference is that the woods were in Russia and the villains were mutants.
There was one part that made no sense and I think they just through it in there cause it is something that is normally put into horror films. If you watch it, I think you'll know which part I'm referring to.
Final Recommendation: Rent it when it comes out on DVD. It is worth watching if you like horror films cause it did keep you in the movie, but if your not into that type of thing, skip it.
Favorite Scene: The bear - I love randomness.
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