AMR: Anime Movie Review

Contraband Review

2012-01-13T21:52:00.001-05:00

OK, this is going to be something new I'm going to be trying out. I'm going to write full reviews of all of the new movies I see at work. Reason being? 1. I'm trying to see if I can see EVERY movie that gets released this year... Minus one or two cause I'm a wuss when it comes to horror movies, and I don't want to see "Rom/Com"s by myself cause it only makes me feel horrifically depressed. 2. I just want to try something new. I want to document my experiences at the movies this year and share them with you lot. So let's kick this off with the first new movie I've seen from 2012: Contraband.

Contraband is the story of an ex-smuggler, named Chris Farraday (more on this later). Chris has left the life of the smuggler behind to be a clean full time family man. With his wife, Kate, they raise their two sons by the docks where Chris used to use as a point of operation and still keeps in touch with the gangsters and dealers in the local area. When Kate's brother, Andy gets involved with a drug smuggling job that goes wrong, the dealer, Briggs, threatens to kill Andy. Chris steps in and tells Briggs that he'll do an other job for him that'll more than make up for his loss in the drug bust. So begins the journey of Chris trying to smuggle thousands of dollars worth of forged bills into the country on an cargo boat.

Mark Wahlberg as Chris

This is a pretty straight foreword movie. Chris (Mr. "I'm not part of this life style anymore") is forced into doing one last job with his family's life on the line. There's no real twists or turns in this movie cause if you've seen movies of this genre before, you know how this movie is going to play itself out. Its very predicable. You see everything coming from a mile away, the surprise back-stabbings, the job going horribly wrong in the worst way possible, and even how the happy ending is going to present itself. There's no element of suspense in this movie and it is by far the movie's greatest downfall. It's not done horribly, but it does nothing to make it stand out, and its not very entertaining because of it. Story wise, this movie couldn't keep its head above water.

Kate Beckinsale as Kate

On a cinematography level, this is very "film student"-ish. The movie is very grainy, and there isn't a single image throughout the movie that was impressive. Its all very plain. All of which doesn't help the fact that this movie is almost internally shot handheld. A handheld shot here and there isn't too bad, but the way this movie was shot, it seems like they didn't have a budget big enough to afford a tripod. The handheld footage is far too noticeable and it does nothing to move the story along.

Another weird problem I have is the main character's name, Chris. For those not aware, Chris is my real first name. Its a name I like to say is too popular to be in a movie, and there isn't a single character named Chris from any short of fictional media that stands out and is beyond amazing. A polar opposite example of this would be the name John. John has multiple characters attached to it, all of which are pretty awesome, John McClain, Little John, John Carter of Mars, and John Smallberries. But with Chris, you've got nothin'. So here comes this movie, Contraband with its main character named Chris, and he's just a beyond generic character from the blandest of bland action/heist movies. So this movie is yet another example of Chris just being a horrible name to give any child. Thanks for the reminder movie! (This critism is just a bit of silliness, but seriously what the hell?!)

Giovanni Ribisi as Briggs

Also this is a movie where, just about all of the villain interactions in the movie feel unnessacry. Briggs is a stupid villain who hides behind a shadowy master (his identity is something else you can tell right way as well). His thought process behind the choices he makes doesn't make any sort of since. For example, Briggs at the beginning of the movie is holding all of the cards in order to make Chris do this smuggling gig and that's because Chris doing this job is the only thing keeping Andy alive. So why does he start to go after Kate and the kids later into the movie? Cause the movie needs Kate to be a distressed damsel which keeps getting put in harms way while Chris is performing the art of smuggling. Having the Briggs character constantly threatening Kate makes little sense since Chris is already under Brigg's thumb.

Although here's the important thing, its not a horrible god awful piece of crap movie. Contraband is a Netflix Watch Now movie you'll find scrolling through the new releases after midnight. You'll start watching it, be mildly entertained by it as you slowly drift to sleep. You'll be interested in what's happening, but its not enough to make you want to force yourself to stay awake and finish it. More or less what I'm trying to say is, there's no reason for anyone to go out of there way to see this in the movie theater.

Overall, I'm giving this movie a 2/5. While I don't personally recommend this movie, there are a lot of other movies out there that are far worse than this.

Updates and Articles coming soon

2012-01-07T11:59:00.000-05:00

For those not aware, my computer has been broken for the last three weeks and I've just now gotten it fix. Its one of the core reasons why the Advent Calendar kinda fell on its ass this year. But I plan on making a V-log explaining everything that's been going on with me, and to actually dive into what I thought was the best and worse from 2011. Until then, see you cats later

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 23

2011-12-22T23:00:00.001-05:00

Reminder: Make sure to buy your Christmas Crackers and Poppers

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Silver and Gold"

Burl Ives

ONLY 2 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 22

2011-12-21T23:00:00.001-05:00

Elsie really pulls off the sexy Santa thing well. =w=

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"The Christmas Song"

Sammy Davis Jr.

ONLY 3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 21

2011-12-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

1. That's a giant sack of porn. 2. Keroneko, what the hell are you doing?

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Holidaze"

Bob Rivers

(Video will be added later)
ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 20

2011-12-19T23:00:00.002-05:00

DAMN IT! WHAT DID I SAY LAST YEAR! YOU NEED TO WEAR PANTS IN COLD WEATHER!

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Johnny Cash
(I like how Johnny Cash is ultimately introducing this song in an extremely sappy way, but the way he says it, its still freaking bad ass.)

ONLY 5 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 19

2011-12-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

I wish Angel Beats had a Christmas episode. ;-;

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Andy Williams

ONLY 6 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 18

2011-12-17T23:00:00.001-05:00

Even Kyubay gets in the spirit of things. Little Bastard...

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

SPECIAL AMR VIDEO!!!

"Sing-Along: Marley & Marley"

Quick Story: This song scared the shit out of me as a child. It really is haunting and creepy, just like the actual moment where the Ghost of Marley meets Scrooge in the book. While its still funny, since its Statler and Waldorf, but still its one of the most memorable songs in the whole movie. So, with out any further delay...

(Video will be added later)

ONLY 7 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 17

2011-12-16T23:00:00.002-05:00

Not gonna lie, this is my Christmas wallpaper for this year.

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Ringing of the Bells"

The Muppets

ONLY 8 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 16

2011-12-15T23:00:00.001-05:00

May You Dragon Slays be awesome!

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Holy Shit, It's Christmas!"Red Peter
(NSFW)

ONLY 9 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 15

2011-12-14T23:00:00.004-05:00

Ever notice how the Santa Belly Outfit seems to be insanely popular with a lot of these images? Its still hot though...

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"So This is Christmas"

Europe

ONLY 10 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 14

2011-12-13T23:00:00.001-05:00

I felt bad for not having a Sailor Moon image last year, hopefully this more than makes up for it.

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"The Christmas Waltz"

Frank Sinatra

ONLY 11 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 13

2011-12-12T23:00:00.003-05:00

I know I'm just a giant perv on the internet, Christmas is for lovers damn it

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Dianne Reeviews & Lou Rawis
(In all seriousness, this is not only my favorite version of this song, but hands down my favorite Christmas song ever. Its the right mix of sweet romance and sexy overtones)

ONLY 12 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 12

2011-12-11T23:00:00.001-05:00

CLAMP does some really nice Christmas images

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"The Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth"

Bing Crosby & David Bowie

ONLY 13 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 11

2011-12-10T23:00:00.002-05:00

How Lupin Made the Grinch his Bitch

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

SPECIAL AMR VIDEO!!!

"Sing-Along: Scrooge"

Quick Story: The Muppet's Christmas Carol is my second favorite Christmas movie which stands right next to my favorite movie of all time, It's A Wonderful Life. Not only is it pure heartfelt wholesome fun, its dark, creepy and surprisingly accurate to the source material. So to honor my second favorite Christmas Movie, I'll be taking some of my favorite songs from the film and turning them into sing-alongs. We start with the opening number, which introduces us to our title character, Scrooge.

(Video will be added later)

ONLY 14 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 10

2011-12-09T23:00:00.004-05:00

She's got such a small package... I need to stop making these Christmas futa jokes.

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"The Little Boy That Santa Forgot"

Nat King Cole

(Possibly the most depressing Christmas song out there)

ONLY 15 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 09

2011-12-08T23:00:00.004-05:00

Yeah... This will end well...

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Merry Christmas from the Whole Fam Damily"

Cledus T. Judd

(Don't judge me! omo)

ONLY 16 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 08

2011-12-07T23:00:00.004-05:00

That Polar Bear in the Santa Hat looks cute, but he'll turn on you in a heart beat.

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG

"Winter Wonderland"

Dean Martin

ONLY 17 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 07

2011-12-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Yes... that is a Gundam wrapped in garland.

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
"Thank God It's Christmas"
Queen

ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 06

2011-12-05T23:00:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas you wonderfully crazy Pekoponians!

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
Was Blocked by the @$$ F***ERS AT YT so here's a random christmas video
"SMod Bless Us, Everyone"
Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier
NSFW!!!

ONLY 19 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 05

2011-12-04T23:00:00.002-05:00

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF HER SACK!!! Wait, I did that joke already...

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
"Silent Night, Disco Night"
David Miller & L.A. Tam

(This song is from my personal collection of Christmas Music, aka songs I can't find on YT)

ONLY 20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 04

2011-12-03T23:00:00.004-05:00

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

SPECIAL AMR VIDEO!!!

"CLASSIC AMR - CHRISTMAS AMV's FOR EVERYONE!!!"

Quick Story: This was one of the first videos I ever posted here on the blog. The idea was to kick off the holiday season with some Christmas Themed AMVs and then do the Karas Reviews, which I did. While this is FAR from my best editing work, it was back when I was only using iMovie, so some of the things like Lip Syncing were nearly impossible to do anyhow. Anyhow, I'm still a little proud of this video and I still like a good chunk of this stuff and hopefully, it'll gain more awareness now that I'm re-posting it.

ONLY 21 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 03

2011-12-02T23:00:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder of who's site your visiting... =w=

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
"Sweet Gifts"
Bo and Todd
(NOT SUITABLE FOR WORK OR THE FAINT OF HEART)

ONLY 22 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

Side note: The AMR Blog is 2 years old today! Thank you for following me as long as you've been.

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 02

2011-12-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Knowing them, I think its safe to assume that isn't snow in the background...

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
"Uprising"
Muse
(Like I said last year, this song isn't exactly Christmas-ie, but the video is still pretty sweet)

ONLY 23 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

2011 AMR Advent Calendar - DEC. 01

2011-11-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

THIS CHRISTMAS TREE IS ACCEPTABLE!!!

AMR is now one giant Advent Calendar! Come back everyday this month for a new Wallpaper and a new Christmas Song!

TODAY'S SONG
"Christmas Time is Here Again"
The Beatles

ONLY 24 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!