Blog Anything Movies

Movie Review: Star Wars - The Force Awakens

2016-01-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

Movie: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford

Director: J. J. Abrams

As I'm probably one of the last people on Earth to see this film, this review may contain a few spoilers. Unlike others when they first announced this film I was not excited in the least. After the prequels it seemed to me that the Star Wars universe might be best served by sticking to games, comics, and cartoons. If the original creator of the series couldn't put something worthwhile together, then what chance did Disney have? Then footage from the film starting showing up on the web and it was hard not get excited. The look and feel of the original Star Wars we all loved was back.

Much of Star Wars Episode 7 feels like it was patterned after the first Star Wars film. That isn't to say that the plot is exactly the same but it's very similar. There is a conscious effort to get the old fans back on board. The plot revolves around finding a Droid with sensitive information, a weapon that can destroy planets, and ordinary people who turn into heroes (sound familiar?). Almost all of the original cast is back and the film has many tongue in cheek references to first films. Sometimes it crosses the line, for example when they go to a seedy hideout that is exactly like the Cantina from Episode 4. For the most part though it works and still feels like an original story.

The main purpose of the film is to introduce the new characters and setup what should be a successful trilogy. A passing of the torch from the characters of the original trilogy to those of the new. And the new characters hold their own quite well. Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) have natural chemistry on screen and the dialogue is well written (unlike the prequels). Finn is interesting in that they have never shown a Stormtrooper as a real person before. They were always mindless drones. The comparisons to Nazi Germany aren't subtle but do add some new themes to the series. The one character that could have been better is the villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). He isn't the classic villain that many were expecting and often seems to be a rather weak. Although I believe this will be resolved in the next episodes it still would have been nice to see a true villain in Episode 7.

Now onto the action and special effects, the most important parts of any movie. The special effects team really excelled in the aerial combat sequences. While computer graphics were employed it still had the look and feel of the original Star Wars. It captured the spirit of the first film while adding things that just weren't possible at that time. The alien creatures were somewhat of a mixed bag as some relied on CGI and others on more old school techniques. Having both in the same scene would sometimes throw off the realism a bit. The Lightsaber battles felt a bit muted as they didn't rely on acrobatics as much as the prequels or even the original films.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens isn't a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination. It is not the instant classic that was the original trilogy. It is a fun film for fans though, a nostalgic trip back in time. It may not be the most original but it manages to make one hopeful for what lies in store for Episodes 8 and 9.

Movie Review: Jurassic World - Expect The Expected

2016-01-02T15:19:00.002-08:00

Movie: Jurassic World

Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Jurassic World is set 22 years after the original film. Somehow in that time the dream of first films was realized. The film doesn't explain how this happened we just know that the park is now up and running. Leading the project is Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) a career focused woman who sees the Dinos at the park as corporate assets instead of living breathing animals. This corporate greed motivates the main story of the film. To keep the park attractive to tourist new Dinos must keep being introduced. Eventually the scientist decide to come up with a creature that never even existed that they call Indominus Rex. Basically Indominus Rex is a bigger, badder version of the T Rex from the original movies. When the Indominus Rex begins exhibiting strange behavior, Owen (Chris Pratt) the park's resident hero and animal expert is called in for consultation. As you may have guessed things soon go terribly wrong.

The main thing lacking in this film is any originality. Most of the films ideas seemed to have been lifted from the other films. They simply try to one up the other films in terms of special effects and action. It's like Jurassic Park 2.0 more than a sequel with it own story and characters. As an example like the first film we again have two children who get lost in the park at exactly the wrong time. This time it is Claire's nephews who are making a visit to the park. In the first film the kids were a little too precocious at times, in this one they are just not very likable at all. They mostly serve as a reason for Claire and Owen to venture into the park together. The only truly likable character is Owen. Basically he gets to be the action star version of Sam Neil and Jeff Goldblum's characters from the first film. He gets to point out when the other characters are being foolish with sarcastic comments and one liners. Bryce Dallas Howard gives a fine performance as Claire but the role is very predictable. Claire goes from closed off career woman to down to earth heroine. Of course she also falls in love.

All the negatives aside though the movie does manage be fun and entertaining. The special effects are quite impressive, bringing to film some spectacular new creatures that fans of the series will enjoy. The tweaked soundtrack is different enough to be interesting while still retaining that nostalgic feeling from the first films. The actions scenes are big and suspenseful but not always logical or realistic.

Jurassic World is exactly what people have come expect from a sequel like this. A slightly different take on story that has already been told. With beefed up special effects and action to satisfy the masses. On those counts Jurassic World delivers.

Movie Review: The Age Adaline - A Curious Case Of Misguided Ambition

2015-11-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Movie: The Age Of Adaline

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman and Harrison Ford

Some ideas are just bad. No matter how much you believe that they will work they never will. Age Of Adaline is like one those ideas. While everyone involved in the film seems confident that they are in an Oscar award winning film it just never gets over the main premise. Age Of Adaline tries to emulate old holywood romances and at least in the look, feel and tone it gets it right. The big concept and character development fall flat. Any thinking person will see that the story is contrived and ultimately pointless.

Blake Lively stars as Adaline a woman who after a car accident in the 1920s mysteriously stops aging altogether. This is explained away in a "sciencey" sounding voice over that really makes zero sense at all. That wouldn't really be problem though because any movie with a big concept will have that moment where you must suspend disbelief and just go with it. The problem with Age Of Adaline is that the concept doesn't lead to any logical story development. Instead of gaining any happiness from being an ageless beauty Adaline spends most of her time alone. She constantly changes her identity so no one will find out her secret. She can't bring herself to have any real close relationships, knowing that in the end it will lead to loss and heartbreak.

Since most of movie is set in present day that means that Adaline while appearing young is supposed to have the knowledge and wisdom of someone almost 100 years old. Surprisingly Blake Lively does quite well in carrying her scenes. It is very hard to believe that given 100 years time Adaline would not have matured enough to have a real relationship though. The whole thing is just a contrivance to keep her away from her true love. Enter Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) who meets Adaline at a party and falls in love from the minute he sees her. Even though he only gets her name, he uses that to track her down at work and later at her apartment. Of course this being a movie, he eventually gets a date and the police are never called. I guess it doesn't hurt that he is handsome and rich.

To add more drama to the film their is a surprise twist involving Ellis' dad who is played by Harrison Ford. Although Ford does admirably in the role the whole thing is incredibly dumb. It's one of those "coincidences" that only seem to happen in movies. The whole sub-plot seems to have been added to create more fake inner turmoil for poor Adaline.

Age Of Adaline tries desperately to have some sort of message about love, loss and life but ends up being just another ambitious but poorly thought out hollywood film.

Movie Review - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

2012-01-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Movie: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Starring: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton
Directed by: Brad Bird

After three Mission: Impossible films you pretty much know what your going to get. Lots of high tech gadgets, disguises, car chases, some super secret item that can't fall into the wrong hands. Ghost Protocol gives you all the things that you'd expect but somehow still manages to feel fresh and hold your interest. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt and does admirably although the character is less than challenging. New addition Simon Pegg as computer expert Benji Dunn brings some comedic relief lighten the film up a bit. The plot here is typical for these type of films and really is of no consequence.There are some nice surprises but if you're expecting mystery and intrigue then this film will surely disappoint. Only the original film really succeeded in that element.

However, what the movie does excel at is the action which begins at the opening credits and doesn't stop for a minute. Director Brad Bird does an excellent job of setting up the different action sequences so that while being rather implausible you stay with them. It would be easy for a film like this to cross the line into eye roll inducing action movie ridiculousness but it manages to stay right behind the line. The action scenes also make good use of some exotic locales that have not been seen on film before like the tallest building in the world in Dubai or a parking garage where in Mumbai where a machine parks the cars automatically moving them up and down the many levels. The scene in Dubai is particularly spectacular for it's real sense of danger and use of great heights. Many of the gadgets are interesting as well and not too beyond believability. Like a screen that displays whatever is behind it at just the right angle to create a 3-D illusion. Or contacts that take pictures when you blink (in the first film they were glasses so fake technology is progressing).

Ghost Protocol inserts just the right level of wit and humor without detracting from the action or making the film feel like one of those buddy cop movies. Simon Pegg does a wonderful job as the Computer Expert on the team who has never really had much experience in real life missions. Jeremy Renner's Agent Brandt is good counter balance to Cruise's character as well. This is also chance to add a human element to the film and resolve some issues about what exactly happened between MI:III and Ghost Protocol. Which is all wrapped up neatly in the final scene which also sets up the possibility of a MI:5.

If you like action films or to have fun at the movies then Ghost Protocol is far superior to any of the summer movies that came out this year or the past couple of years even.

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

2011-12-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Movie: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Directed by Guy Ritchie.
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Frye, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris.

I have so many feelings about this movie that in order to be coherent, I'm going to have to look at one aspect of the movie at a time.

The plot: One of the (few) flaws of the first Holmes installment was the mystery and villain. While almost everything else in the movie was spot-on, the actual diabolical plot turned out to be pretty transparent. This installment remedies this. While the mystery is still, at heart, fairly straight-forward, Moriarty's planning and execution of such a complex scheme with so many moving parts is impressive and, thankfully, worthy of such an iconic nemesis. Because the plot is much more political and clever, the movie itself is a little slower than the first one, though it is in no way less interesting or lacking in action.

In the middle of all the political intrigue, we have two big subplots that really take over by infusing a human element to movie. First we have the upcoming nuptials of Watson, which we saw Holmes balking at in the last movie. In this movie, we don't see him balking so much as resigning himself to a life of loneliness. On the other hand, we see Watson starting to realize that while his life is full, Holmes' life is not. He is Holmes' only friend and that is a hard place to be for any person. Then we have Holmes and Moriarty's mental chess game (and literal chess game at one point). Holmes has finally come up against someone that he cannot wow with his mental prowess. He tries to confront him with his usual brash style and faces a man who is unimpressed and heartless. It is at the moment - when Holmes realizes that Moriarty is not above cutting down everything and everyone in Holmes' life - that we realize this movie is serious business.

We also have plenty of symbolism which was kind of refreshing because the first movie seemed to lack it, and because it is not heavy-handed. There are running symbols throughout the movie, including devil imagery tied up with Moriarty, the fisher and the trout story, and the, of course, chess pieces. These symbols help us to realize that the mystery is not really what we're watching - we are watching Holmes and Moriarty. We are watching Holmes and Watson. Everything else is just caught in their gravity.

Movie Review - "Anonymous"

2011-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Movie: Anonymous

Directed by Roland Emmerich.

Starring Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, Sebastion Armesto,Jamie Cambell Bower

First of all, I feel like I should put a disclaimer here that says that I will NOT be basing this review on the movie's historical accuracy. No, the movie is not accurate. No, it does not present convincing evidence that Edward De Vere wrote the plays of Shakespeare. I feel this is irrelevant. If you are very protective of Shakespeare, than this fact might be just enough to prevent you from enjoying it. But I am not writing that sort of review.

Onwards!
The plot is misleadingly simple - At the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, there is a intense struggle about who will succeed the childless ruler. King James, son of Mary Queen of Scots (otherwise known as Bloody Mary) is the preferred candidate by the Cecil family whom are employed as Elizabeth's advisers. Edward De Vere, the Earl of Oxford and a young ward of the royal house, is pushing for the Earl of Essex to succeed Elizabeth because it is common knowledge (in the film) that Essex is actually Elizabeth's son. De Vere decides that the best way to convince Elizabeth that the choice of the puritanical Cecil family is not the right one is by reminding her of her youth and her love for plays - a sinful thing, in the Cecil's eyes. "Words will prevail with Elizabeth", he says. The only problem is that an Earl cannot write plays and so De Vere asks Ben Johnson to stage his work for him. Johnson has a moment of ethics and hesitates when it is time to bow to the applause of the first widely accepted performance, and an illiterate actor name William Shakespeare grabs his moment. Thus, history is made (in this movie). What follows is the more of the political maneuvering that many may not be expecting in a movie that presents itself as just being about Shakespeare.

Overall, the plot is purposefully over-dramatic. The movie itself is presented as a play and, in keeping with the tragic turns of Shakespeare himself, it is rife with miscommunication, shocking reveals (maybe one or two a little TOO shocking), and lost dreams.

The directing is both one of the movie's strengths and one of its weaknesses. Emmerich - surprisingly -manages to create a rich atmosphere in individual scenes and really gets the best from the the actors. The level of detail is wonderful and Emmerich does especially well in the theater scenes (harkening back to the play-within-a-play favorite of Shakespeare) by showing how up close and personal the groundlings were to the action on the stage of the Globe and what the theater experience would have been for Elizabethans

Emmerich's cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and it is even more admirable to know that they actually filmed most of this movie in front of greenscreen in Germany. The old England of 'Anonymous' is stylish and downright gorgeous.

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Movie Review: Limitless - A Smart Thriller

2011-09-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Movie: Limitless (2011)
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish & Robert Deniro
Director: Neil Burger

Limitless is a rare film in that it is a high concept film that actually works. The setup: Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer, slob and all around loser. When his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) dumps him it's not mean spirited it's just necessary. Then something comes along and changes his life. That something being a pill called only "NZT" given to him by his brother in-law that allows him to access previously locked portions of his brain. In doesn't exactly make him a genius right away but instead he is then able to easily recall small facts and details he had long forgotten. Learning becomes simpler and even enjoyable, he can easily read people in a way that he never had before. In a matter of days he finishes his novel. Matters are complicated though when he finds his brother in-law dead at his up-scale condo. It seems the pills are important to others as well. Eddie turns the place upside down looking for the secret stash. Luckily he finds what he is after. From this point on Eddie forgets about writing as it becomes clear to him in his altered state that the real money is in stocks & bonds. It seems the pills not only give you intelligence but a clear sense of direction and purpose in life. Or perhaps that a large part of intelligence is simply the confidence to know what you want and go for it. To get in the stock market game Eddie gets a black market loan from a shady character (not too smart). He quickly amasses a fortune in the market and gains the attention of Carl Van Loon (Robert Deniro) a big shot CEO who chooses him to head up a major merger but who seems to have ulterior motives.

Although Bradley Cooper probably won't be getting any Oscar buzz for his performance it's a credit to him and the writers that both the genius Eddie and the loser version still seem like the same guy. Which would probably be true if this scenario was played out in real life. Director Neil Burger uses some fancy camera work to try to show what it would feel like to be a genius. It's all very stylish if not illuminating. Let's face it unless you're a genius then you will never know what it feels like no matter how many camera tricks you use. However, it is all very sleek and entertaining nonetheless.Which is what a movie like this is all about anyway.

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Movie Review: The Adjustment Bureau - Not Meant To Be

2011-07-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Movie: The Adjustment Bureau
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt
Writer & Director: George Nolfi

The marketing for The Adjustment Bureau would have you believe that it is a suspenseful SciFi film with a dash of romance. This is very misleading, the movie is more of an old fashioned romance with the SciFi elements acting as nothing more than window dressing. The movie centers around David Moriss (Matt Damon) a politician who has just lost his senatorial bid. He's a bit down, preparing for his concilation speech in the mens room when he meets Elise (Emily Blunt). They have the kind of cutesy, love at first sight meeting that only happens in movies. Why is she in the men's room? Doesn't really matter the point is that now David is smitten. He is rushed off though to give his speech without getting more than her first name and thinks he'll never see her again. And he wouldn't except three years later one of the members of the adjustment bureau makes a mistake and he ends up meeting her again by chance on a bus. This is where the SciFi/Supernatural element comes into play. As the movie tells it the agents of the adjustment bureau are like the hands of fate changing small events in people's lives to make sure that they stay on their life plan. They wear fedoras and overcoats and carry small notepads that show people's predicted life course. When an important event takes place it shows up as small circle on the life path. After the chance encounter with Elise, David stumbles upon the agents of fate in action changing his bosses life plan. He has seen behind the curtain so to speak and they try to persuade him to tell no one about it and above all to forget about seeing Elise ever again.

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Movie Review - Captain America: The First Avenger

2011-07-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Movie: Captain America: The First Avenger

Director: Joe Johnston.

Staring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci, and Haylee Atwell

I've already seen Captain America twice - something that would imply that I think the movie is great. However, this is a bit more complicated. So complicated that I am going to resort to the old pros and cons list to describe my feelings about this film.

The good:

The acting. Evans, who plays the titular character, and who just so happens to be an actor that I normally think of as mediocre (to put it politely) is actually quite well cast here. He plays Steve Rogers as earnest and determined without bordering on gung-ho patriotism and heroism (most of the time, but more on that later). He plays skinny Steve Rogers as a weakling, true, but also as someone brave and intelligent. We never really find ourselves laughing at pre-serum Steve because Evans plays a 90 pound asthmatic as a normal human being who realizes he is inadequate physically but who still exudes a sort of confidence that makes him likeable and real. As post-serum Rogers, he is humble but proud - a nice little hint of this is when he is watching a bad war propaganda movie featuring himself as Captain America and can't help but smile at it - even as he develops a little cockiness, he still seems so down to earth that it isn't aggravating.

Tommy Lee Jones is great as an old and quick talking sergeant who likes Steve but doesn't really believe in him, even post-serum. He barks out orders and quips nicely and makes a role that might have been cliché and rote seem fresh and entertaining to watch.

Haylee Atwell plays the obligatory love interest, but the story makes a point of highlighting the connection she has with Steve as someone else who has always been overlooked or put down (because she is a woman in the army) and Atwell does very well in giving her some personality so that she does not just simply become the busty, vapid blow up doll that so many other women become in "guy" movies. It doesn't hurt that she is shockingly pretty.

Movie Review: Green Lantern - For Kids Only

2011-07-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Movie: Green Lantern
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively
Director: Martin Cambell

Comic book movies like The Dark Knight and Iron Man have proven that super hero stories don't always have to be just for kids. Green Lantern however is a movie that is quite the opposite destined to be remembered only by comic book aficionados and 11 year old boys (until the next super hero movie). Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan a hot shot test pilot who is brash and irresponsible but also a really good pilot (duh). Blake Lively plays his former co-pilot and obvious and bland love interest. After an evil entity who feeds on fear known as Parallax is unleashed. A group of intergalactic peace keepers known Greencorps (other alien versions of Green lantern) are threatened. One is wounded and crash lands on earth, knowing he is about to die he sends forth his ring of power to find a successor. The ring ends up in the hands of the aforementioned Hal. It gives him the power to conjure up anything that he can imagine but as soon learns he must rid himself of his fears and be courageous to prevail. The movie goes into much more detail than I just did explaining things like "power streams", "guardians" and the difference between fighting with fear and using the strength of your will. As you can probably guess it all starts to feel pretty silly and in the end doesn't matter much to the actual plot which is pretty simplistic when you take away all the comic book jargon.

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Movie Preview: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

2011-07-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Just saw this preview at the theaters and looks pretty impressive. I know this series has been a disappointment in the past but this looks like it could be a hit. Check out the trailer:

Movie Preview: Batman: The Dark Knight Rises Trailer

2011-07-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

The first official trailer for The Dark Knight Rises was released today, unfortunately it is mostly just a rehash of footage from the first two films. A little disapointing if you ask me, still we do get a glimpse of the new villain Bane. They also aren't allowing any embedding of the video as well, so you just get a link. Sorry.

The Dark Knight Rises Teaser Trailer

Movie Preview: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows Trailer

2011-07-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's finally here the first official trailer for Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows due to be released this coming December. Looks like more of what we loved from the original although not much was revealed about the new characters. Sherlock Holmes' brother isn't even anywhere to be seen. Oh, well I'm sure they'll be more soon. Check it out:

Move Review: Super 8

2011-07-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Movie: Super 8
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler
Director: J.J. Abrams

I know I may be going against the grain here, but I thought this movie was simply okay. It has been getting rave reviews as hearkening back to ET and The Goonies - both of which I loved. But I think the one thing this movie was missing was more likable kids. It also seemed to be struggling between being a something-jumps-out-at-you scare movie and a inspirational movie like ET.

The acting was okay. I would have liked some more ... something...out of the actors. Something was just missing. The kids were also sweet, but lacking in personality - except one kid who was just obnoxious and cursed every few seconds (an aggravating thing to me, I don't want to hear a kid say the "s" word 30 times in a row).

I think this movie may be worth a matinee, but otherwise I am going to have to say that it is a bit overrated.

You can pre-order Super 8 from our online store.

Move Review: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

2011-07-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Movies: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Rob Marshall

I guess it says a lot about a movie when I can't even get up enough excitement to write a review. It's hard to analyze a movie that is neither good or bad, but merely exists. To sum up my feelings about this film, I just say "meh".

The acting is good from Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush, as usual. Depp seems a bit calmer and more level-headed in this sequel, which does take a bit of the fun away, but he still gives us a charming performance. Rush is still in fine form and Barbossa, who is bent on revenge over his lost leg.

Everyone else just seems to be phoning it in. Penelope Cruz, for how much men foam at the mouth over her, was not very interesting or charismatic. Her main role was to wear low-cut pirate corsets and speak with a (what I can only guess is supposed to be) a sexy accent. In truth, her lines were incoherent and mumbled. Her chemistry with Depp was also non-existent - a huge problem when this is supposed to be the only woman Sparrow has ever had feelings for. The lack of oomph merely accentuated Keira Knightly's absence as a woman who actually had some rapport with Jack.

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Movie Review: X-Men First Class

2011-07-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Movie: X-Men: First Class
Starring: James Macavoy, Michael Fassbender
Director: Matthew Vaughn

Let's start with the good: Lead actors Michael Fassbender, who plays a young and as-of-yet evil Magneto, and James Macavoy, who plays a young and as-of-yet paralyzed Professor Xavier, are two outstanding performers. The acting of these two as wary strangers, friends, colleagues, and inevitably enemies, is believable on all counts. Michael Fassbender plays Magento with just the right amount of smarm, intelligence, and angst needed to dreg up plenty of sympathy for his character, while at the same time, making it possible to see his turn towards a less peaceful path. His history as Jewish prisoner is a large part of the story and provides a backdrop to his personality that cannot be ignored or just dismissed by the audience as an excuse to be evil. His traumatizing experiences are actually quite valid in support of his developing philosophy. Professor X is realistically portrayed as a bit of ladies man (though not gratuitously or caddishly) but is also a bit naive and cold, especially to a young Mystique who is obviously in love with him. On merely the strength of these two performances, I would recommend the movie.

Now to the not-so-good: All the other actors. Jennifer Lawrence is stiff and wooden as Mystique and also saddled with cheesy and transparent dialog such as "mutant and proud". We are also supposed to assume that her whole turn towards evil is because of beauty issues (because, you know, that's the most important thing to a woman apparently). The younger actors that are gathered as the first class at Professor X's school are so generic and one-dimensional that I won't even bother to name them - except Zoe Kravitz who exceeded my expectations for terrible acting by simply being in the movie to wear skimpy clothes. Speaking of which, I'm just going to come out and say it: January Jones is also a terrible actress. Playing Emma Frost, she can't seem to muster up one bit of intimidation or darkness. She merely walks around the set in ill-fitting fembot 60's outfits and sparkles.

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New Blog Features: The Newest Trailers & Movie News

2011-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have finished two new features for the Blog Anything Movies website. The first is a page that will be updated with all the newest trailers available to use it go to the Newest Trailers Tab at the top of the page. There will be a video plugin, the newest trailers are added to the bottom so scroll down for the latest ones. I have also added a Movie News section which will be automatically updated with all the latest movie headlines.

Movie Review - Jane Eyre (2011)

2011-05-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Movie: Jane Eyre (2011)
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Mia Wasikowska
Director: Cary Fukunaga

In Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, I personally found Mia Wasikowska to be pretty but a bit wooden. She definitely had an ethereal and delicate quality to her, but beyond that shallow surface, I didn't see much spark.

Nothing could be further from the truth in the latest Jane Eyre directed by Cary Fukunaga. Mia Waskiowska inhabits each scene with a calm ferocity that feels perfect for the complicated and, at times, hard to pin down heroine of Bronte's novel. Jane Eyre is the type of girl that we are actually all very familiar with - which is what makes her such an interesting choice of protagonist for a gothic tale. She isn't melodramatic or flighty. She isn't conventionally pretty or striking. She's not ever exceptionally brilliant. She's level-headed and rational and keeps her feelings tightly held to her out of necessity. This last part is where the difficulty comes in in terms of casting her character in a movie role. We have to have both - coolness and passion without being heavy-handed or engaged in annoying, fickle mood swings. Wasikowska manages to sit calmly and act with only her eyes.

Movie Review: Tron Legacy

2011-04-15T11:59:00.000-07:00


Tron: Legacy Billboard

Movie: Tron: Legacy
Starring: Garret Hedlund, Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde
Director: Joseph Kosinki

Tron: Legacy, there hasn't been such an appropriate title to a sequel in a long time. This movie attempts to rewrite the story of Tron changing it from a cult classic to an epic SciFi adventure (it even has some tongue in cheek Star Wars references). Some flaws though can't be rewritten and doom the movie to the same status as the original. There will be some who will defend this movie to the end and tell others that they just "don't get it". In reality though there is nothing to get, just an empty display of light and noise. Legacy begins where the original Tron left off Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) is telling his son, Sam Flynn (Garret Hedlund) about all his adventures "On The Grid" a reference to the world of Tron. One day though he simply disappears and Sam doesn't see his father for twenty years. His father's company Encom has fallen into the hands of soulless profiteers and Sam is a brooding rebel without any direction in life. If that sounds like a cliche it's because it is one. Out of the blue one of Kevin Flynn's old colleagues receives a page from his old office in the back of the arcade. Sam investigates and in short order is lured into the cyber world of Tron to rescue his father.

The movie wastes no time in introducing the world of Tron as Sam is quickly whisked off to "The Games". This is probably the strongest portion of the movie as the special effects are put into great use in creating a world that reminds you of the original Tron film but with much more detail.
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Movie Review: The Next Three Days

2011-03-24T13:35:00.000-07:00


Next Three Days Movie Poster

Movie: The Next Three Days

Starring: Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson

Written & Directed By: Paul Haggis

The Next Three Days isn't your typical prison break action movie. It wisely knows that we have seen those too many times to be interested. Instead it focuses more on the level of planning, commitment and mindset needed to pull off such a crime. Russell Crowe stars as John Brennan a community college English professor whose world is turned upside down after a night out with his wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks). In the middle of a seemingly normal breakfast the police rush in and charge his wife with the murder of her boss. The family is in shock but all the evidence points to her, she was the person last seen with the victim, her fingerprints were on the weapon and blood was found on her jacket. Lara is convicted of the murder. After three years of legal battles John finds he has run out of options. It is at this point that he becomes ever more determined to take control of his life by breaking her out of prison and escaping the country.

Unlike other prison break movies this movie doesn't focus so much on the action. Russell Crowe and writer/director Paul Haggis do a good job at making John believable as an average guy and not an action hero.

Movie Review: The Green Hornet - Unexplainable

2011-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00


Green Hornet Poster

Movie: The Green Hornet (2011)
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz
Director: Michel Gondry

The Green Hornet is a movie that defies explanation. It simply doesn't make sense. There is no reason why this movie was made. Not many people were clamoring for a remake of the 1960's Green Hornet TV show. Beyond that this action/comedy is directed by Michel Gondry whose previous works include "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and many documentaries. Not that he's a bad director but a strange choice for an action/comedy. Then there is Seth Rogen in the lead role. Really? Seth Rogen as a hero? Seth Rogen carrying a film? It just doesn't add up. The setup is also weak and strange. Brett Reid (Seth Rogen) is the spoiled son of a newspaper tycoon who resents his dad for never paying much attention to him. We are supposed to feel sorry for him but he comes off as a very unlikable person. When his dad unexpectedly dies Brett must take over his father's newspaper The Daily Sentinel. He has no interest in the paper and fires all his dad's previous workers. After he misses his daily coffee he finds out that he fired his dad's coffee maker and mechanic Kato (Jay Chou). It turns out he was armoring his dad's car and that he also is an expert at Karate. This illogically leads to the two of them creating Black Beauty and driving around fighting crime. Why? No one in the film is quite sure why they are doing this except that it is "cool".

The movie doesn't get any better from there the plot wanders aimlessly from one random action scene to another. The duo take on many random criminals for little to no reason at all. All of this is interspersed with unfunny male bonding scenes where Brett goes on and on about how cool it is to be a super hero.
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Movie Review: Sanctum - Diving In Caves Is Dangerous

2011-02-08T17:29:00.000-08:00


Sanctum

Movie: Sanctum
Starring: Richard Roxborough, Ioan Gruffud, Rhys Wakefield, Alice Parkinson
Director: Alister Grierson

The hype surrounding Sanctum keeps saying that this is a James Cameron film. They even filmed interviews with him talking about the film. The honest truth though is that this is a film neither directed by or written by James Cameron. The film probably did get made though because of Cameron's influence and love of all things nature. The movie is inspired by a true story and credits one of the actual survivors as a writer. Maybe this lends credibility but in reality the movie is more "inspired" than it is "true". An adventurous team is making their way through Esa-ala an unexplored cave in the South Pacific. The team consits of Carl (Ioan Gruffud), a thrill seeking millionaire who is financing the project. Frank (Richard Roxborough) an experienced diver with a do whatever it takes to survive attitude. Frank's estranged son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) is also along for the trip although reluctantly due issues with his father. Carl's girlfriend Victoria (Alice Parkinson) an experienced climber but inexperienced diver is also on board for reasons unknown. After a storm hits the island unexpectedly, the group is forced to exit the cave by diving deeper into the unknown.

This movie begins very clumsily with awkward and silly dialogue substituting for real character development. It also fails to setup much of a motivation for the expedition. There is no scientific reason for it and no commercial gain to be had either. The only real motivation is the adventure itself. Once the movie gets going though it's easy to forgive these faults.
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Movie Review: Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps

2011-01-27T13:30:00.000-08:00


Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Movie: Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps
Starring: Michael Douglas, Shia Labeouf, Carey Mulligan
Director: Oliver Stone

It would seem like the perfect time for an updated version of a movie like Wall Street. With the financial meltdown and subsequent bailout of US banking system there is a lot of new material to be covered. Which ends up being one of the main challenges for this film. How do you tackle such a complex and historic moment and also tell a more human story? "Money Never Sleeps" ambitiously tries to do just that but neither story is given the justice that it deserves. Director Oliver Stone seems to take on more than he can handle, although there are some bright spots along the way. As the movie opens Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is finally being released from prison for insider trading and tax invasion. No one is there on the outside to greet him. It seems everyone has forgotten about him. The movie then switches gears to the story of Jake Moore (Shia Labeouf) who is quite possibly the world's nicest stockbroker. He invests based on the actual value of companies and not on pure speculation. He's even convinced his firm to invest heavily in green fusion energy technology. Jake's girlfriend also just happens to be Winnie Gekko (Carey Mulligan) Gordon Gekko's estranged daughter. Mirroring real life events Jake's financial firm is targeted by false rumours and stock price manipulation to take the first fall of the financial crisis. Jake's mentor Louis Zabel (Frank Langella) distraught from the fall his company has taken, takes his own life, stepping in front of an on coming train. It's at this point that Jake seeks out Gekko at one of his lectures. Gekko rails against the excesses and corruption that are like a cancer upon the world. It seems he is a changed man no longer concerned with Wall Street. Jake needs him to help him find out who targeted his company. Gekko convinces Jake he needs to help him reunite with his daughter. Should Jake trust Gekko? Is he truly a changed man? Will Jake get the payback he yearns for? Will he become just as corrupt as those he hates?
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Just For Fun - Original Trailers For Classic Movies

2011-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Star Wars: A New Hope (Original Trailer)

Jurassic Park (original trailer)

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Movie Review: Dinner For Schmuck's - Simply Funny

2011-01-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Steve Carell & Paul Rudd

Movie: Dinner For Schmucks
Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Stephanie Szostak, Zach Galifianakis
Director: Jay Roach

Comedies don't come much simpler than Dinner For Schmucks. The plot is nothing more than a excuse to get these characters together on screen. Normally that would be a recipe for disaster but this movie seems to pull it off somehow. Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd) is an investment analyst on his way up when he comes up with a an idea to land a hundred million dollar client. At this point he's invited to a secretive and exclusive dinner by the head of the company. There's only one catch he must bring a guest, a remarkable person (an idiot). Tim's girlfriend Julie (Stephanie Szostak) is disgusted by the idea. Tim at first declines until he meets the perfect guest Barry (Steve Carell) a taxidermist who recreates art and history using dead mice. When Barry shows up a day early for the dinner he complicates Tim's life in absurd and unexpected ways.

The plot is not much really so the movie relies on the comedic timing and chemistry between Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. They don't disappoint, Carell is allowed to improvise and pretty much play the buffoon role to the tilt. Rudd does an excellent job of reacting to all the outrageous things that Carell does.
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