Thoooooor!!!
Sorry, my inner geek couldn't help it. Thor was one of those super-heroes that I could not visualize being on screen (along with Wonder Woman - just how does that costume live up to today's sensibilities, but I digress). So when I heard that Kenneth Branagh (who is known for more Shakespearean works) was taking the helm, it made me all the more curious.
As it turns out, that poetic bent lent itself well to the drama that needed to be majestic in nature. Asgard was truly brought to life, as well as the "godly" presence that its inhabitants projected. Odin as well-played by Sir A. Hopkins, while Loki came across as a more than just the God of Mischief - in this film, you will truly understand his motivations and actually feel for him.
And Thor? Well...let's just say he was portrayed well as a man-child at the beginning and matured well during his time on Earth. And of course they had to have a gratuitous shirtless moment (blush) just to give the romantic interest (Jane Foster) some motivation to want to help. It worked out okay, although I can't help feeling that the role could have been played by anyone other than "academy award-winning actress" Natalie Portman. Perhaps there will be payoff in the Avengers movie?
All in all, the specially effects were great, the drama and romance made Thor more believeable, and ranks as a must-buy for me when the blu-ray comes out.
Showing posts with label Movie review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie review. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Pellet reviews: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The third outing of the Narnia series was also the second one I've watched at home - I've seen only the first one at the theatre. I'm not sure whether or not that had anything to do with my opinion of the movie, but suffice it to say that the first one is still the best.
Narnia 3 (just so I don't have to type that oh-so-long title again) brings back two of the Pevensie children plus their annoying cousin back into the world of Narnia. There, they meet up with King Caspian (who was the titular Prince of the second movie) and go on a quest to find yet another source of evil in the empire. The Dawn Treader is the ship that they sail on.
I haven't read the book, but I would have imagined the "voyage" to be a bit more epic, and less like point A to point B to point C. Perhaps some of it was lost to Hollywood truncation. Some of the "messages" also lacked subtlety; stuff like inner beauty, loyalty, and not judging a book by its cover all came across loud and clear to the point where it's practically spelled out for you. I guess if you're bringing the young ones to the movie then I suppose it works. Unfortunately, my own little one was too busy chewing his bone to pay any mind. Besides, I think the points would have been lost on him anyway.
** Minor spoiler alert **
The movie didn't really pick up for me until the dragon came along. From there on, both the action and the emotional connection picked up and pretty much kept going until near the end of the movie (where yet another "message" hits you on the head with the force of a gazillion hammers). It was too bad that this happened past the halfway mark otherwise I would have been more engaged.
** End spoiler **
So is this a keeper? Like I mentioned in another review, I think the special effects makes this one, plus the fact that this is a part of a series. I'm glad I waited to watch it at home, at this point I'm not sure if it would have made a difference had I seen it on the big screen.
Narnia 3 (just so I don't have to type that oh-so-long title again) brings back two of the Pevensie children plus their annoying cousin back into the world of Narnia. There, they meet up with King Caspian (who was the titular Prince of the second movie) and go on a quest to find yet another source of evil in the empire. The Dawn Treader is the ship that they sail on.
I haven't read the book, but I would have imagined the "voyage" to be a bit more epic, and less like point A to point B to point C. Perhaps some of it was lost to Hollywood truncation. Some of the "messages" also lacked subtlety; stuff like inner beauty, loyalty, and not judging a book by its cover all came across loud and clear to the point where it's practically spelled out for you. I guess if you're bringing the young ones to the movie then I suppose it works. Unfortunately, my own little one was too busy chewing his bone to pay any mind. Besides, I think the points would have been lost on him anyway.
** Minor spoiler alert **
The movie didn't really pick up for me until the dragon came along. From there on, both the action and the emotional connection picked up and pretty much kept going until near the end of the movie (where yet another "message" hits you on the head with the force of a gazillion hammers). It was too bad that this happened past the halfway mark otherwise I would have been more engaged.
** End spoiler **
So is this a keeper? Like I mentioned in another review, I think the special effects makes this one, plus the fact that this is a part of a series. I'm glad I waited to watch it at home, at this point I'm not sure if it would have made a difference had I seen it on the big screen.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Pellet Reviews: Megamind
Megamind is the titular hero (or villain in this case) of the movie, which takes a few of the superhero conventions and turns them on their collective heads. Megamind is the nemesis of Metro Man (read: Superman) who is the guardian of Metro City (read: Metropolis). They've been at it since the day their ships landed on good ol' planet Earth, until one day....well, the movie tries to answer the question, "What happens when the bad guy gets what he wants?"
I did enjoy the movie quite a bit, and enjoyed the workout that it gave my home theatre system. There were also a few comic book references that popped up here and there, which may lose some of those who may not be geeks like me ("Hal Stewart" anyone?). But that should not detract from anyone else enjoying the movie.
You may need to speak with your little ones after, though - they may start to think that being a supervillain is cool. But they may have megafun with this one.
I did enjoy the movie quite a bit, and enjoyed the workout that it gave my home theatre system. There were also a few comic book references that popped up here and there, which may lose some of those who may not be geeks like me ("Hal Stewart" anyone?). But that should not detract from anyone else enjoying the movie.
You may need to speak with your little ones after, though - they may start to think that being a supervillain is cool. But they may have megafun with this one.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pellet reviews: Moon
Speaking of "The Source Code" in my previous review, I figured it would be great to watch the director's (Duncan Jones) previous foray into film. Luckily I had "Moon" sitting in my backlog to watch. It was either that, or St. Elmo's Fire on MPIX On Demand.
Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I love sci-fi. However, geeks 'round the world know that there are different flavours of sci-fi. Some go for the laser battles (think anything that begins with "Star"), while others go for futuristic ansgt stuff ("Blade Runner"). Moon falls more into the quiet, contemplative reflection of who we are ("Solaris", and no, I have not seen the original Russian version).
Sam Rockwell plays a worker on a moon base that provides a supply of energy back to Earth. One day, he gets into an accident, and wakes up finding.....another Sam Rockwell? Without going too much into the how's and who's, I would say that this was a brilliant turn by the actor who pretty much had to carry a one-man show (or is it a two-man show?). Watching the making-of documentary, you can really see how much thought had to go into every word, naunce, and movement to make you believe his/their performance.
But I digress. The film itself, as I mentioned before, is a very quiet piece that seeks to question how we are defined. The shots both in the base and on the moon's exterior truly try and emphasize the isolation that both men feel. It's one of those movies that you definitely have to be in the mood for. Unfortunately, I don't think I was quite in that mood tonight. As much as I love sci-fi and the heavy thinking that sometimes go into it, I found that it dragged quite a bit in places. I also think it was because I figured out what the "twist" was earlier on, so it didn't come as a surprise when the gradual reveal came. It was again a testament to Mr. Rockwell's performance that kept me emotionally invested to see it through to the end.
Would I have still watched St. Elmo's fire if I had to do it over? No, but the chances of me doing this film over again seems to be as remote as the moon.
Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I love sci-fi. However, geeks 'round the world know that there are different flavours of sci-fi. Some go for the laser battles (think anything that begins with "Star"), while others go for futuristic ansgt stuff ("Blade Runner"). Moon falls more into the quiet, contemplative reflection of who we are ("Solaris", and no, I have not seen the original Russian version).
Sam Rockwell plays a worker on a moon base that provides a supply of energy back to Earth. One day, he gets into an accident, and wakes up finding.....another Sam Rockwell? Without going too much into the how's and who's, I would say that this was a brilliant turn by the actor who pretty much had to carry a one-man show (or is it a two-man show?). Watching the making-of documentary, you can really see how much thought had to go into every word, naunce, and movement to make you believe his/their performance.
But I digress. The film itself, as I mentioned before, is a very quiet piece that seeks to question how we are defined. The shots both in the base and on the moon's exterior truly try and emphasize the isolation that both men feel. It's one of those movies that you definitely have to be in the mood for. Unfortunately, I don't think I was quite in that mood tonight. As much as I love sci-fi and the heavy thinking that sometimes go into it, I found that it dragged quite a bit in places. I also think it was because I figured out what the "twist" was earlier on, so it didn't come as a surprise when the gradual reveal came. It was again a testament to Mr. Rockwell's performance that kept me emotionally invested to see it through to the end.
Would I have still watched St. Elmo's fire if I had to do it over? No, but the chances of me doing this film over again seems to be as remote as the moon.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Pellet reviews: Deja Vu
As you can see, I'm working through the movie library backlog. The latest one - Deja Vu - comes courtesy of hyperkinetic director Tony Scott and academy award-winning actor Denzel Washington. What starts out as an investigation of a terrorist bombing of a ferry in post-Katrina New Orleans turns into a sci-fi trip into space-time folds and time warping stuff. The title alludes to it ("haven't we met before?").
I'm a big fan of movies that you have to re-watch, because you want to re-take the emotional, visual, or intellectual journey of when you first watched the movie, or if you want to catch things you've not seen the first time around. This movie falls into the second category, although I would likely stop at the second pass. This is certainly not in Memento's league, and certainly does not have the sci-fi effects gallery that warrants a must-rewatch. However, there are a few tight action and suspense sequences that do keep you engaged, and a wonderful plot device that explains how people can watch the past like a movie (multiple camera angles and all) which helps in the suspension of disbelief.
This, for me, rates as a good popcorn flick on a night when your alternatives are the news and reruns of your favorite shows. The jury is still out as to whether this is a keeper or not, but definitely a "not" after a to-be-determined second viewing. Personally i thought "The Butterfly Effect" had more emotional resonance on top of the sci-fi premise. Maybe its current movie cousin - The Source Code - will have a better approach to the "Groundhog Day" genre.
I'm a big fan of movies that you have to re-watch, because you want to re-take the emotional, visual, or intellectual journey of when you first watched the movie, or if you want to catch things you've not seen the first time around. This movie falls into the second category, although I would likely stop at the second pass. This is certainly not in Memento's league, and certainly does not have the sci-fi effects gallery that warrants a must-rewatch. However, there are a few tight action and suspense sequences that do keep you engaged, and a wonderful plot device that explains how people can watch the past like a movie (multiple camera angles and all) which helps in the suspension of disbelief.
This, for me, rates as a good popcorn flick on a night when your alternatives are the news and reruns of your favorite shows. The jury is still out as to whether this is a keeper or not, but definitely a "not" after a to-be-determined second viewing. Personally i thought "The Butterfly Effect" had more emotional resonance on top of the sci-fi premise. Maybe its current movie cousin - The Source Code - will have a better approach to the "Groundhog Day" genre.
Pellet reviews: The Final Destination
This is one of those movies that I would watch when the hubby doesn't feel like taking in a movie in our home theatre (check out Facebook for pics). And after watching this one, I probably wouldn't disagree.
The fourth (and supposedly final - although rumors are that the cow still has some milk to give) installment of the Final Destination franchise continues the premise of the others before it. Basically, the film opens with a big disaster sequence (in this case, things going really bad at the racetrack) that turns out to be a premonition of things to come. Said premonition saves a few lives, but then later the survivors get picked off one-by-one in freak accidents (apparently orchestrated by Death himself) since it was their "fate" to die in the first place.
Great premise, worked well in the first movie, but then sadly had diminishing returns as the franchise progresses (much like the Saw franchise...more on that some other time). This movie is no exception. While the death sequences are quite creative (and sometimes gory), the mythology itself does not evolve. What makes the person so special so that they receive premonitions? Is there really a loophole ( this movie suffers from second endings - think "Poltergeist")? I came into this movie hoping something more would be added to the why's and how's, but sadly came away feeling like I had last night's leftovers.
I watched the blu-ray using the 3D version, using the enclosed 3D glasses. It was okay but nothing special. If anything, it made the movie a bit darker and less vibrant. If I had to do it again, I would likely just watch the 2D version.
If you are a fan of seeing different ways of how people can die in freak accidents, then this movie is for you. Otherwise, this ranks as a movie to watch with more people (and get the fun out of collective screams and gasps), or a "wait for on-demand".
The fourth (and supposedly final - although rumors are that the cow still has some milk to give) installment of the Final Destination franchise continues the premise of the others before it. Basically, the film opens with a big disaster sequence (in this case, things going really bad at the racetrack) that turns out to be a premonition of things to come. Said premonition saves a few lives, but then later the survivors get picked off one-by-one in freak accidents (apparently orchestrated by Death himself) since it was their "fate" to die in the first place.
Great premise, worked well in the first movie, but then sadly had diminishing returns as the franchise progresses (much like the Saw franchise...more on that some other time). This movie is no exception. While the death sequences are quite creative (and sometimes gory), the mythology itself does not evolve. What makes the person so special so that they receive premonitions? Is there really a loophole ( this movie suffers from second endings - think "Poltergeist")? I came into this movie hoping something more would be added to the why's and how's, but sadly came away feeling like I had last night's leftovers.
I watched the blu-ray using the 3D version, using the enclosed 3D glasses. It was okay but nothing special. If anything, it made the movie a bit darker and less vibrant. If I had to do it again, I would likely just watch the 2D version.
If you are a fan of seeing different ways of how people can die in freak accidents, then this movie is for you. Otherwise, this ranks as a movie to watch with more people (and get the fun out of collective screams and gasps), or a "wait for on-demand".
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Pellet Review - The Chronicles of Narnia (The Lion, The Witch...oh, you know which one!)
So continues the trend of really long movie titles ("Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" anyone? Of course there's always "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"....Let me just give kudos to the upcoming remake of the "The Poseidon Adventure", now just called "Poseidon".)
Based on a children's book series, this first adaptation (of maybe seven) gets off to a promising start. Of course, there are parts of the plot where I can see a few things coming (what do you expect - it's a children's book!) but what I find fascinating is the maybe not-so-obvious parallels it is trying to draw between certain aspects of Christianity (namely Jesus and his sacrifice and subsequent resurrection). Granted, naming the eldest child (translated: first apostle) Peter kind of gets the message across, but I think when Alsan the Lion King (he he he) said "It is finished" I think the message gets delivered point blank.
Just out of curiosity, I did surf the 'net and sure enough, there are forums galore regarding this subject. Imagine that.
It's a fantastic movie to look at, though. The CGI animation is nothing short of amazing and it is truly leaps and bounds from the first CGI talking-animal flick I've ever seen ("Babe"). Sound-wise, though, I'm not sure if it's my settings or the actual audio mastering (or is it that Brit accent) but the dialogue seemed faint - I was afraid of turning it up for fear of having some big explosion scene coming up and thereby scaring my poor mom witless.
Recommended.
Based on a children's book series, this first adaptation (of maybe seven) gets off to a promising start. Of course, there are parts of the plot where I can see a few things coming (what do you expect - it's a children's book!) but what I find fascinating is the maybe not-so-obvious parallels it is trying to draw between certain aspects of Christianity (namely Jesus and his sacrifice and subsequent resurrection). Granted, naming the eldest child (translated: first apostle) Peter kind of gets the message across, but I think when Alsan the Lion King (he he he) said "It is finished" I think the message gets delivered point blank.
Just out of curiosity, I did surf the 'net and sure enough, there are forums galore regarding this subject. Imagine that.
It's a fantastic movie to look at, though. The CGI animation is nothing short of amazing and it is truly leaps and bounds from the first CGI talking-animal flick I've ever seen ("Babe"). Sound-wise, though, I'm not sure if it's my settings or the actual audio mastering (or is it that Brit accent) but the dialogue seemed faint - I was afraid of turning it up for fear of having some big explosion scene coming up and thereby scaring my poor mom witless.
Recommended.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Pellet Reviews (Combined): Mirrormask / The Island / A.I.
We still haven't gone to a "real" movie in a while - but I managed to get my hands on a "free" pass to Mission Impossible 3 so at least I know we'll be going in the next month (expiry date and all).
What we have watched here at home of late is "Mirrormask", "The Island", and "A.I.". Not really enough time to write individual reviews so here goes....
Mirrormask - Damn if this thing doesn't look good on the big screen. Really dazzling and creative visuals. But after watching it for a while, it does tend to get a bit tiring, meaning visual overload. Too much of a good thing perhaps. But the story is somewhat ordinary - teenage girl runs into a real-life crisis and retreats into dreamworld where things get (somewhat) resolved....although the narrative does not spell it out that way. But still a good showcase for home theatre. I remember one scene where giants fell out of the sky, and I swear I *felt* the air being displaced as they came down with a huge THUD.
The Island - Great concept, good action flick to watch. A great popcorn movie, therefore not genre-redefining. Another good one for the home theatre.
A.I. - As always with Steven Spielberg, this is a beauty to watch. A bit sad/bittersweet though. Not sure if the kiddies can appreciate this, but it does pull at the heartstrings as the story addresses a universal longing in all of us - the need to be loved by someone. And the affirmation of it. What it shows us is sometimes, what we think we want is not necessarily so. In the story, the main character thought what he wanted is to become a real boy so that he can be loved. What he learns in the end, well, I won't spoil the ending for those who haven't seen it. But I had to reach for a tissue. So there.
What we have watched here at home of late is "Mirrormask", "The Island", and "A.I.". Not really enough time to write individual reviews so here goes....
Mirrormask - Damn if this thing doesn't look good on the big screen. Really dazzling and creative visuals. But after watching it for a while, it does tend to get a bit tiring, meaning visual overload. Too much of a good thing perhaps. But the story is somewhat ordinary - teenage girl runs into a real-life crisis and retreats into dreamworld where things get (somewhat) resolved....although the narrative does not spell it out that way. But still a good showcase for home theatre. I remember one scene where giants fell out of the sky, and I swear I *felt* the air being displaced as they came down with a huge THUD.
The Island - Great concept, good action flick to watch. A great popcorn movie, therefore not genre-redefining. Another good one for the home theatre.
A.I. - As always with Steven Spielberg, this is a beauty to watch. A bit sad/bittersweet though. Not sure if the kiddies can appreciate this, but it does pull at the heartstrings as the story addresses a universal longing in all of us - the need to be loved by someone. And the affirmation of it. What it shows us is sometimes, what we think we want is not necessarily so. In the story, the main character thought what he wanted is to become a real boy so that he can be loved. What he learns in the end, well, I won't spoil the ending for those who haven't seen it. But I had to reach for a tissue. So there.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Pellet Review - Saved!
"If God wanted us to all be the same, why did He make us different?"
Certainly one of the many words of wisdom that struck home near the end of the movie. Sure, it might be on the lighter side of "wisdom", but there were a few truths there. For those who are not familiar with the movie, "Saved!" is about a group of young 'uns who attend a Christian school, with the focus on one girl who wants to "save" her boyfriend from being gay. Ah, there's the hook right there for yours truly.
There were a lot of funny moments too ("I am FILLED with Christ's love!!!" one character yells as she throws a bible at her friend). But you really have to be in an open frame of mind to watch this movie...if you are anything like the character I mentioned, then you might be throwing the DVD player. And that's not good. Really.
Suffice it to say it was a feel-good movie (for us anyway). As far as sound and vision is concerned, since it's not the kind of big-screen movie that demands good visuals and rockin' sound, then they were all right by us.
Plus, it's good to see that Macaulay Culkin is still alive.
Certainly one of the many words of wisdom that struck home near the end of the movie. Sure, it might be on the lighter side of "wisdom", but there were a few truths there. For those who are not familiar with the movie, "Saved!" is about a group of young 'uns who attend a Christian school, with the focus on one girl who wants to "save" her boyfriend from being gay. Ah, there's the hook right there for yours truly.
There were a lot of funny moments too ("I am FILLED with Christ's love!!!" one character yells as she throws a bible at her friend). But you really have to be in an open frame of mind to watch this movie...if you are anything like the character I mentioned, then you might be throwing the DVD player. And that's not good. Really.
Suffice it to say it was a feel-good movie (for us anyway). As far as sound and vision is concerned, since it's not the kind of big-screen movie that demands good visuals and rockin' sound, then they were all right by us.
Plus, it's good to see that Macaulay Culkin is still alive.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Pellet Review - Corpse Bride
Did I forget to mention that we watched Corpse Bride last night? At home, natch. I still feel spoiled watching a movie at home eating home-made popcorn. Anyways.....
All in all, the movie is good, I felt it was somewhat slow in the beginning but definitely started to pick up once the Corpse Bride made her appearance. Wonderful voice performances all around, but as usual, Johnny Depp made the character come to life (pun intended). Of course it helps that the claymation guy looked and acted like him, but it still takes a certain skill to pull it off.
As always, the animation is good, considering the amount of work that must've gone in. Of course, it's probably not for everyone (some of us may feel that this style is somewhat dated) but it's a pretty good romp for those who do appreciate it.
Sound-wise....it could be my system, or the DVD, but I strained to hear some of the conversation. Couldn't quite make out what some of the lyrics were, but as I bumped the volume up later on, it wasn't so much of an issue. Other than the dialogue, the sound was good.
Overall, it was a little feel-good movie which had enough twisted humour that shouldn't scare away the wee ones. That is, if neon-green dancing skeletons are their thing. This one didn't win the Oscar for Best Animated flick, though - it went to Wallace and Gromit (guess which one I want to buy next!) I also want to watch Howl's Moving Castle (the other nominated flick)...it's by Miyazaki, so I guess I can't really go wrong with that one. I'll keep y'all posted!
All in all, the movie is good, I felt it was somewhat slow in the beginning but definitely started to pick up once the Corpse Bride made her appearance. Wonderful voice performances all around, but as usual, Johnny Depp made the character come to life (pun intended). Of course it helps that the claymation guy looked and acted like him, but it still takes a certain skill to pull it off.
As always, the animation is good, considering the amount of work that must've gone in. Of course, it's probably not for everyone (some of us may feel that this style is somewhat dated) but it's a pretty good romp for those who do appreciate it.
Sound-wise....it could be my system, or the DVD, but I strained to hear some of the conversation. Couldn't quite make out what some of the lyrics were, but as I bumped the volume up later on, it wasn't so much of an issue. Other than the dialogue, the sound was good.
Overall, it was a little feel-good movie which had enough twisted humour that shouldn't scare away the wee ones. That is, if neon-green dancing skeletons are their thing. This one didn't win the Oscar for Best Animated flick, though - it went to Wallace and Gromit (guess which one I want to buy next!) I also want to watch Howl's Moving Castle (the other nominated flick)...it's by Miyazaki, so I guess I can't really go wrong with that one. I'll keep y'all posted!
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Ten Years Later....
At this point, I really believe running a blog is aspirational 😆But fear not, the blog adventures have continued, but just on a different ...
