By now, I'm sure everyone's at least heard of the movie Kick-Ass. After opening on Friday April 16th, it has been the center of much controversy. It's about a high school student named Dave Lizewski who isn't special in anyway. He's not a nerd, he has no special powers, and he has no training in how to fight. In fact, the only significant thing about him is that he loves comic books. It is this love for comic books and superheroes that gets him wondering why he can't be one himself. With this logic alone, he buys a costume and goes out to try and make a difference in the world under the name "Kick-Ass". Soon after, he is videotaped stopping a group of muggers and becomes an internet phenomena. This feat sparks the publicity of even more heroes.
Walking into this movie, I was expecting to see something along the lines of Mystery Men(1999 - one of my favorite comedies growing up). However, what I got was COMPLETELY different. It became very evident why there was so much controversy surrounding this film. At different times in the movie, two different main characters were graphically beaten within an inch of losing their lives. At another part of the movie, two characters were savagely beaten and set on fire on public television. A few parts in the movie made me extremely uncomfortable, not knowing if I should laugh or be amazed at what I was seeing on the screen. In the end however, I'm a fan of the shock factor. And there was plenty of that in this movie.
I applaud everything this movie did for generating controversy and getting people talking. There were actually a few memorable shots that were unlike anything I've seen in a movie before. Fantastic acting by Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz as Big Daddy and Hit Girl added a whole other dimension to the video. Their characters and backgrounds were as interesting, if not more interesting, than the main character. Big Daddy trains his daughter to help him kill Frank D'amico, the man who framed him and had him sent to jail. I don't want to spoil the ending, but the dark humor and incredible action sequences are absolutely worth checking out. This isn't a movie you'll want to miss out on. Here's the trailer in case I haven't already generated enough interest!
Trailer
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Hot Rod
I saw "Hot Rod" for the first time last night, after hearing very similar reviews for a long time; It's stupid, but you'll laugh. And they were absolutely right. This movie deserves no awards and there is almost nothing special about it. However, it's one of the better comedies I've seen in a while. Maybe it just touched on my sense of humor a little more then most feature films do. Actually, some parts seemed to have an SNL feel to them with the help of Andy Samberg, the main character.
Samberg's character, Rod Kimble, is trying to raise $50,000 to get a life-saving operation for his stepfather whom he hates. However, he is only doing this so that he can fight his stepfather once he is back to full strength. Kimble plans on raising this money by having people hire him to do professional stunts for parties and various events.
At various points in the movie, the story strays away from the key plots to include pointless scenes. For example, in one scene, Kimble gets hit by a car going very fast and in the next scene he's perfectly fine. Another one is when him and his stepbrother say "cool beans" to each other and the editor turns it into a song using just the sound of them saying "cool beans". They are all very funny, but have nothing to do with the movie. In fact, it just draws attention to the fact that you are watching a movie and that they are actors. The stepfather, played by Ian McShane, does a great job of portraying a mean and hurtful antagonist. The stunts were very funny as well, most of which were not landed. To sum everything up, don't watch this if you're only interested in seeing a well written and well made movie. The only thing you'll get out of this movie is some good laughs. If you like to play a movie as background noise while you're doing something, this one's perfect.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Batman (1989)
About an hour ago, I finished watching the first Tim Burton version of the Batman series. It's now very easy for me to see why the new Christopher Nolan movies are seen as being so different from the originals. Batman, played by
Michael Keaton, deals with his first major foe, the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson. Both did exceptionally well in their roles. Although I prefer both Val Kilmer and Christian Bale as Batman, i was impressed by the secretive veil Keaton was able to keep over his true identity the entire movie. While Kilmer had a very nonchalant attitude and Bale was cocky, Keaton allowed Bruce Wayne to blend in with the other upper class members of the society. A perfect example of this came when he told Vicki Vale he didn't know where Bruce Wayne was, simply so he could track her movements and try to find out why she was interested.
Jack Nicholson was brilliant as usual. It was very interesting to see his performance since Heath Ledger cited that performance as a huge inspiration for his own in "The Dark Knight". He gives an amazing performance and truly conveys the Joker as he was intended to be. In fact, he's so psychotic that it's scary. He's unpredictable and doesn't obey any moral or legal laws. This Scene from the movie sums it up perfectly.
This movie successfully changed the image that people had of "Batman". It went from the goofy TV series to a serious, dark version of the superhero. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has seen the two newest versions of the Batman series. You get an idea of where the inspiration for those films came from. It also helped to progress special effects in using all of Batman's gadgets and vehicles. When you watch it, pay attention to the opening shot that ultimately leads to Batman's symbol. It's extremely well done and worth noting.
Michael Keaton, deals with his first major foe, the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson. Both did exceptionally well in their roles. Although I prefer both Val Kilmer and Christian Bale as Batman, i was impressed by the secretive veil Keaton was able to keep over his true identity the entire movie. While Kilmer had a very nonchalant attitude and Bale was cocky, Keaton allowed Bruce Wayne to blend in with the other upper class members of the society. A perfect example of this came when he told Vicki Vale he didn't know where Bruce Wayne was, simply so he could track her movements and try to find out why she was interested.
Jack Nicholson was brilliant as usual. It was very interesting to see his performance since Heath Ledger cited that performance as a huge inspiration for his own in "The Dark Knight". He gives an amazing performance and truly conveys the Joker as he was intended to be. In fact, he's so psychotic that it's scary. He's unpredictable and doesn't obey any moral or legal laws. This Scene from the movie sums it up perfectly.
This movie successfully changed the image that people had of "Batman". It went from the goofy TV series to a serious, dark version of the superhero. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has seen the two newest versions of the Batman series. You get an idea of where the inspiration for those films came from. It also helped to progress special effects in using all of Batman's gadgets and vehicles. When you watch it, pay attention to the opening shot that ultimately leads to Batman's symbol. It's extremely well done and worth noting.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Kill Bill Series
"Kill Bill" and "Kill Bill 2" both showcase the work of director Quentin Tarantino at his finest. It is about a woman referred to as "The Bride", played by Uma Thurman, who tries to take revenge on a group of assassins she used to work with, a group called the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. The leader of this group is named Bill, played by David Carradine, who is the man referred to in the movie names. They savagely murdered all of her loved ones and her unborn baby at her wedding rehearsal and attempted to kill her. However, after being in a coma for years, she begins tracking down and killing all of the members of the Squad.
This movie features cinematography and editing very unique to Tarantino films. It's a style you absolutely must check out if you haven't already, simply because of how different and out there it is. Many shots go on a lot longer then you'd see in other movies. In fact you can often find a lot of very well done monologues in his movies, sometimes done in one shot that remains on screen the whole time. Two of the most unique aspects that seems to be consistent with his movies is the use of chapters and the simple text. His way of storytelling is by separating the story into chapters. Each chapters follows different characters, ultimately having the characters meet at the climax of the movie. This use of chapters is also shown in his other movies, "Pulp Fiction" and "Inglorious Bastards". His use of text is also very unique. It's almost like something you'd see someone make in Windows Movie Maker. He always puts the credits in the beginning of the film and makes it very in your face with large, simple font. It actually pays off because it has gotten me to pay attention to certain actors and producers that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed. Another significant part of his movies are the music selection. They bring a very classical, yet modern sound to the movies. They sound very foreign and transy. Very significant to his style.
The acting and stories are also very unique to his movies. At times, the acting can seem more like over-acting. There are many surreal aspects to his films, even though the actual stories aren't surreal. A perfect example is the character, Pai Mei from Kill Bill 2, played by Chia Hui Liu. His character has an over dramatic laugh and pretty ridiculous facial hair. He constantly plays with his very long beard and does a series of impossible stunts and flips while training Uma Thurman.
These movie are funny, action packed, sad and happy. You feel so bad for the bride and what she has gone through. All you want to do is see her get her revenge and kill as many people as possible. Speaking of killing, if you don't like seeing someone get killed in a movie, DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE. Limbs get cut off in the movie as often as kids eat candy. The ridiculous amount of squirting blood is just an extra effect to a Tarantino style film. I HIGHLY recommend seeing these two movies as soon as possible. I'm sure they will ultimately be timeless classics.
This movie features cinematography and editing very unique to Tarantino films. It's a style you absolutely must check out if you haven't already, simply because of how different and out there it is. Many shots go on a lot longer then you'd see in other movies. In fact you can often find a lot of very well done monologues in his movies, sometimes done in one shot that remains on screen the whole time. Two of the most unique aspects that seems to be consistent with his movies is the use of chapters and the simple text. His way of storytelling is by separating the story into chapters. Each chapters follows different characters, ultimately having the characters meet at the climax of the movie. This use of chapters is also shown in his other movies, "Pulp Fiction" and "Inglorious Bastards". His use of text is also very unique. It's almost like something you'd see someone make in Windows Movie Maker. He always puts the credits in the beginning of the film and makes it very in your face with large, simple font. It actually pays off because it has gotten me to pay attention to certain actors and producers that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed. Another significant part of his movies are the music selection. They bring a very classical, yet modern sound to the movies. They sound very foreign and transy. Very significant to his style.
The acting and stories are also very unique to his movies. At times, the acting can seem more like over-acting. There are many surreal aspects to his films, even though the actual stories aren't surreal. A perfect example is the character, Pai Mei from Kill Bill 2, played by Chia Hui Liu. His character has an over dramatic laugh and pretty ridiculous facial hair. He constantly plays with his very long beard and does a series of impossible stunts and flips while training Uma Thurman.
These movie are funny, action packed, sad and happy. You feel so bad for the bride and what she has gone through. All you want to do is see her get her revenge and kill as many people as possible. Speaking of killing, if you don't like seeing someone get killed in a movie, DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE. Limbs get cut off in the movie as often as kids eat candy. The ridiculous amount of squirting blood is just an extra effect to a Tarantino style film. I HIGHLY recommend seeing these two movies as soon as possible. I'm sure they will ultimately be timeless classics.
Brothers
"Brothers" is a 2009 film starring Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, and Jake Gyllenhaal. It is a dramatic story in which Tobey's character, Sam Cahill, is thought to have died in a helicopter crash while fighting in Afghanistan. While mourning his death, his brother Tommy and his wife Grace end up developing a very close relationship that climaxes when they kiss one night. However, it is then discovered that Sam had actually survived the crash in Afghanistan and was on his way back home. Upon arriving, he immediately knows something happened between his wife and brother. This along with the guilt over things he did while at war haunts him and eventually drives him to insanity.
From the beginning of the the movie, the actors all do a very good job of portraying the type of people their characters are. Tommy was the neglected child who grew up a troublemaker. As you see through out the movie, he has a lot of issues with his father. His brother, Sam, is the son to be proud of. Tobey portrays the character in a very sincere and modest way. He always stands by the side of his troubled brother and is a loving father and husband. Grace is the faithful wife who is head over heels in love with her husband. She stands by him through all of his shifts in Afghanistan and successfully portrays all of the emotions that the wife of a soldier would typically go through.
The contrast of scenes following Sam's helicopter crash are extremely well done. One minute, you're with Sam being held hostage in Afghanistan. You experiences his inner struggles to not forfeit information despite being tortured. In the next scene, you're back in the states watching a relationship slowly develop between Tommy and Grace. The kids look up to Tommy as a father figure and you feel for both of them because of the situation they are in. It's like watching a high school couple fall in love.
However, the parts that stole the show were on the night of Sam's daughters birthday. After having come home, his post-war stress reaches a high point at the dinner table with his family. This scene successfully conveyed anticipation and anxiety in me better than almost any other movie I've seen. The tension between him and his daughter is slow and it bothers you more and more as it goes along. While the daughter is rubbing her balloon, it feels like listening to nails on a chalkboard. That along with his psychotic breakdown in the last scenes, showcase the tremendous acting in the movie. Tobey Maguire was fantastic through out. The editing was spot on and it allowed me to experience a large variety of emotions. In fact, the only downside to this movie was that it wasn't long enough. It left you on a note that made you want more information. The story isn't properly wrapped up, but it's still a great watch. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a showcase of good acting and editing.
You can watch the trailer here.
From the beginning of the the movie, the actors all do a very good job of portraying the type of people their characters are. Tommy was the neglected child who grew up a troublemaker. As you see through out the movie, he has a lot of issues with his father. His brother, Sam, is the son to be proud of. Tobey portrays the character in a very sincere and modest way. He always stands by the side of his troubled brother and is a loving father and husband. Grace is the faithful wife who is head over heels in love with her husband. She stands by him through all of his shifts in Afghanistan and successfully portrays all of the emotions that the wife of a soldier would typically go through.
The contrast of scenes following Sam's helicopter crash are extremely well done. One minute, you're with Sam being held hostage in Afghanistan. You experiences his inner struggles to not forfeit information despite being tortured. In the next scene, you're back in the states watching a relationship slowly develop between Tommy and Grace. The kids look up to Tommy as a father figure and you feel for both of them because of the situation they are in. It's like watching a high school couple fall in love.
However, the parts that stole the show were on the night of Sam's daughters birthday. After having come home, his post-war stress reaches a high point at the dinner table with his family. This scene successfully conveyed anticipation and anxiety in me better than almost any other movie I've seen. The tension between him and his daughter is slow and it bothers you more and more as it goes along. While the daughter is rubbing her balloon, it feels like listening to nails on a chalkboard. That along with his psychotic breakdown in the last scenes, showcase the tremendous acting in the movie. Tobey Maguire was fantastic through out. The editing was spot on and it allowed me to experience a large variety of emotions. In fact, the only downside to this movie was that it wasn't long enough. It left you on a note that made you want more information. The story isn't properly wrapped up, but it's still a great watch. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a showcase of good acting and editing.
You can watch the trailer here.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Crazy Heart
This movie is about a broke down country singer-songwriter nicknamed "Bad Blake". This character is played by Jeff Bridges, who won 'Best Actor' at the Oscars for this film. In his mid 50's, he's addicted to cigarettes, is an alcoholic, and is quickly spiraling to an early death. Bridges allows you to feel as though you are spiraling down with him. He's playing at a bunch of small joints and hasn't written a new song in years. He seems to have lost all effort to do anything meaningful. However, he meets a woman that makes him want to turn all of his bad habits around. A young journalist, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, immediately gets his attention.
You follow him though his journey as he falls in love and beings to rekindle an old friendship with Colin Farrell's character. The acting and cinematography in this movie were both very well done. When you watch this movie, you don't think you are watching actors do their job. You really buy into the lives of these people and the turmoil and adversity they face. Jeff Bridges allows you to feel like you are experiencing his troubles along with him. Perhaps my favorite thing about the cinematography was how well the shot selection complimented the color correction. In the beginning you saw a lot of dull, scenic shots. He was usually in his dark lit hotel room or in small, poorly lit bars. But, as his love life develops and his career begins to pick up, bright blue skies and the sun become part of almost every shot.
Despite the warmhearted underdog story, this movie can be a little slow. If you are like me and can sit down for a movie that isn't Transformers, I would highly recommend seeing this one.
Watch the trailer here.
You follow him though his journey as he falls in love and beings to rekindle an old friendship with Colin Farrell's character. The acting and cinematography in this movie were both very well done. When you watch this movie, you don't think you are watching actors do their job. You really buy into the lives of these people and the turmoil and adversity they face. Jeff Bridges allows you to feel like you are experiencing his troubles along with him. Perhaps my favorite thing about the cinematography was how well the shot selection complimented the color correction. In the beginning you saw a lot of dull, scenic shots. He was usually in his dark lit hotel room or in small, poorly lit bars. But, as his love life develops and his career begins to pick up, bright blue skies and the sun become part of almost every shot.
Despite the warmhearted underdog story, this movie can be a little slow. If you are like me and can sit down for a movie that isn't Transformers, I would highly recommend seeing this one.
Watch the trailer here.
Monday, March 1, 2010
District 9
For my first review, I want to talk about one of the Oscar nominees for 'Movie of the Year', "District 9". More importantly, what I want to talk about is how it absolutely SHOULD NOT be nominated for this award.
The idea behind this film is actually a very good one. This film successfully humanizes aliens and gives you a first hand look at what their culture is like, rather then just seeing them as invaders. I also like how they broke the fourth wall for the first half of the movie. The direct interaction with the characters allowed them to develop easier.
However, mediocre acting, a poor portrayal of Nigerians, and a lack of connection with some important characters made the video hard for me to sit through, let alone enjoy. I've heard great reviews about the performance of Sharlto Copley, the main character who becomes infected and slowly begins to become an alien. I, however, thought it laughable at times. I found it very hard to buy into his character and the dilemma that he was facing. Following the release of the movie, anger was expressed by many Nigerians for the way their culture was displayed in the film. They showed Nigerians eating aliens, having sex with them, and as being overall corrupt. When the aliens were rounded up, the Nigerians saw it as a way to exploit them and provide them with prostitutes, food, and weapons. There was also a scene in which they planned to sacrifice the main character so they could eat him. On top of all those problems, I found myself not knowing enough about certain characters that I felt were vital to the story, such as Sharlto's wife. The whole reason he's trying to cure himself is so that he can be with the woman he loves. Aside from meeting her a couple of times and finding out she has an overprotective father, why the hell does he like her so much? I have trouble buying into why he wants to win her back so badly.
Bottom line, this sounds like a great idea for movie that went south very quickly. Lets just hope there isn't a sequel.
The idea behind this film is actually a very good one. This film successfully humanizes aliens and gives you a first hand look at what their culture is like, rather then just seeing them as invaders. I also like how they broke the fourth wall for the first half of the movie. The direct interaction with the characters allowed them to develop easier.
However, mediocre acting, a poor portrayal of Nigerians, and a lack of connection with some important characters made the video hard for me to sit through, let alone enjoy. I've heard great reviews about the performance of Sharlto Copley, the main character who becomes infected and slowly begins to become an alien. I, however, thought it laughable at times. I found it very hard to buy into his character and the dilemma that he was facing. Following the release of the movie, anger was expressed by many Nigerians for the way their culture was displayed in the film. They showed Nigerians eating aliens, having sex with them, and as being overall corrupt. When the aliens were rounded up, the Nigerians saw it as a way to exploit them and provide them with prostitutes, food, and weapons. There was also a scene in which they planned to sacrifice the main character so they could eat him. On top of all those problems, I found myself not knowing enough about certain characters that I felt were vital to the story, such as Sharlto's wife. The whole reason he's trying to cure himself is so that he can be with the woman he loves. Aside from meeting her a couple of times and finding out she has an overprotective father, why the hell does he like her so much? I have trouble buying into why he wants to win her back so badly.
Bottom line, this sounds like a great idea for movie that went south very quickly. Lets just hope there isn't a sequel.
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