tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11920310265145078262024-03-13T09:54:06.311+10:00Shufti 24/7Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-49323033781617506352011-06-12T13:04:00.014+10:002020-08-24T17:14:49.034+10:00X-Men: First Class Review<style><!--
#x-men_first_class #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y9TFmvzntVc/TfQpp4ZFlLI/AAAAAAAAAq8/pxW3HGPh7tg/s800/x-men_first_class_poster_1_large.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="men_first_class" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y9TFmvzntVc/TfQpp4ZFlLI/AAAAAAAAAq8/pxW3HGPh7tg/s288/x-men_first_class_poster_1_large.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><div class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y9TFmvzntVc/TfQpp4ZFlLI/AAAAAAAAAq8/pxW3HGPh7tg/s144/x-men_first_class_poster_1_large.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div>
</div></div>
</div>
<!-- Introduction -->
<p>The X-Men franchise has been enjoying a pretty good run in the live action movie stakes. The trilogy, kicked of in 2000, stayed respectable throughout and even the less favoured follow-up, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, managed to avoid flop status. Truth be told, I actually enjoyed Wolverine more than the third movie in the trilogy. Ok, so I have a man crush on Ryan Reynolds. So what? Now we have X-Men: First Class, a prequel to the X-Men trilogy which depicts the collaborative period of Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier - better known as Magneto and Patrick Stewart - and the birth of the X-Men alliance along with it's evil twin, The Brotherhood of Mutants.
<p>Faux Fact: The original X-Men comic series was to be called Men+, but had to be renamed at the last minute due to the existence of a men's sexual virility supplement of the same name.
</P>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4_xyLX_Lp-4/TfQpqYwQ_PI/AAAAAAAAArE/Z58hO2Rj9W4/s800/x-men_first_screenshot_blue_room.jpg">
<!-- Story -->
<p>X-men: First Class begins with a brief flashback to 1944 which introduces our two main mutants, Charles and Erik, as children. We see how Erik's childhood was derailed by the Nazi occupation of his Polish homeland and his torment at the hands of Dr. Schmidt, a ruthless German scientist who seeks to exploit Erik's ability to manipulate metal with his mind. Meanwhile, in New York, mansion dwelling telepath Charles confronts a home-invading runaway in his kitchen and complains that his mother doesn't love him enough. Sorry, Richie Rich. No sympathy for you. The runaway in question is fellow mutant Raven, the childhood incarnation of the shape-shifting Mystique. Charles offers his new friend sanctuary and from then on Charles and Raven are as siblings except for the fact that they actually care about each other.
<p>Flash forward to “present day" 1962. Erik, as a pre-Magneto adult, is on a globe-trotting mission to track down Dr. Schmidt and bring him to pointy, metal justice. And he's not shy about stepping on a few toes along the way. Pro Tip: Don't be a Nazi anywhere near Erik Lensherr.
</P>
<img class="Screenshot" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gmlEEeuYDm8/TfQpqb-sAkI/AAAAAAAAArI/lfZcNhc0ZRQ/s800/x-men_first_screenshot_glitter_girl.jpg">
<p>In England, Charles and Raven are still living together. (Not weird.) While Smurfette waits tables, big bro uses his powers of insight to trick women into sleeping with him. Between beddings, Charles has managed to find time to become an Oxford graduate and publish a thesis on mutation.
<p>Elsewhere, CIA agent Moira MacTaggart sneaks into the Hellfire Club while tailing a suspect U.S. Army Colonel. There she observes a private meeting between the colonel and one Sebastian Shaw, formerly Dr. Schmidt. Amidst the dodyness, she witnesses the mutant abilities of Shaw's cohorts which would have scared her pantless were she actually wearing any.
<p>While searching for an explanation of what she saw, MacTaggart comes across Charles' thesis and approaches him for help. Charles agrees to fly to America and explain to her boss that she is not insane and that the type of crazy shit that she reported is actually possible.
<p>For some reason, Charles brings his sister along. Perhaps they need someone to serve them drinks during the flight.
<p>Shaw is ramping up his sinister plan, Charles and Raven have teamed up with the CIA to get to the bottom of it and Erik is on schedule to exact his revenge. The stage is set for excitement and other fun things.
</P>
<img class="Screenshot" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXhNBn4HLio/TfQpqgLk4vI/AAAAAAAAArM/_0TjPi0cdKs/s800/x-men_first_screenshot_keep_walking.jpg">
<!-- Characters -->
<p>Kevin Bacon plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Sebastian Shaw</a>
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xB6vibGplr0/TfQpo8BVjVI/AAAAAAAAAqo/MGnlhIfI-b4/s800/x-men_first_class_cast_sebastian_shaw.jpg">
</span>
aka Dr. Schmidt, the German scientist who nurtures young Erik's abilities. Much like interrogators nurture information out of Guantanamo Bay detainees. He has notions of superiority far beyond the Nazi's blonde hair, blue eyed “master race"<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I put that in quotes so you know I'm not racist.</b></span> He's a sadistic, Nazi-affiliated scientist who is pro-mutant, anti-humanity and the figurative father of modern day Magneto. He's a villain.
<p>Kevin Bacon aces the aging Dr. Schmidt In the opening scene, but his portrayal of the younger, Americanised Sebastian Shaw in later scenes is less impressive.
<p>Michael Fassbender plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Erik Lehnsherr</a>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eolibAj7qh8/TfQppdf95TI/AAAAAAAAAq0/Wlk1cnXMuTA/s800/x-men_first_class_erik_lehnsherr.jpg">
</span>
aka Magneto, easily the most interesting and perhaps likeable character of the piece. For me, a good villain is someone whose motivations I can understand. Erik's behaviour and attitude is completely rational and I could easily have taken his side over Charles'. He has a healthy distrust of humans and most interactions he has with them as a mutant justifies his cynicism. He sees the humanity's fear of the mutants obvious superiority. He knows that fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate... leads to suffering.
<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup>
<b class="TipBody">Actually, fear of not remaining stupidly wealthy leads to your fans suffering through three shitty prequels, which leads to their anger. And Indiana Jones IV? I'd rather Lucas and Spielberg had literally spat in my face. At least it would have been over sooner. But I digress.</b>
</span>
<p>Michael Fassbender is brilliant as Erik. His performance is enjoyable and his German, to my ear, is totally convincing. A great casting choice. (Bear in mind that I'm not familiar enough with X-Men to have any preconceptions regarding how and early Magneto should look or act.)
</P>
<img class="Screenshot" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1XXpSKDlKG8/TfQpq9AsGvI/AAAAAAAAArQ/fPVqEvW57QE/s800/x-men_first_screenshot_more_missiles.jpg">
<p>James McAvoy plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Professor Charles Xavier</a>
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l-LzH6khD-Q/TfQppMdsLaI/AAAAAAAAAqw/6aBxzChGCqI/s800/x-men_first_class_charles_xavier.jpg">
</span>
, the wealthy so-and-so whose life has been so fortunate that his naive, idealistic world view has remained unchanged since childhood. He's charming and compassionate to a fault. His notion of human mutant cohabitation is swell and all, but he just doesn't seem to understand how much he's asking. We humans can't even tolerate other humans.
<p>If you're a WANTED survivor like I am, don't worry; James McAvoy's portrayal of Charles Xavier will NOT invoke scream filled flash-backs to that steaming pile of nonsense. He actually does a pretty groovy job.
<p>Jennifer Lawrence plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Raven</a>
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VU57H7Jpulo/TfQpo6NUPmI/AAAAAAAAAqs/BZkOVppCp10/s800/x-men_first_class_cast_raven.jpg">
</span>
aka
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Mystique</a>
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XbNhu9fkXig/TfQpo-rFHKI/AAAAAAAAAqk/tSys1L2bPwM/s800/x-men_first_class_cast_mystique.jpg">
</span>,
who doesn't exactly have a whole lot going on besides an understandable identity crisis. She struggles with the fact that her natural state of yellow eyes, bumpy blue skin and bold red hair would elicit a negative response from most people. Raven's shape-shifting ability gives her the opportunity to fit in anywhere, but what she really wants is to be accepted for who she really is.
<p>Rose Byrne plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Moira MacTaggert</a>
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O277aMnFbXw/TfQppu7aCcI/AAAAAAAAAq4/eVxyczKU5NE/s800/x-men_first_class_moira_mactaggart.jpg">
</span>
, a character that I feel had the potential to be really annoying. Thankfully, she was not. Though ever present, she contributes little more than a bit of whining and a smidge of romance. She also has the manliest Surname in existence. (With the possible exception of Dudeman.) Rose Byrne gives a good performance.
<p>There are plenty of other characters, but the enjoyment generated by you reading about them would fail to outweighed the boredom created by me writing about them. Can't operate in deficit.
</P>
<img class="Screenshot" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dBKGfuQhFk8/TfQprFNP4uI/AAAAAAAAArU/zubMHMfSBPg/s800/x-men_first_screenshot_lab_rat.jpg">
<!-- Comments -->
<p>Something that bugged me: In 1966, it's clear that Sebastian is a mutant, but what isn't clear is whether this was always the case. He is visibly younger than in 1944 and after demonstrating his energy absorbing ability to a hapless human says “It keeps me young". Then why did he not appear young in 1944? My initial impression was that he had obtained his abilities by researching mutants and somehow abstracting their powers, but none of this is made clear.
<p>Another seeming inconsistency is <span class="Obscure">Sebastian's underwhelming death. Just before his demise, Shaw absorbs a butt-ton of energy from a nuclear reactor. Yet, when Erik turns his head into a piggy bank, not a skerrick of energy is released. What would I would have expected and preferred is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a3R0YuUjQg#t=5s">something like this</a>.</span>
<p>On a positive note: I like the way the Cuban missile crisis was worked in to the plot.
<p>I don't like it when romance is shoehorned into a movie like it's a prerequisite. Thankfully, X-Men: First Class keeps the romance to a minimum.
<p>Oh, and I know she isn't in this movie, but Halle Berry sucked as Storm. And Cat Woman was so bad that I journeyed to CERN Laboratories, travelled back in time, and made myself promise never to watch that movie.
<!-- Conclusion -->
<p>X-Men: First Class would have to be my favourite X-Men movie so far. It's serious and sometimes dark. The two main protagonists are likeable and relatable (Eric > Charles). It has its tacky moments, but they are few. The sets and costumes are great, the cast is solid and the story is exciting and engaging. I hope the next X-Men film follows suit.
<!-- Score -->
<p>I'm giving X-Men: Fist Class a score of four Nazi coins out of five.
<!-- Note -->
<p>Please share your thoughts and comments on X-Men: First Class below.
<p>Note: There exists an X-Men: First Class comic book series, but it and this film are too dissimilar to bother drawing any comparisons. If you're interested in much darker imagining of the X-men, free from super powers, you should check out <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men_Noir#X-Men_Noir">X-Men Noir</a>.
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-62889857744094850782010-08-05T18:10:00.004+10:002010-08-05T20:34:32.216+10:00Limbo Review (XBLA)<img class="PostOpeningImage" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TFqSkBGzDgI/AAAAAAAAApU/Wu0Aek6mOSQ/s800/limbo_xbla_box_art.jpg">
LIMBO is a puzzle platformer available via the Xbox Live Arcade and represents the first game produced by Playdead, an independent game studio out of Denmark. The tagline for LIMBO simply reads: "Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO." and that’s all you need to know. This is a game that is best discovered and not explained, so if you’re reading up on this game to help you determine whether or not you should buy it, you can stop right now. You should buy this game. "I don’t know; it’s pretty expensive." Just shut up and help support independent developers already.<br/>
<br/>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ausgamers.com/games/limbo/review/">Continue reading this review on AusGamers</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-44824639496527968332010-07-24T17:52:00.011+10:002020-09-01T18:15:43.181+10:00Knight and Day Review<style><!--
#knightandday #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsG8js1pI/AAAAAAAAAoM/WvwcB2TsR98/s800/knight_and_day_poster.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="knightandday" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsGnza7QI/AAAAAAAAAoI/yEpGstPTxow/s800/knight_and_day_poster_sml.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><div class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsG8js1pI/AAAAAAAAAoM/WvwcB2TsR98/s144/knight_and_day_poster.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div>
</div></div>
</div>
<!--introduction-->
It was a slow week at the cinema this week. It was a choice between The Karate Kid or Knight and Day and since I wasn't ready to sit through an unnecessary rehash of a cherished childhood favourite just yet, I opted to see Knight and Day. You might be surprised to hear that it's a fantastic film. And you'd be right to be surprised because I don't usually tell such blatant lies.<br/>
<br/>
<!--story-->
Knight and Day is the story of rouge federal agent Roy Millar and all-American tomboy June Haven whose fates become entwined after a chance encounter at an airport. Roy in is possession of a kill-worthy<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Is it hyphenated? Then it's a real word.</b> </span> plot device and his pursuers idiotically assume that June is in cahoots with him. And so, not only does Roy have to evade an army of bad guys, but he also has to keep a useless, screaming June alive too. If <i>I</i> were Roy, her role would have been downgraded to "Female Human Shield 1". Bullets are fired out of guns, people in cars chase other people in different cars and everybody goes to Europe. Good times.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsf13BOxI/AAAAAAAAAok/con6yt4gi8c/s800/knight_and_day_screenshot_Roy_June_Cafe.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"...and then THIS idiot just walks up and kisses me on the mouth. Way to sexually assault a stranger, amiright?"</div>
<br/>
<!--characters-->
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Tom Cruise</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsHLvhg-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/-KKx55-JYM4/s800/knight_and_day_cast_Tom_Cruise_as_Roy_Miller.jpg">
</span> was actually pretty enjoyable as Roy Miller. I've heard a few people complain that they find him difficult to watch after all the couch-jumping and Scientology carry on, which is understandable. I thought I'd have the same trouble, but it turns out I didn't. Tom's looking pretty good too; much younger than a man of 48 should look. His age becomes more apparent when he gets his shirt of, but he's still in good condition. "Roy Miller... Why does that name sound familiar?" <a target="_blank" href="http://shufti247.blogspot.com/2010/03/green-zone-review.html">This is why</a>.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Cameron Diaz</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsG3ZY1rI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/205p0gl5mck/s800/knight_and_day_cast_Cameron_Diaz_as_June_Haven.jpg">
</span> is a tall clown who I don't ever remember liking, which makes her perfect for the role of June "Lets-play-in-traffic" Haven. At the beginning of the movie, during the relative calm, she was tolerable. As the movie progressed, however, her behaviour became increasingly idiotic and downright frustrating. Cameron - which isn't even a girls name, I might add - always seems to play the bubbly tomboy with sex appeal which you'd expect to be hot, but she just rubs me the wrong way. Perhaps it's because, when I looked at her, all I see is a pair of legs and a clown face.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsfpWeDgI/AAAAAAAAAog/lwP_v1BIp3Q/s800/knight_and_day_screenshot_Roy_hood_van_explosion.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Peter Sarsgaard</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsHPEdBBI/AAAAAAAAAoU/qJ7Mon-_Zn0/s800/knight_and_day_cast_Peter_Sarsgaard_as_Fitzgerald.jpg">
</span> plays Fitzgerald, Roy's former colleague who has been appointed project manager of Operation Dogs Breakfast. Their mission statement: "Capture Roy Miller. Eventually. Maybe. Lunch?" These trigger-happy Henchmen College dropouts seem to have misinterpreted the sign in the locker room which reads "Collateral Damage: It's EVERYONE'S responsibility."<br/>
I liked Pete, and he does a good job with the handful of lines he was actually given. I just wish this character had more screen time and was properly developed. I look forward to Pete landing better roles in the future.<br/>
<br/>
<!--visuals/audio-->
As for the visuals, I found the action scenes hard to follow and too damn improbable. I don't mind things being a bit over the top, but these action sequences had less respect for reality than a Warner Bros cartoon. There was some decent hand to hand combat. It's just a shame there wasn't more of it.<br/>
Knight and Day looks pretty slick but for the CGI bulls towards the end of the film. The bulls and the sequence they appear in are idiotic and when you see them, you'll realise that you really should have walked out when you got the urge to half an hour ago.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsnaKwD5I/AAAAAAAAAo0/PyHiur7LqDs/s800/knight_and_day_screenshot_Roy_June_with_me_without_me.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Sorry, I was in a hurry. I didn't realise I was... out."</div>
<br/>
<!--other-->
And now, I'd like to rant about a bunch of other things that bothered me about Knight and Day. Spoilers below - Do not highlight the following text if you plan on seeing this movie. Also, don't plan on seeing this movie:<br/>
<span class="Obscure">
So the object that Roy is trying to protect from the baddies is a battery which can power a small city without ever running out; the world's first perpetual motion machine. Of course, this is physically impossible, but it's just a MacGuffin and I can let that slide since it only matters that it's something believably desirable. What urked me was when the thing exploded. Throughout the film the battery got hotter and hotter and you just knew it was going to blow. When it finally did, it just so happened to be at the moment Fitzgerald had nabbed it and reached a minimum safe distance. Not only that, the explosion was no greater than that of a hand grenade. When something that is producing enough energy to power a small city explodes, it should cause a blast worthy of Sydney Harbour on New Years Eve.
</span><br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsf45ZT5I/AAAAAAAAAoo/wbT85L2_UAk/s800/knight_and_day_screenshot_Roy_June_motorbike_moonface.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"MATT DAMON!" - This is a direct screen grab from the trailer. I kid you not.</div>
<br/>
<span class="Obscure">
While Roy and June are evading baddies on a train in Austria, one of their assailants has a large knife plunged deep into his chest. He then proceeds to slowly and dramatically withdraw the knife before continuing his assault. Puh-lease! I don't care how tough you are; having a massive hole torn in your lung is going to put on your ass. (With the obvious exception of <span class="Tooltip">
<a>this guy</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsfvoJr2I/AAAAAAAAAoc/imiB6ypX1_0/s800/knight_and_day_extra_jaws.jpg">
</span>.)
<br/>
Also: June can't seem to do a single thing she's told to avoid mortal danger, yet she miraculously survives. She deserves to die several times over. Charles Darwin would be spinning in his grave so much he could power a small city.<br/>
<br/>
I could go on. (And often do - Ed) Nobody's talking to you, Ed!<br/>
</span><br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TEpsmlH9nvI/AAAAAAAAAow/_WmARn253sY/s800/knight_and_day_screenshot_Roy_June_what_number.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Seriously, June. You are dumb as a brick."</div>
<br/>
<!--conclusion-->
Knight and Day proved to be a disappointing movie for me. Not because I expected something great going in, but because the first half of the film was actually quite good and my expectations were raised as a result. Unfortunately, an ever weakening plot, an undeveloped antagonist and the annoying June Haven completely dissolved what little goodwill I had toward this occasionally entertaining film.
On a positive note, Knight and Day is the kind of fun, semi-romantic, semi-action flick that makes for a great date movie. So, guys, if you haven't taken the Mrs to see a movie in a while and she's already said "No" to Predators, you could do worse than to meet her halfway by seeing Knight and Day.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Knight and Day a score of two and a half Botox injections out of five<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Remembering that I promised to be more generous with my scores.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
Fun fact: At one stage in development the movie was titled 'Trouble Man' (Dear Lord, really? Even <i>I</i> know that's a terrible name - Ed) with Chris Tucker and Eva Mendes cast in the lead roles. You can read more about the films checkered history in
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/movies/15knight.html">this New York Times article</a>.
FYI: If you've already viewed the article, but now it's telling you that you need to subscribe, just delete any cookies from nytimes.com and that should give you access again.<br/>
<br/>
Haha! I can't believe they used the exact frame I was piss-taking earlier as the preview frame for the embedded trailer.
<br/>
<br/>
<div class="YouTubeEmbedContainer">
<object width="595" height="360">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jbtnOYDuFOc&hl=en_GB&fs=1?color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jbtnOYDuFOc&hl=en_GB&fs=1?color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="595" height="360"></embed>
</object>
</div>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-64560421587992531062010-07-11T17:44:00.004+10:002010-07-21T22:39:06.797+10:00Toy Story 3 Review<style><!--
#toystory3 #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_TMY9TI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6t42vgEMS50/s800/toy_story_3_poster_01.jpg') }
#toystory3 #DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_m7n_6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/2uFtZVyZNmk/s800/toy_story_3_poster_02.jpg') }
#toystory3 #DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_uRKMMI/AAAAAAAAAm8/mugcNfJOBoI/s800/toy_story_3_poster_03_woody.jpg') }
#toystory3 #DisplayArt04:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_x0ybjI/AAAAAAAAAnA/XKtNmu0-Ohg/s800/toy_story_3_poster_04_buzz.jpg') }
#toystory3 #DisplayArt05:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltP6E759I/AAAAAAAAAnE/aA1DOJKUkFI/s800/toy_story_3_poster_05_jessie.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="toystory3" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_TMY9TI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6t42vgEMS50/s288/toy_story_3_poster_01.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><div class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_TMY9TI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6t42vgEMS50/s144/toy_story_3_poster_01.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_m7n_6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/2uFtZVyZNmk/s144/toy_story_3_poster_02.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_uRKMMI/AAAAAAAAAm8/mugcNfJOBoI/s144/toy_story_3_poster_03_woody.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt04" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDls_x0ybjI/AAAAAAAAAnA/XKtNmu0-Ohg/s144/toy_story_3_poster_04_buzz.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div><!--
--><div id="DisplayArt05" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltP6E759I/AAAAAAAAAnE/aA1DOJKUkFI/s144/toy_story_3_poster_05_jessie.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></div>
</div></div>
</div>
How 'bout that Toy Story, huh? Crazy successful. Back in 1995, Toy Story wasn't just Pixar's first crack at a feature film; it was the fist full-length movie in history to be comprised solely of CGI. Amazingly, as much as computer-generated imagery has evolved since in the past fifteen years, Toy Story still holds up today and is as well received by the current generation of youngsters at is was by kids "back in the day". It is, without question, a classic.<br/>
Four years later - after releasing A Bug's Life in 1998 - Pixar delivered a solid follow up in Toy Story 2. Thankfully, rather than trying to capitalise on its success with instant sequels, Pixar set aside the property and created a variety of equally enjoyable movies. And now the time has come to return to the franchise and find out what has transpired in the eleven years since we spied in on Woody and his friends.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<!--story-->
If you are reading this and are somehow unfamiliar with the Toy Story series, then congratulations on finally getting internet access in your cave on Mars. In the world of Toy Story, toys are alive, but they play dead whenever humans are around. They laugh, they live, they cry, they get lost down the back of the couch. The series follows the adventures of a particular group of toys who reside happily in the bedroom of their owner, a generic male child named Andy.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltf8qvuAI/AAAAAAAAAng/cH0MEMo6yAI/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_what%27s_in_the_box.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Surely a claustrophobic toy would have given the game away by now.</div>
<br/>
The years haven't been kind to the toys of Andy's room. The once bustling community has been slowly whittled down to handful of diehard favourites. But now it appears that even <i>they</i> have finally reached the end of the line as Andy is now entering adulthood and is preparing for his imminent departure from home to begin his new life as <s>an habitual binge drinker</s> a college student.
Certain events transpire and Andy's last remaining toys find themselves donated to Sunnyside, the local daycare centre<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">That's how it's spelt. Get used to it.</b> </span>, where they receive a warm welcome from the local toys. At first, this seems like the perfect setup: After years of being left neglected in the toy box, the refugees from Andy's room will have a never-ending stream of children to play with them. But, of course, things take a turn and exciting escapades ensue.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltfjHnceI/AAAAAAAAAnc/beunSssVC8c/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_welcom_to_sunnyside.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Welcome to Sunnyside: Where everything is as ideal as it first appears."</div>
<br/>
<!--characters-->
All of the popular toys are back for Toy Story 3 with the exception of Buzz who got chewed while saving Woody from Andy's senile dog, Buster, and was consequently thrown away by Andy's mum. She bought him a new Buzz Lightyear doll, but the rest of the toys shunned him, because he's "not our Buzz." The original Buzz <i>does</i> make an appearance, however, towards the end of the film. It turns out he managed to escape the garbage and is now working with Andy's Sister's Bratz collection to wreak revenge on Andy by depriving him of his only irreplaceable toy, Woody.
Nope. That's bullshit. I just made that up. Sorry.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltfjmuAkI/AAAAAAAAAnY/kfzgqPllE6s/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_the_crew.jpg">
<div class="Caption">The toys witness Andy's mother giving him an uncomfortably long kiss goodbye.</div>
<br/>
The surviving toys include: Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, Hamm and a few others. One question: What the hell happened to Bo Peep?! I'm surprised Woody didn't jump in the garbage disposal after she "left". She was his angel. No wonder he fights so hard to be there for Andy; He's got nothing else to live for now. They could have at least had the balls to kill her off in front of us instead of binning her while we weren't looking. She might not have been the most exciting toy, but damn it, she was Woody's gal.
As for new toys, there's a ship load. Most notable are: Lotso (Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear), Ken, Chuckles the Clown, Mr. Pricklepants, Cymbal Banging Monkey and Big Baby. There's also a plushy cameo by Hayao Miyazaki's
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Neighbor_Totoro" target="_blank">Totoro</a><br/><br/>
<br/>
It can't go unsaid: Big Baby is creepy as hell. He's dirty, naked, towers over the other toys, has a bung eye and even rotates his head 180 degrees at one point. Merchandising possibilities: None.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltQBP3B-I/AAAAAAAAAnI/45CAnAXiJIY/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_barbie_meets_ken.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Hey, babe. How 'bout you and I trade paint some time"</div>
<br/>
<!--visuals-->
As for visuals, Toy Story 3 looks wonderful. I was especially impressed with the detail during a scene which contained copious amounts of debris moving about.<br/>
<br/>
I think we're at the point now where all of the CGI movies being released to cinemas are of exceptional quality. Comparing visuals is not so much a matter of "This movie has achieved a higher technical standard than that one", but more a case of "I like to look at dragons and this movie has dragons." Sure, execution still comes into it, but - for me, at least - not as much as style and subject matter does.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltQbynb4I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/mnIbaxyNEhg/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_farm_yard_roulette.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Toys in MY vending machine?" - It's more likely than you think.</div>
<br/>
<!--conclusion-->
Toy Story 3 is great movie. It's funny, exciting, but I still found it sad. Andy's going off to college, Bo has fallen by the wayside, and the family dog is knocking on Death's door. This depresses me. Man, if I get this upset saying goodbye after only three movies, I'm gonna cry like a baby for the Harry Potter finale.<br/>
<br/>
I also couldn't help thinking that the toys should have just revealed their sentience to Andy. Then he would have kept them around so he could use them to help him commit crimes, cheat on exams, or take photos inside the girl's locker room. There's a whole TV series in there.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TDltQeGWKTI/AAAAAAAAAnU/mlarYC5UBEY/s800/toy_story_3_screenshot_so_long_pal.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Sorry, Woody. If I brought you to college with me, those anime figurines would eat you alive."</div>
<br/>
This is a well executed and highly entertaining movie, though it didn't quite capture my imagination as much as, say, WALL-E did.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Did you just hear the voice? Weh-ahhh-lyyy</b> </span> (Love that movie) You will enjoy it. The kids will love it. Go see it.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Toy Story 3 a score of three and a half pigeons out of five.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I'll stop being such a tight-ass with stars starting next review. Promise.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
Parents: Don't forget about movie piracy. You can download movies illegally from the internet and your kids can see them <i>that</i> way. This means that you don't have to take your children to the cinema and <i>I</i> don't have to hear your daughter give you a running bloody commentary at the top of her goddamn lungs.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">"Hey, kid: Is your mum blind? No? Then shut the fuck up!"</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
Homework: Watch - in order - every
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pixar_films" target="_blank">movie</a> and
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pixar_shorts" target="_blank">short</a> Pixar has ever made. I'm not fooling around. You owe it to yourself to do this. If you have time, I also want you to find someone who doesn't like Pixar movies and spit on them.<br/>
<br/>
BONUS:While your in the mood, check out these <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/06/18/toy-story-3-easter-eggs/" target="_blank">Toy Story 3 Easter Eggs</a> (Thanks to @Sheramania)<br/>
<br/>
<div class="YouTubeEmbedContainer">
<object width="595" height="360">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6c3K7LhA9Yc&hl=en_GB&fs=1?color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6c3K7LhA9Yc&hl=en_GB&fs=1?color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="595" height="360"></embed>
</object>
</div>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-89834596483021685152010-06-30T21:55:00.006+10:002010-07-05T16:25:29.108+10:00Futuretronics Mini Remote for the PS3 Review<img class="PostOpeningImage" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TCsd9WT9LvI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/n_FdHT_TtiM/s800/futuretronice_mini_remote_thumbnail.jpg">
At my house, all media centre duties have been delegated to the PS3. Sure, it's not as flexible as a dedicated media centre/PVR, but you just can't go past something that puts network shared videos, music and photos on your TV, plays Blu-rays and DVDs, <i>and</i> plays PS3 games all for under $500.<br>
<br>
Until now, I've been using the wireless PS3 controller as a remote when watching movies and such, but this has its drawbacks. In order to minimize the number of recharges and therefore prolong the life of my controller, I have it setup to turn off after a short period of non-use. So, say the phone rings and I have to pause the movie I'm watching, I'll have to hold the PS button for a few seconds to turn the controller on, wait for it to sync with the PS3, and then press pause. Annoying. Also, one hand operation can be awkward.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">That's not a joke.</b> </span><br>
"Sony makes genuine PS3 remotes. Just go buy one." Yes they do, and no I won't. See, the PS3 remote Sony offers - for around $39 - uses Bluetooth like the PS3 controller and must be "always on" as opposed to a standard infrared remote which only uses power while a button is being pressed. This means Sony's PS3 remote chews through its AA batteries much faster than your average TV remote. On the up side, you do get a full featured remote that, thanks to Bluetooth, works without being pointed at the PS3. <br>
But all <i>I</i> want is something cheap to pause and rewind videos without needing its batteries changed every other week.<br>
<br>
Enter Futuretronics' Mini Remote. <br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TCsd9vZ9hDI/AAAAAAAAAmU/9N8xXQLeBhw/s800/futuretronics_mini_remote_package_front_%26_back.jpg">
<div class="Caption">The packaging, front and back, before I let my scissors at it.</div>
<br>
<!--overview-->
The Mini Remote blister pack holds a small infrared remote and a receiver in the form of a USB dongle. Plug the dongle into one of the spare USB ports on the front of your PS3, turn on your console, and you're away. Plug & Play: It's not just a euphemism anymore.<br>
<br>
<!--design-->
The dimensions of the remote are: 95mmx50mmx16mm. The shaping and positioning of the buttons makes them each easily distinguishable by feel and the battery covers telltale ridges on the underside of the remote will let you know if you're holding it ass about. This makes the remote easy to operate in the darkness of a movie session or perhaps you're listening to music and have the lights down low for… <i>other</i> reasons.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Might I recommend <a href="http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/album/Moon+Safari/125370" target="_blank">Moon Safari.</a></b> </span><br>
I found all of the buttons easy to hit without much repositioning, the top buttons more so than the bottom. It's a little disappointing that the video control button set is at the bottom, since they're the most used and they should be in the most comfortable position. This isn't really an issue though since the "ENTER" button and d-pad located in the centre of the remote can be used to play, pause, rewinds and fast-forward.<br>
The Red, Green, Yellow and Blue buttons which some Blu-ray titles make use of are absent, but you can still access their functions by bringing up the on-screen menu with the Triangle button. A power on/off button is also missing, but you can still power off your PS3 with this remote by backing out of whatever you're doing and powering off via the main menu (Xross Media Bar). Performance wise the only real complaint I have is the weak/narrow signal range. You have to be pointing the remote directly at the receiver for it to respond.<br>
<br>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TCsd9qehOAI/AAAAAAAAAmY/jnMv9XeRGxM/s800/futuretronics_mini_remote_%26_dongle.jpg">
<div class="Caption">The remote, IR dongle and a 20c piece for scale.</div>
<br>
<!--build-->
As for build, the remote is quite light - weighing in at about 30g - and feels good in the hand. For comparison: A PS3 controller is about 190g and my Harmony 520 is about 140g. The buttons are rubber, but have the appearance of hard, glossy plastic. Hair-line cracks are visible around many of the buttons, but I don't consider this to be a big deal since my Xbox 360 controller has hair-line cracks around its buttons too. The unit is suitably robust and, since it's so light, can be tossed about a carpeted room without consequence. The receiver dongle, on the other hand, not so much. The top half of dongle housing came away when I was moving it to the neighbouring USB port. A dab of superglue will clear that right up, but still. It also protrudes from the PS3 a little further than I'd like, but that's neither here nor there.<br>
<br>
<!--other-->
The infrared receiver dongle has the added benefit of enabling control of your PS3 with a universal remote, albeit limited to the same controls available via the Mini Remote. Logitech even has a device profile for it so you can set up your Harmony remote to take over nice and quick like. This also sidesteps the issue of the Mini Remote having a weak signal.<br>
<br>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TCsd-GbHC8I/AAAAAAAAAmg/oy4LWQaqqXU/s800/futuretronics_mini_remote_in_the_hand.jpg">
<div class="Caption">This action shot gives a better sense of scale and a less obscured view of my tablecloth.</div>
<br>
<!--bumped-->
After having the receiver dongle for the Mini Remote plugged in for a week, I noticed an annoying phenomenon: Sometimes the assignment of the PS3 controller would be bumped from player 1 to player 2. I knew this was a side effect of the dongle, but why was it not happening consistently? The light! Of course. Let me tell you about the light:<br>
When you press a button on the Mini Remote, a dull red light can be seen inside the receiver dongle. This light remains on for a few seconds before going out. I had also noticed that the PS3 was faster to respond to the remotes button presses while this light was on. This light also comes on for a few seconds when you turn on the PS3. So I theorised that the PS3 recognises the dongle as a PS3 controller while the light is on and that if you turn on your actual PS3 controller while the PS3 sees the dongle, it will register it as a second controller. To test this hypothesis, I turned on the PS3 and controller together by holding down the PS button. My controller was assigned to player 2. I then tried turning on the PS3 with the button on the console itself, leaving the controller off. Once the system was powered up and I could see that the light in the receiver dongle was out, I turned on the controller and sure enough, it was assigned to player 1. As a final test, I turned off the controller, hit a button on the Mini Remote to light up the dongle and, while it was still lit, turned on the controller. Player 2.<br>
So there you have it. To avoid the annoying side effect of having your controller bumped to player 2, turn your console on first and your controller a few seconds after. If you really don't want to get off your ass and insist on powering up via the controller, you can manually reassign your controller back to player 1. From the main menu (Xcross Media Bar), scroll across to "Settings" and then down to "Accessory Settings". Open this submenu and select "Reassign Controllers". Change the "Reassign the Controller" value back to "1" and you're finished. If you're playing a game and you don't want to quit out of it, you can simply hold down the PS button until the little text menu appears, select "Controller Settings" then "Reassign the Controller".<br>
<br>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/TCsd95kbJcI/AAAAAAAAAmc/J3qIgIlfNCU/s800/futuretronics_mini_remote_dongle_in_ps3.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Here you can see how far the dongle sticks out from the PS3.</div>
<br>
<!--alternative-->
If you have a spare AU$60 you might want to check out <a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/5732" target="_blank">Logitech's Harmony Adaptor for the PS3</a> which boasts support for "all 51 PLAYSTATION 3 commands". It communicates the IR signal of the Harmony to the PS3 via Bluetooth so it won't take up a USB port, but it will need a power point. This seems like the best option, the only drawbacks being that it costs $60 and you'll still need a Harmony remote which can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.<br>
<br>
<!--findings-->
In the way of PS3 remotes, the Futuretronics' Mini Remote might not be the most ideal option out there, but if you're after cheap simplicity, then I can recommend it. I <i>was</i> disappointed by it, but it's still a decent device. They're available from all the places you'd expect, but you're most likely to find them in stock at JB Hi-Fi where you'll pay $20. (Accurate at time of writing. All prices are in AUD a.k.a Plata Pounds or Jum Bucks<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">or Steve-Irwin-died-from-a-lack-of-common Cents</b> </span> )<br>
<br>
<b>Pros:</b>
<ul>
<li>At $20, it's a cheap option
<li>IR dongle allows use of a universal remote
<li>Longer battery life than Bluetooth options
<li>Small, light, feels good
</ul>
<br>
<b>Cons:</b>
<ul>
<li>No power on/off button
<li>No PS button
<li>Remote signal is a little weak
<li>Bumps your controller assignment to Player 2
</ul>
<br>
<a href="http://www.futuretronics.com.au" target="_blank">www.futuretronics.com.au</a><br>
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-40654108804335487512010-05-19T22:56:00.004+10:002010-07-21T22:28:02.341+10:00The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review<style><!--
#DragonTattoo #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0rLkwVI/AAAAAAAAAlY/LdVBd2TkaAs/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_two_by_the_fire.jpg') }
#DragonTattoo #DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0aphhCI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/esoMaEq5MgU/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_by_the_fire.jpg') }
#DragonTattoo #DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0uL3XyI/AAAAAAAAAlU/QwESFouEYYI/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_acclaim.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="DragonTattoo" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0fF2_0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/u5i-w2X81xo/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_by_the_fire_small.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><table class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0rLkwVI/AAAAAAAAAlY/LdVBd2TkaAs/s144/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_two_by_the_fire.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0aphhCI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/esoMaEq5MgU/s144/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_by_the_fire.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa0uL3XyI/AAAAAAAAAlU/QwESFouEYYI/s144/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_poster_acclaim.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a>
</td></tr></table></div>
</div>
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first instalment in a series of books known as The Millennium Trilogy written by the Swedish, and now quite dead, author Stieg Larsson. The original title of the book (and also the film) is Män som hatar kvinnor, which translates to: Men Who Hate Women. And How! I haven’t seen this much non-consensual sex in the one sitting since I had jury duty.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I mean, I’d just gotten broadband at the time.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
The story begins with investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Michael Nyqvist</a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_PbLewvcnI/AAAAAAAAAlk/LGollP9WbaE/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_cast_mikael_bomkvist.jpg"> </span>) being found guilty of defamation against Hans-Erik Wennerström. Mikael had printed some rather accusatory statements in his magazine, Millenium, and earned himself three months in prison. But before his sentence begins, he is summoned by Henrik Vanger(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Sven-Bertil Taube</a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_Pa010RXuI/AAAAAAAAAlc/YsIjKAB5YZA/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_cast_henrik_vanger.jpg"> </span>), retired CEO and head of the Vanger family dynasty who beseeches Mikael to use his journalistic powers to investigate the disappearance of his great niece some thirty-five years prior.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_PbQgTejJI/AAAAAAAAAl0/CQnyx4Q1UF4/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_screenshot_just_a_lonely_loner_all_alone.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
Since Mikael is taking some time off from the magazine, and has nothing better to do until his sentence begins, he agrees to take on the assignment. The fact that he’s been promised a fat wad of cash whether he solves the case or not might also have had something to do with him accepting the challenge.
One thing leads to another and he winds up partnering with a hot, young goth-slash-punk by the name of Lisbeth Salander(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Noomi Rapace</a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_PbLCwmTQI/AAAAAAAAAlg/HNkVcg5q3uE/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_cast_lisbeth.jpg"> </span>) who has - you guessed it - a dragon tattoo. Lisbeth works for a security company and is quite an investigator herself, attributed mostly to her aptitude for computer hackery. She induced more than a few eye rolls with that laptop of hers, let me tell you.
Mystery is conjured, interesting things happen and the subject of rape comes up A LOT.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_PbLlTpLSI/AAAAAAAAAlw/az7Xj5cs-Ms/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_screenshot_roll_in_the_hey.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
This film reminded me of silence of the lambs and, to a far lesser extent, The Da Vinci Code. The book includes a “genealogical table” of the Vanger family so the reader can keep track of who the hell everybody is. It would have been handy to have such a cheat sheet during this movie as my entourage and I found it difficult to keep track of the different family members as they crossed paths with Mikael during his investigation. This wasn’t a huge issue, but it did bring on that feeling you get during conversations where you pretend to know what the other person is talking about.<br/>
<br/>
Oh, and be warned: here be subtitles. Being an anime purist, I’m used to missing half of the action while I read along at the speed of a child on his first pair of roller-skates. If you’re the kind of person who borks at the idea of subtitles, I say: Don’t be ungroovy, enjoy the movie.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S_PbLdkocJI/AAAAAAAAAls/mEmuGD9pMy8/s800/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo_screenshot_ruh_roh.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is highly enjoyable, even if it did run a tad long. The characters have real depth and the dialogue is intelligent. I highly recommend this film for fans of mystery and/or thriller genre.<br/>
<br/>
I’m giving The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a score of four nose rings out of five.<br/>
<br/>
If you’re wondering (you’re SO wondering) if the remaining two books are being adapted into feature films, the answer is yes. The second instalment, The Girl Who Played with Fire, is due to be released in the US and the UK around August/September this year, so I’d expect an Australian release around that time.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-69310612326710047782010-05-13T01:14:00.006+10:002010-05-14T12:00:05.196+10:00Iron Man 2 Review<style><!--
#IronMan2Posters #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7w_YmsaI/AAAAAAAAAjM/wOoUCnIJ8sU/s800/iron_man_2_poster_iron_man_close.jpg') }
#IronMan2Posters #DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xRhWNKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ZoGjeVQ8i50/s800/iron_man_2_poster_cast.jpg') }
#IronMan2Posters #DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xXURaQI/AAAAAAAAAjU/DW7G5_4PyEo/s800/iron_man_2_poster_downey.jpg') }
#IronMan2Posters #DisplayArt04:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xeA4yHI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4Gd38K1STts/s800/iron_man_2_poster_twinsies.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="IronMan2Posters" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7wk88gUI/AAAAAAAAAjI/DFu-9l-aLRs/s800/iron_man_2_poster_iron_man_close_small.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><table class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7w_YmsaI/AAAAAAAAAjM/wOoUCnIJ8sU/s144/iron_man_2_poster_iron_man_close.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xRhWNKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ZoGjeVQ8i50/s144/iron_man_2_poster_cast.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xXURaQI/AAAAAAAAAjU/DW7G5_4PyEo/s144/iron_man_2_poster_downey.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt04" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q7xeA4yHI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4Gd38K1STts/s144/iron_man_2_poster_twinsies.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a>
</td></tr></table></div>
</div>
<!--introduction-->
Ever since the huge success of "Iron Man 1", enthralled moviegoers have been eagerly anticipating its sequel. While I enjoyed Iron Man's first big screen outing, I wasn't particularly excited about the prospect of a follow up. I've always been a little wary of sequels, and the disappointment of The Dark Knight proved a bitter pill to swallow. I mean, they didn't exactly kill themselves making that story all it could be. So I didn't hold out much hope for this latest big-budget boasting, all-star cast wielding, summer release with something to prove. Was I right to be sceptical or was I pleasantly surprised with how good Iron Man 2 proved to be? You'd better read the review and find out.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q83i36yEI/AAAAAAAAAkk/HL5HTdcCCtc/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_stark_expo.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!--story-->
It's been six months since the events of the previous Iron Man film and in that time, Tony and his mechanised suit have managed to establish, for all intents and purposes, world peace. He has also realised his father's dream by resurrecting the <a href="http://www.starkexpo2010.com/">Stark Expo</a> and continuing his legacy. The fact that he was able to build a compound to rival a world expo in less than six months is astounding. Thank you, Science!
But it seems the US government is not content to let the fate of national security rest in the hands of a private citizen; not while their country's enemies have taken inspiration from Tony's creation and are beginning to ape the technology. And so, Tony is called in front of a senate committee, chaired by Senator Stern, who demands that Tony hand over the Iron Man armour along with the phone numbers of no less than five of the Iron Man Cheerleaders from the Stark Expo opening ceremony. I'm guessing they want to weaponise the armour further and mass produce it for the military.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Yo, dawg. I heard you like offensive weaponry...</b> </span> I don't care to speculate on what Stern intends to do with the cheerleaders.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Yes I do.</b> </span> Tony refuses then uses his enchanted iPhone and the many conveniently placed monitors to showing just how embarrassingly far away from success his imitators are, dissing his nearest competitor Justin Hammer in the process. Stark out!<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q83XRsRCI/AAAAAAAAAkY/HydKiLCyvUo/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_razzle_dazzle.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
Later, while being a rich asshole in Monaco, Tony is assailed by a ghost from his father's past, who causes him to crash the formula 1 car he's driving. See, Papa Stark collaborated with one Anton Vanko to create the first arc reactor, but the two fell out over a difference of opinion. Anton thought the two should exploit the technology for financial gain, while Howard thought that Anton should be discredited and deported back to the Soviet Union. Turns out this son of his, Ivan Vanko, has come seeking revenge after Anton's recent passing.<br/>
<br/>
But a little whiplash isn't Tony's only problem. He‘s being gradually poisoned by the palladium used in the mini arc reactor that powers the electromagnet that sits in his chest that protects his heart from the shrapnel he swallowed to capture the fly. I don't know why he swallowed the fly. The very thing that is keeping him alive is <i>killing</i> him. How <i>ironic!</i><span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Like spoons on your wedding day, eh Fizzer?</b> </span> And it appears the symptoms include your veins turning a bright, bulging blue and arranging themselves in a circuit board pattern, which makes sense when you don't think about it.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8Y2c7UnI/AAAAAAAAAkI/r_VeOSvjlNU/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_chillin.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!--characters-->
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Tony Stark</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q79CKBmRI/AAAAAAAAAjc/6p37-cjbhHM/s800/iron_man_2_cast_cuba_goodong_jr.jpg">
</span> a.k.a The Full Metal Alcoholic is played by the unmistakeable Harry Connick Jr. and gives just as great a performance as he did in the first Iron Man, losing none of his charm and enthusiasm. I love how he has embraced his superhero status in just the manner you would expect from an arrogant, billionaire playboy. Given the popularity of these Iron Man films, it's fair to say we'll be seeing Tony again (and again) and I'm more than ok with that.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Ivan Vanko</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8Lbx2Y-I/AAAAAAAAAjw/pET-zVWoExk/s800/iron_man_2_cast_mickey_rourke.jpg">
</span>is played by Mickey Rourke, who was glad to finally land a role where he didn't have cover his extensive tattoo work with makeup. If you thought Mickey looked menacing in The Wrestler, get ready to pee your pants.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">or jizz, depending on your Mickey Rourke fan status</b> </span> He wears his matted hair, steel smile and full-body <span class="Tooltip"><b>graffiti</b><b class="TipBody">Passed by here, the adelantado Don Juan de Oñate</b> </span> well. Mickey is great and whiplash is great. He is easily my pick for favourite character, though I did find it hard to believe he was a physicist. (No, seriously. Stop laughing.)<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q9EqD2yeI/AAAAAAAAAko/_KaC8D3Tf_k/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_whiplash.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Justin Hammer</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8LTahfsI/AAAAAAAAAj0/DQEQBeKHioc/s800/iron_man_2_cast_sam_rockwell.jpg">
</span>is played by Sam Rockwell who is great as the co-villain of the piece. I've never been a big fan of Sam. I thought he was good in Galaxy Quest, but I hated the Zaphod Beeblebrox he played in The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy. (I was a little disappointed with that movie all ‘round, actually.) In Iron Man 2, I found him most entertaining. He provided plenty of humour and balanced the cast out nicely.<br/>
<br/>
Now to the matter of
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Don Cheadle</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q79QUO6kI/AAAAAAAAAjg/pBsMPlQBwwQ/s800/iron_man_2_cast_don_cheadle.jpg">
</span>ousting
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Terrence Howard</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8LjEo3uI/AAAAAAAAAkA/PH0kOA1-QvM/s800/iron_man_2_cast_terrence_howard.jpg">
</span>as Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes: It's been said that Terrence was one of the first big names signed to the first Iron Man and as such managed to snag a fat contract. For the second instalment, Marvel was apparently low-balling the cast to save some dough. Terrence didn't blink and as a result, Don's phone rang. There was also talk of Terrence being difficult on set as well as director Jon Favreau not being satisfied with his performance, but this may have just been some smoke blown by Marvel to justify putting the squeeze on Terry. Of course, we the viewing audience will never know for sure exactly what happened.
When Rhodey surprises Tony by rocking up to give evidence at his senate hearing, Tony says something along the lines of "I didn't expect to see <i>you</i> here." To which Don replies "It's me. I'm here. Get over it." or words to that effect.
I like to think that this was an acknowledgement of the recast and a little wink at the audience (of which there are a few in this film).
I have always found Don Cheadle a pleasure to watch on screen and, while he won't be winning any academy awards for the role, his portrayal of Jason Rhodes is no different.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8Ziw-BvI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/gUH_UToElMk/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_next_leading_brand.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Gwyneth Paltrow</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q79rEimkI/AAAAAAAAAjs/axO96fmau8E/s800/iron_man_2_cast_gwyneth_paltrow.jpg">
</span>did a nice job as the idiotically named Pepper Potts. (The fact that a character is overheard criticising the name is evidence of the light-hearted nature of the film.) I seem to remember not being thrilled with Gwyneth last time around, but this time she is more likable and she looks stunning. I think that if I ever were to go nuts<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">assuming that I'm not already</b> </span> and kidnap a celebrity so that we could "finally be together; like we were meant to be", it would have to be Gwyneth Paltrow.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">This is a different fantasy to the one where I'm abducted by Mark Wahlberg. (It's not gay if it's Marky Mark)</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Samuel L. Jackson</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8LcbNqsI/AAAAAAAAAj4/T2kfVCNroSw/s800/iron_man_2_cast_samuel_l_jackson.jpg">
</span>and
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Scarlett Johansson</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q8LsBLLcI/AAAAAAAAAj8/zE1YzecdYtY/s800/iron_man_2_cast_scarlett_johansson.jpg">
</span>play Nick Fury and Natalie Rushman respectively, but they're only present to lay the ground work for a <a target="_blank" href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.H.I.E.L.D.">superhero team-up</a> movie down the track.
<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I would love to see them all go up against <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd5cInmK6LQ">Dr. Manhattan</a>. That movie would be about two minutes long</b> </span>
I don't care for Scarlett Johansson.<br/>
And let's not forget
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Garry Shandling</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q79VBHDtI/AAAAAAAAAjo/QMXDrnT0H6c/s800/iron_man_2_cast_garry_shandling.jpg">
</span>, who is looking a little worse for wear, but is enjoyable as Senator Stern.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q83KkSDKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/OcJg55NPDaQ/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_mark_I_II_II_IV.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!--visuals-->
The CGI in Iron Man 2 is super effective. The various forms of robot armour that we're treated to are stunningly real and sexy to boot. The action sequences, sets and overall presentation are very nice indeed. I've heard people complain that there wasn't enough action in this film. I can't say that I was disappointed, though I guess there could have been a bit more combat.<br/>
<br/>
<!--other-->
There are some pretty massive plot holes in this story. You're better off not thinking too much about anything as the magic wand gets one hell of a workout. There are big holes like how Ivan manages to design, build and program his little fleet of Iron Man counter measures in just a few days. ("Each is programmed in a unique language." What?!) And then there are little things like Tony removing his Iron Man suit at the launch of Stark Expo to reveal a creaseless tuxedo and perfect hair.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q83vTp8BI/AAAAAAAAAkc/-UbFYtDqsuw/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_science_magic.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
The tech-talk in this film is laughable. I literally laughed out loud at some of the computer magic. I didn't deduct too many marks for this though as this isn't the type of movie where I would usually consider it cheating. Incidentally, people should be <a target="_blank" href="http://qglwiki.mongie.com/index.php?title=Back_punch">back-punched</a> for writing shit like this:<br/>
"I need a green light on the corner of fifth and main!"<br/>
"Ok. I'll hack into the traffic grid." *three key strokes* "I'm in. I need a moment to bypass the failsafe and reroute the mainframe to overload the firewall." *six more key strokes* "Done! You're good to go."<br/>
"Thank you, inexplicably-hot-lady-geek!"<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S-q83ichXOI/AAAAAAAAAkg/RHY_je9WhiA/s800/iron_man_2_screenshot_shoop_da_whoops.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!--conclusion-->
Despite its flaws, Iron Man 2 is great movie. It's engaging, light-hearted and pleasing to the eye. The cast is easy to watch, the plot holes didn't hamper my overall enjoyment of the film and I left the cinema more satisfied than I have in a while. I found Iron Man 2 to be a worthy follow up to the original and I recommend you check it out.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Iron Man a score of four cockatoos out or five<br/>
<br/>
FYI: I know this review is a tad late, but it's a wonder it got written at all given that the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta went live the Monday before last.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Don't be a hater.</b> </span> Frankly, I'm surprised that a) I left the house long enough to actually see Iron Man 2, and b) I got off my Xbox long enough to write this <span class="Tooltip"><b>review</b><b class="TipBody">WUI</b> </span>.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<b>And now to announce the lucky recipient of the Kick-Ass graphic novel:<br/></b>
<br/>
Congratulations <b>Supertram</b>! Contact me at Shufti247@gmail to claim your prize.<br/>
<br/>
I'd like to thank everyone who commented, not just on the Kick-Ass review, but on any of the posts here on Shufti 24/7. We appreciate any and all well intended contributions. So, if you're still a comment virgin, don't be shy. As the Cronulla Sharks say: The more, the merrier!<br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-81162012861971313942010-05-03T23:21:00.003+10:002010-05-07T13:06:03.520+10:00Hot Tub Time Machine Mini Review<style><!--
#HTTM #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1PiRhjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/918T76VVB34/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_01.jpg') }
#HTTM #DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1a-dL-I/AAAAAAAAAjA/y6O86e4Ikfg/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_02.jpg') }
#HTTM #DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1ux_S5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/HVK5VrEF3AM/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_03.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="HTTM" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KnHY0woI/AAAAAAAAAi4/TVUV8_KGurI/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_01_small.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><table class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1PiRhjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/918T76VVB34/s144/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_01.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1a-dL-I/AAAAAAAAAjA/y6O86e4Ikfg/s144/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_02.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97K1ux_S5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/HVK5VrEF3AM/s144/hot_tub_time_machine_poster_03.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a>
</td></tr></table></div>
</div>
<!-- story -->
Adam(<span class="Tooltip"><a>John Cusack</a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KXbdTuLI/AAAAAAAAAik/CDEx0WKasB8/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_john_cusack.jpg">
</span>), Nick(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Craig Robinson</a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KXVw-w8I/AAAAAAAAAic/FQqgaatdEe8/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_craig_robinson.jpg">
</span>) and Lou(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Rob Corddry</a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KmkMy65I/AAAAAAAAAis/NVAeohUL_m0/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_rob_corddry.jpg">
</span>) are three out of touch friends, whose lives are in varying states of disarray. The trio is brought back together when Lou has a suspiciously suicidal near-death experience. Hoping to reconnect and rejuvenate, Adam and Nick take Lou for a weekend away at the Kodiak Valley Ski Resort, just as they did back in their heyday. Adam's adolescent, live-in nephew Jacob(<span class="Tooltip"><a>Clark Duke</a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KXedIkSI/AAAAAAAAAiY/7mYPv1n7hfE/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_clark_duke.jpg">
</span>) also comes along for the trip, much to Lou's chagrin. Upon their arrival, they discover that "K-Val" isn't the party paradise it once was. Oh, well. At least their room has a hot tub they can rock out in. I don't want to give too much more away, but the hot tub may or may not send them back in time. To the year 1986. Maybe.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97Km3F0VII/AAAAAAAAAiw/Zensc2Aa9hI/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_screenshot_an_every-day_tub.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Looks like a perfectly normal hot tub to me."</div>
<br/>
<!-- characters -->
I don't like John Cusack in this. In fact, I can't remember ever liking him in anything. The most positive thing I can say about him is that he was tolerable in 2012. I felt much the same about Rob Corddry. I just didn't like either of these guys enough to laugh at them.<br/>
<br/>
Craig Robinson is a worthy addition as Nick, as is Clark Duke as Jacob. Without these guys, it would have been a far worse film.<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Chevy Chase</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KXNRv7CI/AAAAAAAAAiU/FY7WAzNnD84/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_chevy_chase.jpg">
</span> and
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Crispin Glover</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KXd-lE4I/AAAAAAAAAig/L-EKjWsK2Lw/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_crispin_glover.jpg">
</span> both appear in minor roles; Chevy as the mysterious hot tub repair man, and Crispin as a surly, one armed bellhop. Perhaps Crispin would land bigger roles if he wasn't such a slacker.<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Lizzy Caplan</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97KmuXK5nI/AAAAAAAAAio/xxuZfSldoJU/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_cast_lizzy_coplin.jpg">
</span> also makes an appearance and I just wanted to say that I still hate her for what she put Jason Stackhouse through.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S97Km9g8rOI/AAAAAAAAAi0/1BOOwjlXXTw/s800/hot_tub_time_machine_screenshot_poison_%2786.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Maybe not."</div>
<br/>
<!-- conclusion -->
Hot Tub Time Machine is about fun, and while it has the odd sentimental moment, it's never serious which makes it easy to not to scrutinize and just enjoy the shenanigans. This is the crudest film I've seen in a while. It's funny, but not quite enough to excuse the extreme vulgarity. Since it's just some mindless fun, it gets a free pass on plot, but it loses points for the two mediocre main characters.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Hot Tub Time Machine a score of two and a half squirrels out of 5.<br/>
<br/>
If this type of movie is your thing, you should check out the far superior Pineapple Express and Zack & Miri Make a Porno.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-16230877361884371852010-05-01T21:38:00.006+10:002010-05-06T08:55:20.233+10:00Kick-Ass Review<style><!--
#KickAssDisplayArt #DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJvnsz0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/CeD7ds9-7hs/s800/kick-ass_poster_all.jpg') }
#KickAssDisplayArt #DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFKFfld2I/AAAAAAAAAgw/LavfOBq0GnI/s800/kick-ass_poster_kick-ass.jpg') }
#KickAssDisplayArt #DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJht7lMI/AAAAAAAAAgo/G_8hKUxJXuE/s800/kick-ass_poster_big_daddy.jpg') }
#KickAssDisplayArt #DisplayArt04:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJimtGVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/Hbo5JKHNoFQ/s800/kick-ass_poster_hit-girl.jpg') }
#KickAssDisplayArt #DisplayArt05:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdCV3dWI/AAAAAAAAAg0/KJR1zAPRB1Y/s800/kick-ass_poster_red_mist.jpg') }
--></style>
<div id="KickAssDisplayArt" class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wJIEWUGWI/AAAAAAAAAh0/zfvpOAKjZ0M/s800/kick-ass_poster_all_sml.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><table class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJvnsz0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/CeD7ds9-7hs/s144/kick-ass_poster_all.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFKFfld2I/AAAAAAAAAgw/LavfOBq0GnI/s144/kick-ass_poster_kick-ass.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJht7lMI/AAAAAAAAAgo/G_8hKUxJXuE/s144/kick-ass_poster_big_daddy.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt04" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJimtGVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/Hbo5JKHNoFQ/s144/kick-ass_poster_hit-girl.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt05" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdCV3dWI/AAAAAAAAAg0/KJR1zAPRB1Y/s144/kick-ass_poster_red_mist.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a>
</td></tr></table></div>
</div>
<!-- INTRODUCTION -->
I know it's been a while since the last write up, but allow me to make it up to you with this kick-ass review which, as it turns out, is not that great; the movie, that is. The review is great. So read along, won't you, as I narrow-mindedly condemn the film for not being exactly like the graphic novel which I just so happen to be giving away to one lucky reader.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<!-- STORY -->
Dave Lizewski is a New York teenager who lives with his father, his mother having died a few years ago from a brain aneurism. Dave's existence is unremarkable and typical of a gen Y teen; he goes to high school, lusts after girls, masturbates, plays video games, masturbates, reads comics, masturbates, has an internet dependency and wears his hair like a douche. Did I mention that he masturbates a lot? ‘cos they really emphasise this fact, so it must be important.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Maybe that's his superpower.</b> </span> Unsatisfied by the mundane life that lay ahead of him and inspired by the comic books that he spends so much time reading, Dave begins to fantasise about being a costumed hero in the real world; no super powers, just good intentions.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wF5Jk-WbI/AAAAAAAAAho/Qk6oVw9zgRw/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_we_meet_at_last.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
After being the victim of yet another mugging while a bystander neglects to intervene, Dave finally has enough motivation to become an agent of justice. So, rather than change his diet, beginning an exercise regime or learning a martial art, he buys a wetsuit on eBay and jumps around in front of the mirror. After a period of playing dress-up on a regular basis, Dave is passing through the back lot where he was mugged and encounters the very same muggers; only this time they are breaking into a car instead of mugging teens that aren't smart enough to be packing Tasers.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Taser! Taser! Taser! <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWaCD6jIH5Q">Deploy!</a></b> </span> He confronts the thieves, who aren't exactly the shortest guys you'll meet, and to say that he comes off second best would be the understatement of the year. By my count, he should have died twice. <br/>
After this painful brush with death, Dave hangs up his wetsuit for good and goes back to leading a normal life. I heard he married a rich girl. Good for him.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wF5Rjk1BI/AAAAAAAAAhw/7yte-g9VUg8/s800/kick-ass_screenshots_roof_hoping.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!-- CHARACTERS -->
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Kick-Ass</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE-7fgy0I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/aItY-te4qRI/s800/kick-ass_cast_kick-ass.jpg">
</span> a.k.a. Dave Lizewski is played by
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Aaron Johnson</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE14_ZFXI/AAAAAAAAAgE/YgCHi9cCVw4/s800/kick-ass_cast_dave_lizewski.jpg">
</span> for some reason. Sadly, the average-looking, blonde-haired pocket-rocket from the comic is portrayed by this tall, mop-headed,
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>pretty-boy douche</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFJVJcwLI/AAAAAAAAAgg/VjaXxXIDqVA/s800/kick-ass_cast_who%27s_a_pretty_boy_then.jpg">
</span>. At least they remembered to give him glasses. Ever since I saw this guy in the trailer, I didn't like him. I'm talking Dakota Fanning levels of dislike. And this was before I'd read the comic, so it's not as if hated him just because he was different. I found the Dave Lizewski from the comic book to be far more likeable and relatable than his big screen counterpart.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Kick-Ass > Kick-Ass</b> </span> Here's a little something the internet told me about Aaron Johnson's personal life: This 19 year old actor is engaged to 43 year old director Sam Taylor-Wood whose ex-husband has allegedly hooked up with Lily Allen. But this is just a fling, right? Wrong. Aaron and Sam have already formed babby.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdTT10CI/AAAAAAAAAg8/p4FU2tDURvE/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_bottle_vs_blade.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Hit Girl</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE-vcOeLI/AAAAAAAAAgM/lhsDNp0CCPg/s800/kick-ass_cast_hit-girl.jpg">
</span> a.k.a. Mindy Macready is played by
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Chloe "Get ready to start seeing me everywhere" Moretz</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE1j80PUI/AAAAAAAAAf8/AvjMyWm61qs/s800/kick-ass_cast_chloe_moretz.jpg">
</span> and I don't think it's an understatement to say that she makes the film. Why? Because she plays an 11 year old (10, in the comic) girl who destroys bad guys like she's a cyborg programmed by John Woo. This girl is a tornado of blades and bullets. If you see Hit-Girl and live to tell the tale, buy a lottery ticket. Since the age of 5, young Mindy has been trained by her father to be a ruthless, foul mouthed killing machine. The movie makes a few missteps which the comic manages to avoid, most noteworthy: that fucking wig. But all in all, I like this Hit-Girl.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">brb Just setting a timer for February 10th, 2015</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdBCMKdI/AAAAAAAAAg4/2ZxtbL45XF4/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_big_daddy.jpg">
<div class="Caption">What's Kick-Ass doing with that shotgun?</div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Big Daddy</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE1RteBcI/AAAAAAAAAf4/f0ieUcJs5jo/s800/kick-ass_cast_big_daddy.jpg">
</span> a.k.a. Damon Macready is played by my favourite over-actor,
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Nicolas Cage</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE_UumERI/AAAAAAAAAgY/tZnlzNwybRU/s800/kick-ass_cast_nicolas_cage.jpg">
</span>. Damon is a man unhinged enough to cash in his daughters childhood in exchange for a side-kick that is a loyal as she is deadly.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">a lot</b> </span> You do not want to fuck with this guy. Damon has one objective and one objective only: Destroy mob boss
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Frank D'Amiko</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE2GBIIOI/AAAAAAAAAgI/D-9331hdxXw/s800/kick-ass_cast_frank_d%27amiko.jpg">
</span>, the tunk responsible for his unjust incarceration and the resulting death of his wife. In the comic, Big-Daddy is a stern character, built like an oak and you could hardly call his outfit a "costume". The movie has him impersonating Ned Flanders and getting around in what looks to be one of Batman's prototype suits; minus the trademark ears, of course.
Nicolas Cage is weird and I didn't like his performance; I rarely do. In my opinion, you should only ever cast Nicolas Cage if you're shooting a Nicolas Cage bio pic and you can't find a look-alike. I'm awaiting the role that will change my mind.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdQJLl-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/706F7GrjBdc/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_car_boogie.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it..."</div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Red Mist</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE_WfZXvI/AAAAAAAAAgc/f1LE02iXvf8/s800/kick-ass_cast_red_mist.jpg">
</span> is another costumed adolescent, and is played by
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Christopher Mintz-Plasse</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE181W-DI/AAAAAAAAAgA/5x0l5UF01tM/s800/kick-ass_cast_christopher_mintz-plasse.jpg">
</span> a.k.a.
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>McLovin</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wE_CUdGjI/AAAAAAAAAgU/lbKcLqcTKHY/s800/kick-ass_cast_mclovin.jpg">
</span>. Good luck living <i>that</i> role down, Chris. Inspired by Kick-Ass' heroism, Red Mist steels his spotlight by performing an impressive, crime-busting feat of his own. In classic superhero fashion, the two pair up to cruise around in the Ricer Mobile, car-dance to Gnarls Barkley and smoke pot. No Joke. In the comic, Red Mist sports a snazzy red number and is reasonably agile and athletic. In the movie, he dresses like an emo on his way to a KISS concert and is completely unthreatening. Christopher does a good job; in fact, it's the most serious I've been able to take him. It's just that I don't like the Red Mist he's portraying. <br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFuKkGi2I/AAAAAAAAAhY/7srYWiXFC34/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_guess_who.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Stop texting while I’m talking to you, asshole."</div>
<br/>
<!-- VISUALS -->
In case you are somehow still unaware, let me tell you that this film is violent; very, very, violent. Not throughout, but there are scenes that will have you aghast at the unbridled carnage. It's like watching a show reel of live-action Mortal Kombat fatalities. There's also a first-person sequence where someone wearing night vision goggles predators a bunch of mobsters. For the record: It looks like shit.<br/>
<br/>
Dear film makers,<br/>
Please stop attempting FPS style scenes in your movies. It confuses me because I don't know whether to laugh out loud or cry. Also: Everybody enjoys boobs. Just say'n.<br/>
~Shufti~<br/>
<br/>
That said, Matthew Vaughn does a great job directing and the choreography of the action sequences was very nice.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFdgu292I/AAAAAAAAAhE/xU5K7Cza9NY/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_fire_sale.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
<!-- COMPARISON -->
To be fair, comparing movie and comic book incarnations of Kick-Ass is more of an exercise in curiosity than actual scrutiny given their simultaneous production. Unlike the Watchman or Sin City films, where there was already a well established fan base before production began, the film rights to Kick-Ass were sold before the first issue was even published. Mark Miller wrote the synopsis and from that, went to work on the comic with John Romita Jr. while Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman wrote the screenplay. So the movie is not so much "based on the comic of the same name" as it is "created in tandem with the comic". The process was highly collaborative which is apparent by just how similar certain aspects of the final products are. Some conversations and sequences are perfect translations of each other. However, there are also many dramatic differences, most of which I cannot discuss without a detour through Spoiler Town. Here are a few differences I <i>can</i> point out:
In the comic, Kick-Ass is awesome, but in the movie, he's a total fag.<br/>
The comic's main focus is on of Dave Lizewski's character, where as the movie is an over-rated tub of wank.<br/>
Both the comic and the movie are narrated. It's just a shame that in the movie you have to listen to Aaron Johnson's voice.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFuCazA0I/AAAAAAAAAhc/JwTTqlCmWB8/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_like_lambs.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Execute Operation Cannon Fodder."</div>
<br/>
<!-- OTHER -->
One of the many annoying moments in the film is when Hit-Girl is pinned down behind some cover and out of ammo. She sits there helplessly even though she has a goddamn flash grenade pinned to her chest. She could have just tossed that little get-out-of-a-jam free card and gained the upper hand, but she doesn't end up ever using it.<br/>
Something else that shit me was when one of Frank D'Amico's flunkies manages to snap a partial photo of a blurry Big Daddy. You can pretty much only make out the black costume and yellow utility belt. When D'Amico sees it, he immediately assumes that it's Kick-Ass in the photo and that it must be Kick-Ass who's dispatching his men and disrupting his dodgy dealings. He then tries to call his best guys to take Kick-Ass out, but fails because he's mistaken the banana on the table for a phone.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wF45uTgWI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Y4RlTJTWpwo/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_public_service_announcement.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Chin up. At least they’re not electro-shocking your balls.</div>
<br/>
All of the costumes in the movie look cheesy and camp when compared to those in the comic which demonstrates how the movie has, in my opinion, missed the point. This is supposed to be a realistic take on what would happen if a kid ever acted out his fantasy of being a super hero, not some teen comedy with action and violence thrown in for good measure. The humour in the comic is far more subtle too. While watching this in the cinema, I felt like the only person trying to take it seriously. People actually laughed went Dave got hit by a car. Who are these sadists?<br/>
<br/>
<!-- CONCLUSION -->
I feel this movie should have gone one way or the other: ultra violent, action-fest or teen comedy, superhero piss-take. But what we have here is the rape baby of Mr. Fantastic Four Movie and Mrs Kick-Ass Comic. (Please rephrase in a way that doesn't include the term "rape baby". - Ed) Just because something is unrealistic, doesn't mean that it can't be dramatic. Kill Bill, anyone? Just thinking of what Tarantino could have done with this makes me <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2101657_hide-a-boner.html">need a cushion</a>.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S9wFt_Ij_II/AAAAAAAAAhU/f42fHg73zWw/s800/kick-ass_screenshot_go_time.jpg">
<div class="Caption"></div>
<br/>
Maybe I'm getting old, but this movie feels like it's pandering to gen Y retards.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">A tautology, I know.</b> </span> Nothing shits me more that pandering; unless, of course, I'm the one being pandered to. Can't have too much of that.<br/>
In the end, Kick-Ass is a solid film. It's just not <i>my</i> kind of film and after reading the graphic novel, I'm even more disappointed with the direction it took. My own disappointment aside, it has enough enjoyable moments and some genuine laughs to be had out loud.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">There's got to be a faster way of saying that.</b> </span> It's definitely a good movie, just not a <i>great</i> one.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Kick-Ass a score of three severed limbs out of five.<br/>
<br/>
If graphic novel and movie duality turns you on, then I highly recommend the following film and comic pairings: Watchmen, 300, Sin City<br/>
<br/>
<b>BONUS</b>: If all my worship of the comic form of Kick-Ass has made you interested in reading it, then I have some good news for you: I'm giving away a copy of the graphic novel. Simply leave a comment to be in the running then check back in a week or so. Caution: Reading the graphic novel will make you feel dirty for ever liking the movie.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I forgive you.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-76339823172725212222010-04-12T20:22:00.006+10:002010-04-13T09:49:45.435+10:00How To Train Your Dragon 3D Review<style><!--
#DisplayArt01:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeZrKabhI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Ny8ZLMJicXo/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_01.jpg') }
#DisplayArt02:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeZoy7_SI/AAAAAAAAAc4/G1Jse6y0Vi8/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_02.jpg') }
#DisplayArt03:hover .ArtImage { display:inline; background-image:url('http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeaJoajiI/AAAAAAAAAdA/FavTIhHGgsI/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_03.jpg') }
--></style>
<div class="DisplayArt">
<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LoAs4K_MI/AAAAAAAAAeo/-vNmbcrIcSk/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster.jpg">
<div class="ArtChangeSpace"><table class="ArtSelector" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt01" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeZrKabhI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Ny8ZLMJicXo/s144/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_01.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt02" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeZoy7_SI/AAAAAAAAAc4/G1Jse6y0Vi8/s144/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_02.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a><!--
--><a id="DisplayArt03" class="ArtItem"><div class="ArtTab">
<img class="ArtThumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LeaJoajiI/AAAAAAAAAdA/FavTIhHGgsI/s144/how_to_train_your_dragon_poster_03.jpg">
</div><div class="ArtImage"></div></a>
</td></tr></table></div>
</div>
<!-- INTRODUCTION -->
How I Met Your Dragon is the latest offering from our friends at Dreamworks Animation, the folks responsible for such computer animate hits as Shrek and Madegascar, among many others. "They did Ice Age too, right?" No. You're thinking of <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Sky_Studios">Blue Sky Studios</a>. If you're going to butt in, try not to make a fool of yourself.
No, I don't have children. Yes, I went to see this movie by myself. No, I didn't regret it.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<!-- STORY -->
At an unspecified time, at an undisclosed location, exists the island of Berk. On this island lives a community of proud and brave Vikings whose existence consists mostly of fending off dragon raids and rebuilding their village afterwards. They also catch fish and rear livestock which the dragons make off with.<br/>
<br/>
A young blacksmith's apprentice by the name of Hiccup is having trouble launching his career as a dragon slaying Viking due to his inadequate build and poor aptitude for combat. He wants nothing more than to prove himself, but his inability makes him too much of a nuisance to participate in the frequent dragon battles. This is of course a great disappointment to his father Stoick, highly revered dragon slayer and village Chief.
Since Hiccup doesn't have the strength to wield a weapon any larger than a dagger with any degree of effectiveness, he has compensated by creating a device which launches <span class="Tooltip"><a>boleadora</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Lrdae_JfI/AAAAAAAAAes/E2nwZfcQ5xI/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_extra_bolas.gif"> </span>, but it has proven unsuccessful thus far.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfQGwMJRI/AAAAAAAAAeA/O1dAnjPAPZo/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_heads_up.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"A fly in my mead? Could this day get any worse?"</div>
<br/>
One evening, as per usual, dragons begin attacking the village and Hiccup is instructed to stay indoors and out of the way. Yeah, right. Instead, he sneaks out with his contraption, determined to demonstrate its usefulness and his. On a fray adjacent hill, he sets up his launcher and scans the night sky for a target. Just then a Night Fury makes its presence known by blasting through the top of a nearby tower with blinding speed and explosive results. Night Furies are the most feared of all the many classes of dragon. This hit and run menace attacks under the cover of darkness and is so fast that no one has ever actually seen a Night Fury, only the carnage it leaves in its wake. So, Hiccup is understandably a little tense at this point. As the Night Fury makes another pass, Hiccup does his best to anticipate it's path and fires blindly into the darkness above. Somehow, the projectile connects with its target and the dark mass plummets to earth somewhere out of view.
And so, with more ass than class, Hiccup becomes the first Viking to ever bring down a Night Fury. If only <i>someone</i> had seen, he would have been a hero then and there. But, as fate would have it, events transpire that might just see Hiccup become and even greater hero for an even greater reason. Or he might die; one or the other.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfZQBY0WI/AAAAAAAAAeY/QVBr2vkJm_I/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_nom_nom_nom.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
<!-- CHARACTERS -->
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Hiccup</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Le0zaXHaI/AAAAAAAAAdc/HzLVTZxXhWc/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_hiccup.jpg">
</span>, the littlest Viking, is voiced by <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Jay Baruchel</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Le0yWa4KI/AAAAAAAAAdg/PLVR0wF-egc/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_jay_baruchel.jpg">
</span> who you may remember from Knocked Up and Tropic Thunder. Hiccup may not be strong, but he is intelligent and hardworking. I found him easily likable and enjoyed watching his escapades as opposed to Astro Boy<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">The incarnation from the recent cg feature, that is.</b> </span> who made me want to shake him 'til his head came of.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Stoick</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfBCQaCLI/AAAAAAAAAd0/O2oPonr_ghg/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_stoick.jpg">
</span> is voiced by the unmistakable and seemingly ever present <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Gerard Butler</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LemQpkRjI/AAAAAAAAAdU/YbAaUMD8PUQ/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_gerard_butler.jpg">
</span>. Even compared to the rest of the menacing hulks, Stoick is one solid Viking. To have turned out so small, Hiccup must take after his mother. And if that's true, the conception would have been rougher on the poor woman than the birth. Stoick is a good leader and a good father, but he has trouble coming to terms with the fact that his son is not, and most likely never will be, a fierce dragon slaying behemoth like his.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Gobber</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Le0p1nAAI/AAAAAAAAAdY/V75RtsemMQ0/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_gobber.jpg">
</span> is Stoick's offsider and in charge of training the Vikings to be. It drove me crazy trying to pick the voice actor. It turns out it's <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Craig Ferguson</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LslKu_WfI/AAAAAAAAAe0/U2WGfsUzKfM/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_craig_ferguson.jpg">
</span>, host of The Late Show With That-guy-whose-name-I-just-said. Gobber favours a "learn on your feet" teaching style in the same way that you might teach a person to skydive by pushing them out of a plane and then toss the parachute out after them. Maybe it's just me, but trial and error doesn't seem like best approach when learning to overcome giant, fire-breathing reptiles.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfQ31ymVI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/OxZ1X-POvrY/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_just_us.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"You know, my bedroom window looks onto your bathroom. You sure do spend a lot of time in there."</div>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Toothless</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfBaLWD6I/AAAAAAAAAd4/oYGRVL-9jq8/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_toothless.jpg">
</span>, a Night Fury which Hiccup befriends, is the dragon used to demonstrate the appropriate training techniques referred to by the film's title. Seeing the friendship develop between Hiccup and Toothless is really quite heart-warming. Toothless is the type if dragon I would love to have if only my landlord wasn't so strict about pets.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I was going to use the word hard-ass, but my landlord is so nice, I feel bad even joking about it.</b> </span> Being sleek and black, Toothless is considerably different in appearance when compared with his bright and pointy brethren. I guess it makes sense since he is built for stealth and speed, but it's still an obvious disparity.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Astrid</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LembsYihI/AAAAAAAAAdM/qN4nN7u1VfM/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_astrid.jpg">
</span> is a young lady Viking voiced by <span class="Tooltip">
<a>America Ferrera</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LelyhgYnI/AAAAAAAAAdI/3z1l10MoSH0/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_america_ferrera.jpg">
</span> of Ugly Betty Fame and, as you may have already guessed, is tough, pretty and the object of Hiccups affection. Too bad she only sees him as a bumbling idiot who has been having a suspicious amount of luck at dragon training lately. I sure hope he finds a way to win her over.<br/>
<br/>
Two other characters worth mentioning, if only for their voice actors, are <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Snotlout</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfBKewW3I/AAAAAAAAAdw/wUcI9YavJao/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_snotlout.jpg">
</span> and <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Fishlegs</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LvGc7SBpI/AAAAAAAAAfA/dShC-v8491U/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_fishlegs.jpg">
</span> voiced by <span class="Tooltip">
<a>Jonah Hill</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Le0y1glrI/AAAAAAAAAdk/k2qiKYr2EnM/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_jonah_hill.jpg">
</span> and <span class="Tooltip">
<a>ChrisTOPHER Mintz-Plasse</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8Le1LJZCNI/AAAAAAAAAdo/WdtPNGFaps8/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_cast_mclovin.jpg">
</span> respectively.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfQVdf36I/AAAAAAAAAeM/PtlA-n7DRsA/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_its_a_boy.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Dragon reproduction is now part of the curriculum</div>
<br/>
<!-- VISUALS -->
Since this is a Dreamworks picture, it should come as no surprise that the visuals are an absolute delight. The cartoon style may not appeal to everyone, but there's no denying that the production is first rate. Everything is beautifully rendered in brilliant detail and the animation is fluid and satisfying.<br/>
With all of the animal skins and Viking beards, there is a lot of hair in this movie and it all looks amazing.<br/>
Since Hiccups village is built on an idyllic island, there is plenty of eye candy to take in. There are the ocean vistas, the lush forests and the spectacular view from the air during the flight sequences.<br/>
<br/>
The 3D element really enhances this movie and is the most effective I've seen since Beowulf. This would be due to the fact that How Green Was My Dragon is 100% cgi and rendered for 3D as opposed to a life action film that has been post processed. If you've been holding out for a 3D movie worthy of the inflated price tag, then wait no longer. In fact, if you're interested in this movie at all, which you should be, then I recommend you pony up and see it in glorious 3D.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Your results may vary.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<!-- MUSIC -->
The original score by John Powell is also a highlight. For me, you really can't go past an orchestra for conveying the broad range of emotions a film soundtrack requires. In How to Lose a Dragon in 10 Days the music proves a pleasing accompaniment to the stunning visuals. You can preview some of John's handiwork <a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/how-to-train-your-dragon-music/id359510106">here</a><br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfZVRLQPI/AAAAAAAAAeU/3CAWsn8UkO8/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_nice_and_slow.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
<!-- OTHER -->
Since there are no good stories left to be thought up, movies our days are passed on properties from other mediums like books, comics, video games, old TV shows and even existing movies. How to Make Friends and Influence Dragons is no exception, being based on a series of children's books and more than few changes were made in adapting it for the screen. For example; in the book, the Vikings of Berk train the dragons, where as in the movie they are just battle against them. Hiccup has red hair in the book, but in the movie has brown hair. In the book, Toothless is a small green dragon with no teeth. In the movie, Toothless is a much larger, black and actually has teeth. The fact that his teeth remain retracted while not in use making him <i>appear</i> toothless which is why Hiccup names him Toothless in the movie. The roles of the supporting characters have been change up a bit too and Astrid does not appear in the books at all.<br/>
In the book, the dragons speak Dragonese, where as in the movie they are mute but for the typical roars and grunts you'd expect from a run of the mill dragon. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the language shoehorned back into the story if there was ever a sequel.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfQZTZJkI/AAAAAAAAAeI/6vSL4BN63LY/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_shoop_da_whoop.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"IMMA FIRIN MAH LAZER!!!!"</div>
<br/>
I also notice that while the adults have what sounds like a thick Scottish accent, the teenagers speak with a distinctly American accent. I guess they must have all just gotten back from their stay as foreign exchange students in the US.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">of A</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<!-- CONCLUSION -->
How My Dragon Got It's Groove Back is the type of movie we've come to expect from Dreamworks Animation; A dazzling, family friendly romp which is exciting, funny and sentimental at times. You can take your kids to it, but only if they promise to shut the hell up.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">The candy bar really should sell chloroform. Be sure to sign my petition.</b> </span> I did enjoy this movie, but the plot was a little too simple and the "moral of the story" was a little too touchy-feely for my liking, though it <i>was</i> better than Kung Fu Panda in this regard. The solution to the Viking's dragon problem was just way to convenient and unrealistic. Yes, I know a kid's movie about dragons isn't exactly going to be aiming for realism; I'm just saying.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S8LfZgibQwI/AAAAAAAAAec/COuB-lkYals/s800/how_to_train_your_dragon_screenshot_you_scared_him.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"If you could just reach on in there and dislodge that fish bone, that would be great."</div>
<br/>
How to Train Your Dragon is highly entertaining and worth catching in 3D. I'm giving it three and a half breastplates out of five. It's a great movie, but I just can't bring myself to give it four.<br/>
<br/>
Other Dreamworks Animation features I recommend: The Road to El Dorado, Over The Hedge & Madagascar<br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-41052986617801068052010-04-03T20:55:00.006+10:002010-04-13T09:52:35.175+10:00Cop Out Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUMz2uDFI/AAAAAAAAAbs/u8bEVC-CMwE/s800/cop_out_cast_movie_poster.jpg">
<!-- INTRODUCTION -->
Cop Out is Kevin smith's first film since the funny and decidedly adult Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Alas, this time he is only the director, the writers being Mark & Robb Cullen.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Don't worry. This time it's ok if you haven't heard of them.</span></a></sup></span> Bruce Willis plays a cop? I'm listening. Tracy Jordan is his wacky partner? Sounds like it could be fun. Seann William Scott plays an annoying petty criminal? No deal! Just kidding; you had me at "Bruce Willis".<br/>
<br/>
<!-- STORY -->
Jimmy Monroe and Paul Hodges are a pair of streetwise NYPD detectives and partners of 9 years. When we meet them, they are about to interrogate a small time drug offender in the hopes that he'll turn snitch and help them nab someone higher up the food chain. You may not have heard, but New York has been having a bit of trouble with organised crime lately and the cops are keen to put a stop to it before NY becomes an unsafe place to live.<a name='more'></a> Jimmy yields to Paul's pleas to let him perform the interrogation for once and so we're forced to sit through a scene that is not nearly funny enough to be as long as it is. After being subjected to an unrestrained Tracy Jordan, the "perp" coughs up some info about a "drop-off" that's about to "go down", so Jimmy and Paul arrange a sting operation to nab the crook's supplier red handed. Paul disguises himself as a spruiker in a mobile phone costume while Jimmy disguises himself as a plain clothes cop hanging out the window of a parked car with a giant, telephoto lens. Their intended target turns out to be psychic and detects the brilliantly devised trap with his powers of advanced perception. Things go south and the boys wind up suspended. Wow! How fresh and original. Have you ever heard of a cop having to turning in his badge and gun because of his unconventional methods?<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes, "his". Go burn your bra somewhere else.</span></a></sup></span> From here on we witness a sequence of random events masquerading as a plot.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUoPRDgEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/qHmLNmMjSiQ/s800/cop_out_screenshot_my_son_is_a_genius.jpg"><br/>
<br/>
<!-- CAST -->
Bruce Willis plays <span class="PlusImage"><a>Jimmy Monroe<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUND9vmzI/AAAAAAAAAb0/eA6mMpDBtbg/s800/cop_out_cast_bruce_willis.jpg"></span></a></span>, a tough, honest cop whose main priorities are keeping the streets clean and paying for his daughter's dream wedding himself to deny his ex-wife's jerk of a husband the satisfaction of bailing him out financially. Bruce is suitably tough and funny and is far more enjoyable to watch here than in Surrogates. Bruce Willis should only ever play cops or taxi drivers from the future. Trivia: Did you know that Bruce Willis stared in a Playstation game called <a target="_blank" href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse_(video_game)">Apocalypse</a>, lending his voice and likeness to the lead character? One of his lines of combat dialogue is "Happy trails!"<br/>
<br/>
Tracy Morgan plays <span class="PlusImage"><a>Paul Hodges<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUaTrCrMI/AAAAAAAAAcM/uIY-tObqDjE/s800/cop_out_cast_tracy_jordan.jpg"></span></a></span>, who has no business being a cop. It would make more sense if he was Jimmy's imaginary friend since he hardly ever does anything to help the cause. I'm not sure if it's ever explicitly stated, but I think Paul has a mild form of mental retardation<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Don't worry, Paul. People used to say that I was retarded, but I already did.</span></a></sup></span> Tracy did well, but not in every scene. He seems to have such an erratic nature that I'm surprised they managed to keep him on set long enough to film an entire movie. He supplies some good laughs and gets the thumbs up from me.<br/>
<br/>
Seann William Scott plays a serial thief called <span class="PlusImage"><a>Dave<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUaLmYk5I/AAAAAAAAAcI/mYPJ1X4mvhs/s800/cop_out_cast_sean_william_scott.jpg"></span></a></span> who is so intentionally annoying that he's lucky to be alive. In spite of that, he manages to be funny and likable enough to forgive him his shit stirring.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUn-gRttI/AAAAAAAAAcU/8nVUTts8YVk/s800/cop_out_screenshot_car_pew.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Totally necessary and completely safe</div>
<br/>
Kevin Pollak and Adam Brody play <span class="PlusImage"><a>Hunsaker<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUaFRSy5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/n1SYKu_aAZY/s800/cop_out_cast_kevin_pollak.jpg"></span></a></span> and <span class="PlusImage"><a>Mangold<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUM3E6JjI/AAAAAAAAAbw/1a7coLW4bLY/s800/cop_out_cast_adam_brody.jpg"></span></a></span>, a pair of rival detectives whose long running anti-drug operation suffers a major set back thanks to Jimmy and Paul's botched sting. While they do stick the boot in when Jimmy and Paul screw the pooch, they're not just jerks for the sake of it and actually share some interesting interactions themselves. Both Kevin and Adam were entertaining in their respective roles.<br/>
<br/>
Guillermo Diaz plays <span class="PlusImage"><a>Poh Boy<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUNMuFZbI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Z6wlDWAby8g/s800/cop_out_cast_guillermo_diaz.jpg"></span></a></span>, a drug lord and head of the criminal organisation with which Jimmy and Paul find themselves entangled. His affection for baseball gives him a kind of bond villain quality, though any self respecting bond villain wouldn't be seen dead in the absolute dive where Poh Boy and his footmen have set up shop. He keeps an extensive collection of baseball memorabilia in what he refers to as his "diamond vault" which is not so much a vault as a living room with a few display cases in it. There's nothing to stop somebody just waltzing in and helping themselves while Poh Boy and Co. pop out to, say, attend a funeral or what-have-you. Guillermo does a decent job making Poh Boy appear menacing, but he too comes off as a <span class="PlusImage"><a>passenger on the short<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUaS_pNaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/1HCJvVkJrvs/s800/cop_out_drill.jpg"></span></a></span> bus as his speech is a little slurred and he often wears a slightly confused expression.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Jason Lee<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUNPH7OEI/AAAAAAAAAb8/p6-q181vTzo/s800/cop_out_cast_jason_lee.jpg"></span></a></span> is a superb asshole as Roy, the jerk that married Jimmy's ex-wife while Michelle Trachtenberg was adequate as Jimmy's daughter <span class="PlusImage"><a>Ava<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUaIeGWLI/AAAAAAAAAcE/7Wq_bTmTby4/s800/cop_out_cast_michelle_trachtenberg.jpg"></span></a></span>.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUoJsNMHI/AAAAAAAAAcg/5mmv1T_HQV4/s800/cop_out_screenshot_no.jpg">
<div class="Caption">Knock Knock</div>
<br/>
I will now complain about various aspects of the film until I feel better:<br/>
<br/>
<!--Sound -->
The music was noticeably bad. There were many times it just didn't suit what happening on screen. Composer Harold Faltermeyer was brought in supposedly to give the film an "80's cop comedy" feel, but it just didn't turn out well.<br/>
<br/>
<!-- OTHER -->
Jimmy and Paul find a tiny flash drive and view its contents on a random stranger's laptop. This is bollocks as a close up of the flash drive clearly shows that it has a mini-USB connecter which does not fit in the standard USB ports built into today's laptops.<br/>
<br/>
You'd think Jimmy might be at least a little bit curious about who the hell his daughter is marrying. We never meet the guy and Jimmy never shows the slightest bit of interest in him. If I were him, I'd be more concerned with who my daughter was marrying than with who was paying for the wedding.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUnwDpydI/AAAAAAAAAcY/ub6UsCPe-Qs/s800/cop_out_screenshot_hitting_the_road.jpg">
<div class="Caption">It may be a drag, but tow the line or hit the road</div>
<br/>
At one point Jimmy agrees to track down a stolen car for Poh Boy so he speaks to the biggest car thief in town who, despite not being involved, happens to know who stole the car and where to find it. How is it that a drug lord with criminal connections can't track down the car just as easily?<br/>
<br/>
Poh Boy kidnaps a woman when all he wants is the necklace she is wearing. Since he has no interest in the woman save for the necklace, why bother kidnapping her when he could simply have his goons kill her and bring it to him the necklace?<br/>
<br/>
Paul's habit of being oblivious to his surroundings was funny, but cheap as a plot device. It's used three Goddamned times!<br/>
<br/>
I feel better now.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7cUv39kXBI/AAAAAAAAAco/S5t53lVJWfs/s800/cop_out_screenshot_popping_the_trunk.jpg">
<br/>
<br/>
<!-- CONCLUSION -->
The Cullen boys have previously only written for television, Cop Out being their first crack at a feature film and it shows. The plot defied logic and the pacing was a little off. On the other hand, I did like the characters and most of the dialogue. (Although, I suspect most of the best lines were ad-libbed.) It really was the strong cast that made this film worthwhile. Without the solid performances and the laughs, this would be a painful waste of $7.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Like the time I bet my friend $7 that I could roller-skate backwards.</span></a></sup></span> And while Cop Out is funny, there were still plenty of gags that fell flat. It would be a mistake to take this movie as seriously as other cop comedies as the drama and suspense that should balance things out just aren't there.<br/>
<br/>
I'm giving Cop Out a score of three mini-USB adapters out of five.<br/>
<br/>
<b>Worst line:</b> "Forgive me father, for I am about to sin." ~ Poh Boy (throwing money on the church alter before having someone executed)<br/>
<b>Best line:</b> "Warriors! Come out and plaaaayyyyy!" ~ Paul Hodges<br/>
<br/>
Recommendations: For more of cop comedy, try the Lethal Weapon or Beverly Hills Cop series. If you favour straight out shenanigans, see Pineapple Express.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-72331530481954076802010-03-29T21:24:00.004+10:002010-04-13T09:57:53.717+10:00The Mana Bar Impressions<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S7CLcLTpODI/AAAAAAAAAbo/GpUYUj4uaDs/s800/the_mana_bar.jpg">
With the highly anticipated opening of Australia's first video game bar being a week ago, some friends and I thought the weekend just gone would be a good time to check it out. We'd avoid the opening night kinks and crowds, but still catch the buzz while it was high. Continue?<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
After two hours of pre-valley drinks at a friends place, our party of seven arrived at The Mana Bar at around eight o'clock. There was no line to speak of, just a doorman dressed as Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series checking IDs and shadowing him like the principal at a school formal was none other than Benjamin "Yahtzee" Croshaw a.k.a. The Man That Smiles Forgot. In order to acknowledge his presence and let him know that I had cleverly deduced his identity despite the absence of his signature fedora and goatee, I verbally pointed Yahtzee out to one of my friends loud enough for him to hear. Of course, being the typical gushing fan that I am, I managed to embarrass myself before I was even halfway through the sentence. (I blame the Maker's Mark.) I encountered Yahtzee twice more during my time at The Mana Bar and both times his demeanour was such that I considered myself lucky not to be spat on.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>No, I'm not the sort of fan that would enjoy that.</span></a></sup></span><br/>
<br/>
Once inside, my first thought was: "Where's the rest of the place?" I had spoken to people who have been to The Mana Bar before so I'd heard it was small, but this place is TINY! Still, they've done well with the space they have and it looks decent. I counted a total of four gaming stations consisting of three Xbox 360s and a Wii. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but the Wii was the closest one to the men's room. Each station accommodated four players and had a small chest height table on which to rest your drinks. In one corner by the bar was a display case filled with gaming themed paraphernalia in front of which was another table. The men's room was adorned with gaming posters and stickers, but the decorations seemed a little sparse. It would be cool to see the walls become increasingly busy with video game characters, console logos and the like over time.<br/>
<br/>
A friend tried the Mana Potion, one of the bars custom cocktails, and gave it the thumbs up. I played it safe and went with a delicious Jack Daniels slushy which came in a Grand Theft Auto cup. Regretfully, the ever vigilant bar staff made of with my empty cup before I had a chance to add it to my inventory.<br/>
<br/>
The only console I got a chance to play was the Wii which I started out playing with three friends, but was soon playing with three strangers. Once my newly acquainted doubles partner and I had been defeated at the tennis portion of Wii Sports, I introduced him to my table of friends and his friends then came over and introduced themselves. One of them turned out to be a developer from halfbrick studios, makers of Raskulls which was being played not two metres away. This kind of socialising isn't what I typically experience when I go out to other pubs and clubs. But at a gaming themed bar, you already have something in common with the other patrons and most of them are members of the Brisbane/Queensland gaming community in one form or another. You get the whole "small world" thing going on.<br/>
<br/>
At about 10 o'clock, when we left The Mana Bar, there was a line up to get in about the same size as the crowd inside. So my advice would be to get there early while the bar is enjoying its current level of popularity.<br/>
<br/>
I found that patrons of a refreshingly high calibre created a friendly and jovial atmosphere. The lighting and the music were both at comfortable levels. Not too dark or too loud. I can't comment on the price of drinks as my mate <a target="_blank" href="http://elrobbo.com">elRobbo</a> (a.k.a. Paully Fast Fingers) shouted me my slushy. That reminds me: $20 purchase minimum for eftpos. That's a f---ing scam if ever there was one. (Do I have to bring back the swear jar? Ed)<br/>
<br/>
In the end, I found The Mana Bar to be a quite a tidy little establishment and a not just different, but worthwhile. Definitely a must see if you find yourself in Fortitude Valley.<br/>
<br/>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.manabar.com.au">www.manabar.com.au</a><br/>
<br/>
P.S. Later in the evening my entourage and I wound up at Dome Sound Bar Karaoke where we had an absolute blast. Not the cheapest, but a nice place with great service.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>No. Sleep. Til Brooklyn!</span></a></sup></span><br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-22865081488410427652010-03-24T23:28:00.010+10:002010-07-24T17:50:00.921+10:00Green Zone Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOTFRHvNI/AAAAAAAAAaU/6B8NFtKtwdM/s800/green_zone_movie_poster.jpg">
<!-- INTRODUCTION -->
Why am I reviewing Green Zone and not The Hurt Locker, winner of six Academy Awards? Because I didn’t catch The Hurt Locker while it was showing at my local cinema and I’ll be damned if I’m paying sixteen bucks to see it at the Megaplex; that’s why. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun with Green Zone, right kids? Personally, I’ve been itching to see Matt Damon kick some ass ever since "The Informant!" Does Matt kick ass? Does this Green Zone kick ass? Read on to find out and don’t just scroll to the end like a douche.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<!-- STORY -->
Set in a 2003 Baghdad, the film begins with an Iraqi General being evacuated from his home by his entourage as the Americans begin liberating the living shit out of the city from the air. Amongst the hustling about the General grabs a small, no doubt important, notebook from his safe and slips it to one of his cronies before cheesing it in his motorcade. I wonder if he and his notebook will come into play later on.<br/>
<br/>
So the Americans have begun their search for WMDs in Iraq and our hero, Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller, is greatly dissatisfied with the inaccuracy of the "intelligence" he and his team have to act on. When Miller questions his superiors about the intel, he is told to stop asking questions and just follow orders. (Conspiracy! Conspiracy, I say!) His team is then sent to go dig up a playground which makes perfect sense given Iraqi children’s penchant for building weapons of mass destruction. While the Americans are digging themselves a hole, a local man tips Miller off about some most-wanteds having a secret powwow nearby. Miller manages to tear a few of his men away from the excitement of repeatedly plunging shovels into the dirt to go and investigate. Discoveries are made, questions are raised and Miller sets out to make sense of it. I think someone gets shot at some point.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOtmk0gpI/AAAAAAAAAa8/sUz1p7WxtoI/s800/green_zone_screenshot_freedom_by_force.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Venting prevents ex-plo-si-on"</div>
<br/>
<!-- CAST -->
Matt Damon<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">You’re doing the voice, aren’t you?</b> </span> plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Roy Miller</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOiTepivI/AAAAAAAAAas/uQ8PbLWyTnc/s800/green_zone_cast_roy_miller.jpg">
</span> who, despite what you may think, is not just Jason Bourne in fatigues. Sure, they’re both ass-kickers with weapons training and a subscription to Face Crushers weekly, but they have their differences too. For example, Bourne knows how to use a hand towel in a fist-fight while Miller knows how to sniff out a government cover up using Google. Miller and Bourne are both out for answers, but Bourne goes about it like a deadly covert agent, where as Miller goes about it more like a cop. Even if Damon was just channelling the same character, it would only make him as bad as the average action hero or comedic actor anyway. I liked Miller and I think Matt Damon<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">Stop it!</b> </span> did a great job.<br/>
<br/>
Greg Kinnear plays Matt Damon’s conjoined twin. But that’s a different movie. In <i>this</i> movie, Kinnear plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Clark Poundstone</a>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOTcSNs2I/AAAAAAAAAac/N1_EB_z_aRU/s800/green_zone_cast_clark_poundstone.jpg">
</span> of the Pentagon Special Intelligence who is the closest person to "Magellan", the person telling the Americans where the wild goose hid the red herring. Greg is too convincing a jerk not to be one in real life. Anyone who knows him personally can feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. Mr. Kinnear, you can plead your case in the comments. I do like Greg Kinnear though and I think he plays this role effectively.<br/>
<br/>
Brendan Gleeson plays CIA Baghdad bureau Chief,
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Martin Brown</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOia0_fRI/AAAAAAAAAao/ALOtyFLcV2Q/s800/green_zone_cast_martin_brown.jpg">
</span>, but will always bee
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Mad-eye Moody</a>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOTmTCSyI/AAAAAAAAAak/irW_MZl_E1A/s800/green_zone_cast_mad-eye_moody.jpg">
</span> to me. Like Miller, Brown too detects the odour of fish in the air and wants to work together to get to the bottom of things. Gleeson’s role is central, but minor and he gives a good performance.<br/>
<br/>
Yigal Naor plays
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>General Al-rawi</a>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOTTwYNwI/AAAAAAAAAaY/NUa6uZqYv_A/s800/green_zone_cast_al-rawi.jpg">
</span>, our friend from the opening scene who is lying low now that Saddam is no longer running things. He and his men are waiting to see if the Americans will request their cooperation or declared them outlaws; friend or foe? Gee, I hope the Americans make the right decision.<br/>
<br/>
Amy Ryan plays the completely useless and uninteresting journalist,
<span class="Tooltip">
<a>Lawrie Dayne</a>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOTeuqlgI/AAAAAAAAAag/Yy4egZ3POeI/s800/green_zone_cast_lawrie_dayne.jpg">
</span>, who I only mention so that you know there is at least one female in the film. Other than her, it’s a total sausage fest. "I'm a reporter. Here's my card. Now, go investigate for me." Thanks, Ryan. Shall I pick up your dry-cleaning too?<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOi0D-jUI/AAAAAAAAAa4/dxnzj2b_mM8/s800/green_zone_screenshot_bridge_is_out.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Look at the state of this country. It's a good thing we showed up."</div>
<br/>
<!-- VISUALS -->
Visuals are mostly good. There are some really nice shots and interesting sights. The shaky cam enhances the realism, but it’s just too damn shaky and difficult to watch. If you go to see this film at the cinema, DO NOT sit in the front row unless you want motion sickness. If you’re a fan of motion sickness, sit in the front row, by all means. Don't say I didn't warn you.<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">or anything else bad about me for that matter. I'm a nice guy just trying to get by. I don't need your shit. Fuck you.</b> </span>
In some of the darker scenes, the picture is incredibly grainy. I'm talking grainy to the point where it looks like it was shot on a mobile phone. I’m actually surprised these shots made it into the final cut. They represent easily the worst picture quality I have seen in a commercial movie release. And I've seen Cloverfield!<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">It’s only gay if you enjoyed it.</b> </span><br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOisulrkI/AAAAAAAAAa0/SHsObaQa9ik/s800/green_zone_screenshot_airport.jpg">
<br/>
<br/>
<!-- OTHER -->
Some people have called this film "The Bourne Insurgency"<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">I was disappointed when Google told me I wasn’t first to come up with that title</b> </span> given the similarities between it and the Bourne series. Both share the same lead actor and director (except for The Bourne Identity) and they both involve said male lead railing against "the man" and his conspiratorial ways. I myself didn’t find Green Zone overly Bourne-ish, not that it would necessarily be a bad thing if it were. From memory, the Bourne movies were quite good. If you didn’t like The Bourne Shenanigans, don’t write off Green Zone based on its similarities. You may still like it.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOtgnJvSI/AAAAAAAAAbA/zTPb-5P4dok/s800/green_zone_screenshot_nice_digs.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"Clark Poundstone is now following you on Twitter!"</div>
<br/>
I might also mention<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">and in fact I have</b> </span> that I spotted a wee bit of product placement. As Miller is leaving the briefing at the airport for Operation Shortcut To China,<span class="Tooltip"><sup>+</sup><b class="TipBody">or should that be Hawaii?</b> </span> two supply pallets covered in Pizza Hut logos can be seen to his right. Later, at what was once Saddam’s palace, one of Miller’s men is heard to remark something akin to "Whoa. These guys have Domino’s and beer!" Since competing brands are mentioned, I’d wager that neither of them are actually paid advertisements.<br/>
<br/>
One of the few humorous moments was the scene where a mess hall full or troops is cheering at a television screen streaming George Bush's infamous "Mission Accomplished" speech. Not quite, George. Not quite.<br/>
<br/>
<img class="Screenshot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6oOinP3DtI/AAAAAAAAAaw/UwkLyLIk2BE/s800/green_zone_screenshot_10_dollar_table.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"This table $10"</div>
<br/>
<!--CONCLUSION -->
The title "Green Zone" doesn’t seem fitting since we only briefly visit the green zone. It should have been called: Dude, Where's My WMD? The plot is engaging, but my interest waned towards the end once the mystery had evaporated. Things were a bit more straight-forward than I had anticipated and so I was slightly disappointed in this regard. That’s not to say that this is a boring film; au contraire. It’s very much the thriller. Green Zone has plenty of action, is fast paced and barely lets up. You won’t fall asleep watching this movie; that’s for sure. I quite enjoyed it.<br/>
<br/>
I’m giving Green Zone a score of three and a half wooden legs out of 5.<br/>
<br/><br/>
<i>Shuftis that liked this film, also liked: Jarhead, Three Kings</i><br/>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-26722364522403276662010-03-18T21:27:00.008+10:002020-09-01T18:29:15.670+10:00Alice in Wonderland Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Imms6RsFI/AAAAAAAAAYI/8HPS0-ShKP0/s800/alice_in_wonderland_movie_poster.jpg">
<!-- INTRODUCTION -->
This latest feature film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland sees another beloved childhood tale get the Tim Burton treatment. Those of you who have seen Tim’s interpretation of Charlie’s Adventures in Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory will know that he has about as much respect for the source material as Trump does immigrants. (Updated for 2020! You're welcome. - Ed) Perhaps that’s a bit harsh, but it’s fair to say that he’s not shy about reinventing key elements. If you thought he was heavy handed with his renovation of the chocolate factory, wait til you see the overhaul he’s given Wonderland.<br/>
<br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<!-- STORY -->
It’s the 1800’s and very young Alice is woken yet again by a recurring nightmare. Seeking comfort, she interrupts her father who, for some reason, is having a business meeting at his home in the middle of the night. He tucks her back in bed and reassures her that it's just a dream. He then tells her that she is mad and that "all the best people are". Like Tim Burton, for example. They share a loving moment where we can see that Alice loves her father and they are very close.<br/>
<br/>
Cut to thirteen years later and her dad is dead. Alice and her mother travel hastily by horse drawn carriage to a very important date. On the way, they bicker briefly about conformity and woman's underwear and we see that Alice is the same free thinking, non-conformist her father was.
They arrive unfashionably late at a surprise engagement party. Not a surprise engagement-party, but a surprise-engagement party on account of Alice doesn't know she's about to be proposed to by Lord Hamish, son of her father's old business partner. It seems the evil, fun hating grown ups had the two of them paired off long ago. The business/political consequences of the union may have been explained, but I missed it because I was distracted with figuring out if my 3D glasses were actually working or not.<br/>
Shock of shocks, Alice is not keen on the guy. Lord Hamish may be wealthy, influential and proper, but he is also pompous, unimaginative and a tad chauvinistic (as was the style at the time). But judging by the squeals of disgust let out by the women in the audience upon his proposal, I'd say his greatest crime was being unattractive.<br/>
So there stands Alice, in front of a hundred or so guests with this homely chap grinning up at her expectantly. Unimpressed and overwhelmed, she reacts in the only logical way. She runs away in pursuit of a rabbit, which no one else can see, and falls down a hole.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6InEqxUnGI/AAAAAAAAAZA/cjqdx3SVte0/s800/alice_in_wonderland_screenshot_the_march_hare.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"We're all mad here. Except the March Hare. That guy is bat-shit insane."</div>
<br/>
Alice plays a round of shrink-n-grow and we are tricked into thinking that the story has made it through the remake machine mostly intact. Once in Wonderland proper, Alice is informed by a welcoming party that since her last visit <strike>Tim Burton</strike> The Red Queen has taken over the place, as if it even were something that could actually be taken over and not just somewhere a bunch of insane, logic defying beings somehow exist. She is then told that she must take magic item A and insert it into evil being B to restore the crown to rightful owner C.<br/>
From here the story unfolds as if the screenplay were the result of shoving both of Lewis Carroll’s books into a blender with a generic fantasy novel.<br/>
<br/>
Now, you may be thinking: "Wait. She’s been there before? Oh, that explains the nightmares. So this is a sequel then?" And my answer would be: It is if it were, but not if it ain’t. Savvy? Moving on…<br/>
<br/>
In Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Ooh, look at me! I’m using the full title.</span></a></sup></span>, Alice comes across a poem entitled "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabberwocky" target="_blank">Jabberwocky</a>" in which a boy sets out to slay the deadly creature the poem is names after. This latest retelling has picked up this poem and run with it. Not only does The Hatter (the mad one) recite it aloud, but every element of it now exists in Wonderland making it more of a to-do list for Alice than a simple poem.<br/>
Oh, and apparently it’s not "Wonderland" it’s "Underland". Alice just misheard the name the first time she was there. I’m not kidding. They actually try to make that fly.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Ipky-P8_I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/cDdsGPYfUNM/s800/alice_in_wonderland_screenshot_red_queen.jpg">
<div class="Caption">The Red Queen in a huff as usual</div>
<br/>
<!-- CAST -->
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Alice<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Imvku3WKI/AAAAAAAAAYc/0KnFuCCrrBI/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_mia_wasikowska.jpg"></span></a></span> is played by Australian actress Mia Wasikowska. It may blow your mind just a little to learn that Mia played the title role in an Australian short film I Love Sarah Jane. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYxs7Y7ulrM" target="_blank">Check it out here.</a> (It has zombies!) And guys: It may ease your conscience to know that, by my calculations, she was eighteen when that was filmed.<br/>
She’s a looker. You just can't tell straight away because Tim has painted her up to look like a corpse. If that guy isn't a necrophiliac, I don’t know who is. I wasn't keen on this Alice at all to begin with, but I came to like her by the end of the film. Although she is older and her appearance has changed somewhat, Alice still feels enough like Alice for me.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Tarrant Hightop<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6ImmyqQiwI/AAAAAAAAAYU/dBUIZSEQ-Pg/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_hatter.jpg"></span></a></span> aka The Hatter is played by <span class="PlusImage"><a>Orlando Bloom<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6ImmtI5aYI/AAAAAAAAAYM/thj8bJGdsvU/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_bill_nighy.jpg"></span></a></span>. Take Jack Sparrow combined with Willie Wonka (from the remake, of course), add a dash of insanity and have David Bowie do the make-up then you'll have Tim Burton's version of the Hatter. When I first saw images of him in posters prior to the films release, I was put off. Once I saw the trailer, I thought he might pass. Now that I've seen Hatter in all his glory, I actually quite like him. He plays a larger, more central role than in the books and has far more depth. The performance is sound and I love his outfits, but I'm still not entirely sold on the make up. I know that he's meant to have mercury poisoning or something<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Which actually makes your cheeks <i>pink</i>, by the way.</span></a></sup></span>, but it looks like the character himself is wearing the make up like some sort of clown. Oh and he's Scottish now as indicated by the red hair, occasional thick Scottish accent (is there any other kind?) and the kilt he wears during the climactic final battle.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>The Cheshire Cat<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Imv6_GjyI/AAAAAAAAAYo/gRkr7IVfiec/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_the_cheshire_cat.jpg"></span></a></span> is voiced by the ever delightful <span class="PlusImage"><a>Stephen Fry<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Imvn8N96I/AAAAAAAAAYk/WMJe1bFXDXg/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_stephen_fry.jpg"></span></a></span>. In this incarnation, Chesh is less kooky and detached than in Disney's animated feature and is actually a help to Alice rather than a hindrance. He looks fantastic in both style and execution and would have to be my favourite member of the cast. I'd love to get my hands on a Chesh figurine to have grinning mischievously atop my monitor.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>The Red Queen<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6ImvwgKaGI/AAAAAAAAAYs/a8vN4GXQIVM/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_the_red_queen.jpg"></span></a></span> is played by my favourite Halloween decoration, <span class="PlusImage"><a>Helena Bonham Carter<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Immw30CCI/AAAAAAAAAYY/wf4dCYvdzmU/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_helena_bonham_carter.jpg"></span></a></span>. This was another character I was dubious about after seeing the promotional material, but it turns out Helena does a good job. In this film, The Red Queen from Through the Looking Glass and The Queen of Hearts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland have been combined to form a character that is basically The Red Queen in name and The Queen of Hearts in nature. She bears the suit of hearts motif, has an army of human-sized playing cards at her command and she loves a good public beheading. I honestly don't know why they even bothered to call her The Red Queen; probably because it sounds more ominous than The Queen of Hearts.<br/>
Many characters in this film look more menacing than in previous outings, but The Red Queen’s oversized head actually goes the other way and I have to say I like it; especially considering <span class="PlusImage"><a>the alternative<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Im4SmjXMI/AAAAAAAAAYw/_aj2e-cG8Dc/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_the_red_queen_small_head.jpg"></span></a></span>. I also love that she has enslaved monkeys to act as various bits of furniture. Who wouldn’t want a monkey chandelier?<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>The White Queen<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6Im4SHZLGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/pnvP7uc9OGI/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_the_white_queen.jpg"></span></a></span> is portrayed by Ann Hathaway as a rational woman with odd mannerisms who never once turns into a sheep. I don't think she quite pulls it off though. She comes across more like a mental patient under the delusion that she is a queen as opposed to an actual queen. Maybe that was what she was going for, I don’t know. Her make up makes her look like a villain, though I guess that's true for just about everyone in a Tim Burton film. Her eyebrows are too thick and her lipstick is almost black. I understand a traditional red may be out; red being the colour of her neme-sis, but how about a subtle pink?<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes, I still like semicolons.</span></a></sup></span> Overall though, The White Queen was ok.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Stayne<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6ImvklkvCI/AAAAAAAAAYg/0PwTnVuwd9E/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_stayn.jpg"></span></a></span> aka The Knave of Hearts is played by Crispin Glover who you know best as <span class="PlusImage"><a>Marty McFly's dad<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6ImmxgMmlI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/b7sZPNGtMws/s800/alice_in_wonderland_cast_crispin_glover.jpg"></span></a></span>. In Carroll's book, The Knave of hearts is a minor character who is on trial for eating The Red Queen’s tarts. Now he's a fully blown antagonist and The Red Queens right hand man to boot. He’d never admit it, but you can totally tell he's hit that. I bet those monkey bedposts would have a story or two. To give Stayne a lanky appearance, he's been given a cgi makeover. They’ve just superimposed his head onto a computer generated body to poor effect making his movements seem jerky and uncanny. His cgi horse looks a bit more convincing than he does, but is totally unnecessary. These are just two examples of the overuse of cgi in this film that prevents it from feeling real enough to be truly engaging. I’d like to also mention Stayne’s magic eye patch which is black when he makes his first appearance, but red thereafter.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S6IpkiirtbI/AAAAAAAAAZM/l_NKTBpkMU4/s800/alice_in_wonderland_screenshot_final_battle.jpg">
<div class="Caption">There's that fetching kilt I mentioned earlier</div>
<br/>
<!-- VISUALS -->
Visually, there is a great deal going on in this film. After all, wonderland is tripped out place full of the impossible. And for the most part, it’s very impressive. However, I can’t say I liked everything I saw. For the most part, sure, but I kept seeing things that didn’t look quite right. Things like the Tweedles’ faces and Stayne’s awkward movements and it may just be me, but the incongruous style of the bandersnatch made it looked like it belonged in a different movie. The Jabberwocky, on the other hand, was spot on and by far the best looking of the many computer animated creatures. The scene where the Jabberwocky is summoned for battle is actually when I woke up and started paying attention again. I also like that the playing card soldiers have been placed in suites of armour. I think this makes them more menacing and less ridiculous, though the glowing eyes may be a bit much. The costumes on both the live action and cgi cast members were fantastic.<br/>
<br/>
With the amount of cgi in this film I think it would have been better if they had just gone the whole hog and made it a fully blown computer animated feature. They’re 90% of the way there anyway. By doing so, they could have made everything a bit more stylised which would suite the subject matter more. As they are, I feel that the visuals lack consistency. Am I watching a cartoon or live action? It’s like the caricatured humans and their realistically rendered counter parts are trying to meet each other in the middle, but failing.
With total computer animation in a style that sits somewhere between cartoon and photorealism, your brain could relax knowing that you’re watching an animation instead of getting caught on things that don’t look right. Yes, that’s an actually phenomenon. I know that’s no substitute for a live action version of Alice in Wonderland, but to be honest, what Mr. Burton has produced here is as much live action as Saddam’s cameos on South Park. (Is this a pop culture reference? -1 Ed)<br/>
<br/>
<!-- 3D -->
What about the 3Dness? It was hit and miss; mostly miss. I actually almost forgot that I even saw it in 3D. That’s how ho-hum it was. For me, it threw off my sense of scale to the point where, at times, fully grown adults looked like toys. This may have something to do with the depth of field being to shallow, but what do I know. Most of the people I saw this with agreed the 3D was dodgy, but my wife thought it was great. Though being my wife, it’s no surprise her eyes are easily pleased. As a point of reference, Avatar had better executed 3D than this film.<br/>
<br/>
<!-- CONCLUSION -->
Alice in Wonderland was entertaining, but it was messed with too much. I don’t have a problem with the two books being combined so much, I just didn’t like they way it was done here. It was too dark for the littlies, but too light on for the grown ups. How hard is it to watch the Wizard of Oz and <strike>rip that off</strike> take some pointers from that? So: great costumes, some cgi missteps, solid cast, not enough wit. It’s a pretty good film, but don’t bother seeing it in 3D.<br/>
<br/>
<!-- RATING -->
I’m giving Alice in Wonderland three ravens out of five.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Or is that writing desks? I’m always confusing the two.</span></a></sup></span>
<br/>
<br/>
Oh, and if you haven’t seen this, watch it now:
<object width="440" height="356">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jt7AF2RCMhg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jt7AF2RCMhg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="440" height="356"></embed>
</object>
<br/>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-21503065407026266252010-03-10T21:38:00.014+10:002010-04-09T09:34:35.099+10:00The Road Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSdzFAGvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/CYpVTu0lKp4/s800/the_road_movie_poster.jpg">
I like a good doomsday flick and ever since the flying train wreck that was 2012, I've been hanging out for something to restore my faith in the genre. I could tell from the preview for The Road that it was going to be a film with substance and not just an excuse to have the CGI guys crash an aircraft carrier into the White House. But just how good is it? Read on and find out just how badly humanity screws itself over this time.<br>
<br>
The Road is based on the 2006 book of the same name that won Corman McCarthy the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Does that name ring a bell? No? Well it should. McCarthy wrote the bleak yet brilliant (but mostly bleak) No Country For Old Men.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
It's been roughly a decade since the apocalypse<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Insert your favourite doomsday scenario here.</span></a></sup></span>
laid waste to the planet and civilisation along with it. Grey clouds obscure the sun and plants no longer grow. The world is cold and getting colder. There are no more animals and barely any people. Life on Earth has all but faded out completely. The few humans that are left scrape together an existence by picking the bones of civilisation, but there is virtually nothing left. Most have resorted to cannibalism since no other form of sustenance remains. There is no society, only nomads and small tribes. It's a "survival of the less malnourished" struggle where the lucky ones avoid being eaten long enough to die of starvation. Oh, and there is no internet <i>whatsoever!</i> Welcome to the end of the world. Enjoy your stay.<br>
The Road tells the story of a father who is trying to keep his boy alive as they travel through this harsh environment and that's really all I can say. The rest is in the watching.<br>
"Post aprophylactic? So it's like I Am Legend, yeah?" No. Shut up. I Am Legend is to The Road what Hancock is to Batman Begins.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>or any movie that doesn't shit itself halfway through.</span></a></sup></span><br>
<br>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSsl3jbKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/jfDN5FPKtUU/s800/the_road_screenshot_truck_gang.jpg">
<div class="Caption">
"I beg you pardon, sir. We are NOT a 'rape gang'. We're a '<i>kill</i> gang'. We would never torture someone with rape before killing them."<br>
"Oh, good. So you're not going to rape us."<br>
"Now, I never said that."<br>
</div>
<br>
The father is played by <span class="PlusImage"><a>Viggo Mortenson<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSsadhK5I/AAAAAAAAAXU/3Ln8tXp3824/s800/the_road_cast_viggo_mortenson.jpg"></span></a></span> who gives a brilliant performance. I liked Viggo in The Lord of The Rings (1,2 & 3), but he didn't grab my attention until I saw A History of Violence. In The Road, he is well suited to the role of the father and a pleasure to watch. He reportedly lost 13kg in order to appear as gaunt a wasteland survivor should. In the two instances we are treated to Viggo's bare ass, he looks thin beyond health, although not to the degree that Christian Bale does in The Machinest. (If you haven't seen it, add it to your list.)<br>
Trivia: Up until I wrote the above paragraph, I thought his name was Viggo Morgenson. Shirley, I can't be the only one to make that mistake.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Charlize Theron<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSeFoE-OI/AAAAAAAAAXE/O8Qh4nRx5rs/s800/the_road_cast_charlize_theron.jpg"></span></a></span> plays the absent mother who we see in flashbacks. In these scenes we see the father and mother just after the clock strikes doomsday and they are the most emotionally charged of the entire film. Unless you're a robot<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Not that there's anything wrong with that.</span></a></sup></span>
, be prepared to have your heart stings plucked and your tears jerked. The mother does come off a little creepy though. I don't think this is intentional because I find Charlize to be just a little "off" in general. If a friend were to say to me: "Oh my God! You'll never guess which famous actress was just found to have a body in her freezer." I would say: "Charlize Theron. I told you that bitch was batshit!"<br>
<br>
The son is played by <span class="PlusImage"><a>Kodi Smit-McPhee<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSeMJ9NcI/AAAAAAAAAXM/b0jeyVfyai8/s800/the_road_cast_kodi_smit-mcphee.jpg"></span></a></span> who you may remember from Romulus, My Father. I've read that Kodi trumped the other auditionees by having the forethought to look very much like Charlize Theron who had already been cast as the mother. And does he ever. Still, I think perhaps his landing the role might have had something to do with his acting. "Hey! This guy has blue eyes and the guy in our story has blue eyes. Fire Brad Pitt and get this guy a script!"<br>
<br>
Other mentionable cast members are <span class="PlusImage"><a>Robert Duvall as Anthony Hopkins<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSegMxTpI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Gp84rOAnUIc/s800/the_road_cast_robert_duvall.jpg"></span></a></span> and <span class="PlusImage"><a>Guy Pearce as Hobo Brad Pitt<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSeIvSZkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/nvTBKjk6hcY/s800/the_road_cast_guy_pearce.jpg"></span></a></span>. (Not to be confused with <span class="PlusImage"><a>Boho Brad Pitt<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eXpkvGS0I/AAAAAAAAAXs/wQb-Zx34ZSU/s800/the_road_boho_brad_pitt.jpg"></span></a></span>.)<br>
<br>
The Road would have to be my favourite rendition of a post apocalyptic world yet. Dead trees stand decomposing on the hillsides. Cars and personal belongings lay abandoned in the streets and everywhere you look there is dirt and decay. The make up and costumes leave flattery at the door and depict just how filthy and dishevelled one would become trying to survive this harsh landscape. These are some freaky looking folk.<br>
<br>
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSsSFQ1UI/AAAAAAAAAXY/aJTT2-Ucy_M/s800/the_road_screenshot_stab_yo_couch.jpg">
<div class="Caption">"On second thought, I think I do have some change on me after all"</div>
<br>
This film reminded me a great deal of
<a href="http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Fallout_3" target="_blank">Fallout 3</a>. The dead landscape, scavenging, raiders, cannibalism and charred skeletons are all here. If you took Fallout 3 and removed the retro-futurism and the humour, you would have The Road.
I loved this realistic take on post apocalyptic earth, although it would have been nice if it wasn't so bleak. In Fallout 3<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>I love Fallout 3 and I've put in over 150 hour on it. So, yeah, I'm going to make comparisons.</span></a></sup></span>
, humanity had been knocked out, but you could see it was starting to regain consciousness. In The Road, it's been shot in the stomach and is bleeding out in the filthy stall of an abandoned rest stop. This is not a story of life after the apocalypse. This is the story of mankind's last breath.<br>
<br>
Not to say anything of their actual fate, I got the strong feeling from the outset that the father and son were doomed. I mean, what good could possibly happen in a world as hopeless as the father describes? So I wrote them off from the very beginning and told myself not to get attached, but I just couldn't help feeling for them. I was nearly in tears when the father stood on the bridge with the mother's photograph.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>brb, hugging wife</span></a></sup></span>
I haven't been this depressed by a movie since Chrilden of Men.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>The movie where they couldn't form babby.</span></a></sup></span>
These two films are quite similar and if you like one, chances are you'll like the other. Just don't watch them both in the same sitting or you'll most likely commit suicide, but for completely different reasons than if you were to watch Crossroads and Glitter back to back.<br>
<br>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S5eSs5IMwSI/AAAAAAAAAXg/rsk1rHXlsRQ/s800/the_road_screenshot_truck_on%20bridge.jpg"><br>
<br>
The fact that the plot is straight forward keeps the focus on their plight of the father and son. It's very simple: These two vagabonds are trying desperately to survive an unsurvivable environment. There are no distractions like multiple plot threads, what the villain is up to or how things will tie together in the end. There really isn't much going on. A movie with weaker characters couldn't pull this off, but the writing is strong here and it works well.<br>
<br>
The Road is depressing from start to finish. Some people may not appreciate that (see: women), but that's what makes this movie what it is. It's beautifully shot and well told. I know a lot of people won't love it, but I highly recommend this film.<br>
<br>
I'm giving The Road four spit-roasted babies out of five.<br>
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-39534852081420908982010-03-03T22:38:00.009+10:002010-07-16T10:00:08.374+10:00Daybreakers Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45Pa9JyWaI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ghg23SP-wKk/s800/daybreakers_movie_poster.jpg">
I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't heard Michael and Peter Spierig aka The Spierig Brothers. <span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Pronunciation? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm going to go with "spear-ig".</span></a></sup></span> Of course <i>I've</i> heard of them. I liked them before the were cool. Back in 2003 they released Undead, a zombie flick set in Queensland.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Represent!</span></a></sup></span> It may have had a small budget, but it's solid viewing for fans of the genre and it even picked up the FIPRESCI Prize at the Melbourne International Film Festival. In fact, I think I'll pick myself up a copy next time I'm at JB Hi-Fi. They have all the latest releases at the best price. Guaranteed!<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Your business here. Ask about our generous advertising packages.</span></a></sup></span>
So I was pleasantly surprised to see the Spearig brothers listed in the opening credits as I sat to watch Daybreakers. I later found out, via the stone tablet that is Wikipedia, that Daybreakers was filmed right here in Queensland and that the creature effects were handled by our mates across the pond at Weta Workshop. If you don't know who <i>they</i> are, I have one word for you: Precioussssss!<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
Story time: The year is 2019 and it's been a decade since a plague turned almost all of the world’s population into vampires. The origin of the "disease", shall we say, is not explicitly stated, but I think you'll agree that it's most likely the direct result of prolonged exposure to American capitalism.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>That or the centuries of inbreeding in America's deep south. Either way, it's America's fault.</span></a></sup></span> But it's not all midnight strolls and virgin's necks, oh no. It would seem that after thousands of years of successful farming, mankind (now vampire-kind) have forgotten how to maintain a sustainable food supply and are about to run out of tasty human blood. "But can't the vampeople just eat <i>each other</i> like those creatures did in Pitch Black?", I hear you ask. To that, I say: Pitch Black is a stupid movie and you are stupid for binging it up. Besides, it turns out that a vampire drinking another vampire's blood would be the same as human drinking another person's urine; Exhilaration, but of no nutritional value. (This is inappropriate. Please come up with a less offensive analogy before this goes live. Ed) Huh?<br>
<br>
Apart from everyone dying, another ill effect of the blood-drought is the fast approaching demise of Bromley Marks. Bromley Marks is a pharmaceutical company that supplies the majority of America's blood. I imagine this would be thanks to a lucrative deal made with McDonald's to replace Coca-cola as their sole beverage supplier.<br>
<br>
Enter our protagonist, Edward Dalton. Edward is a haematologist in the employ of Bromley Marks and is tasked with developing a nifty blood substitute that, if successfully synthesised, could save vampire kind. Yay? A blood substitute seems like a step backwards to me. Why go from what could have been, if properly managed, an infinite supply of blood to a synthetic substance that could only ever be, at best, as abundant as human blood was in the first place?<br>
<br>
Anywho, Edward is going about his day to day doldrums with a level of enthusiasm that makes Eeyore look like a motivational speaker when lazy writing causes him to come within centimetres of literally running head-on into the leading lady, Audrey Bennett. Audrey is one of the few remaining humans that haven't been rounded up by authorities and she is in the process of escorting some of her comrades to a safe-house when she and Edward cross paths. Being the respectable protagonist that he is, Edward helps the poor frightened humans on their way, thus earning their trust and ours.<br>
<br>
Shortly there after, in one of the most backward scenes in the entire movie, Audrey somehow sneaks into Edwards’s house, bypassing security and emerging from the shadows to startle Edward. (This manoeuvre is performed no less than three times by three different parties during the film.) She tells him that the humans need his help and invites him to a covert rendezvous to discuss the details. She hands him a map which he immediately examines. When he looks up from the map, Audrey has vanished into thin air. He even checks around the corner for her. Question: Which one of you is the fucking vampire again?! <i>Vampires</i> appear from and disappear into nowhere. <i>Humans</i> go "Whoa! Where the hell did they go?". The vampires in this movie are even lamer than those in that book series that Mormon chick wrote. You know the series. I wont say its name. Anyway, Audrey disappears into the twilight at which point we expect the movie to get more exciting, but it never does.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Edward Dalton<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45PbB3F2yI/AAAAAAAAAWk/kvffYWLP2Qc/s800/daybreakers_cast_ethan_hawke.jpg"></span></a></span> is such a ho-hum character if it weren't for the one decent scene where he argues with his brother, you could probably get away with removing him from the script altogether. It's as if he's only there so that the other characters can spew exposition without having to look directly at the camera. Neo was much the same in The Matrix, but at least he busted out the Kung Fu every now and then. That said, there's nothing really to dislike about Edward and Ethan Hawk manages not to mess up this most basic of roles.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Audrey Bennett<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45Paw3r1wI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Hh6i84HA-fU/s800/daybreakers_cast_claudia_karvan.jpg"></span></a></span> is another understated character, but in this case it's a good thing. She managed to land somewhere between over powered heroine and damsel in distress. I got the impression that this is how an actual woman would behave if she had to man up and fight for her survival. There were probably plenty of screaming wrecks in the early days of the outbreak, but they would have been picked off until only those who actually had some survival instinct remained. As for the all important sex appeal of the leading lass: I feel the same level of attraction towards Claudia Karvan as I imagine I would for my sister. During one scene, she was bra-less in an apparently cold room. Instead of sexual interest all I felt was mild embarrassment for her.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Charles Bromley<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45PbCICqnI/AAAAAAAAAWs/hfPwMMj5O9Q/s800/daybreakers_cast_sam_neill.jpg"></span></a></span>, Edwards’s boss and top of the food chain at Bromley Marks, is one eerie chap. As the main antagonist, I didn't find his behaviour quite as malicious as I felt I was meant to. What made him "evil" to me was that he took too much pleasure in it all. He oozed a sadistic self-satisfaction that seemed to amplify his selfish actions into dastardly deeds. Sam Neill is well cast as this creepy character, pulling off the "vampire in a suite" bit beautifully.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Frankie Dalton<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45PbEV78XI/AAAAAAAAAWo/cDJQuT3R3CA/s800/daybreakers_cast_michael_dorman.jpg"></span></a></span> is the most engaging character in the film<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>I will be alternating between the terms "film" and "movie" at random. Don't bother calling me on consistency 'cos I don't care.</span></a></sup></span> and I'd have to put it down to his more believable/relatable display of emotions and behaviour when compared to the rest of the bland cast. Though I did bork at how he went from being quite callous in one scene to compassionate in the next. Sure, there is a significant event that affects his perspective, but his change in attitude is too dramatic making it a bit hard to swallow.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Lionel Cormac<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45Pj6PA6WI/AAAAAAAAAWw/TJVsMxGtTgc/s800/daybreakers_cast_willem_dafoe.jpg"></span></a></span> aka Elvis deserves a mention since he is played by my favourite vampire, Willem Dafoe.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>click here to add Shadow of The Vampire to your Must Watch list</span></a></sup></span> A leading member of the human avoidance (they're hardly doing enough resisting to be called a Resistance), Elvis has easily the worst dialogue in the entire movie.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>See? Told you.</span></a></sup></span> What makes his wince-worthy lines even more frown-inducing is the almost satirical southern accent with which they're delivered. <span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>I may be exaggerating, but I like that sentence too much to change it.</span></a></sup></span> It's not <i>always</i> that bad, but often enough to be a put off. I like Willem Dafoe, but perhaps someone else could have done better here.<br>
<br>
I'm sure the musical director would be most insulted, but I don't remember whether the movie even <i>had</i> a soundtrack. However, I do remember enjoying the visceral sound effects. I particularly liked the ferocious screams of the sub-sider that threatens Edward and his brother. The effect resembles a cross between an eagle's screech and a lion's roar.<br>
<br>
The movie starts out with a strong film noir feel which I loved, but it seems to ebb away as the film progresses. The style still remains dark, but it loses the retro vibe. There's no questioning that that visual style of this film is contemporary and there is some lovely cinematography. The problem is the clash of the 50's era elements with the near future elements. For example: The many business men in fedora hats and the milk bar getup worn by the coffee shop waitress seem out of place next to the futuristic vampire military uniforms. Others may find this to be a cool blending of styles or they may not even notice it. For me though, these stuck out as inconsistencies and I'd rather the style had gone in one direction or the other.<br>
<br>
The special effects, both physical and computer generated, are convincing and highly effective. However, there are a few exceptions here and there. Two that spring to mind are when Audrey cuts her hand and when Bromley gets chompy on some guys neck. You can tell Audrey is just squeezing a bloodied sponge and Bromley has his hand deliberately and awkwardly positioned to obscure the source of the blood his victim is supposedly haemorrhaging. Although it's not what I'd call a horror movie, Daybreakers serves up the gore and is the bloodiest movie I've seen in a long time. The graphic moments seem a little tongue in cheek and over the top, giving them a kind of humorous, almost B movie vibe that works because it's deliberate. Or maybe I'm just talking out of my ass there.<br>
<br>
Edward asks Audrey about being human and if she is afraid of dying as though the concept is alien to him. This is meant to show up what it is to be human and that railing against death is part of the human condition (I assume). Vampires are heartless, passionless vessels and humans are "real" and admirable. But I find it hard to believe that he doesn't have a fear of death himself considering how easily these vampires can be killed. Simple things like being pierced by wood (it seems it doesn't even have to be in the heart) or finding yourself out in the sun (lost bushwalkers are the number one cause of forest fires and daytime driving is so dangerous, it's a wonder it's legal) can kill these vampires and vampires seem to die quite often. Not to mention the fact that the blood supply has all but run out. It's a wonder this guy doesn't worry about death 24/7. On top of that, we <i>know</i> that he's scared of dying because he shits his pants when he comes face to face with a hostile sub-sider.<br>
<br>
Another example of bizarre logic is the origin of the sub-siders. In Daybreakers, vampires who are deprived of blood evolve into grotesque forms that resemble a cross between Nosferatu, a mummy and a bat. As you can imagine, they look awesome. These mindless savages represent a more pure form of vampire that is stronger, faster and can even hang up-side down from shit. The is great and all, but how can a lack of food make you <i>more</i> powerful? Malnutrition does not make you grow up big and strong.<br>
<br>
One last complaint is the lack of any effective comic relief. Every movie (that's EVERY movie) should make you raff out roud<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>You raff, you ruse!</span></a></sup></span>. Even The Passion of The Christ had a funny bit, though I can't exactly remember which part is was. I think it was when Jesus turned Peter's wine into pee while he was chugging it. Daybreakers didn't fulfil the minimum lol quota that all films must meet.<br>
<br>
There is a solid film here, but I wouldn't be surprised if people came away underwhelmed by it. It just depends on how forgiving you are of it's flaws or if you indeed notice them. I didn't enjoy the film as a package as much as I enjoyed parts of it and I think the less than stellar story has a lot to do with this. I'd have to say the direction, premise, performances and special effects where great, whereas the plot, dialogue and characters where <span class="PlusImage"><a>disappointing<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S45YGIxAQkI/AAAAAAAAAW8/WjcQ9BpaLxY/s800/daybreakers_i_am_disappoint.jpg"></span></a></span>.<br>
<br>
Daybreakers gets a score of three and a half cups of coffee out of five.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-14722750976847674072010-01-24T10:52:00.009+10:002010-09-30T18:03:24.640+10:00Halo 3: ODST Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S1ufNGlrX3I/AAAAAAAAAV8/iW675vxCBQA/s800/Halo_3_ODST_box_art.jpg">Since this is the first game review I've posted, I feel an explanation is in order. I am not one to run out and buy a game at launch. I have done in the past, but I generally don't. The two main reasons for this are: 1) I like to take my time with a game and wont buy another while I have one on the go. I refuse to diminish my enjoyment of a good game just to keep up with the release schedule. 2) In general, the older a game is, the cheaper it is. Since there are still many great games I haven't played, I have plenty to keep me entertained while I wait for the new releases to drop in price.<br>
So this is why I give you this Halo 3: ODST review now and not several months ago. Enjoy.<br>
<br>
For the uninitiated: The year is 2553 and the human race is in the middle of having their shit ruined by a bunch of alien scientologists known as The Covenant. This menagerie of religious extremists is made up of several different alien species with devotees numbering in the tens of billions (I assume). The Covenant worship a once great, but now absent group of beings they call The Forerunners. They gallivant around the universe scavenging Forerunner artefacts and ruins with the kind of blind determination only religion can provide. For some reason, the Covenant hierarchs decided that the human race was unworthy of joining The Covenant and that it would be better for everyone if every last human was slaughtered. Most of the human race thought a bit more of themselves than that and put up a fight. Thus, the largest war this galaxy has ever seen rages on.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes. Even larger than World War II</span></a></sup></span><br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
Set during the events of Halo 2, ODST sees you shrug off the MJOLNIR armor of the Master Chief and strap on the boots of a rookie Orbital Drop Shock Trooper. These squads of elite soldiers are to the general infantry what the S.W.A.T. are to the police. When things get too hot for the GIs, the ODST will be deployed from orbit, each in a one-man pod (See: missile), armed and eager like care packages from Heaven dropping feet first into Hell. Hence the nickname "Helljumpers".<br>
<br>
You and a swag of your ODST brethren are called upon to assault a Covy cruiser hovering over the South African city of New Mombasa. But as you're enjoying the gut wrenching terror of the most hazardous from of transport known to man, the cruiser makes a slip space jump and the ensuing blast wave devastates the city and scatters your inbound squad like a firecracker in a bowl of Skittles.<br>
<br>
After you come to from your involuntary nap, you find yourself alone in New Mombasa which is deserted but for the roving patrols of Covenant infantry. It's now up to you to make your way through the city and discover what has become of your squad mates.<br>
<br>
This "Rookie" portion serves as an overworld of sorts. Markers indicate locations of interest where you will discover artifacts related to the fate of your comrades. Each time you discover one of these objects, a kind of sub level is triggered where you swap heads with one of your missing squad mates and play through a flashback mission; each shedding more light on what went down while you were snoozing. While there's still plenty of combat to be had as the rookie on the Covenant occupied streets of New Mombasa, the most interesting and exciting gameplay comes from the flashbacks. In these sections, you will find the typical (because it works) range of Halo campaign activities. Including, but not limited to: Scorpion Tank Skirmish, Banshee Dog Fighting, Warthog Run Down and Spartan Laser Tag.<br>
<br>
A perk of being an ODST is that your helmet comes equipped with VISR functionality. When activated, the Visual Intelligence System Reconnaissance Class or VISR enhances visibility in low-light environments as well as high-lighting the the silhouettes of objects and making your surroundings more discernible and easier to process. Better still, objects are colour coded. Enemies are outlined in red, friendlies in green, weapons and vehicles in blue, everything else is a neutral yellow. Since the rookie portion takes place at night, you'll want to have your VISR activated for almost the entire time as you skulk the streets, but be sure stop every so often and take in the unfiltered visuals. The dark, brooding atmosphere of a deserted New Mombasa deserves to be appreciated.<br>
<br>
What really sells the atmosphere is the soundtrack by Bungie's resident music man, Marty O'Donnell. The backing music is quality all the way. It's fresh, yet it still has that distinct Halo flavour. If I had one music related complaint it would be that the contextual music for hostile encounters could have been synced a little better.<br>
<br>
On the topic of visuals, I've read some reviews that have criticised ODST's graphics saying that they look "dated". Piss off. Anyone who deducts marks from this game for dated graphics has rocks in their head. I can, however, understand that not every one is a fan of the Halo aesthetic which side-steps photo realism in favour of chunky models and a muted palette of high saturation colours. It's a matter of taste after all.<br>
<br>
Lighting, shadowing and particle effects all look fantastic. While the polygon count and frame rate where consistently fine, the textures did vary somewhat. For example, the resolution on the New Mombasa door control panel was a bit low, while the health packs were clear enough for you to read the instructions on them.<br>
<br>
On the down side, we have the opening cinematic. The character's motions are so jerky and unnatural that it looks like they were animated by Michael J Fox. Subsequent cut scenes do see an improvement, but I can't say I was impressed. Another disappointment was the below average faces of the main characters. Buck and Dare are the only two characters modeled on their voice actors and while the resemblance is there, the result is underwhelming. Buck makes it across the line, but Dare is an unflattering rendition to say the least. The recipe for a likeable female video game character is simple; She must be hot and not annoying. It's not hard. Dare is unattractive and bitchy.<br>
<br>
Which brings us to the cast. Halo: ODST boasts some pretty big names for a video game, including the boys from the ill-fated, geek-worshiped Firefly television series. Buck, Dutch and Mickey are played by Nathan Filion, Adam Baldwin and Alan Tudyk respectively. Joining them is Tricia Helfer as Dare and Nolan North as Romeo, which is a little odd considering Nolan is white and Romeo is black. Does that count as black-face? I think it does. The voice acting is great and as a Nathan Filion fan, I had a blast listening to his battlefield taunts and commentary. - "Bam! ...said the lady."<br>
<br>
Oh, and the romance? Here's a tip: Since I don't have ovaries - like most Halo fans - I don't instantly care to hear about other peoples romantic relationships without at least knowing them first. You can tell me indirectly with a brief dialogue that two people are involved, but you can't make me give a shit as quickly.<br>
<br>
Being a Spartan, the Master Chief sports a suit of the iconic MJOLNIR armor (Mark VI) which includes a regenerating energy shield. This time around, as and an ODST, you'll have no such luxury. So you may be wondering how this effects gameplay. The answer is: Very little. Instead of an energy shield, you have "stamina". If you cop a few rounds, find some cover and wait for your stamina to come good just like the MC's shield. What IS different is the return of health a la Halo: Combat Evolved. Your health is only depleted if you take damage while your stamina is exhausted. To patch yourself up, you'll need to keep an eye out for Optican health packs which will completely restore your health with a single application. You can find these handy cure-alls at Optican first aid stations at hundreds of convenient locations throughout New Mombasa. Optican: Health care on demand. As mentioned before, if you look closely, you can even read the instructions on the front of the pack.<br>
The combination of stamina and health works well enough but for the the incessant beeps of warning whenever you health is not completely full. When I'm searching for a health pack, I'm less concerned with improving my health than I am with silencing that Goddamn beeping.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>It's like being that parent at the supermarket trying to ignore their begging child. They've stopped saying no because the child wont take it for an answer and just keeps whining. Seriously, I don't know why they don't have childcare facilities out the front of supermarkets.</span></a></sup></span><br>
<br>
Pretty much every other aspect of the gameplay is as it was in Halo 3. Being a mere ODST does not inhibit your ability to carry turrets, operate alien weapons and vehicles or even use the spartan laser. In fact, with the addition of the VISR, you're better off as an OSDT. Supposedly you can't take as many hits as a Spartan can, but having only played on legendary difficulty, I can't say I've noticed.<br>
<br>
Almost all of the vehicles, weapons, and equipment from Halo 3 are at your disposal and we even have two new weapons in our Halo toolbox: The M7S sub-machine gun and the M6S Magnum. The M7S is a silenced version of the Halo 3's sub-machine gun with a 2x scope and the M6S is a silenced version of the standard magnum that comes equipped with a 4x scope. Both of these weapons are stepping in for their non-silenced counter parts. I also saw a free standing gauss turret that I don't recall seeing in Halo 3. As for enemies, you'll have to contend with the same creeps from the previous installment. Since Halo ODST was set during the events of Halo 2, I had hoped to come up against some elites. No such luck. According to Bungie, the timeline didn't quite allow for this.<br>
<br>
Pro-tip: One of my favourite tricks - which I'm sure is old news by now - is to give one of the npc allies a high powered weapon once it's down to its last round. Since npcs never run out of ammo, they can blast covies on your behalf until the cows come home. If you're driving a warthog and you have a rocket launcher or fuel rod gun, give it to the npc riding shotgun. Add a rear gunner and your going to do some damage.<br>
<br>
Similar to the horde mode found in Gears of War 2, Firefight sees you and up to 3 mates fending of endless waves of enemies, desperately fighting to delay your inevitable demise. The hectic battles take place on various maps, each taken straight from the campaign. 5 waves of enemies comprise a round and there are 3 rounds to a set. After each round your weapons and health cache is replenished and at the end of each set there is a "bonus round" where you have the opportunity to add to your pool of lives. This pool is depleted every time you or one of your buddies respawns. I've only played Firefight with one other person (Skitta), but even with just the two of us, it's a hoot 'n a half. Campaign scoring is in effect and you can earn medals for kill streaks and the like. It really does feel like campaign has invaded multiplayer.<br>
<br>
It is also worth mentioning that the saved films functionality seen in Halo 3 is present for all modes of play in ODST. For those unfamiliar with saved films: They are basically a recording of everything that is taking place in the game on a data level. Rather than simply watching a video clip of a game from a single perspective, saved films allow the recreation of the entire scene, enabling you to view past events from any angle you fancy. Playback can of course be slowed down or sped up. It's interesting to see a past match from another players perspective and it's a great way to pick up some useful strategies from the match winners.<br>
Halo multiplayer could still use a Call of Duty style death cam. Halo Reach would do well to include this.<br>
<br>
Bundled with the ODST campaign is a Halo 3 Multiplayer disc which contains the "entire Hale 3 multiplayer experience". This is no exaggeration. Simply whack this disc in your 360 and you're away. (Provided you have an XboxLive Gold membership, of course.)
This is not a map pack. You don't need Halo 3. They have simply taken Halo 3, removed the campaign and included every Halo 3 multiplayer map ever. You can't - as I had initially thought - copy maps from the disc onto a friend's console like you could with the Halo 2 map pack. This is a little disappointing, but understandable.<br>
The value four money here varies depending on how much you have already forked out for the multiplayer maps and whether or not you even have Halo 3.
I've heard many people complain that the game is "just an expansion pack and not worth the cost of a complete game". These people are retarded and should be forced to play the Sega Saturn until they realise just how good they have it. (Sorry, Phats.) When it comes to electronics/consoles/games/technology; remember: If it costs too much, wait a few months. In fact, many games will drop in price much sooner than that.<br>
Oh, and if you needed another reason to pick up ODST: You will need to a copy in order to access the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta due in the first half of 2010.<br>
<br>
If you like playing first person shooters on the Xbox, I highly recommend this game. I'm giving Halo 3: ODST a score of 4 dead zebras out of 5.<br>
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-90567437399861302912010-01-09T13:26:00.005+10:002010-02-05T15:33:00.599+10:00Avatar Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOYddPi-I/AAAAAAAAAVA/pFXGA9sp5jk/s800/avatar_movie_poster.jpg">
Avatar is what you might call "James Cameron's magnum opus". With 14 years in conception, 4 years in the making and a budget of over $230 million US, this film has promise. But, does it live up to its potential? Let's take a look.<br>
<br>
Those familiar with Mr. Cameron's work won't be surprised to find that Avatar is set in the future. We meet our hero in a spacecraft as he wakes from hibernation having arrived (after a presumably long trip) at an alien planet known as Pandora.<br>
<br>
Pandora is rich in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unobtainium" target="_blank">"Unobtainium"</a>, an obscenely valuable mineral that is used for... something. We're never actually told. Maybe it cures cancer or maybe it induces mind blowing, full body orgasms on contact. Who knows? The important thing to know is that it costs about $20 million US per KG. A private company, RDA, has set up operations on Pandora, but alas; they cannot go merrily about the business of mining the magic orgasm rock as a large number of pesky natives are living directly on top of the primary deposit of this prized resource.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
These sentient, humanoid natives are known as Na'vi and are basically what I would imagine Tim Burton's interpretation of a smurf to be. They are 10ft, have big yellow eyes, enjoy spending time outdoors and taking midnight walks through neon forests. Their turn-ons include being one with nature, having their hair played with and their turn-offs are technology and wearing pants.<br>
<br>
In an effort to find a diplomatic solution to this problem, the scientific arm of the RDA created clones of the Na'vi that a human can transfer their consciousness to and operate remotely like a ...what's the term I'm looking for? Ah, a human proxy. Yes. These human proxies are used to liaise with the Na'vi with some success, but they're still not budging from their land.<br>
<br>
You've got conflict, aliens, marines and future science. Go!<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Sam Worthington<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOYlkLTTI/AAAAAAAAAVM/lRGhJTCIQQk/s800/avatar_cast_sam_worthington.jpg"></span></a></span>
is Jake Sully, the hero of the piece. Jake earned his place in the Avatar program by being the identical twin brother of a PhD wielding scientist who was already part of the program but couldn't participate having been recently demoted to the role of "rotting corpse". Avatars are grown using their intended users DNA and since Jake's DNA is identical to that of his twin, he is the only one who can make use of it. That's what we call a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Bradbury" target="_blank">"Steven Bradbury"</a>.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Sigourney Weaver<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOY3P546I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/YQUocqZpkD4/s800/avatar_cast_sigourney_weaver.jpg"></span></a></span>
plays Dr. Grace Augustine, head of the Avatar program. She's the kind of no-nonsense ball-buster that echoes her Ellen Ripley role from the Alien series; tough on "the man" and sympathetic to those in need. Show her a lawyer and she'll put her cigarette out in his face. Hand her an orphan and she'll weep as she sings it a lullaby.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Giovanni Ribisi<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOYivSH8I/AAAAAAAAAVE/EBvwy5ViOUo/s800/avatar_cast_giovanni_ribisi.jpg"></span></a></span>
is Parker Selfridge, the Chief Administrator of RDA, He's bottom line chasing slave of the shareholders and not exactly sympathetic to Na'vi people(?). Ribisi plays the role well, but there's no real character development here and he's limited by that.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Stephen Lang<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOh8t17CI/AAAAAAAAAVU/cCuXLdEp9Ws/s800/avatar_cast_stephen_lang.jpg"></span></a></span>
is a walking cliché Colonel Miles Quaritch. This is not a bad thing. In fact, he's my favourite character in the entire film. He's a bad-ass, military man's man. You DO NOT want to get on this man's bad side. If McDonald's were to start selling McNa'vi Nuggets™ and there was a Na'vi abattoir, you'd find Miles Quaritch on the kill floor.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Zoe Saldana<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOiOxwCZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/oGlwiapk6Jg/s800/avatar_cast_zoe_saldana.jpg"></span></a></span>
plays
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Neytiri<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/S0gOYmscdtI/AAAAAAAAAVI/JNEiHAA4p9U/s800/avatar_cast_neytiri.jpg"></span></a></span>
, the princess of the Omaticaya clan. She winds up having to babysit Jake Sully and, you guessed it, she's the love interest. She starts out showing him the ways of the forest and ends up "showing him the way to HER forest".
<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Save that high-five for when you see me next</span></a></sup></span><br>
<br>
The movie looks amazing. Both Weta Studios and Industrial Light and Magic were involved which means that, from a technical standpoint, the visuals are state of the art/second to none and will make you eyegasm.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Right click->add to dictionary</span></a></sup></span> The futuristic RDA compound and vehicles along with the alien environment, creatures and characters are all brought to life as convincingly as you could wish.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>That is, if I recall correctly. It <i>has</i> been several weeks since I actually saw this movie.</span></a></sup></span> You couldn't ask for more in this department.<br>
<br>
Technical aspects aside; Pandora is amazing to behold. During the day, though the species of plants may be foreign and peculiar, the alien forests aren't unlike those found on earth. However; when night falls, the jungle transforms into a black-light junkies wet dream. The plants and creatures light up with splendid neon colours in a beautiful display of bioluminescence. In terms of eye candy, this movie is Halloween for the eyes.<br>
<br>
The 3D aspect of the film was good, but it didn't wow me like the CGI Beowulf 3D did. It is quite immersive in parts while a little distracting in others. The problem is that it requires you to focus your eyes on where the camera is focused and I like to let my eyes wander around the scene to take in all the detail. Just like conventional 2D films, if something is out of focus to the camera, focusing your eye on it won’t make it any clearer. My tip would be just to keep your eyes on the action. That said; the two friends I say it with didn't have any complaints. I wouldn't say that this movie must be seen in 3D to be enjoyed or that the opposite is true. I've heard both yay's and boo's with regard to this.<br>
<br>
Avatar is a great film, despite having an overly familiar plot that isn't exactly air tight. It would have been a more enjoyable experience if the events weren't so predictable from one scene to the next, but what is there is solid. I'd be surprised if you didn't enjoy it. Avatar isn't as "adult" as some of Cameron's previous works, but when you consider how naive and idealistic it is, it really can't be taken seriously enough to be a grown up flick. I think he's hit the mark pretty well. You can take your kids to see Avatar, but not your toddlers. In fact, don't take your toddlers to see ANY movie. That's why DVD player were invented; to keep screaming children the hell away from me while I'm trying to enjoy something I've paid almost $20 to see. Remember: Your children should be an inconvenience to <i>you</i>. Not everybody else.<br>
<br>
I’m awarding Avatar a rank of four spinning lizards out of five.<br>
<br>
P.S. Please share your Avatar experience with us re: 2D vs 3D. These posts aren’t going to comment on themselves you know.<br>
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-8950403772631568932009-11-07T15:03:00.005+10:002009-11-16T14:24:27.996+10:00Ghost Town Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/SvE-cdK5WDI/AAAAAAAAAS0/R78zDzltNqI/s800/ghost_town_movie_poster.jpg">
When Americans mock the English there's almost always a jibe about England's supposed lack of oral hygiene. That's why I found it amusing to see Ricky Gervais - an Englishmen - as dentist Bertram Pincus, living in New York and tending to the teeth of Americans.<br>
<br>
Now, Pincus is clearly not a people person and straight up doesn't care about anyone but himself. This seems to be working fine for him so far if you ignore the fact that he's a lonely, unliked prick.
When Pincus undergoes a minor procedure, there is a "complication". The side effect of which being that he can now see the GHOSTs that loiter around TOWN. Pincus is weirded out by the dead folk, but seems more disturbed by the botched operation than the bothersome apparitions.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
Since few people carefully plan their deaths, these ghosts have unfinished business<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Like every other ghost ever</span></a></sup></span> and Pincus being the only person that can see and hear them means that every ghost in the neighbourhood wants him to become their personal assistant and help them find eternal rest. Too bad Pincus doesn't give a rats ass. He doesn't care about the living and he sure as shit doesn't care about the dead. But you see these dead folk have precious little else to do - being dead and all - so they hound him relentlessly.<br>
One of the more persuasive spectres by the name of Frank (Greg Kinnear) brokers a deal with Pincus that would see him left in peace, but requires him to befriend the dead man's wife (Tea Leoni). Cue laughs.<br>
<br>
Ricky Gervais is well cast as <span class="PlusImage"><a>Betram Pincus<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/SvE-cWkOJ-I/AAAAAAAAASw/L73u8O8MuOI/s800/ghost_town_cast_pincus.jpg"></span></a></span>, dishing out laughs in typical form. He is also convincing during the dramatic moments and has no trouble selling the sad, lonely guy.<br>
Greg Kinnear is adequate as <span class="PlusImage"><a>Frank Herlihy<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/SvE-cDKnorI/AAAAAAAAASo/rqTz7L2Wh6k/s800/ghost_town_cast_fred.jpg"></span></a></span>, the dead, cheating husband that is looking to use Pincus to put the kibosh on his widow's current relationship. I like Greg and I wish I had something nicer to say about him, but I don't.
Tea Leoni, while not the fox she was in The Naked Truth, is still an attractive, worthy leading lady. She plays Franks widow <span class="PlusImage"><a>Gwen<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/SvE-cSJJArI/AAAAAAAAASs/BGzNNQMJqvE/s800/ghost_town_cast_gwen.jpg"></span></a></span>, a passionate Egyptologist who also happens to live in the same block of apartments as Pincus.<br>
<br>
Given that this is a romantic comedy, Ghost Town requires the same suspension of disbelief as similar films though I must say that I found it less idealistic and therefore easier to swallow.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes, I realise that ghosts aren't real</span></a></sup></span> If the egg of Ghost was fertilized by the Sixth Sense and placed in the uterus of a Rickey Gervais stand up routine to be brought to term, Ghost Town would be the result.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>and Ricky Gervais would be the legal guardian</span></a></sup></span> The premise of the film is by no means original, however the focus is not on exploring the premise, but about the characters relationships and interactions. It could have easily wound up as an unnecessary rehash, but it works.<br>
The story is straight forward and well written. At times it's a tad cliche but good writing and performances make these moments bearable. The humour is delivered well throughout and there are a decent amount of out loud laughs to be had.<br>
<br>
I'm giving <b>Ghost Town</b> four air conditioners out of five.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-13272963661741897872009-11-01T11:37:00.006+10:002010-08-10T11:34:13.399+10:00Astro Boy Review<img class="MoviePoster" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu4AlK5HLI/AAAAAAAAARQ/t6GOJQG4fWU/s800/astro_boy_movie_poster.jpg">
You knew the day would come. You know that no cherished childhood memory was safe. But you held out hope. you held out hope that when it was time for your beloved Astro Boy to be strapped into the remake chair, he would be given a few minor upgrades and a fresh coat of paint. Instead, he has been beaten beyond recognition by the bat of computer animated children's feature. It is with a heavy heart and a total lack of surprise that I must inform you the Astro Boy did not survive the procedure. This offensive marionette that bears his name may fool the children as they laugh and clap at its antics, but we adults are left bemused, asking "Who is responsible for this crime? Will no one be punished?" Before I continue, you may want to go and change into something black. No? You're right. Astro wouldn't have wanted that.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
If you hadn't even heard of Astro Boy before this animated feature, GTFO right now. I hate you. Heard of Atro Boy, but thought it was just a cartoon from the 80's? Well, if you are interested in anime or manga in any way, it is your duty to familiarise yourself with the character and artist that essentially started it all.<br>
<br>
Over the years there have been several Astro Boy television and comic series. This latest incarnation
covers his origin and first major "boss fight". It goes something like this:<br>
<br>
It's the future and the planet has gone to shit. A bunch of retarded scientists decide to escape the pollution by levitating an entire city above the surface of the earth, but well within the earths atmosphere. Fail. Life is great in the floating, robot dependant utopia of Metro City. No one seems to mind that the oxygen is too thin to breath. Dr. Tenma is head of the Ministry of Science and father of the worlds most obnoxious child, Toby. An annoyingly unlikely series of events leads to Toby getting vaporised which is satisfying. Somehow, the hat Toby was wearing survives, even though nothing was left of his body or the other clothes he was wearing. Tenma loses his shit and creates a robot clone of his son. To ensure that iToby 2.0 walks, talks and acts like Toby Classic, Dr Tenma extracts Toby's memories from the DNA found in a hair preserved in the inexplicably impervious hat. *sigh* Yes, your read that correctly. I'm not sure the good Dr realises that his house would be teeming with fresh Toby DNA. Side Note: If you could access someones memories by simply plucking a hair from their head, what implications would that have on criminal investigations or personal privacy?<br>
Anyway, after completing his magnum opus, Tenma takes New Toby home to worship for the rest of his days only to reject him 5 minutes later for making a paper aeroplane. I Can't Believe It's Not Toby does a runner and thus begins his journey of self discovery.<br>
<br>
The story told here is by no means a faithful retelling of the classic. Most of the components are there, but it's been "Disneyed" to the max. And not the good old "Kill off Mufasa" Disney, but the "Pooh learnt a valuable lesson" Disney.<br>
It's a family movie so of course it's going to be light hearted most of the time. That's fine, but for a movie to carry any weight it must have a few serious moments and they must ring true. For me, the serious moments in Astro Boy fell flat. I couldn't give a shit about Astro Boy or any of his friends so any conflict was lost on me. As the story progresses we learn about belonging and destiny, but there's the typical dues ex machina that shows up at the end to give everyone a "get out of emotional turmoil free" card that makes these lessons meaningless.<br>
<br>
The voice acting is rife with annoyingly thick American accents. (which happens to be true for all English dubbed anime, I might add.) But that should really come as no surprise, I guess.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Astro<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3m_CMQCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/DdsChgVMYaU/s800/astro_boy_cast_astro.jpg"></span></a></span> and Toby are both voiced by the puberty stricken <span class="PlusImage"><a>Freddie Highmore<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3xd_0-YI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2u3GQKN108Y/s800/astro_boy_cast_freddie_highmore.jpg"></span></a></span> who manages to do a decent job of it. Traditionally, Astro is modeled after a 9 year old Toby/Tobio. This time, however, Toby is 13 when he "loses his hat". So while the voice Highmore provides is not the voice Astro SHOULD have, it's appropriate given the age of the character. I for one think it was an act of stupidity to change Astro Boy's age. His cute smile has become an obnoxious smirk.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Dr. Tenma<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu92hH9_dI/AAAAAAAAARc/mRuTi6BVNjU/s800/astro_boy_cast_tenma.jpg"></span></a></span> has undergone facial reconstruction surgery, but his chin whiskers and beak nose have survived the transformation. <span class="PlusImage"><a>Nicolas Cage<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3xttcwDI/AAAAAAAAARA/XWlZ12cpnHY/s800/astro_boy_cast_nicolas_cage.jpg"></span></a></span> is like a double sided hammer in that he has two faces to attack a role with. One being solemn, the other being manic. Nicolas swings at this role with the solemn face, but he doesn't exactly nail it.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>President Stone<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu4AVNPN1I/AAAAAAAAARI/OrKpvNT8i7s/s800/astro_boy_cast_stone.jpg"></span></a></span> is well voiced by <span class="PlusImage"><a>Donald Sutherland<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3nFW2i2I/AAAAAAAAAQo/h1_-X_UPquo/s800/astro_boy_cast_donald_sutherland.jpg"></span></a></span> and had potential. Unfortunately, Stone is a complete buffoon. He's pretty much just your token antagonist. He wants to destroy Astro and take his energy source to power the new Peacekeeper robot. A better name for it would be Irony-bot<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes, I was tempted to write: iRonny Bot 2.0</span></a></sup></span> since Metro City is peaceful up until the Peacekeeper is unleashed.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Cora<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3nIAfw-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/Uv6HxfcGH84/s800/astro_boy_cast_cora.jpg"></span></a></span> can die in a fire. Hey, Cora: If you missed you parents that much, why didn't you just ask Hamegg to drop you home? Or get a fucking taxi! I'm sure your parents would have paid the fare once you got there. Anyway, <span class="PlusImage"><a>Kristen Bell<span><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3xeoXhRI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/uOeq4hPPpo8/s800/astro_boy_cast_kristen_bell.jpg"></span></a></span> does a great "generic American teen girl" that really sells Cora as an uninteresting annoyance.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>I kept wishing someone would smack the pink out of her hair.</span></a></sup></span> <br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Hamegg<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3xUfRLfI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ZzG_u0rqIog/s800/astro_boy_cast_hamegg.jpg"></span></a></span> was easily my favourite character because he's the only one who acted like a real person.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Yes, I know robots aren't real people. Don't pretend you don't know what I mean.</span></a></sup></span> He looks after the orphaned children and is loved by them. He provides good honest entertainment with The Robot Games. He's a far cry from the evil circus owner he's meant to be based on. I'm not even sure if Hamegg is meant to be a villain in this movie. <span class="PlusImage"><a>Nathan Lane<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3xgeFsoI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/QprwLmiToSI/s800/astro_boy_cast_nathan_lane.jpg"></span></a></span> does a wonderful job providing the voice of Hamegg and gives one of the most natural performances of the film.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>Dr. Elefun<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3nFsxS3I/AAAAAAAAAQs/y2KMHkYEO_I/s800/astro_boy_cast_elefun.jpg"></span></a></span> is played by <span class="PlusImage"><a>Bill Nighy<span><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu3m7cm3-I/AAAAAAAAAQg/AAD2rVUkVBA/s800/astro_boy_cast_bill_nighy.jpg"></span></a></span> and there's something odd about his performance. Maybe it's because his British accent clashes with the all American cast - with the exception of the RRF which I'll get to in a moment - or maybe it's because he's so somber you'd swear he was on the toke. In the Astro Boy manga and anime series, Dr. Elefun (a.k.a. Professor Ochanomizu) is the head of the Ministry of Science, having taken over after Dr. Tenma wigged out and took off. It was in fact Dr. Elefun that became a father to Astro and raised him to be the upstanding alien puncher we all know and love. In this latest imagining, however, Elefun has been reduced to little more than Dr. Tenma's sidekick. He is still someone who cares for Astro and offers guidance where he can, which is handy 'cos his dad's a jerk.<br>
<br>
<span class="PlusImage"><a>The Robot Revolutionary Front<span><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/Suu4AfydxGI/AAAAAAAAARE/qTPrcNnywPc/s800/astro_boy_cast_rrf.jpg"></span></a></span> are a rag-tag trio of idiotic robots that are trying to rebel against "the human oppressors". They don't pose any real threat though as they are governed by Asimov's three laws of robotics. i.e. They can't harm humans and have to obey human commands. Given these restrictions, they resolved to exact vengeance upon Hamegg for his part in the robot games by tickling him with a feather as it is unpleasant but not harmful. Of course, nothing these idiots do impacts the plot in any way (with one frustrating exception) since the RRF are nothing more than a failed attempt at comic relief that feels utterly tacked on. They are like <span class="PlusImage"><a>truck nuts<span><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5Qh5BJ4OX6s/SuzVGDRy0rI/AAAAAAAAARg/N6G0gS6rHkM/s800/astro_boy_truck_nuts.jpg"></span></a></span> ; Some morons might find them amusing, but they are retarded and shouldn't exist.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>I know I shouldn't use the word "retarded", but it's just so apt.</span></a></sup></span> <br>
<br>
Visually the film is a well polished as you'd expect from a big budget remake of a major franchise. The 3D modeling and animation are top notch. My only complaint is that everything is just a bit too soft and cuddly. Astro's impossible hair was always going to be an issue in 3D, but they've pulled it off. You can see his trademark hair spikes swap sides regularly.<br>
<br>
Before I wrap things up, I'd like to speak out about some things that, to me at least, don't make any Goddamn sense. Here they are in no particular order:<br>
<br>
Why is Hamegg so poor? If the robot games are popular enough to warrant procession down the main street of town, why must he and the children in his charge resort to eating cockroach covered pizza discarded from Metro City? Surely he can afford to eat properly.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>BTW: Who throws away an entire pizza? You can't tell me they don't have microwaves in the future.</span></a></sup></span> At one point, the children are collecting robot parts for Hamegg in an area overgrown with luch greenery. I've got two words for you Hammy: Vegetable Patch.<br>
<br>
Given how idiotically Toby meets his end, I don't know how he lived to be 13.<br>
<br>
When Astro is booted up for the first time he falls and crushes a workbench with his immense weight. Not two minutes later, Dr. Tenma picks him up and carries him out of the room. Worse still, at the end of the movie, a young boy puts Astro on his shoulders.<br>
<br>
There is robotic, flying squirty bottle and squeegee. The existence of these two robots is an insult. Why can't these functions be performed by one robot?<br>
<br>
Tenma's plan not to tell Toby that he was a robot would have lasted about as long is it took for Toby to discover he no longer had a wang.<br>
<br>
The floating metropolis of Metro City looks about 2 kilometers across. The suburb I live in is bigger than that and it ain't big.<br>
<br>
In the intro, we're told that the people of Metro City don't know what is happening on the surface below, yet they're only a few kilometers from the ground. You're telling me the Ministry of Science doesn't own a telescope? How about you send the fucking window cleaning robots on a recon mission.<br>
<br>
Cora and her pals seem to be the only people looking for useful shit in the pile of robot scraps. How can this be?<br>
<br>
When trying to convince Astro that ZOG is a lost cause, Cora tells him that they used to have picnics in its head. As if. Even if ZOG's head was empty - which it isn't - it's far to small for anyone to fit comfortable inside.<br>
<br>
Even if Hamegg deduced that Astro was a robot, how the hell did he know that he could fight before forcing him into the robot games?<br>
<br>
When Astro boy takes flight for the first time, he decides it would be a good idea to tunnel into the side of a mountain and burst out of the summit. While this is a nice little reference to the 1960's series intro, why would someone who has just discovered they can fly assume that they can fly at mach 3 into the side of a mountain?<br>
<br>
If Metro City is such a desirable place to live and it's just a small hover car ride from the surface, why is there no border control?<br>
<br>
Why are the cars in Metro City confined to the road, even in the chaotic final scenes?<br>
<br>
The President of Metro City refers to his workplace as the "oval office". He's not the fucking president of the USA, he's a mayor!<br>
<br>
I could go on.<br>
<br>
All in all, Astro Boy isn't a bad movie, but it <i>is</i> a bad Astro Boy. Upping Astro's age, floating Metro City, introducing a weak environmental slant, making the Prime Minister a President. These are just a few of the many unnecessary deviations that make me wonder why they bothered to make and Astro Boy movie at all. Well, obviously because of the draw the Astro Boy name has. It really wouldn't take much to re-bage this as release it as a completely different franchise. Hell, they did it with <a href="http://www.kimbawlion.com/rant2.htm" target="_blank">Jungle Emperor Leo</a>.
The story is entertaining enough, the cast is competent and the visuals are pleasing.<br>
<br>
I'm giving Astro Boy two and a half divinci copters out of five.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8H6j6afuOM" target="_blank">Astro Boy Trailer</a><br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF5dGwkW73s" target="_blank">Astro Boy Japanese trailer</a> <- Does give away a few plot points.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-18884347572253447132009-09-07T20:27:00.021+10:002009-11-05T09:35:06.902+10:00Inglorious Basterds ReviewInglorious Basterd is Quniton Tarantino's latest effort and this time round he is both writer and director. The film is set during the second world war in Nazi occupied France and focuses on the war taking place <i>off</i> the battlefield. While there is indeed action, this is decidedly more thriller than action flick.<br />
<br />
We meet Lieutenant Aldo Reine (Brad Pitt) as he assembles a crack team of Jewish-Amercian soldiers to drop in behind enemy lines and engage in some good, old fashioned guerrilla warfare to both thin out the Nazi ranks and lower the morale of German soldiers by scaring the living shit out of them.<br />
Of course, this is more that a simple tale of Nazi head hunting, but revealing any more of the plot here would only diminish your enjoyment of the film.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>
A majority of the dialogue is in French and German, so have your reading glasses handy. I know some people are put off by subtitles, but cheating with English cheapens a film. *cough-Valkyrie-cough*<br />
<br />
As with past Tarantino films, screen time is broken up well and we get to enjoy a wide variety of three dimensional characters. I wasn't sure about Brad Pitt's Aldo Raine when he was first introduced, but by the end of the film, I loved him like ice cream. Who'd have thought that a hillbilly-moonshiner from Maynardville, Tennessee would be a master for foreign accents.<br />
<br />
My favourite character however was Col. Hans Landa, played brilliantly by Christoph Waltz. Old Hans is a Nazi Colonel with a knack for tracking down Jews and helping them increase their daily lead intake. This has earned him the not so ironic nickname: "The Jew Hunter". Landa is extremely polite and despite his grim vocation, has an infectiously cheerful demeanor. Though, I doubt any Jew that has crossed paths with him would find his smile contagious. The guy is a stone-cold killer and crazy smart to boot. If Hannibal Lecter and Columbo had a teleporter accident, Col. Hans Landa would be the result.<br />
<br />
I really did enjoy the entire cast except for the relatively brief appearance of Mike Myers. His British accent wasn't convincing enough for me. Perhaps it's because he has played so many ridiculous roles. The entire time he was on screen, I was expecting him to make a fart joke or get kicked in the balls. Personally, I thought that he looked and sounded like a poor mans <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Mitchell_%28actor%29">David Mitchell</a>, who I would much rather have seen in the role.<br />
<br />
According to IMBD, Simon Pegg was originally cast as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tarantino.info/wiki/index.php/Lt._Archie_Hicox">Lt. Archie Hicox</a> and Adam Sandler was approached by Tarantino to play <a traget="_blank" href="http://www.tarantino.info/wiki/index.php/Sgt._Donny_Donowitz">Sgt. Donny Donowitz</a>. Schedualing conflicts prevented both men from taking part in the film. All I can say is: thank God for that. Another home run for fate. Now, I Love Simon Pegg as much as the next guy, but after seeing Michael Fassbender and Eli Roth strut their stuff, I doubt that I would have enjoyed the two characters in question nearly as much if Simon and Adam had played them.<br />
<br />
The violence that, as with most of Tarantino films, serves as the action pulls no punches. I wouldn't say it was excessive, but you wouldn't have to travel far to get there. There are no car chases or elaborate fight scenes, only sporadic moments of brutality and violence which I enjoyed immensely.<br />
<br />
I also thoroughly enjoyed the highly detailed and authentic<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Based on every WWII game I've played</span></a></sup></span> costumes and sets. I've always been a big fan of that era though. The men in tuxedo's and dinner jackets. The women in glamorous yet modest evening dresses. It makes me long for the 1940's and 50's.<span class="Plus"><sup><a>+<span>Back when you could pop a teenager in the chops for cracking wise. Those were the days.</span></a></sup></span> The scenes are thick with atmosphere and the entire film really is a beautiful thing to watch.<br />
<br />
Inglorious Basterds is a top film. There's an intelligent story, enjoyable dialogue, memorable characters, and plenty of violence. There really isn't a lot more I could ask from this film. Even my fiancee enjoyed it (and she's a girl!). Put this one on your must watch list.<br />
<br />
I'm giving Inglorious Basterds four and a half over-sized pipes out of five.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-55575478216637749472009-08-27T18:59:00.009+10:002020-08-24T17:06:37.456+10:00District 9 ReviewDistrict 9 is set in an alternate 2010 where it has been 20 years since a derelict alien spacecraft has come to rest above the South African city of Johannesburg. The impoverished, "worker class" aliens have wound up occupying the slums directly below their ship which has been rendered inoperable, assumedly by the detachment of a command module of some kind. While the aliens, or "prawns" as they are unaffectionately known, are afforded the same human rights as their terrestrial counterparts, they essentially live like animals and are regarded as such by the surrounding populace. The prawns haven't done themselves any favours by scavenging (see "stealing") anything that isn't nailed down and exhibiting extremely disruptive and often destructive behaviour. Their inability to integrate has resulted in them being separated by chain link and razor wire, turning the slums of Johannesburg into an intergalactic refugee camp dubbed District 9.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
The story focuses on Wikus van der Merwe, a high ranking MNU bureaucrat. MNU (Multinational United), along with their own private army, has been contracted to relocate the aliens occupying District 9 to a "much nicer place" located outside of Johannesburg and Wikus' recent promotion sees him at the helm of the operation. I don’t like to give away the plot of a good film, twists or no, so I won't go into it any more than that.<br>
<br>
From the get go, it is clear that this film is a break from convention, adopting a mocumentary style. Sure, mocumentaries are nothing new, but D9 is different in that it eases in to the traditional invisible, omnipresent observer style when it's time to move the story along. Interviews, out-takes and in-the-field shoulder cam really ratchet up the realism. The movie Cloverfield took a similar approach, having a camera that actually existed in the movie and was operated by a character. The problem with Cloverfield's attempt is that the camera wouldn't bloody-well stop shaking and sometimes you want to see what's going on somewhere the camera man ain't. In D9<sup><a name="sup1a" href="#sup1b" style="text-decoration:none">1</a></sup>, the camera is never too shaky for too long and we're not anchored to one character for the duration of the film.<br>
<br>
The aliens and their technology are brought to life in Blomkamp's trademark gritty, unglamorous style which puts the suspension of disbelief ahead of overwhelming the eye<sup><a name="sup2a" href="#sup2b" style="line-height:0">2</a></sup> and combines perfectly with the setting, style and subject matter. The aliens themselves are another triumph. Their physiology and locomotion are as foreign as you would expect from an extra-terrestrial life form (or an E.L.F. as I call them), yet alien refugee Christopher and his son are easily lovable without things getting all Disney.<br>
<br>
District 9 has been criticised for forgetting itself halfway through and slipping into a mindless action flick. I don't see it quite like that. To me, this is just part of the film gradually ramping up the excitement until is culminates in the final showdown. It keeps the audience awake while having some fun with the premise. Two words: Alien Weapons. Who wouldn't want to see an alien lightning gun decimate a platoon of soldiers armed with conventional weapons? Communists, that's who.<br>
<br>
I have not trouble giving District 9 four flying pigs out of five. Go see this movie.<br>
<br>
<span style="font-size:85%; font-style:italic;">
<sup><a name="sup1b" href="#sup1a" style="text-decoratoin:none;">1</a></sup>
No, I don't have a problem with calling it that.
<sup><a name="sup2b" href="#sup2a" style="text-decoratoin:none;">2</a></sup>
I'm looking at <b>you</b>, Transformers 1 & 2.
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192031026514507826.post-5433502942563657542009-07-29T22:23:00.017+10:002020-08-24T17:02:15.468+10:00Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince ReviewFirst things first: I haven’t read a single Harry Potter book. This is NOT a book review. I’m just giving my opinion of the 6th Harry Potter film, so don’t get your knickers in a twist. I’m sure the books are great. Secondly, I should mention that I have seen the first four HP movies, but not The Order of The Phoenix (No.5). So I’ll admit I’m not the most highly briefed person going into The Half-Blood Prince.<br>
<br>
Let me set things up: A creepy, Voldemort induced storm appears form nowhere, out of which pops some death eaters which bring down a busy walk-bridge by flying next to it. An article in a newspaper Harry is reading in the next scene tells us that some people died in the incident. So I guess falling a short distance into water is fatal now. In a subway coffee shop, Harry hits on a waitress, who for some reason is all up ons. But as he's about to meet her at the end of her shift, Dumbledor c@#k-blocks Harry and magics him off in clear view of everyone, yet no-one sees it. (It's magic!) He takes Harry to see retired Hogwarts professor Horace Slughorn in the hopes that the prospect of teaching the one and only Harry Potter will lure him back to the school. It seems that old Slughorn is privy to some information that could help Dumbldor in his quest to ruin Voldemort's shit, once and for all. And it goes on from there. A bunch of what you'd expect from a Harry Potter film takes place. Including but not limited to: Ron makes out with a girl. Harry makes out with a girl. Hermine gets upset about something. They play some quidich and later, Harry and Draco cross wands.<br>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
Oh, and there's something to do with a half-blood prince, but this aspect really doesn't come across as any more important than anything else that's taking place, which is odd since his name is in the goddamn title. I'm told by Potter fans that the book is much better in this regard. Speaking of ways the book is better than the movie: Towards the end of the book, there is an epic showdown where the shit hits the fan and it's on for young and old. In the movie however, this scene is reduced to Helena Bonham Carter ruining some place settings and breaking a window.<br>
<br>
Now, I quite like the Harry Potter movies. There’s Hogwarts, which is pretty much the most fun school you could imagine that is still actually a school. They’re always busting out some new potion or device you wish you could get your hands on.<sup>1</sup> And there’s family size Robbie Coltrane to boot. Good times all ‘round. However, I can’t say that I enjoyed The Half-Blood Prince as much as previous instalments and I’d have to put it down to the plot. Maybe the movies have never communicated the plot well and I’m just noticing it now. Maybe it would have made more sense if I'd read the books. In any case, I'd have to say that it was my least favourite film in the Harry Potter saga. That's not to say it was a bad movie. Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince is a winner in my book and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the previous films. With all of the stunning locals and special effects, you really ought to see it on the big screen, so don't be a tight ass and wait for it to come out on DVD.<sup>3</sup><br>
If you haven't seen any of the Harry Potter movies, start at the beginning and work your way through them. It's a real trip watching the kids grow up. (How buff is Ron now, by the way) And if you think you might be into it, do yourself a favour and read the books first. A few of my grown up friends are Pot-heads<sup>2</sup> and they seem to get a real kick out of it.<br>
<br>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Liked:</span>
<ul style="margin-top:0px">
<li>Spectaular sets and special effects, as always</li>
<li>Quidditch is now more of a contact sport</li>
<li>Romance is now more of a contact sport</li>
<li>There's a pub just off campus and the kids are allowed to get on the terps. I shit you not</li>
</ul>
<br>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Disliked:</span>
<ul style="margin-top:0px">
<li>Hermine slaughters some little birds in a huff just because she can't use her words</li>
<li>Every scene with Helena Bonham Carter in it. I'm still mad at her for Fight Club</li>
<li>At one point, the unfavored students actually have to serve the teacher's pets canapés</li>
<li>Nobody but Harry seems to notice when the death-eaters rampage through Hogwarts</li>
</ul>
<br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Favourite Lines:</div>
"Wands out, Harry" ~ Dumbledor<br>
"The first night of the cycle is always the hardest" ~ Nymphadora<br>
<br>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Final rating: </span>Three and a half stars
<br>
<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">
<br>
<sup>1</sup>Not that they’re always the most original. A love potion? Way to pull one out of the hat. - <sup>2</sup>As in Harry Potter heads. Although I'm sure stoners would love it too. - Oof. This review is old, y'all.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0