I am a huge X-Files fan. I went to comic con because Chris Carter was going to be there and rumors of the first trailer were in fact true and I went to the signing. Hell, I Watched all 9 seasons this past year.
With that being said this film had a lot to live up to. Let me make this clear though, the film has NOTHING to do with previous story lines. It's a stand alone plot and it's totally geared towards the shows fan base.
Not saying you won't enjoy it otherwise but you'll gain so much more from it if you're a fan. Little jokes and other things fill the film so that I want to go back and see it again so I can maybe catch something else.
Here's a big warning. STAY AFTER THE CREDITS. That is all... In all honesty the film has it's flaws but it met every expectation I had for it and trust me I was expecting a lot. Fans should enjoy it and it's a decent thriller for the average movie goer. Please support it so we can have the third film in a few years.
Movie - 4/5
Entertainment Value - 4/5
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Wackness (Limited Release)
This film got rave reviews from critics at the different film festivals. However the trailer looked kind of bleh to me. When I doubt still watch though and while this isn't the best film of the year, it's still a really good one.
If you don't like real life stories (not saying it's a true story) then this might not be for you and you should go back to your superhero films. This film is about drugs and a few other things along the way and I liked it's look and it didn't strive for that Requiem feel so that's a plus.
The cast does a fantastic job. An Olson twin rocks the screen and Sir Kingsly rocks it as well. Everyone also also provides great performances. Just one of those good films that just won't due well in the theaters, if it even comes to a theater near you.
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 4/5
If you don't like real life stories (not saying it's a true story) then this might not be for you and you should go back to your superhero films. This film is about drugs and a few other things along the way and I liked it's look and it didn't strive for that Requiem feel so that's a plus.
The cast does a fantastic job. An Olson twin rocks the screen and Sir Kingsly rocks it as well. Everyone also also provides great performances. Just one of those good films that just won't due well in the theaters, if it even comes to a theater near you.
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 4/5
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
I had seen most of the original Hellboy and honestly it bores me to tears. I love the director and all but it was such a slow film. I watched it all in one sitting (which felt like 10 hours) the day before I saw Hellboy 2 so I could understand it all.
Guess what? You don't need to. It helps but it doesn't really matter and nothing would even be spoiled really except the love thing for Hellboy.
What Hellboy lacked, Hellboy 2 makes up for tenfold. We have awesome action scenes, kick ass special effects (the jumping bean is awesome) and a much more fluid film altogether.
Even the cast seems happier this time around and they have really slipped into their roles. My only real complaint about the film is that it feels to orchestrated. Like every minor detail is over planned, and for obvious reasons but it makes the entire film feel predictable and there is never a surprise.
Either way I give this one a solid theatrical recommendation. It's tied with the Hulk as far as comic films go for this year.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 4/5
Guess what? You don't need to. It helps but it doesn't really matter and nothing would even be spoiled really except the love thing for Hellboy.
What Hellboy lacked, Hellboy 2 makes up for tenfold. We have awesome action scenes, kick ass special effects (the jumping bean is awesome) and a much more fluid film altogether.
Even the cast seems happier this time around and they have really slipped into their roles. My only real complaint about the film is that it feels to orchestrated. Like every minor detail is over planned, and for obvious reasons but it makes the entire film feel predictable and there is never a surprise.
Either way I give this one a solid theatrical recommendation. It's tied with the Hulk as far as comic films go for this year.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 4/5
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is the most anticipated film of 2008 and I am positive it will break a shit load of records. Last nights midnight opening was on 7 screens and they were all sold out. Spiderman 3 didn't even have that many screens.
I think the draw is Heath Ledger. The theater was filled with chicks, the annoying one beside me would ask and wince every time Ledger went into the super crazy aspect of the Joker. I could see her mind working around the fact that this performance killed him.
But that is all bullshit but it doesn't matter because it's bringing in the one audience the Batman films have always lacked.
The Dark knight is easily the best film of 2008 and one of the best films I've seen since 1998 (which is when I started seeing every film released in theaters). 10 years and this is hands down the perfect film.
It's not Batman. This is some other beast. It doesn't feel like Batman but more like this is what Batman should be. It captures every emotion and the writing is like a gritty crime drama. It's full of twists and turns, awesome effects and great acting.
I won't bore everyone with my dislike of Ledger but the greatness about his performance here is how unstable it is and I think it's how Nolan wanted the character. The Joker is not sane. It's obvious right away but he's a mastermind when it comes to plans and it all shows, each scene is as if a different person is there, as if the Joker has enough personalities to scare any schizophrenic.
My only problem is the fact that Nolan didn't want Katie Holmes back. This is fine because we have never had a returning female lead in a Batman film, however Maggie whatever plays Rachel, which is who Holmes had played so I was confused for a little bit as I failed to see Begins right before seeing this.
All in all Dark knight is worth every penny and if WB doesn't give Nolan compelte control of the next Batman film then they are crazy because we have the only director who could pull this off.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 5/5
I think the draw is Heath Ledger. The theater was filled with chicks, the annoying one beside me would ask and wince every time Ledger went into the super crazy aspect of the Joker. I could see her mind working around the fact that this performance killed him.
But that is all bullshit but it doesn't matter because it's bringing in the one audience the Batman films have always lacked.
The Dark knight is easily the best film of 2008 and one of the best films I've seen since 1998 (which is when I started seeing every film released in theaters). 10 years and this is hands down the perfect film.
It's not Batman. This is some other beast. It doesn't feel like Batman but more like this is what Batman should be. It captures every emotion and the writing is like a gritty crime drama. It's full of twists and turns, awesome effects and great acting.
I won't bore everyone with my dislike of Ledger but the greatness about his performance here is how unstable it is and I think it's how Nolan wanted the character. The Joker is not sane. It's obvious right away but he's a mastermind when it comes to plans and it all shows, each scene is as if a different person is there, as if the Joker has enough personalities to scare any schizophrenic.
My only problem is the fact that Nolan didn't want Katie Holmes back. This is fine because we have never had a returning female lead in a Batman film, however Maggie whatever plays Rachel, which is who Holmes had played so I was confused for a little bit as I failed to see Begins right before seeing this.
All in all Dark knight is worth every penny and if WB doesn't give Nolan compelte control of the next Batman film then they are crazy because we have the only director who could pull this off.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 5/5
Monday, July 14, 2008
Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (BONUS REVIEW)
I'll admit it, the original film is totally awesome. The shower scene, the bugs, the actions. Just plain ole kick ass movie. I never saw the second film as I heard it sucked hardcore.
With returning cast members from the original I just had to see this third film. Got my hands on an advance copy and while it isn't up to snuff with the original and it has it's fair share of direct to video poo, it's still an entertaining film.
A little heavy in it's political and religious themes the film still bares a resemblance to the original more so than the sequel but still has some iffy cgi moments.
While it's worth a single viewing by fans of the series and genre, I doubt anyone else will care to ever see the film and that's okay ebcause they don't need to. I'd give it a rent though if you're a sci-fi fan or wait for the sci-fi channel to air it because it is worth seeing once. I just wouldn't rush out and buy it on the day it comes out.
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 2/5
With returning cast members from the original I just had to see this third film. Got my hands on an advance copy and while it isn't up to snuff with the original and it has it's fair share of direct to video poo, it's still an entertaining film.
A little heavy in it's political and religious themes the film still bares a resemblance to the original more so than the sequel but still has some iffy cgi moments.
While it's worth a single viewing by fans of the series and genre, I doubt anyone else will care to ever see the film and that's okay ebcause they don't need to. I'd give it a rent though if you're a sci-fi fan or wait for the sci-fi channel to air it because it is worth seeing once. I just wouldn't rush out and buy it on the day it comes out.
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 2/5
Meet Dave
I actually thought the previews for Meet Dave were funny. Then I saw the movie and it had more in common with Drillbit Taylor (reviewed earlier this year) than what I had thought.
It's not that Meet Dave is terrible, it jsut isn't very good. it's just kind of there like a zit. The cast feels dead and poor Ed Holmes being in this makes me a sad reviewer. love him as Andy on The office and he's nice in person but he just stumbles through his role halfheartedly and the only person who seems to be trying is Eddie Murphy who just can't seem to keep it all together. in any film in the past 5 or so years.
I can't recommend this for any type of viewing and while it's one of the worst films of 2008, it's top of the heap of bad. And again, it just kind of exists there and does nothing too horrible.
Entertainment Value - 1/5
Movie - 1.5 /5
It's not that Meet Dave is terrible, it jsut isn't very good. it's just kind of there like a zit. The cast feels dead and poor Ed Holmes being in this makes me a sad reviewer. love him as Andy on The office and he's nice in person but he just stumbles through his role halfheartedly and the only person who seems to be trying is Eddie Murphy who just can't seem to keep it all together. in any film in the past 5 or so years.
I can't recommend this for any type of viewing and while it's one of the worst films of 2008, it's top of the heap of bad. And again, it just kind of exists there and does nothing too horrible.
Entertainment Value - 1/5
Movie - 1.5 /5
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Mamma Mia (ADVANCE REVIEW)
I know very little about Abba. It was before my time but I've always kind of wanted to see the Broadway play this film is based on. However the film will do for now.
Here's the thing. Fans of the musical genre will love this film, as will girls. It's one of those few happy feel good films. It's often funny and the songs are rather catchy.
Streap is awesome in the role of the mother and while everyone does a fine job with the acting, Pierce aka Bond, does a frightful job at singing, while everyone else is decent or amazing. But damn he sounds like a sea lion being skinned alive.
Hate musicals? Then skip this movie. However it's some of the most fun I've had with a movie in a long time and if I wasn't seeing Ricky Gervaise live on Wednesday I think I'd be catching this on Broadway instead.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 4.5/ 5
Here's the thing. Fans of the musical genre will love this film, as will girls. It's one of those few happy feel good films. It's often funny and the songs are rather catchy.
Streap is awesome in the role of the mother and while everyone does a fine job with the acting, Pierce aka Bond, does a frightful job at singing, while everyone else is decent or amazing. But damn he sounds like a sea lion being skinned alive.
Hate musicals? Then skip this movie. However it's some of the most fun I've had with a movie in a long time and if I wasn't seeing Ricky Gervaise live on Wednesday I think I'd be catching this on Broadway instead.
Entertainment Value - 5/5
Movie - 4.5/ 5
Friday, July 11, 2008
Batman: Gotham Knight (Bonus Review)
This is a review of the animated shorts released direct to dvd that bridge the gap between Batman Begins and Dark Knight so please don't confuse this with my Dark knight review which is coming Friday morning around 4am (or whenever I get home if I don't fall asleep and die).
I didn't have too much of an interest in this to be honest. Yes I would get to fill in some gaps but the Ani-Matrix was a semi burn. But damn Best Buy had their shiny steelbook so I just had to buy that (plus I just got a new tv). Sadly I'm a little let down by this entire project.
It consists of 6 short stories, the dvd runs for a little over a hour and really the stuff it fills in is so minor. 6 different artists and directors each got their own story to work with. My problem is that most of the stories aren't very good and/or the animation is rather fugly. The opening short is the biggest offender and while I get what they were aiming for, it was kind of crap.
Only die hard Batman fans need apply. otherwise I'd skip this and just go see Dark Knight. You won't feel too out of the loop and I'm sure someone in line can fill you in.
Entertainment Value - 2/5
Movie - 2/5
I didn't have too much of an interest in this to be honest. Yes I would get to fill in some gaps but the Ani-Matrix was a semi burn. But damn Best Buy had their shiny steelbook so I just had to buy that (plus I just got a new tv). Sadly I'm a little let down by this entire project.
It consists of 6 short stories, the dvd runs for a little over a hour and really the stuff it fills in is so minor. 6 different artists and directors each got their own story to work with. My problem is that most of the stories aren't very good and/or the animation is rather fugly. The opening short is the biggest offender and while I get what they were aiming for, it was kind of crap.
Only die hard Batman fans need apply. otherwise I'd skip this and just go see Dark Knight. You won't feel too out of the loop and I'm sure someone in line can fill you in.
Entertainment Value - 2/5
Movie - 2/5
Journey To The Center of the Earth (3d)
I've never read the original novel for Journey but I guess I better. What if I ended up in this same situation? In all seriousness this film was a total blast and it's due to the 3d. Just added something special to the experience and made what would have been a ho-hum film to one I recommend for all ages.
Brendan Fraiser (remember him?) plays a scientist whose brother went missing ten years ago. He ends up with his nephew for 10 days as his mother is looking for a place in Canada to move to. He ends up realizing they need to go to Iceland and follow his brothers steps. They end up trapped in a cave in, then in a mine and then in the center of the Earth.
It's a bit slow at the start because god forbid we have a plot and while it doesn't have much of one it does tie up most, if not all, loose ends. To ultimately decide if this film is for you, just think of it in this way.
Are you able to sit there and believe anything thrown at you? It's needed ebcause this film is far from being realistic (in so many ways). Secondly, do you like mindless action and cheap thrills? If yes to both than this film is for you. I wish we got more cheesy 3d films like this because they really are a lot of fun.
Entertainment Value - 4/5
Film - 3.5/ 5
Brendan Fraiser (remember him?) plays a scientist whose brother went missing ten years ago. He ends up with his nephew for 10 days as his mother is looking for a place in Canada to move to. He ends up realizing they need to go to Iceland and follow his brothers steps. They end up trapped in a cave in, then in a mine and then in the center of the Earth.
It's a bit slow at the start because god forbid we have a plot and while it doesn't have much of one it does tie up most, if not all, loose ends. To ultimately decide if this film is for you, just think of it in this way.
Are you able to sit there and believe anything thrown at you? It's needed ebcause this film is far from being realistic (in so many ways). Secondly, do you like mindless action and cheap thrills? If yes to both than this film is for you. I wish we got more cheesy 3d films like this because they really are a lot of fun.
Entertainment Value - 4/5
Film - 3.5/ 5
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hancock
For my 100th post (but not 100th review) I have suffered through the latest Will Smith movie. If Will Smith shit out a yellow turd the movie goers would think he was giving them gold.
Hancock's premise is somewhat inetresting. A drunken superhero who causes destruction and doesn't care about being a superhero. We could have fun this idea.
Instead they fuck it all up with the lamest plot twist to ever hit the big screen. And you know what I'm going to ruin it for you because if fucking Ebert can spoil the entire film of Wall-e then I can spoil this piece of shit.
HANCOCK IS A GOD DAMN ANGEL WHO LOST HIS MEMORY BECAUSE OF THERONS CHARACTER, THEY BECOME WEAK WHEN NEAR EACH OTHER AND ARE THE LAST 2 ANGELS ON EARTH.
There you go. Now you can save your two hours of life. Granted the first hour isn't too bad, almost enjoyable if everything wasn't in the preview and speaking of previews. Why is it the chubby kid in the preview that is tossed in the air "normal" but in the film he's totally French and a total asshole?
So there you have it. Will Smith's big blockbuster suckfest of 2008. Please avoid it but the film has already made over 100mil so what does it matter now, keep eating your shit films America....
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 1/5
Hancock's premise is somewhat inetresting. A drunken superhero who causes destruction and doesn't care about being a superhero. We could have fun this idea.
Instead they fuck it all up with the lamest plot twist to ever hit the big screen. And you know what I'm going to ruin it for you because if fucking Ebert can spoil the entire film of Wall-e then I can spoil this piece of shit.
HANCOCK IS A GOD DAMN ANGEL WHO LOST HIS MEMORY BECAUSE OF THERONS CHARACTER, THEY BECOME WEAK WHEN NEAR EACH OTHER AND ARE THE LAST 2 ANGELS ON EARTH.
There you go. Now you can save your two hours of life. Granted the first hour isn't too bad, almost enjoyable if everything wasn't in the preview and speaking of previews. Why is it the chubby kid in the preview that is tossed in the air "normal" but in the film he's totally French and a total asshole?
So there you have it. Will Smith's big blockbuster suckfest of 2008. Please avoid it but the film has already made over 100mil so what does it matter now, keep eating your shit films America....
Entertainment Value - 3/5
Movie - 1/5
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wanted
Wanted is yet another film in the graphic novel to big screen trend we've seen in the past few years. It tells the story of a typical guy who finds out his father was one of the worlds top assassins and now he has been killed and this elite group wants you to follow in his footsteps.
The plot is fairly simple and while some twists and turns do happen it's all about the kick butt action and there is plenty of action. The only problem is that most of the sequences were shown in the trailers, which is an all too often theme as of late.
Either way Wanted should fulfill your action needs for the time being and hopefully Dark knight will deliver a lot more thrills.
All in all I'll pass Wanted as a mild theatrical recommendation. The special effects might rock your theater and lose a little appeal on your smaller screen but it's worth viewing at least once.
Entertainment Value - 4/5
movie - 3.5 / 5
The plot is fairly simple and while some twists and turns do happen it's all about the kick butt action and there is plenty of action. The only problem is that most of the sequences were shown in the trailers, which is an all too often theme as of late.
Either way Wanted should fulfill your action needs for the time being and hopefully Dark knight will deliver a lot more thrills.
All in all I'll pass Wanted as a mild theatrical recommendation. The special effects might rock your theater and lose a little appeal on your smaller screen but it's worth viewing at least once.
Entertainment Value - 4/5
movie - 3.5 / 5
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Love Guru
Remember when you saw the original Austin Powers? Damn that film was funny and I had only a vague knowledge of the Bond films, it's even better after seeing all of the Bond films.
Now Mike Myers use to be funny but he's been on a hiatus of sorts, doing nothing besides the overrated Shrek films. But he's back with a goof ball comedy ala Austin powers.
Except it has the same jokes as Austin powers and they just aren't funny any more. When we have stuff like Superbad, Knocked up and the like we don't need lame over used jokes.
The cast kind of wallows in itself and no one strives to be more than just there. Justin Timberlake is rather amusing in his role and provided the only laughs the film got out of me.
Please skip this film as it has nothing worth while about it. No wonder it flopepd so hard.
Entertainment Value - 1/5
Movie - 1/2 / 5
Now Mike Myers use to be funny but he's been on a hiatus of sorts, doing nothing besides the overrated Shrek films. But he's back with a goof ball comedy ala Austin powers.
Except it has the same jokes as Austin powers and they just aren't funny any more. When we have stuff like Superbad, Knocked up and the like we don't need lame over used jokes.
The cast kind of wallows in itself and no one strives to be more than just there. Justin Timberlake is rather amusing in his role and provided the only laughs the film got out of me.
Please skip this film as it has nothing worth while about it. No wonder it flopepd so hard.
Entertainment Value - 1/5
Movie - 1/2 / 5
July Release Dates
Sorry guys but I'm behind and it may stay that way for a bit due to gas prices. The local theater is only a few miles away but it's too skanky for me and the good theater is a good 40 minutes but always expect the best movies to be reviewed ASAP.
So here's the list of July releases and hot damn does this month look awesome (next month looks super sucky though)
7/1 - Hancock
7/1 - kit kittridge: an american girl
7/11 - hellboy 2: the golden army
7/11 - journey to the center of the earth (3d)
7/11 - Meet Dave
7/18 - Dark knight
7/18 - Mamma Mia!
7/18 - Space Chimps
7/25 - Step Brothers
7/25 - X-files: I Want to believe
So here's the list of July releases and hot damn does this month look awesome (next month looks super sucky though)
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