V For Vendetta

Ok, I do have the bug of just now reviewing movies that came out years ago but I couldn't resist this one. If you ever read the graphic novel of the same name, written by the genius Alan Moore...you would've been excited to see this movie. Or, if you had been intoxicated with the belief that the Wachowski Brothers actually had talent, then you might've been stoked to see this movie. Either way, I know I was excited, and I came out satisfied.
Of course, it's not a perfect movie. But Hugo Weavings portrayel of the vigilante "V", is amazing. Come on, how many actors can pull of that kind of talent, behind a mask. His voice is all that's needed, in a thunderbolt of acting, which is just good enough to get noticed, but not by the Academy.
The story, which is simple but defined centers around a governement controlled world, a dicatorship of sorts, that rules it's citizens with an iron fist. No, it's not set in America, but it's premise hits home with just enough pop to get your attention, but not leave you shell shocked. The graphic novel is one of the greatest ever written, and proves Moore's genius. The writer penned the famous works, "The Watchmen", and the famous to Batman fans, "The Killing Joke".
Some purists of the novel, may criticize the film for jam packing the story into one feature film, but I'd rather that then have three seperate movies, and be switching directors, and stories, etc.
I am not a big fan of the Wachowskis, those guys responsible for The Matrix, and it's horrid sequels...but they did write and produce this flick, which is their first step away from The Matrix, and man...if it isn't welcomed.

The Color of Money

Time for another movie from the vault. I remember when I first saw this movie, a true classic in it's own rite. Nothing like watching Paul Newman, and Tom Cruise in his prime shoot some stick and have Newman looking like a god, among mere mortals. Paul Newman is a legend, but in a unique way. He isn't overly exploited, (Brando) but has enough talent to be above the general term 'entertainer' (John Wayne). Tom Cruise, man wasn't he something before he actually got a career? His acting is priceless as the young and full of it rebel, Eddie. He and Newman form an unlikely partnership, and an uneasy one at that. It's a joy seeing these two shoot it out in their heated arguements, and dedication to the scene.

If you haven't seen The Hustler, do so. And then see this one, which is a magnificent follow up to Newman's best movie in my opinion. Yeah, the old fogeys can yell at me and say, "Cool Hand Look is definitly his best!" or "Didn't you ever see Hud?". But hey, I'm sticking with raw talent, not just the most recognizable film of his career.

John Wayne had the searchers, Brando had The Godfather, Peck had To Kill A Mockingbird, and Brando had The Hustler, with a stunenr of a movie to follow it. In no way is it better then The Hustler, but it exemplifies every talent he had, and it had a swagger about it. Isn't that what it's all about?

Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace or The Future of Bond

Chances were, you saw Casino Royale. It was a much needed reboot to a flailing franchise, and was given the task of making audiences forget about the last James Bond implosion, Die Another Day. Critics were generally kind in their analysis of what is the low point of the franchise (do we really need an invisible Aston Martin?). Pierce Brosnan was the glue that held together his series of mediocre attempts to re-create the formidable series that James Bond was known for. Granted, no one has touched Connery's legacy, and most films have been a repeated dissapointment since Diamonds Are Forever. But it was Brosnans one film that almost made it, and that was Goldeneye. It's director, Martin Campbell had some vision and wit to throw around several times over. It was his job to re-build the franchise after two Timothy Dalton casualties. But, sadly he departed shortly after Goldeneye.
It was Casino Royale that got Goldeneye's director, Martin Campbell to start rebooting the franchise yet again. I won't lie, I criticized the film from the start. I didn't like Daniel Craig for the role, and he didn't have a credible lead role under his belt, and you want to hand him James Bond? Oh, I had my preconceptions. It was not until I saw Casino Royale, that my faith was restored.
Loosely based on Ian Fleming's novel of the same name, the movie had a style, a swagger, a feel all it's own. The action, though some scenes were overdone (see the chase scene through the jungle and construction site) but that's what Bond's all about, being over the top, and pushing the limits in all areas. Yes, James Bond was revived.
Nitpick all you want about the film, no one said it was perfect, but it brought back a series, stature, and a film that would make Connery at least think: "They finally got it right."

It is in the shadow of Casino Royale that we are presented with, Quantum of Solace, sadly Martin Campbell has departed once again, and replaced with director Mark Forster (Stranger Then Fiction, Monster's Ball).
Now, for once...we are given the chance at having not one good Bond film, but two in a row. This hasn't been apparent since Connery, and it's a long awaited oppertunity.

You may have noticed that I'm not very kind to all the other Bond films, and that's true. Roger Moore, was terrible. George Lazenby, ech! Timothy Dalton, talk about El Stiffo. Pierce Brosnan had the swagger, but he wasn't a bad-ass. Daniel Craig is the closest thing, let's hope it stays that way.

X-Men 3: The Last Stand

Let me just say this before I write anything else: I am by no means an X-Men fan. By saying that I mean, I have no sentimental views, I won't hold back my opinions for this attempt to seal the deal on one of the great franchises in comic book history. There are these times when things go really well (X-Men 2) and then there are these times when things don't go really well, (see the title). Well this, is one of those times.
Like I said, I am no X-Men fan, yes I appreciate the series and what it did, but I do not have any true love for the series. So when I first watched this movie, I had no expectations, and no reason to have any preconceptions about it. That said, I was open to either be blown away, or be provoked to switch the power button on my DVD player to the "off" position.
The movie opens with another one of those darned mutants, discovering a problem: He's having trouble hiding his real mutant being from the world. It is in that scene, that we are presented with the films moral choice, and that is: conform, or fight.
You see, these mutants are not very well liked, it's sort of a sharp throwback to the civil rights era, or more of a Ryan White kind of time. Most parents don't like their kids going to school with these 'creatures' and they want them to conform, by submitting themselves to a new 'cure'.
The films main antagonist, "Magneto" is the leader among the rebels, who refuse to submit to society. His group, or more like his posse, is known as 'The Brotherhood'. The films main conflict that is portrayed however, stems from Magneto's relationship to former friend, Professor Xavier. Each are on diffrent sides, Professor Xavier wants harmony, Magneto wants revenge.
It's all a fine set-up, for sure. But where the problem lies is the films exectution. Yeah, you could say that the films set-up's to the selective climaxes are great, memorable, and entertaining. But when all is said and done, these major build ups fail to serve much of a purpose in a film largely lacking in imagination.
This movie, ultimatly has one reason why it failed. Putting it simply, Brett Ratner. If you don't know who he is, he basically has had no legitamate career, save for some forgettable Jackie Chan movies, and when ol' Bryan Singer got out of the directors chair to helm a much needed Superman revival, it was left to Mr. Ratner to close the book on a great series.
You can definitly see the scars from letting a no-talent director helm an important move. All the characters mumble that terrible script, un-needed special effects are used relentlessly, (watch out for the golden gate bridge scene) and we are left with a jumbled mess. Lots and lots of cameos, weird tack ons, and so on adore this jig saw puzzle that looks like someone sawed it in all the wrong places.

FINAL RATING: (2/4)

The Dark Knight Review

Say it's possible, imagine the chance, gaze upon a masterpiece, in the truest sense of the word. Christopher Nolan, the man responsible for Batman Begins, reaches a previously impossible level, and leaves us with a film so great, it not only touches greatness, it re-imagines the meaning of the word.
The best film of the year so far, and a crime epic that would make Scorsese smile...is finally here. Ignore the comic books, the cartoons, all previous incarnations of the character, this is a movie that is all it's own, there is no other adaptation, telling, or known account that stands so boldy over countless others, as the best.
The movie, or let's just call it an event, is the best movie to grace theatre's screens this year. The story is full of imagination and genius. Batman lives in a world where he is neither accepted, or hated. Some try to be like him, and some vow to stop him. Christian Bale's perfect portrayel of a man playing a double life that goes deeper in his heart and mind then any other hero. His witty performance as a billionaire playboy, and anti-hero resonate equally.
The script not only advances the roles, but compliments the talents of each character, to near perfection. Michael Caine Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhall, and Aaron Eckheart all represent qualities that cut deep into the soul of a story, so well built by Christopher Nolan and his brother, Jonathan Nolan.
Heath Ledger puts forth the greatest portrayel of a villain that I've ever seen. His sadistic madness, and his impertenant genius speak wonder. One can only imagine what went through the camera-man's eyes, as he shot the first footage of this impeccable final role for an actor who's talents only barely started to emerge in his final days.
One (myself) would worry that in a movie with such a great villain, (listed above) would take over the entire thing. But no, it doesn't. Heath Ledger is given just enough room to work, and does not tower over anything, he may have the greatest effect, but is never allowed to be the centerpiece, which is perhaps the movie's finest achievement.
I would give this film one thing that I haven't given any other superhero movie, 5/5. The stunning tale, crafted and acted beautifully, evokes emotion of the finest level. Batman's final line in the movie, gives you the real look at what this troubled hero has given his life to, what he is letting himself become. His final line, is this: "I'm the hero Gotham needs me to be". Only by seeing the film, will you know how pulse pounding that is, when spoken after the climax reaches it's end.

FINAL RATING (4/4)

The Greatest Trilogies Ever Made

(DISCLAIMER) I messed up the order here, the actual listing is: 5, 2, 4, 3, 1.

After thinking a long time, actually only five minutes, I have put together a list of the top 5 greatest trilogies of all time. These films did one of the hardest jobs around, and that's make three solid movies, in a row, in a consistent fashion. So, here goes.

5. The Man With No Name Trilogy (Clint Eastwood's establishing pieces, and Sergio Leone's masterpiece, it gave people real westerns, and have aged extremely well)
4. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (Peter Jackson's house of imagination, set on the foundation of ground breaking novels, was a can't miss proposition. Jackson made good on each film, providing a landmark in motion pictures)
3. Star Wars Trilogy (The first three films were gold, you just couldn't match them. Thankfully these were made back in the day, when CGI wasn't available, other Lucas would've made six crappy, totally animated flicks)
2. The Bourne Trilogy (This is where I am going to catch a lot of flack, but I'm being truthful here. These are some of the most watchable films done, the entertainment value is immense, and Matt Damon was born for the role, I think a lot of people didn't realize what an enormous gift these movies were, each perfect in their own right)
1. The Godfather Trilogy (Man, you know you got a few good movies when all are nominated for Best Picture, and two out of the three win. It has the best sequel ever done, and put Coppola in the house of the best directors to ever look through a camera lens.)

Top Ten Greatest Superhero Movies

Looming the release of The Dark Knight, which has garnered rave reviews already, I have decided to list the top ten, most memorable adventures ever to come from a comic strip, book, or cartoon. This is short and sweet, with not too much explanation so here goes...

10. The Punisher (Yeah, this movie needed work...but Thomas Jane made an honest effort at portraying someone, who is unusual in the comic book world, someone who actually kills the villain, and doesn't have those long, drawn out, remorse times, which he abandons the next issue anyway)

9. Superman: The Movie (Christopher Reeve's portrayel of humble Clark Kent, was a huge hit in it's day, delivering to the world, the long awaited debut of The Man of Steel)

8. Unbreakable (Yeah, this really isn't a superhero movie. But it's premise is right from the factory, and is the most realistic way of saying, "Hey, what if?")

7. Spider-Man (Spidey made an honest effort in his first film, mainly because of Maguire's performance, who was born for the role. Yes, Green Goblin looked like a Power Ranger, but it did what few superhero movies can, and that's give it a soul)

6. X-Men (I've never been a fan of the series, but the wonderful telling of Wolverine, and troubled Rogue, was undeniably entertaning, and ultimatly pleasing)

5. Superman Returns (Yeah, it limps along in the beginning, is overstuffed with boring narrative, but Kevin Spacey, yeah I'll leave at that...Kevin Spacey)

4. Spider-Man 2 (Oh, definitly the best in the series, Sam Raimi put together a portrait of, basically, the best he could do. And that's what his problem was with Spider-Man 3, he didn't have any tricks left in the bag)

3. X-Men 2 (It's up there, way up there, but let me tell you...even though I am not a fan of the series, this movie rocked my world. The opening Nightcrawler scene, and the Wolverine rage scene, oh the list goes on and on)

2. Iron Man (This movie has the best lead actor, ever to be in a superhero flick, Robert Downey Jr. His performance is so original, it's oozing with entertatinment. No superhero movie has had a better lead)

1. Batman Begins (The best superhero movie for a lot of reasons, it had the best overall cast you'll see in a movie, and I mean that for all movies...and Christopher Nolan crafted it from the bowels of a Joel Schumaker/George Clooney casualty. Enough said.)

"Thumbs Up"

Sometimes, the best movie you've ever seen, wasn't even the one you wanted to see. The best movie I've ever seen, my Dad was watching, when my favorite cartoon was on. The movie was Mystic River, a story about three friends, who went through a tragic experiance together, are reunited by yet another, when one man's daughter is murdered. The story is poetic, grabbing, and haunting. I walked in, about half way, even at 14 years old, I was caught in the drama. The acting is the best I've seen, (watch out for Sean Penn's reaction to his daughters death) and packed a resonating story, not for the faint of heart. It is loaded with memorable scenes, each one leaving a fresh mark on each character, carnage...that is taken and visible in each one's emotions. I was, needless to say blown away. I begged my Mom to buy it, and it wasn't long until I was talking to everyone about it. If a movie was more deserving of best picture, here it is. It didn't win, (figures) but took home the best actor, and best supporting actor awards. The movie that won the coveted award that year was a tough one to beat, Lord of The Rings: Return of The King. Now, I admire Peter Jackson's work as much as the next, but after watching each, you'll know which one will stay with you longer. The movie is Clint Eastwood's finest achievement, it surpasses even The Shawshank Redemption, it tackles a cinematic no man's land, with resounding results. Now, I may be ranting, but if you ever see it, you'll know why.

Worth All The Hype?

If you were a fan at all of comic book superheroes, chances were you saw Spider-Man 3. One of the worst superhero titles ever to be put on the big screen, it was just plain bad. But you want to know what rubbed salt in the wound? A load of amazing trailers, ads, and hype starters plagued the internet, tv, and mind as we got ready for the big show. After seeing it, opening weekend, I was so shocked that I didn't know what to think, I vowed to never get so hyped about a movie, ever again. But, Batman Begins had already come out, and The Dark Knight was in the works.

First, came a teaser trailer, and for any of you who don't know what that is, it's a quick, usually minute long clips of the upcoming film. The Dark Knight's teaser, was plain narration, with a bat symbol crumbling to pieces on the screen. Then came a startlingly resonant Joker laugh, performed by the late Heath Ledger.

Then came the first theatrical trailer, and from there, the hype has once again held my prisoner. I've watched ever preview, clip, advertisement, read every interview, seen every wallpaper, and no other film has grabbed my attention like this one. Heath Ledger, though his career never before caught my eye, appears oscar worthy in his portrayel of Batman's greatest foe, and the cast in general has yet to be topped in a superhero flick. Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cain, Aaron Eckhart, and Heath Ledger. They all bring their "A" game, to a motion picture, unparalled in history, or at least what's come of the superhero genre.

The film, shot partially using IMAX camera tech, is the first to ever do so. And you better believe I'll be enjoying every minute of that, in the front row. Maybe, because Batman was my favorite hero as a kid, but mainly he was the only one I ever really watched. No hero, had more complications, mistakes, guilt, or loss of life...so many times in his long, troubled history. Sitting in my PJ's, eating my bowl of Capn' Crunch, I was in awe, of it all. I don't traded those Buzz Lightyear PJ's in, my parents stopped buying Capn' Crunch, and the Batman Animated Series isn't around anymore, but you better believe the movie is, and so is the fanboy inside.

Michael Clayton, and The Best Movies of 2007

This last year, had some of the best movies, grouped into a list of nominees for best picture, in many years. Juno, Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, and No Country For Old Men, all represent. Each movie showed some of the best talent that America and her people can engineer, whether it's intensity your looking for, (No Country) or sheer acting chops, (There Will Be Blood) and of course, a movie with talent period spilling out of it's top, (Michael Clayton) then this year was for you. American cinema has had an odd history, you had your sprawling epics, (Ben Hur), your worthless, but moneymaking garbage, (martial arts films) and then we sort of re-entered "classic" films. American Gangster, Assassination of Jesse James, Into The Wild, and 3:10 To Yuma, to name a few, were all worthy of a nomination.
Of course, the academy is rarely that kind, and breaks enough dreams as it is. If I had my pick, it would be like this:
1. There Will Be Blood
2. Assassination of Jesse James (Winner)
3. Michael Clayton
4. American Gangster
5. No Country For Old Men
You may have noticed that I didn't include Juno, and for good reason. Juno, was great, and memorable. However, It does not compare with the hard-edged, go for broke quality of countless motion pictures that never got a nod. Yes, I was upset when they released the nominations for best picture, director, actor and actress. Juno, as blunt as could be said, shouldn't have been nominated for anything other then acting. It's direction could be topped, it's producing could be topped, and it could hardly hold a candle to the gripping tale that Denzel Washington, or Daniel Day Lewis produced, almost single handedly this year.
Once I rule the world, and the academy, things will be better, but still opinionated :).

Thoughts On Indiana Jones IV: Kingdom of The Crystal Skull (should've seen Iron Man again...)

As if George Lucas and Steven Spielberg could produce a bigger stinker, this movie stunk up the theatre long after the screen went dark. Harrison Ford hasn't produced a solid flick since The Fugitive, and Spielberg has once again soiled his good will, and Lucas finalizes his love affair with over the top special effects...this movie feels the pain of lost art.
It never finds it's feet, never knowing where to go after the nice introduction to Harry, but after that, nothing is to be found in a tale lost in giant ants, jeep swordfights, and a massive amount of those oh so terrible Russians etc. etc.
The movie never seems to be able to convince itself, bringing stunt after stunt, and to no avail. Some may say that Temple of Doom was worse, but hey, at least it stuck to formula. In this poor movies case, it would've benefitted itself to remain similiar, and close to home, at least we would know what movie we would be walking into.

Were It So Easy...

Back in December of 2007 came the release of a film entilted: I Am Legend. It opened to a sizable gross of 77,000,000 dollars, and ended with 500,000,000 million and change. I saw it opening weekend. Not being a particular fan of Will Smith in the past, I had grown to like him of late. Pursuit of Happyness is one of the greatest adaptations of a true life story I've ever seen, and gave Smith a second oscar nomination. In the past, Will Smith had never been a household name, Ali was a dissapointment, skipped out on Men In Black, and was slightly entertained by Bad Boys, I and II.
So when I strolled into the theatre with some friends, I was expecting an entertaining movie, possibly gunning for a spot in my library. When the theatre went dark, I found myself in awe of a movie, not perfect, but did it's job. I've seen it many times since, and it's never had to compete for my attention.
Now, as mentioned earlier, this movie is not perfect. But it did it's job. The plot, wasn't all that amazing, it's ending predictable, once most of the pieces fell into place, and there were only some shades of spectacle (Will Smith's incredible performance, and wonderful visual effects), but what it's job was, it did. It entertained, gained intrest, resonated, and kept it's value long after it's first viewing.
Now, if only every movie did this, critics would be out of work...advertisments wouldn't be necessary, and ratings would hardly be looked at, you would just see it's subject matter, and judge yourself, what it would entail. Many movies, promise rich values, a shmorgisboard of visual, and viceral quality, and a ticket, you never regret spending your money on.
In my long history of watching movies, I've lost many hours by watching worthless pieces of animal waste that never should of carried itself to the screen. Pleasent surprises, do come out of that, but also are countered by weathered losses (Indiana Jones IV, Dan In Real Life). I've learned to not trust the billing of an actors name, a directors past, or a producer's vision. Tom Cruise is a self destructing individual, no pun intended, Spielberg gave us Jurassic Park II, and Jerry Bruckheimer ruined history with Pearl Harbor, and slapped us in the face with a lackluster sequel, National Treasure 2. Hollywood still offers us entertainment, escape, and helps us adore those convicts who are wrongfully accused.

Movie Memory

1. One movie that made you laugh:What About Bob
2. One movie that made you cry:Old Yeller
3. One movie you loved when you were a child:Iron Will
4. One movie you’ve seen more than once:The Shawshank Redemption
5. One movie you loved, but were embarrassed to admit it:Mean Girls
6. One movie you hated:The Happening
7. One movie that scared you:An Inconvienent Truth (I'm allergic to Al Gore.)
8. One movie that bored you:Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World
9. One movie that made you happy:Iron Man
10. One movie that made you miserable:Indiana Jones IV
11. One movie you weren’t brave enough to see:Before The Devil Knows Your Dead
12. One movie character you’ve fallen in love with:Dr. Robert Neville (I Am Legend)
13. The last movie you saw:Wanted
14. The next movie you hope to see:The Dark Knight