Movie Review: Xmen - First Class

I really don't know how to review this. I never read much of the comics, I know most of the history I do thanks to WikiPedia and other website gurus. So when I went into the theaters I had nothing in which it could ruin. Unlike many other films based off things, I enjoyed this movie. I think that the history and the development of different connections and psychosis, was excellent.

I thought the casting was awesome, and that everyone played their roles pretty well. There were very few fluidity issues, and it could go seamlessly into that of original movies. With the exception that I was under the impression that Havoc was Cyclopes' younger brother. So there was an age thing that threw me off.

The new display of powers were really interesting, and bringing in the new and yet classic characters were awesome. Emma Frost for one, was spot on.

All in all a good movie.

Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean 4

This movie was surprisingly refreshing. I was not disappointed with Pirates 2 and 3. I thought it fit into the fantasy/pirate motif nicely. I know a lot of people who didn't care for two and three. I think that four is a nice return to the original. It has all that you would expect, Jack's wit, fun sword fights, magical situations, and very beautiful people.

Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan, were not missed. Neither were there accents, which thinking back did get slightly annoying. I think the Cast of Characters was the most disappointing thing in this movie. There were only three original characters in this movie. I guess that has its good and its bad, but for the most part I just missed the Parler(Par-lay) guys.

Blackbeard make his appearance in this movie, which leads to many other questions from the franchise. Why was he not one of the Pirate Lords that sealed Calypso? Where the hell was he when facing the British...I feel like he could have one single handedly. Or maybe that was Captain Hook?

Jack isn't crazy! Which is cool. I didn't like his character in the third movie, it was slightly annoying that he was so insane. The Black Pearl...isn't in this movie...not really...which sucked. However Queen Anne's Revenge is bad ass.

Overall Worth Seeing if you Like Pirates 1. And you should see it even more if you liked all of them.

Movie Review: Priest

I had my hopes set pretty low for this movie, mostly because I had absolutely no idea what this movie was about. I knew that it was an action thriller that was about vampires and vampire hunters. So I was okay with going to see it initially. Needless to say that I was thoroughly exhausted because of a recent event at church. So watching this I was very uninhibited and just went with the flow of the movie.

I want to start by saying that I had no idea that this was based off of a comic book...and when the movie went briefly comic, I was confused and just kinda ignored the situation. After researching a little bit about the original comic, I think I can safely say that the movie has absolutely nothing to do with it other then similar themes.

I don't remember any names, I'm not sure they used them. I'm not sure that this was a bad thing, I liked the non declarative nature that it represented. Karl Urban makes a great vampire.

The movie is mostly visually appealing. It isn't overly gory and the killing is creative. I loved the weapons that were used, especially the throwing stars. That said, I was really disappointed with the main guys main weapon...this decorative cross that held sentimental value. I expected him to hit a button and be wielding a blast of sun light, or at least some sort of awesome sword. However he unsheathed a three inch knife....effective but lame.

If my only complaint was the weapon, the movie is worth seeing. Just don't have expectations...of any type.

Movie Review: Thor

This movie was made, purely for the visionary artist to say "Hey, Look what we can do!". 1 part star trek, 1 part star wars, and a whole lot of parts of geek orgasm. The movie was fantastic from a visual point of view. From a comic point of view, it was pretty good too. We can never expect perfection from Hollywood when it comes to comics, but it was a decent rendition and will probably receive better reviews then the likes of Hulk and or Spider Man trilogy.

I have not kept up with Thor as much as I have the others, but my knowledge of mythology allowed me to enjoy the story anyways. I know enough about the Marvel Thor to have enjoyed the references to various things.

I can generally blame the crap movies on giving major roles to really famous people. I.E. the Fantastic four being cast with Jessica Alba and Chris Evans. However I love Natalie Portman, and Anthony Hopkins. Fantastic casting I do believe. The story was good, up until it came time for him to have his life changing realization.

"I am Thor! I deserve it."
-Hammer doesn't budge-
-1 night of heavy drinking with guy who tells you to leave town-
"Oh...I'm human...I must be charismatically chivalrous now"

This life changing, climactic attitude adjustment...happens in about 5 minutes worth of movie. The rest of the movie is good, but I wish there were a little broader of a character arch. Other then that no complaints. Could be worse....

Palpatine: Come to the Dark Side....
Anikan Skywalker: No!
Palpatine: We has cookies...
Anikan: Okay.... :D -Eats cookies of evil....gets bad contacts-

My bad recreations aside this is kind of what happens. Thor is cool, a good movie with good characters. The story is true to the comics mostly, and should be accepted in the comic world with approval.

Go see it!

Movie Review: Scream 4

Psychopathy can be defined as having an overwhelming lack of empathy while masking it with an outwardly normal facade. Scream 4, and the entire series for that matter, excels at portraying characters with this issue. Which is why I love them. Movies are a cathartic experience, we have all had this feeling, that stabbing or killing is okay when we are watching it. Its why movies are what they are, and it why we go to them.

Scream 4 continues in the tradition of its predecessors, by taking a group of people and turning it on itself. You have many suspects that present themselves, but you never know who it is. The person is always just out of reach, justifications for and against each character begin to develop. It is a psychological thriller in every since of the word, and this is why I jive well with it. I like how it keeps me guess, convincing me that I'm close to the answer, and then killing my guess...sometimes literally.

This movie focuses on Sydney returning to her home town of Woodsboro, where the first movie took place, and the setting of the in movie movies. It is a great reminiscing setting for those who have loved the original movie. You get to return to the high school, where they have memorialized the former principal (Henry Winkler) and explore the police department, where Dewey is now Sheriff. As in many series, I was sad at the lack of connection to the past. Past characters, essential to Sydney's life are never mentioned, not really.

Patrick Dempsey...Where'd you go?

The kills are more interesting, the story line unique. Scream is fantastic, and Craven has dedicated himself to the story. Saying something to the effect of..."if I can't top the previous ones with out repeating them then I won't make them."

Wes Craven/Scream fans will appreciate this movie for what is and enjoy the witty genre bashing horror flick that it is.

Go watch it!

Movie Review: Paul

Let me start of by saying nine times out of ten I dislike Seth Rogen, and think he is overrated as a comedic actor. If you like his boring, curse word laden, comedic style then more power to you, he has plenty of movies that may suit your needs. Apparently the only time I can enjoy Seth Rogen is when he is voicing an animated character. (I.e. B.O.B from Monsters V. Aliens).

Paul starts with true geekdom! Two brit geeks, in every since of the word, come from england to go to ComicCon. A pair of Alien chasers who are going to explore all of the most famous Alien crash sites. My first thought after being dragged...and yes I was forced -.- My first thought was something along the lines of...Why am I watching this? My second...."Why is the 'black mailbox' white??" Everything was cool after that.

The alien appeared, Christians were made to look stupid (in a good way), sex jokes, sci fi references, and Cameos. Everything started adding up and the movie earned my respect and actually made me like it.

The SciFi References were awesome, and as a not so dedicated scifi fan I caught a lot of them and enjoyed it. The Cameos were cool, mostly because Jane Lynch appeared which made my night!!

All in all a worthy movie to go and see, especially if you can get in on a day where the theater has cheap or matinée tickets!

Movie Review: Beastly

A new spin on a very old classic. Beauty and the Beast is probably one of my favorite Disney movies, so naturally I was drawn to this movie. The new contemporary spin also made me hesitate, because Hollywood has a track record of destroying the things they try to make, remake, or make contemporary.

The cast was interesting, Alex Pettyfer, was a good choice for the vain beautiful guy. Vanessa Hudgins, as the beautiful side line girl who doesn't think beauty matters? Ehh, not a bad choice, she was a really believable character, and I guess it was ironic they pulled a Disney star to play this new 'belle'. However the most surprising star, Mary-Kate Olsen, playing the twisted witch, who curses the Beast. I am surprised to say that I absolutely loved her character and her acting.

The story was slow, an interesting path for the story. It was true to the original in most ways, introducing it in a high school setting. The use of Blogs, Cd's, drugs, parties, and Green ideals contributed nicely to the contemporary setting, while still paying great homage to Beauty and The Beast.

For those of you who believe you wouldn't like this movie, because its cliche or not important. Believe me when I say it is, and those of you that don't want to see it, are the ones I would encourage to see it the most. If this movie would have a Mantra, it would be "Embrace Suck", which is used as a derogatory slant toward the "ugly ones", but becomes the reason why the Main Character finds love at all.

Embrace Suck, go out and play with the cards you are dealt, but make the best of it. Love one another, create a better life for those around you, because games are more fun when you play together.

Embrace Suck, and See this movie while you are at it.

Book to Movie Review: I am Number Four...

Ok. With the entirety of the James Frey controversy aside, I did venture to read this book. The book was good, it was a good story, with good characters, and a decent amount of fantasy and reality. Over all a good book. However the movie...yea, the movie...well it was a good movie. BUT - I had to throw my expectations out the window, after about 20 minutes.

I am known for being a purists, most of my friends don't like going to see book based movies with me, because I will scoff in the movie and rant afterward. This movie I did my best to not to do that. I already knew based of previews that they had done things and added things that weren't in the book at all. Im generally okay with a little creative liberty, but this movie essentially a new rendition of the story, separate from the book.

There were many things in the book that happened, that I was really looking forward to seeing, but were left out. This saddened me. However, I think that element was redeemed by the appearance of a lovely little Beagle named Bernie Kosar. This dog is not only friend but a dog with a lot of bite as well. I loved him in the book, and was super excited that they kept true to his character.

The characters were decent, they didn't stray to far from the true characters. Henri and John's relationship was off, but I guess the strife works better for movie characterization. I'm not sure I agree with the actor choices, other then beauty the main couple leave a lot to be desired. Diana Argon play's Sarah, she also plays Quinn in GLEE....she should stick to glee. I didn't care much for her acting in this movie.

Taking most of this into account I think it would be a great movie to go see if you haven't read the book. My friends that I saw it with, loved it, and even I enjoyed it. If you have read the book, go to see this expecting something different from the book. Convince yourself that its just a coincidence about the names of everything.

Peace

If you would like to read about the Controversy over this book please CLICK HERE

Movie Review: No Strings Attached

Part of me feels like that I may be in the minority when I say that I really enjoyed this movie. Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman play their characters very well, and the story is original. I like to think that in each of us there is a physical side and an emotional side, and love is created when we find the person that we bond wonderfully with on both levels.

In this movie the two main characters are drawn to each other over the years, and begin a purely physical relationship. Which is cool, more power to them, but its not enough for either one of them. Someone start falling for the other, and then the proverbial shit hits the fan as their comfortable boundaries become blurred.

If you like Natalie Portman's cold strong personality, she keeps it up in this movie. As does Kutcher retain his lovable idiot persona. They were both great, and seemed really into the roles.

I will say that there were ups and downs, as with most movies. I thought the movie was being dragged out and kinda dumb at one point, but toward the end there comes a climax. There is one line...one solitary line...that makes the ENTIRE movie worth watching. If your going to be love cynic, and complain about the reality of the situation please spare yourself the annoyance and save the time. However if you are a romantic of any extent, then waste the 7 dollars and go see this movie, for you won't be disappointed.

Movie Review: Season of the Witch

A movie set in the mid 14th century it follows two knights on their journey away from the crusades, to falling back into the church's service. Reluctantly they agree to escort a young girl, who is being charged of witchcraft and seemingly scapegoated for the plague that is destroy humanity.

As the movie progresses you begin to see the girl's true nature, and it gives you bait to sway you. Is she truly evil? Or she is just a powerful and strong girl who is being accused wrongly.

I did not dis like this movie. I can't say that I loved it, and will not grace my shelves. However the movie was worth seeing at least once, and I would watch it if I were looking for something on the tele.

I think there is something to be said for the characters, despite their mild development, only one will remain with me for awhile. Kay, pronounced Kai, is a young boy who's father was a knight and that's his dream. The kid can read Latin and rock it out in both the church and on the battleground. Played by Robert Sheehan of the British television show Misfits, I instantly liked him. I missed his Irish accent, but he is still quite the capable actor.

Worth going to see.

10th Kingdom

One of my best friends is on her way right now to watch the epic movie 10th Kingdom. This movie is seven hours long, but well worth the sitting time. A beautiful rendition of all our favorite and classic fairy tales, with new spins. Showing how they would respond if a couple of people from our world were suddenly dumped into theirs. Each of the 9 kingdoms, has ties to one major Fairy Tale figure. For instance the 1st kingdom is home to Snow White Castle, and the 2nd is made up of the Woods of Red Riding Hood. Each a distinct and separate faction, they all make up a very magical land.

A wonderful movie, that aired as a mini series, almost ten years ago. It has some notable people in including Kimberly William Paisley, Dianne Wiest, John Larroquette, and Ed O'Neill. If you ever take up the notion to watch a long film, there are a few to choose from, and this one by far is my favorite...out ranking Pride and Predjudice and the 10 Commandments. Both great movies, but overshadowed by the 10th Kingdom!