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Reviews
Æon Flux (2005)
Nice adaption of the series
I'll probably be hammered for this but I thought the screen play was relatively good one considering it was adapted from an animated series. Sure hard core fans (like myself) will find lots to pick and fuss about but overall it was a nice addition to the mythology, filling in certain gaps, and faithfulness to the original ethos, tech and internecine machinations of Trevor and AEon and of the original series.
The CG effects were well done and it was a real hoot to see Aeon and her four handed friend navigate through defenses. It was just like a scene out of the original.
The acting as not exactly above par and a lot could have been done to use the character development of the main protagonists in the original series as a jumping off point. The director or screen play writers appeared to be a little hesitant to use the preexisting knowledge for fear of alienating movie goers who were coming to the characters for the first time. More work needed to be done to integrate the already existing pool of knowledge into the first movie without overwhelming or confusing new viewers (Dune had the opposite problem so there surely is a happy middle ground to be found if you put your mind to it).
Come on screen writers do some home work and earn your salaries. This is too good a series to let it possibly flop on the first of a possibly lucrative franchise!
The Ant Bully (2006)
If you have the chance see the IMAX 3D version
My wife and I took our niece and nephew to see this and frankly I was blown away. I have seen IMAX and been impressed (not surprising really) but to see this movie in 3D on IMAX almost made my head explode (in a good way). The directing really took advantage of 3D possibilities without beating you over the head with gratuitous 3D effects. The textures and expressions of the characters were much better than "an ants life" and the resolution was really remarkable especially with it being transferred to Imax film tech. The humor was light kid humor with some standard kid friendly goop and fart jokes but it was done is a charming and good taste (subtle and the characters had that sheepish experience when things like this happened so it wasn't hardcore). I enjoy animated films and seen most of the big blockbusters but the IMAX experience really made this one standout.
Finally, the 3D glasses are much better now. I did not get a headache or have the picture out of focus and was able to scan the entire scene without minimal effort. Take the kids or go for yourself. A throughly enjoyable little film.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Re-watch the BBC series
Maybe I'm spoiled from reading the books and watching the BBC series but despite the wonderful material provided by Douglas Adams this film falls flat. Even the outrageously absurd humor that I normally get a giggle from time after time failed to prompt even a twitch of the lips. While the effects are obviously much better than the BBC series, the characters (with perhaps the exception of Arthur Dent on occasion) failed to really capture the true feel you get when you read the book. I would argue that the film was a little too Americanized and tried to fit too much into a formulaic Hollywood comedy sci-fi mold. Unfortunately, this is just another example of Hollywood not having any original ideas and a really good novel has been bastardized again. Too bad. I'll just watch the BBC series for my kicks.
Easter Fever (1980)
One of the funniest satires of easter EVER
With Jack the Easter Rabbit (a drugged out, cool, jive rabbit if ever there was one) about to retire the gang decides to roast him (as in Friar's Club not on a spit). Each character gets up and tells a memorable moment in Jack's life. One of my favorite scenes involved another time Jack thought about retiring and auditions were held to replace him. All the animals came out and failed miserably in one way or another. The best was when a scrawny, nasally, high pitched sounding bat snatched up his little easter basket with his tiny feet and began singing "Here comes Peter Easter Bat.." only to face plant into a tree.
To this day I get strange looks from friends when I try to describe this surreal scene. A MUST see. Nelvana, Re-release the this comic cult classic!! Free Jack, Madame Melegg and Scrawny Chicken!!
I recently contacted Nelvana and they told me there were plans to do a DVD release but not for sometime. Like the comment below, we need to start a petition to move the date forward! Hupshuh, Hupshun people!