stepwallace Reviews

Avatar (2009)

Don't look past the amazing visuals and you'll love it...

[20 December 2009]

It's a feat of technical prowess, the visuals look fantastic, photo real. The animation looks smooth, there were only a couple of moments in the entire film that didn't quite gel perfectly from a visual point of view.

The story is simple, very very simple. Painfully simple if you stop to think about it while the movie is progressing. It's predictable and unsurprising... and irrelevant.

The effects are great, seeing it in 3D was fantastic. I must see film, a must see in 3D.

It's probably the cinematic experience of 2009, go see it, just don't look past for a story past that visual feast.

Knight Rider: Knight Rider (2008) Season 1, Episode 0

The Hoff is the best bit

[24 February 2008]

The original had cheesy over the top acting. Over the top plots, and turbo boost.

The car was iconic, it was the only car that looked like that. It looked like the future.

So the new version? It could be any generic car on the road, sure it can change into more than one generic car, but so what? People used to see kitt in the original and say "whoa". This one, is nothing special. In fact the show feels like a Ford commercial from start to finish. Sad thing is this commercial convinces me never to even consider buying one.

The acting is like stale cardboard, sex scenes (or implied) are scattered at the front to entice (?!?) the viewers. The don't add, and just stereotype the characters.

The Hoff, was the only good part of the show. At least he showed some acting skill - in his classic over the top way.

Don't bother.

Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007 TV Movie)

Overall, worth watching, but I really hope the series is better.

[27 November 2007]

Preface (where I'm coming from): I loved BSG for it's edgy look into human emotion and interaction. I especially loved it's obvious parallels to the issues in our own present day society.

These things seem to have faded slowly over time, and now BSG has more of a religious feel. A story that's "on a mission from god". It lacks many of the edgy feel it started with.

Razor: The concept was sound. I was looking forward to Cain becoming the "monster" we all met in BSG. The situations she faced, the events that forced a well trained, well meaning soldier to become a brutal self serving killer. I was looking forward to the hard choices the Pegasus made to survive alone in the universe.

That was lacking. Instead there is the somewhat moral story of one soldier, Kendra, taking her own rather short path to destruction.

There were many things that could/should have been pushed further. Cain's involvement (and obvious betrayal) by a Cylon. The transition from "can I really do this for the greater good" to "I must do whatever it takes" seemed to quick. One moment Cain is spouting "we won't be charging in for revenge", the next she's doing just that - with no explanation for the change of heart.

The Cylons themselves, whilst fun to see the old 80's models in action, didn't add to the story. One old man spouting "everything has already happened, and will happen again" didn't really add anything to the story. It didn't even seem to quite fit. That and the whole "oh, btw - starbuck... she's gonna be humanities destruction". Where'd that come from? It's important for the primary story arc, but this telemovie was supposed to focus on the Pegasus - not be a vehicle for delivering one corny line.

There were some interesting possibilities in that old Cylon Battlestar, but we didn't get to explore any of them.

The dialogue was mediocre at times "we all must become razors"? what the hell is that meant to mean? The future is sponsored by Gillette? I thought Razor was meant more alone the lines of "balanced on the edge". Some exposition for Cain's odd dialogue would have helped explain the writers goals. I like that sometimes things are open to interpretation, but none of the obvious interpretations added the significance this knife (razor) was supposed to add.

Prequels as alway run the risk of adding random characters or events that you'd never heard of till now. I would have thought that Adama would have mentioned his earlier encounter with Hybrid's many, many episodes ago. Characters and events shouldn't just appear. If you want to do a prequel, plan for it when you write things the first time - mention the events - make it fit with what we've already seen.

Overall, it's worth watching, but I hope the series is better.

Superbad (2007)

weird, strangely reminiscent of clerks.

[25 September 2007]

A strange coming of age film. Was clichéd, but at the same time not in any way.

Was a strange view into the lives of two social misfits and their genuine affection for each other, balanced by their desires for social acceptance.

It was a great movie, simple, very funny at times. There were some definite lulls that felt a little slow, but in an odd way that seemed to suit this film's near "student" feel.

It was an obscene but touching story, very hard to describe without losing a lot in the translation. Worth seeing, make your own mind up.

Ratatouille (2007)

Takes twice the time it should, not what you'd expect from Pixar.

[6 September 2007]

This could have been a great film, it was just too long. It wasn't even that there were too many scenes that should have been left out, it was simply that scenes went for too long. Montages, too long. Travel scenes, too long. Even some of the conversations seemed to be the same conversation from the start of the film. The story could have been cut to barely an hour would have improved the flow substantially.

The concept was brilliant, many of the jokes and fun moments were great, the story itself very good and the animation as always was superb.

It was just too slow moving, story felt like it lurched forward with a Frankenstein like gait, determined but not pretty. Unusually the characters weren't terribly endearing, for Pixar even the villains are usually a little likable. In this even the lead characters were nothing special, there wasn't really any character development apart from the one or two that were essential dictated by the plot.

The kids in the cinema seemed somewhat entertained, I'm glad I saw it. But it's a one time viewing film that could have gone straight to DVD.

The Host (2006)

Good solid fun

[30 August 2007]

It seems that Asia has inherited the classic "comic horror" genre, western films are going for shock value (think Saw or Hostel).

Gweoemul (The Host) is brilliant, it's funny. Very very very funny. There subtle background jokes (I'm sure there's plenty that got lost in translation).

The monster is great, effects look good for cg. It's nothing too original, but is still pops up at the times to add tension when tension is called for.

Unlike a lot of horror films, the monster is right out in the open from the start, it's not kept hidden in shadows till the last moment. Usually I'm a big fan of keeping the audience in the dark, after all nothing beats the fear of the unknown. In this case however it works, and works well. This really is more of a dark comedy than a straight horror film and having everything out in the open allows for more dramatic irony.

A great film, if you're a fan of monsters and laughing, watch it.

Transformers (2007)

It's not more than meets the eye.

[3 July 2007]

This movie shares some character names with the cartoon series of the same name, but no more.

With the possibly exception of Optimus Prime, none of the characters are true to their originals. Not in appearance or personality. I can understand changing Bumblebee if you couldn't get the rights to use a VW, but giving Prime that horrendous flaming paint job? I've read many comments implying Michael Bay tried to stay true to the "Myth" of the Transformers, but I found none of this to be a Transformers film. It's a disappointing action film, cashing in on a name from our childhood.

That aside, it's still a disappointing film. There is little if any character development or even a developing relationship between the Transformers and their human co-stars.

Even as an action film it's a disappointment, the camera is so close to many of the action scenes you can't actually see any of what's going on. Slow motion scenes abound, but not in the John Woo (slightly excessive) good way to build tension, they simply mean you get to watch things explode slower.

-- Massive spoiler -- And then there's the plot... The premise is good, if a little weak. The secret to creating all Transformer life is lost on Earth, and Megatron followed it here.

From that premise however, the movie deteriorates into a series of short term goals that don't add up to a story. There is an ongoing sense that the Autobots have no plans beyond find the Cube. This really shows through at the end.

The goal of the final battle makes no sense at all. Why are the Autobots trying to get the Cube onto the Air Force chopper? Surely they'd have been better off grabbing it and making a run for it as soon as they had it - Which was long before they battle in the city. Anything would have made more sense than driving deliberately to a city, to give the cube back to the defense forces they'd just recovered it from. -- End spoiler --

Save your money, watch it on DVD if you must - just don't pay for it. This movie simply shouldn't have the name Transformers, it doesn't deserve that. Michael Bay has been quoted as saying "I urge them (the disgruntled fans) to watch the 1986 animated movie, go watch the cartoon. You'll want to shoot yourself (it's that bad)". Right there Bay doesn't understand what Transformers was about. He's looking for an action movie in a kids cartoon. It was a cartoon about morality, about differentiating between good and evil, about making a stand regardless of anything, about giving second chances. Transformers was not at it's heart a violent cartoon, and that's reflected in it's poor translation to the big screen by Michael Bay's action disappointment.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Excellent sequel

[14 May 2007]

A film should always be judged by what it wanted to be in the first place... This film wanted to be a sequel to a very simple horror film. The first film posed the question: "What happens if and entire country was infected with a zombie inducing virus?", the sequel looks at the obvious follow on question: "What happens when the zombies die out?".

28 weeks after the first film concludes, the US army (under the NATO banner) has moved into London to start rebuilding. Exactly as you would suspect, the Virus has been long dormant (presumed dead), and the population is slowly starting to rebuild.

Throw in a nicely thought out revival of the virus, some nice if stereotyped characters, and let the fun begin.

The movie moves along well (at barely over and hour and a half), characters make all the classic "oh no" decisions, it's good gory fun.

If you enjoyed the first, then you'll love the sequel.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

See it for the SFX, and the George Lucas like dialogue...

[6 May 2007]

Wasn't expecting much, and I didn't get much. If there's one thing I hate about comic book movies (and sequels in general)it's their inability to stick to the facts (as created by them). "We want to make the Sandman a personal enemy.... so he actually killed Pete's uncle". - What the?!? Oh and while we're at it, lets have the kindly natured butler (can you say "Alfred") reveal at the last possible moment that Spiderman didn't kill Harry's dad. I mean it's not like he wouldn't have mentioned it in passing earlier.

But comic's are always good for plot holes. If Stan Lee makes another cameo and doesn't die this time - I'm walking out. No questions, just walking out, it's not a fun fact for the fans anymore - it's just damn annoying. Nothing breaks the suspension of reality more than the author making an appearance.

Bruce Campbell's appearance however was one of the very very few highlights of this film. His comedy was a wonderful change from the flat pace of the rest of the film.

Go see it, enjoy the SFX, just don't expect value for money.

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Brilliant effects for a brilliant story.

[17 March 2007]

It told the tale of drug addiction better than computer graphics could have, it let you imagine the details, making world more real and less tangible at the same time.

I haven't read this book (I have read some of his other works). I fully intend to read this after seeing this film.

I would recommend this film, the style in which it was created gives reason enough to recommend it. The story is wonderfully different, and has a strangely honest feel to it. The "acting" is all top class, even after animation, the vocal/emotional performances still lift this to a great film. It will no doubt soon be a cult classic.

Fearless (2006)

Excellent, a fighting film with plot

[24 February 2007]

'tis rare these days to find a martial arts film that includes an engaging plot like this.

The fight scenes were great, it was worth watching the film just for those. The story, although very simple, was engaging. Li gave a solid performance as his character grew through the film.

I'm not sure of the accuracies of the the story told, but many of the "true story" films end up feeling excessively "preachy". Trying to force the morals on the audience. Whilst this one certainly makes a point of the lessons to be learned, it didn't feel forced.

Worth a watch, does as well on the small screen as I suspect it did on the cinema screen.

The Sight (2000 TV Movie)

Good solid "I see dead people" movie.

[14 January 2007]

This isn't a stand out film, but I caught on late night TV, and I was hooked enough to stay awake the couple of hours that this film took to watch.

The acting is good, the story feels original (even though there's nothing particularly special about it).

It feels like the movie length premier of a brand new supernatural series (think the Dead Zone). There are hints that there's more to the story than we get to see in this film, not a bad thing, but I'm at a loss as to why you'd hint so clearly at there being more stories than the one we're shown, if you had no intention of telling them.

Worth a couple of hours if you catch it on TV, or pick it up as a weekly rental. Don't buy it.

Casino Royale (2006)

The new Bond (actor) was great; the movie was pathetic.

[12 December 2006]

The new actor was great, I was impressed at how he settled into such a well known role. There was a sense of history - this is where Bond came from after all.

You felt that he was working his way through situations, making decisions, not simply a smooth, scripted (and inevitably successful) character.

The rest of the movie however... The romantic scenes felt like they'd been written by Lucas. The action scenes felt like they were aiming to be out performed by every other Bond film ever. There were no gadgets, some pretty poor attempts at Bond girls, and there was no villain. That's right, there was no villain - you might think there is when you start watching it, but wait till the end, then see how you feel.

This is quite possibly, the worst Bond film ever.

The first ten minutes, they were awesome. Best chase scene ever. Watch that much (on TV, DVD, youtube - not at the cinema) and turn the movie off. You'll have had your introduction to the new character, without this terrible movie to put you off seeing the next one.

The Departed (2006)

Good, if you haven't seen the original

[27 November 2006]

Unfortunately for this film I have recently re-watched the original: Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs 2002).

The original film is a wonderfully engaging and thrilling film, where the viewer is constantly comparing the two lead characters. Which is the good one, which is evil - does the end justify the means? More importantly the film has these two characters questioning their own existence, questioning their own motives, questioning whether you become the lie that you live.

The Departed on the other hand seems to focus on the success or failure of each character - not the internal struggles that made Infernal Affairs great. The result is a rather bland action film, with some mild tension towards the end (with a decent amount of blood and profanity). Many things, like the "Irish Mafia" seem tacked on and incidental to the actual story - we see nothing of this "Mafia" beyond our chief villain Frank Costello. It seems a fumbled attempt to set the film in an American setting.

Overall this film was a disappointment to me, since I knew what the film could have added - those who hadn't seen the original on the other hand enjoyed this film for it's merits, not it's short comings.

If you're going to see the original, then give this a miss - if you don't like subtitles then this one's for you.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Good solid B grade horror.

[30 August 2006]

OK, let's make it clear. This is a B grade movie, may have an A-list star having some fun in a cheesy movie, but it's still a B grader.

And that's not a bad thing, in fact it's good. By making it a B grade film, you can happily laugh yourself silly at every lame jump and scare the movie throws at you. Although I was disappointed with that wonderfully anticipated "get these ****** snakes of this *** plane".

I would have loved a little more of a climatic ending, nice little fight with a giant snake or something.

You don't have to pick faults with this film, there's too many problems if you start that - just strap yourself in and laugh your way through (maybe jump once or twice two, i did).

Only You (1994)

Sweet, grab a pizza and a bottle of wine...

[5 August 2006]

If you want a nice night in with a lady (or just someone who fits that special romantic niche for you - whatever that is), this is a great choice.

The acting is endearing, the story is simple straightforward and sweet. It steers clear of sickeningly romantic and sweet which tends to eliminate the male half of the audience when it comes to your classic "chick flick".

It's easy to see Downey Jnr's talent in this film, a friendly charming drug free character. A wonderful cameo by Billy Zane adds some wonderful moments.

I guarantee, you show up with roses, a pizza, a bottle of nice wine and this on DVD - and you'll have a wonderfully sweet night in.

The Interview (1998)

A truly amazing film

[23 July 2006]

If you've ever doubted Hugo Weaving's acting skill - then this is the movie to set you straight. Weaving's performance is spectacular, it's got a gritty, human tangible feel - I saw this on the big screen, but even on TV he still has that emotional realism you can't fault.

If you're a Weaving fan and you haven't seen this - then go and get it right now.

If you're a Matrix fan and you haven't seen this - go and get it now - you'll get to see agent smith on the other side of an interrogation room.

This movie is a non-stop discovery, you'll spend the entire movie questioning the characters, their motives and the truth of the tale unfolding.

I cannot recommend this movie strongly enough, it is an unknown classic.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

So many plot lines...

[18 July 2006]

If you haven't already seen the review done by "Ask a ninja" then go google it now - cos he's right.

This has two things in absolute abundance: plot lines and pirates.

Of course this isn't a bad thing, it's a pirate movie - and this one is happily setting up the sequel.

The story nearly manages to top the undead pirates of the first. Don't hold your breath for realism (but then if you saw the first one... you'd know better).

All your favorite characters are back, doing more of what they're good at. It's more fun than the first one - but like so many sequels, it excels because it doesn't have to do all the character exposition of the first, it can spend more time on frivolity because you already know the characters and their relationships.

Probably one of the best movies of 2006 - enjoy.

2002 (2001)

A badly under-rated martial arts/ghost busting film

[8 July 2006]

Like the only other person to comment this, I spotted it late one night on SBS (Australia's international channel).

I wasn't really expecting anything at all - but this film was great! It's your classic cop buddy movie, your experience cop (ghostbuster) gets a new partner to break in - and as always there's a new bad guy (ghost) on the block.

Action, comedy, romance, a couple of nice twists here and there to keep the whole thing entertaining.

If you're a fan of Asian cinema, this is a great film. It's a little hard to get your hands on, try ebay.

Superman Returns (2006)

I was disappointed - and I am NOT a fan boy

[8 July 2006]

Let's clarify a few things - I don't read comics - I like the original Superman movies (well at least the first couple), I thought the originals were a wonderful mix of humanities inherent good nature (personified in Superman) and a humorous look at humanity at it's worst (the wonderfully comic Lex Luthor).

So where does this one let us down, the recasting of Superman? No, not really - Brandon Routh does an adequate job with what he's given, he does feel a little 'young'. (True he's no Christopher Reeves, but no one will ever be).

It's the rest of the film that really lets it down, I didn't enjoy the scripting with a remarkable number of pointless subplots and sub-themes. Louis Lane didn't feel like a reporter, more like an ex-girlfriend. Lex was no longer the humorous villain (sure he had a few laughs) he was a lot darker, and a lot less fun.

Superman wasn't so much as the personification of humanity's goodness - he was depicted as humanities Saviour. That kind of pseudo religious theme has no place in superman films. Superman was about inspiration no about reliance on an external super being.

The movie was too slow moving, plot unraveled slowly. Painfully at times, rather that a couple of hours a nice 90 minute film would have been better (it's sad that directors can accomplish these days what used to be feasible in a much shorter film). I was quite bored by the end - waiting for it all to be over with.

******** Major spoiler ********* And seriously what's with Superman having a kid? Where did that come from? Is this suddenly part one of "Days of our super-lives". He didn't seem add anything to the story, just one extra complication that I can only presume is a hang over from an earlier draft where he was more significant - or perhaps the plans for a sequel?

Oh.. and one more thing - when flying superman shouldn't' look like he's doing aerial aerobics - watch his arms... up, down, up, down, outstretched, by his body, repeat, repeat, etc - it was nauseating to watch - especially the closing scene. Reeves had flying all worked out, he looked convincing.

Fist of Legend (1994)

Excellent raw martial arts film - fighting like it should be.

[8 July 2006]

Sometimes it's nice to watch a martial arts film, where the fighting feels plausible (if exceptionally elite). This film delivers a remarkable series of fight sequences without needlessly sacrificing the story.

The historical setting lends itself to a natural tension that is utilized to create conflicts within the main characters and groups within the story.

Whilst I suspect there is plenty of wire work and other techniques used in the film, it never feels entirely unrealistic and is a pleasure to watch and admire these athletes in action.

A definite see for martial arts fans.

Azumi (2003)

Excellent change from western "martial arts" films.

[8 July 2006]

If you're looking for a nice change to the regular martial arts fare coming from Hollywood these days, Azumi is a refreshing film.

The Villains, while still a little stereotypical are just psychotic enough to be fun.

The action is well paced, and the story adequate to drive the film towards it's inevitable climatic scenes.

The timing used during many of the fight scenes feels a little different to your typical Hollywood work, it's hard to pick the exactly difference, but it leaves you with a strangely different feel to the action on screen. The effects are great, the sets are great. I enjoyed the soundtrack, with scene changes often resulting in a sudden change in ambient sound - something that standard films tend to cover with sound or cross fades.

Overall a good solid film, don't expect an Oscar winning narrative, but the action is worth the watch.

Cars (2006)

Pixar provides another brilliant family film.

[25 June 2006]

It's rare these days to find a film that you can comfortably take a whole family to see.

Like may I was half expecting this to be the first Pixar film to be a disappointment - it's not reasonable to expect that each and every film match it's predecessor.

I was a little worried at the start, it was much slower to get started than previous Pixar films. Happily there was no need to be concerned and apart from a few 'driving' scenes that stretch a little (you can't help but admire the quality of the animation at these points) the story moves along wonderfully.

There's plenty of visual humor for all ages, and some great humor for the adults in the audience.

Do your family and friends a favour and go see this film - take your parents - it's rare to find a film you can do this with these days.

(Oh... and btw - make sure you hang out for the credits - yes RIGHT TO THE END).

The Omen (2006)

Save yourself from hell - watch the original.

[17 June 2006]

It's hard to understand why Hollywood insists on re-making the old classics. Apart from the obvious, we gladly hand over our money in the vague hope of reliving a classic movie for the first time. Sadly this movie disappoints.

Don't get me wrong, i wasn't expecting the new classic 'thriller' movie of our time. I was expecting an update, a fresh look at a great story.

I didn't find the actors particularly engaging. I found the reproduced scenes consistently failed to impress compared to the original. I found the few diversions from the original didn't add anything but rather detracted from the classic.

With the price of a movie ticket so high, keep your money or buy the original on DVD. The original is by far the superior film.

The Break-Up (2006)

mediocre at best

[16 June 2006]

I was expecting a very basic romantic comedy. But this movie was missing any consistency in both.

Let's be clear, i wasn't expecting a great deal of either - but the it was difficult to really relate to either character's situation. You would hope to see the argument (breakup) from both sides, see both characters merits - and downfalls. But it ended up just feeling like a manipulative woman and a man who just didn't realise his own folly.

Even as a chick flick (and i like a good chick flick) this one falls down. If u see it on TV, maybe give it a few moments - but if you've seen the trailer, you've seen the highlights - and they were much much better when seen in the context of the trailer, sadly - not in the movie.