Change Your Image
tlc8804
Reviews
Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)
Epic, but still disappointing
There are a lot of things going in favor of Justice League: The New Frontier. The shear scale of the storyline, a world devouring creature who's sole wish is mankind's eradication, striking in a world that has abandoned its heroes, its brilliant, and it is EPIC. From the opening montage to the closing glimpses of the future, there really is a lot of mythos and grandeur to this storyline, and that's a big plus.
The storyline is set right in the heart of the 1950's and McCarthyism, driving the JSA to shame and retirement, and causing the public to cast a wary eye on the newly blossoming roster of heroes. Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman, and the Flash are all well established at this point, however the true stars of the show are Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Martian Manhunter. Not my personal favorites, but the story for them is quite good.
The voice acting was in my opinion the greatest weakness of the movie. The problem wasn't the voices themselves, but the delivery of lines that should have given me chills fell flat. The flash especially spoke way too fast, as did Hal Jordan. The 70 minute run time should easily have been extended by several more minutes and they could have allowed the actors to actually ACT and not run through their lines at breakneck speed. Jeremy Sisto did a great job as Batman, but sadly he was given about 5 lines in the whole movie, and therefore was a truly wasted talent.
The movie also took a decidedly more mature turn than its predecessors, not to spoil key moments, but blood, death, even rape are not out of bounds in this outing, so be mindful of the children. What annoys me is that while there were more mature tones in the action, the dialog and the plot still condescended to 10 year old children. WB really needs to choose who they're shooting for, because they will alienate everyone with this approach.
Overall, for fans of DC comics, this is worth a look. GL fans in particular should be happy to see his story finally animated in full, however lovers of the core trinity (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman) will be disappointed by their lack of screen time. They shouldn't have tried to hard to include some action with everyone, because everyone winds up getting short changed. The throwback costumes are a big plus though. 7/10 from a hardcore Superman/Batman fan.
Grindhouse (2007)
What a train wreck..
I've been looking forward to seeing Grindhouse since I first heard about it. From Dusk Til Dawn is my all time favorite movie, and that was the earliest and still best collaboration between directors Tarantino and Rodriguez. I was expecting something mind blowing, something so original that it would knock me flat on my ass, but overall, Grindhouse didn't do that for me.
I will say, the fake trailers are brilliant, and I am completely going to buy Machete the day it hits DVD, and the others were hiliarious and dead on satires of their respective genres. What was killing me throughout this whole experience, however, was the nearly ruined picture quality, and the completely ruined sound quality. Now before everyone jumps down my throat, I know this is all an homage to the good old days back in the 70's where people sat through 3 hours of cheesy popcorn flicks, put up with sticky seats, damaged prints, and unsavory management. I don't really feel the need to relive that. We've evolved beyond it, I suggest we all enjoy that fact. What I did want to see, was two great, cheesy action movies with the trademark brilliant dialog and spot on casting that I've come to expect from my two favorite directors. If I can't understand half the words, what's the fun in that? Given the fact that Planet Terror was relatively dialog and story intensive, the indecipherable sound didn't help much. I enjoyed that movie as a whole, but once again, the missing reel... Sure it sounds like a good idea as a whole, but people really must be mindless idiots to say that made the movie better. I'll tell you what, if I paid to go see puss spewing zombies get blown away by a stripper with an M16 for a leg, I expect a little bit of a pay off in the way of a storyline. They just discarded all of that, and I'm left with one still in the chamber. On a positive note, all the casting was great including El Wray, Cherry, and Michael Biehn's re emergence after 23 years fighting Terminators in the shadows. I also love the references to previous films, which is just a fun little addition that makes the movies better.
As for Death Proof, it makes me really sad to say that I was very disappointed. I've seen every movie Tarantino has made at least 3 times, and I loved each one, being just different enough from the last to make them completely unique and re watchable. Death Proof is still a great concept, but the delivery was just 3 feet off the mark, in my opinion. It may just be me, but watching 4 girls engage in frivolous conversation is about as entertaining as being constipated on a public toilet. The first sequence with Kurt Russel was just awesome, and there's no denying that. However, lag time in the middle with more jabber by Tarantino's trademark sassy black woman dragged down my buzz big time. The climax, while at time's thrilling, just completely lost it for me, and for the sake of argument, I'll chalk that up to my inability to look past reallllly big plot holes, raise my fist high in the air and say "girl power!" I'm sure more than a few people liked the ending, so I'll leave it alone. What made me really sad was that the sound quality in this movie was just absolutely perfect, when I would soooo very much preferred to not hear the dialog, whereas in Planet Terror I want those precious words to be loud and clear. AND again with the missing reel. Now I'm fully loaded with no where to shoot. Where are those hot Greek babysitters when you need them? Overall, this thing is worth seeing. Especially if someone else pays. The hilarious trailers, the above average action scenes, and at times downright disturbing scenes of gore will do well to placate the lowest among us. However, those of us looking for a real MOVIE experience, rather than a movie-going experience complete with artificial and IMO detrimental ambiance, might feel hindered and ultimately disappointed.
P.S. Nicolas Cage has totally redeemed himself for Ghost Rider. Putz.
Transporter 2 (2005)
Better the second time around
I saw the original transporter and it rocked my socks off. I think it was by far the best raw action movie, with all the familiar adrenaline boosters pushed to the limits. As a result, I was more than a little pumped for the sequel, so I rushed out immediately to the theatre to see it. I was pretty disappointed. I'm usually a pretty attentive viewer, but it took me the second viewing to figure out what the virus thing was actually trying to accomplish. I thought the first 2 acts of the movie were great otherwise. The action was just as good as the first, and the subplot with the inspector was a much needed relief from the lack of plot otherwise. I take issue with other writer's claims that all the action is unrealistic. Specifically, the car jump scene is beyond implausible, but thats OK, it could have just as easily not been there but then we'd be one explosion shy. Otherwise everything looked pretty authentic. I buy that Frank needs to drop more than a few bows to take out a 300 pound gorilla, or that he can beat a bunch of guys with a hose. In real life it probably just wouldn't work, but it could, so I'll take it. The ending is really the only terrible thing. They build up both the baddies to be the fight of the century and the girl gets one shotted and he fights the Latin lover in the cabin of a plane with no room to move. That was the most disappointing thing to me. If they threw a few roundhouse kicks Chuck Norris style or brought the dead back to life with the sheer force of their blows, then I'd probably soil myself, get back in line and watch it again. Oh well, here's hoping they put together a budget and a script for #3.
Casino Royale (2006)
A well made answer to the Brosnan Era Bond
The idea of James Bond as a character must change with the coming of each new generation, and also of each new actor who portrays him. While the role was blessed with Sean Connery as the penultimate and timeless Bond, so too was each new generation graced with a unique and talented man to fill those formidable shoes.
Such a man is found in Daniel Craig. He is in many ways the antithesis to Pierce Brosnan's ultra suave and sarcastic Bond. He is built like a true human weapon, with the muscles and agility to match. He is brutal, able to take down enemies not only with stealth and cunning, but with sheer nerve and incredible stamina. The opening foot chase scene is not to be missed.
This film truly shows the journey of Bond, of what makes him the man we know. No other film is so ambitious as to make any mark of progress in the character. When Connery arrived on the scene he was a man fully set in his ways, with none of the boisterous swagger of youth, but only the air of confidence one has when he has perfected his art. All that is Bond was not written in the first 2 hours of this film, but was forged in gunfire and blood. Even the clothes show the journey. From the off the rack 2 pieces and Hawaiian prints in the first section to the classic tailored tuxedo and the immaculate 3 piece at the the conclusion, we see where clothes truly make the man.
Back too is the Bond villain of old, one who is menacing and formidable in his way, but not some hackneyed cookie cutter bent on world domination. LeChiffre is a perfect mix of the old and the new. He is vastly intelligent and calculating, but not strong willed, which is what gives Bond the edge he needs to win. Even the character quirk of an eye weeping blood is just fantastic. That is a villain. Who else WEEPS blood? Also the steadily increasing efficiency of Bond's methods are a sight to behold, we see them come full circle in the span of the film.
Vesper Lynd to is an underrated performance. She matches up to Bond's abilities and shows emotional range never before witnessed in a Bond movie, particularly dwarfing Halle Berry's American agent in Die Another Day. She belongs among the great actresses to play such a role, and was instrumental in forging our Bond, who I am excited to see take on the new form of SMERSH in the coming sequels.
Overall Daniel Craig is the perfect Bond for our generation, and hopefully will prove to hold his own in the timeless tradition of Connery and Dalton, and he will continue this franchise in the proper direction. Here's hoping the sequels stay equally faithful to good storytelling and real stunts, not that CGI nonsense that bloated the Brosna era.
8 Out of 10, not a ten because they're going to make me wait years to see another installment!
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Stinking pile of bear scat
This movie was just downright awful. I like to think that I can be entertained by no brainer humor ( I sat through Kung Pow twice), and seeing new and outrageous racist humor is funny to me too. Both of which are in abundance here, but none of it is very good. Most of the humor, especially the anti semitic, seemed forced and really not that original. THe Blair witch project segment was pretty creative however, and at the very least Cohen sells his performance to the utmost, never letting himself in on the joke. Azamat also had a hidden depth to himself that he was never allowed as an actor to explore. With just a bit more effort, real development and emotion could have gone into these characters. The sad fact is that they are stereotypes of something that doesn't even exist, and any humor seen by them is IMO completely overridedby the naked wrestling scene. Whatever redeeming qualities the film had were just killed by that... Cold War humor just isn't funny anymore, nor is the characterization of Russian satellites as backwards and morally corrupt. More disturbing yet is the behavior of some of the victims of the movie. While the frat boys are forgivable, the rodeo owner and several others not featured in the movie show us that we still have a lot of problems as a nation. I'm also interested to see how the many lawsuits are going to turn out.
Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001)
Good, innocent fun
This movie has all the elements of a warm hearted, family friendly movie. Croc Dundee and his mates present a strong code of morals for kids and adults alike to aspire to. He is friendly, polite, and always willing to stick his neck out to protect others. He also appears to be the model parent, encouraging growth and adventure rather than stifling and discipline like the typical parent. Mike Tyson's motivational cameo is also not to be missed. All in all the plot is fairly cookie cutter, and only serves as a backdrop for Dundee's humor. What makes this movie work is the heartfelt bond of family and friendship, the ability to resist American culture and yet still function within it, and the foundation it can lay for children to stay open minded in regards to different cultures and experiences.
Miami Vice (2006)
Screw Jamie Foxx
I was so excited for this movie. I was convinced it would be awesome, the action would be sick and the stars would have brass balls to match their Ferrari. I thought it wasn't that bad. The action was cool. I love the look of all Mann's films, maily Collateral and Miami Vice. It really brings the sets and locations to life, and should be used more often. Farrel was wicked bad ass and I think his acting wasn't nearly as bad as others have said. But I have no more respect for Jamie Foxx. He left the movie because there was gang activity on set, and he wouldn't participate in boat stunts because he's a big Oscar winner. Forget him. Farrel now has infinite respect from me for sticking around and doing the whole ending without Foxx. Oscar indeed. Go Irish Drunks!
Mortal Kombat (1995)
Tagawa versus Zod!
Any movie with Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa is money as far as I'm concerned. This is the movie that started it all. He just rules. His acting in this is just fantastic. He's a complete bad ass and he knows it. I loved every line of dialog from him, and I just highly recommend seeing any movie with him in it. The saddest thing is this is only one of two movies that I know of he fights in. The other is Rising Sun, which quite frankly shouldn't exist because it has too much awesomeness. Connery, Snipes, and Tsung. I need say no more. The rest of this movie is awesome too. Robin Shou is a damn good martial artist and I like what he brought to the character of Liu Kang. I wish the video games would have retconned to conform more to this continuity. Johnny Cage too. This movie really defined his character better than any of hte games ever did, and his romance with Sonya should have been incorporated. The sequel to this was the most disappointing thing ever, but man it could have been good. They just set this thing up perfectly and BAM they ruined it with devastation. I heard they're making a third movie. That would be sick. Tsung needs to get resurrected baddddd. as to my summary, I am advocating that Elektra 2 should be little more than Shang Tsung versus General Zod, and I believe Mortal Kombat 3 should include this as well. Watch Elektra He wears the exacty same costume as Tsung from the video game! This movie is great, and with a proper sequel it will be elevated to the level of undisputed best video game movie ever. Bring it on Zod, bring it on!
Elektra (2005)
I hope there's a sequel
I liked this movie. I personally thought Jennifer Garner was as wooden as Al Gore and Richard Nixon's love child, but she's sexy, so that goes a long way in forgiving that. The action was really good. The mystical abilities were a little strange, and I think too off balanced. What makes Stick and Kirigi so damn powerful? There's a guy who can summon demons from his tattoos, a girl who just destroys EVERYTHING with her breath, and a guy who was just Huge beyond compare and practically invincible, and all manner of other nonsense. The good guys have a necklace and a sexy red outfit. Personally, I'd want to be on the side of death girl. Elektra's and Kirigi's final battle was cool to watch, but once again, wtf? Kirigi can like move at light speed and apparently in the comics can heal himself from like any wound. And Elektra can beat him? nonsense. And death girl, she should be able to just kill everyone. And I notice the giant man is conveniently missing for the final battle. How funny since NO one could take him the first time around. Then there's stick and master roshi (DBZ anyone?) Why didn't they ever do anything? Want General Zod and friggen Shang Tsung to whip some butt! Who's with me on that one?? Seriously, who needs anything else? Put Electra in the background like getting undressed or something, and just have an epic battle ending with Tsung having to kneel before Zod! I'd pay ten bucks to see that. The best thing about that movie was seeing Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa back on screen. WHere the heck has he been since Mortal Kombat? That was like the best bad guy ever and all he's done since then is be giant monkey in that planet of the apes remake.
Bring back Stick and Roshi for the sequel, and I will go see it.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Immortally the best comedy ever made
Dumb and Dumber is, and always shall be, the funniest movie on the face of the earth, and any other planet who's surface it might grace. From the opening credits, with everything misspelled to the riotously ridiculous theme song, "Boomshakalaka", to the final frame of Jim Carrey's and Jeff Daniels's retarded backsides, this movie inspires awe, wonder, and tears of laughter and of the pain from falling out of whatever you might have been sitting in. Nearly every piece of dialog in the entire movie has comedic intent, and it all works. From Lloyd's very first conversation, "My that's a lovely accent, New Jersey?" "Austria" "Austria! Well, good day mate, let's put another shrimp on the barbie!" to the last sentimental yet stupid line of the movie, brilliance unlike anything ever seen before is shown in the writing. Every actor plays their role perfectly. The good guys are unrealistically dumb, but the bad guys are perfect. They're not over the top and they're just bad enough to make us know they're the enemy, but we never get swept up in what they're doing. This movie is all about the 2 man wrecking ball of Harry and Lloyd. I am confident this thing will endure beyond any other movie, and on my dying day of April 4th, 2050, I will watch this movie and laugh my butt off one last time before going to the white light. It's that good. If you have not seen this movie at least 5 times, watch it again for all our sakes, and catch the last 30 jokes you missed in the first four viewings, due to you laughing over them. 10 out of 10
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Best movie ever
From Dusk Till Dawn is my favorite movie ever. I think that it contains all the elements of a fun, exciting and re watchable movie.
The acting is my favorite part of the movie. Clooney is so bad an actor that he's fun to watch. He actually is unable to say lines in the script, and they leave the bad takes in the final cut of the movie. He also has some very memorable and campy lines, such as "Okay ramblers, let's get rambling", "okay hard drinkers, lets drink hard, I'm buying" and of course, "Okay Vampire Killers, lets kill some f****in' vampires!" Tarantino was much better an actor, and his character had many dimension which made him worth watching. Keitel was awesome as always, deeply philosophical and really bringing life to his character, and all the others played their bit parts with enthusiasm and humor.
The plot is pretty bizarre, but it just works. The first part deals with the escape of two outlaw brothers. They killed a lot of people and are looking to escape to Mexico, and kidnap Keitel and his family to smuggle them over the border. They arrive at the rendez-vous point, the titty twister bar, and wait for the arrival of Carlos, their escort. Pretty soon all hell breaks loose and the survivors band together to fight a horde of vampires who have been running this bar.
The gruesome violence, which is even more graphic in the DVD is just awesome and fun to watch. Homages are paid to many great movies, like the wild bunch, and the special effects are just spectacular. The dialog from the survivors is just priceless, from when they discuss how to kill vampires to when The Hammer tells his Nam flashback, to the stunning finale and final goodbyes.
I cannot think of a more bizarre, fun, and deep popcorn thriller. Highly recommended to any fan of vampires, action, Tarantino, or clooney's god awful acting (which works for the movie). 10 out of 10