katran1 Reviews

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Not bad. Not great, but not bad.

[9/10 · 29 June 2009]

I enjoyed this film, though not quite as much as the first. The blue-screening was weak, as was much of the humor. I was also very disappointed at the foul language and repeated sexual references. The first movie was much milder in that respect, so based on that I took my 10-year-old daughter to see this one. If I'd known about all the genital references and use of the 5-letter p-word, I'd have left her home. This one definitely earned it's PG-13 rating on the language alone.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the storyline, action and characters, for the most part. I found the comic-relief twin vehicles to be very annoying. Their humor was just bad and way overdone. It was as if the writers were trying too hard to be funny in this one. They need to tone it down and make it more subtle. I was just waiting for someone to throw a pie.

Am I sorry I spent money to see this movie in the theater? No. The action alone made it worth the money. The Autobot characters, especially Prime and Bumblebee were enjoyable as always. Shia LaBeouf did a good job again as Sam, and his character seemed more mature this time around. Unfortunately, the character of Mikaela was even sluttier than the first go-around, and didn't seem to be as strong or intelligent as in the first film. At least she had an active role in the first movie. In this one she seemed to be nothing but eye-candy for the most part.

So, in a nutshell, not as good as the first film, but still good enough to spend money on, imho. I'll definitely buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Star Trek (2009)

Very enjoyable

[9/10 · 10 May 2009]

I think this movie was a great kick off to a new series of Star Trek films. I don't know if this is considered a spoiler, but I think the alternate timeline idea was a very good one. Now they essentially have a clean slate with which to make more movies that don't necessarily have to keep to the continuity of the previous films and series.

The casting was excellent. Everyone offered a great performance, though Zachary Quinto as Spock and Karl Urban as McCoy were really standout performances, in my opinion. Karl especially seemed to be channeling DeForest Kelley, his portrayal of "Bones" was just so spot-on.

I would see this movie again in a heartbeat and can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

A lot of fun

[8/10 · 1 May 2009]

I enjoyed the three X-Men movies, but I still went into this one with moderate expectations, based on the trailers and reviews I'd read. I knew it was going to be mostly a special-effects action extravaganza, and it was. But I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. I wanted fun and that's what I got. I found it to be pretty much along the same lines as the X-Men movies. Jackman was great as Wolverine, as always. Liev was incredible as Sabretooth. Taylor Kitch impressed me as Gambit, as I had not thought much of him in a previous film I'd seen him in. The rest of the cast was good, but not in a stand-out way.

Overall, if you expect a fun, special-effects and explosions-laden film, you shouldn't be disappointed. If you liked the previous X-Men films, then you should know what to expect from this one. If you didn't like them, you should probably stay away.

The Omen (2006)

I liked it better than the original

[8/10 · 12 January 2009]

I really enjoyed this update. I could barely get through the original, as I despise the 70's and don't like any of the actors in that version, and that almost made me not watch this one. However, as the cast had plenty of actors that I've enjoyed in other things, I decided to give it a chance and was pleasantly surprised.

If you loved the original, there's probably not much reason for you to see this one. It's almost a shot-for-shot remake, though it does have some variations here and there.

If you're like me and you can't stand the original because of the setting in the 70's or the cast, you might want to give this one a try. And it's worth watching if you're a fan of Liev Schreiber, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Julia Stiles or Mia Farrow.

The Prestige (2006)

Wow!!!

[10/10 · 8 November 2006]

It has been a long time since I was as impressed by a movie as I was by this one. Stellar acting by everyone involved, a storyline that makes you think and a very intriguing plot. I'm usually pretty good at guessing the twist ending long before the end, sometimes even before I see the film, but I didn't guess it this time. The casting was just excellent. Everything flowed perfectly. Plenty of twists and turns without seeming ponderous. And the ending was tied up quite neatly, unlike many films that don't seem to know how to wrap themselves up when they have as much to tie together as this one. I can't rate this one highly enough. It is well worth the money paid to see it, and I am more than ready to pay to see it again.

The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd (2000)

Absolutely beautiful!

[10/10 · 17 July 2005]

I saw this film with a non-member friend at our local temple, and we were both touched so deeply. I don't cry often during movies, but The Testaments had tears literally streaming down my face, and my friend's as well! It was just so uplifting, so moving, and so emotional. It was beautifully filmed, with gorgeous settings and was very well acted. The actors portrayed the characters in a manner that made them so real. I felt the spirit so strongly while watching this. I can't recommend this movie enough, for both members of the LDS church and non-members as well. We liked it so much that we went to see it again with my three young daughters. They were all touched by the film, even my youngest who is only 6 years old. Even my non-member friend said that he could feel the presence of the spirit while watching the film, and he is now investigating the church. We can't wait to see this film again and I hope that I can add it to my home library someday.

Kingdom Hospital (2004)

Just when I was getting hooked

[17 April 2004]

It took me awhile to get into this series. In fact, after watching the two-hour premiere, I almost didn't come back to watch Ep. 2. But I did, then I watched Ep. 3, and I think that's where I finally started getting hooked. Unfortunately, ABC has now put out official word that they have cancelled the series, though they will show all the remaining episodes (while based on a miniseries, King had begun writing material for a second season, which ABC has now axed). Thankfully, ABC has agreed to release the series on DVD later this year.

I've most enjoyed the episodes where you see a lot of the ghosts. I think Jodelle Micah Ferland (Mary) is just adorable, she just breaks my heart. I'm really impressed by Kett Turton (Paul and the voice of Antubis). This is the first thing I've seen him in and I think he's great. And I just love Diane Ladd as Mrs. Druse. In my opinion, the episodes in which those three figure the most prominently are the best of the series.

Unlike many others who watch this series, I have not seen Riget so I have nothing to compare Kingdom Hospital with. I do plan to see Riget (my local Blockbuster actually carries it, under the title "The Kingdom"), but I think I'll wait until this series is over, since those who have seen Riget first seem the most disappointed with this new rendition.

Definitely bizarre, but it grows on you. Stephen King stated that viewers might not see the rewards of this show right away, but if they would just stick with it they would. It's too bad that more people didn't listen, or it might have survived.

Undying (2001 Video Game)

So incredible!

[13 July 2003]

This is one of my all-time favorite games. The gorgeous graphics, frightening creatures, and incredible action make this game a must-have for any horror-game buffs. Clive Barker has brought a masterpiece to the gaming industry.

Signs (2002)

Excellent suspense

[11 September 2002]

M. Night Shyamalan has become one of my favorite directors. Though many were disappointed in 'Unbreakable', which had big shoes to fill following the successful 'Sixth Sense', 'Signs' restores Shayamalan to the top. The best horror films, in my opinion, rely largely on suspense, and 'Signs' makes an art of it. I was never quite sure until the very end if the outcome for the Hess family would be positive or negative. The acting of all the main stars is simply stellar.

This film had plenty of moments that made me jump, which I don't do very easily. However, it was not overdone to the point of predictability. And in true Shyamalan fashion, the "signs" are everywhere, but not usually realized until the end.

I truly enjoyed this film. If you want a good suspenseful movie, this is the film for you. If you're expecting a whiz-bang special effects 'Aliens' type movie, this is not it. This is a thoughtful movie, a subtle movie, and pay-attention-to-the-little-details movie. And an excellent movie.

Once Were Warriors (1994)

Gripping and Powerful

[19 June 2002]

I just saw this movie and thought it was excellent. Very disturbing as well, but deep and thoughtful. The cast was excellent, especially Temuera Morrison and Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell. I believe it is difficult to play a tormented soul without coming across as silly, but these actors managed to pull it off very well. Now what I want to know is, where can I get a copy of What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? It isn't available at any video store in my area, nor from Amazon.com!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Simply spectacular!!

[28 May 2002]

I have now seen this movie four times! I have never been motivated to see any movie in a theater more than once. I thought this movie was absolutely fantastic. I don't know how some people found it boring. I get bored pretty easily, but I was hooked from the first minute. I also have to say that I don't agree with those who say you should read the book first. If you want to go in without any preconceived ideas, and want to be surprised, see the movie first. I did. In fact, I knew almost nothing about the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I had never read the books or The Hobbit. All I knew was that some Hobbit named Frodo had to get rid of an evil ring. Well, I had no trouble following what was going on, or keeping the characters straight. I'm glad I saw the movie first. I've now read the first book, but I refuse to read the second or third books until I've seen the movies. I don't want to spoil any surprises!!

I just can't say enough good things about this movie. I would recommend it to everyone.