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Reviews
Beowulf (2007)
Off Somehow
After seeing this movie, I've decided that I'm not really a fan of motion capture animation for a primarily human cast. I didn't think much about it in "The Polar Express", as I assumed the primary reason for it was to attempt to emulate the illustrations of the book it was based on. I also didn't think about it much in movies like "Monster House" and "Happy Feet", as the characters were cartoons for all intents and purposes. In "Beowulf", however, I believe the use of motion capture animation caused us to lose some of the human expression that may have really helped this feature to rise to the next level. While it was fantastic in some scenes, and especially in some shots of the movie (there were extreme closeups that never could have been done with a live camera), other scenes fell short where they should not have. My new opinion of this new technology is that it should be used to enhance film-making, rather than create it's own genre. For instance, if we were to perfect this new technology, we could create and use those shots that could not be done with a live action camera in a primarily live action movie (most illustrative point is Gollum). Having said all that, I thought the story was very well put together and not at all disjointed, as so many movies lately have been. The voice work was almost all superb, and the animated surroundings of the characters were beautiful. It's really too bad that it's so difficult to connect with characters that just don't feel human enough.
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)
Surprisingly fun!
While not as fun as the original Herbie movies (The Love Bug and Herbie Rides Again), the movie is put together well without being choppy. While the plot line is predictable and the writing unmemorable, the performances are fun, making the movie run smooth. The car with a personality is still just as easy to love! Memorable performances include Matt Dillon (he must have had a lot of fun), and who doesn't like to see Michael Keaton in anything he does? Filled with some of my favorite has-beens and never-will-bes, the only disappointment was Lindsay Lohan, in one of her least memorable or cute performances. A bit of mindless fun whenever you don't need to concentrate.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Just as disturbing as I remember.
Having just watched this movie for the first time in 13 years, I was wondering if the experience would be like many of my other movie experiences (meaning that it isn't quite what I remember from childhood). It wasn't however. While I found the film just as entertaining as the other two Indiana Jones thrillers, I was just as disturbed and disgusted by the sacrifice sequences as I was at the age of 9. Once again, I was thrilled by the score, but I think the best piece, and my favorite will always be Short Round. The humor of this small pint brings a contrast to the film that I think it badly needs. All in all, a good entertaining romp.
Noleul bola america (1991)
Not really a fan
I realize that my opinion itself may be biased, as I don't normally enjoy movies stuffed to bursting with violence, but I did not enjoy this film.
Although the basic plot of this movie may be socially relevant, I would not recommend it to anyone I know. The dialogue was stinted at best, and the actors did a poor job of adding any life or imagination.
I would, however, like to point out that with the limited resources he was given to work with, Joon B. Kim (Paul) gave an excellent performance. The other actors were not nearly as good in this film, but I would like to see Jonathon Gorman (Billy) in another role, as I saw a potential there that startled me.
Unfortunately I cannot bring myself to rate this at higher than a 3. The majority of it was just so unimaginative.