Pineapple Express
A new take on the stoner Film. I am no stoner, but I felt like I was while watching this film.
The recipe for this one is somewhat standard, yet modernized. It could have easily been a Cheech and Chong film that never got made until now, but I would still watch it again. Some films you watch to distract yourself from life without any hope of getting something real out of it. Though it served its purpose I felt it gave more than just entertaining me. Things wrapped up nicely as usual, but I still thought the film was endearing.
I also want to take this time to try to figure out what it is about Seth Rogen that keeps us coming back for more? Perhaps it is his all American way of dealing with life’s problems that makes him so dear to us. I have found every time you watch a Seth Rogen Movie you do feel like it is just another continuation of the last film you saw him in… yet… you don’t mind at all. Kudos, to Seth Rogen for simply being. Ha Ha.
I give this film 3 out of 5.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Doubt
Doubt
Ah, corruption in the church and the politics of a delicate nature. I am shocked there are so few films like this. Though, I am grateful of this stage adaptation.
I like the controversial topic in this one. It is one everyone can choose to be behind. Though, when there is no certainty, there is Doubt. I do like this story for this reason. How does one act when not certain? If something bad is happening to someone who cannot be helped, if they even need it that is… Oh what is a person to do? Dare you take the chance and be wrong? THOUGH, what if you are right?
In all honesty, for a film it moved all too slowly for me. Though I can see as a stage performance how it would cause natural tension which only live theater can do. The trouble is, this is not a stage play, and the time line needs to be sped up slightly to create more urgency.
Amy Adams and Meryl Steep both as usually create beautifully complex characters’ you want to understand more fully. If there is any reason to see this film it is for their performance.
I give this film 4 out of 5. When I sense the film has actually finished with a big climax I will give it 5 out of 5. Though that seems highly unlikely. :D
Ah, corruption in the church and the politics of a delicate nature. I am shocked there are so few films like this. Though, I am grateful of this stage adaptation.
I like the controversial topic in this one. It is one everyone can choose to be behind. Though, when there is no certainty, there is Doubt. I do like this story for this reason. How does one act when not certain? If something bad is happening to someone who cannot be helped, if they even need it that is… Oh what is a person to do? Dare you take the chance and be wrong? THOUGH, what if you are right?
In all honesty, for a film it moved all too slowly for me. Though I can see as a stage performance how it would cause natural tension which only live theater can do. The trouble is, this is not a stage play, and the time line needs to be sped up slightly to create more urgency.
Amy Adams and Meryl Steep both as usually create beautifully complex characters’ you want to understand more fully. If there is any reason to see this film it is for their performance.
I give this film 4 out of 5. When I sense the film has actually finished with a big climax I will give it 5 out of 5. Though that seems highly unlikely. :D
Nobel Son
Nobel Son
Here we find the same basic theme of rich parents, and a kidnapped child. Truth is, this is the film that this theme should use as a guideline to make film perfection.
I won’t lie; I was floored by the sheer awesomeness of this story. This is the reason I am a film student. Films like these. One moment you think you are absolutely certain you know what is going on, until they pull the carpet right from under your feet and you struggle to be one step ahead. Truth is, you can catch up until the end. This is what stories need to be in Hollywood. At first the pace of the film seems to cluttered and yet moving too slow, but trust it. There is a reason. Because later the film kicks into high gear and you can’t get out of your seat.
This film is so jam packed with twists and turns you are likely to get whiplash, and welcome it. This film worked in every way it possibly could have.
It is a true insult to even begin critiquing Alan Rickman in any performance he does. What is it about this actor that draws us in so well? How does this man make you wish you could sign up for one of his classes next semester? He breathes life into his character like no other actor could possibly do.
There is also no other estimation of what I think of this film, it is 100% a must see for everyone. I give this film 5 out of 5. I wish I could give it 10 out of 5.
Here we find the same basic theme of rich parents, and a kidnapped child. Truth is, this is the film that this theme should use as a guideline to make film perfection.
I won’t lie; I was floored by the sheer awesomeness of this story. This is the reason I am a film student. Films like these. One moment you think you are absolutely certain you know what is going on, until they pull the carpet right from under your feet and you struggle to be one step ahead. Truth is, you can catch up until the end. This is what stories need to be in Hollywood. At first the pace of the film seems to cluttered and yet moving too slow, but trust it. There is a reason. Because later the film kicks into high gear and you can’t get out of your seat.
This film is so jam packed with twists and turns you are likely to get whiplash, and welcome it. This film worked in every way it possibly could have.
It is a true insult to even begin critiquing Alan Rickman in any performance he does. What is it about this actor that draws us in so well? How does this man make you wish you could sign up for one of his classes next semester? He breathes life into his character like no other actor could possibly do.
There is also no other estimation of what I think of this film, it is 100% a must see for everyone. I give this film 5 out of 5. I wish I could give it 10 out of 5.
State of Play
State of Play
What we are looking at here is the typical political thriller, where we discover some politicians are playing dirty, naughty tricks. Go figure, never saw this plotline before. Whatever.
Now, even though things were pretty generic in the thematic sense, there were a few anomalies that made me think twice about calling it average. Truth was, they did not last long, did not pan out, or simply were put in to distract you- and poorly. Though, I do like the different perspective of the journalist and Politician being old friends. That I will give as being semi original.
It was very deceptive, this type of plot line has been used before, and frequently. Some things here and there are altered to give the illusion of being different from usual, but Just switch the times, places, and people, and you have seen this before.
The acting was good from one standpoint. Only one actor seemed to make this film even slightly worth watching, and that was Russell Crowe. Truth is, I am not the world biggest fan of him, but he pulled out a wonderful performance. Ben Affleck though turned out a horrible performance. [If he even performed at all.] I found a complete lack of emotion in his acting from beginning to end. There was not even one second of pure genuine feeling I got from his character and I was VERY disappointed.
Basically, I feel this film can be skipped and you would still have the same feeling before and after seeing it.
I give this film 2.5 out of 5.
What we are looking at here is the typical political thriller, where we discover some politicians are playing dirty, naughty tricks. Go figure, never saw this plotline before. Whatever.
Now, even though things were pretty generic in the thematic sense, there were a few anomalies that made me think twice about calling it average. Truth was, they did not last long, did not pan out, or simply were put in to distract you- and poorly. Though, I do like the different perspective of the journalist and Politician being old friends. That I will give as being semi original.
It was very deceptive, this type of plot line has been used before, and frequently. Some things here and there are altered to give the illusion of being different from usual, but Just switch the times, places, and people, and you have seen this before.
The acting was good from one standpoint. Only one actor seemed to make this film even slightly worth watching, and that was Russell Crowe. Truth is, I am not the world biggest fan of him, but he pulled out a wonderful performance. Ben Affleck though turned out a horrible performance. [If he even performed at all.] I found a complete lack of emotion in his acting from beginning to end. There was not even one second of pure genuine feeling I got from his character and I was VERY disappointed.
Basically, I feel this film can be skipped and you would still have the same feeling before and after seeing it.
I give this film 2.5 out of 5.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Granted I had read the book some time ago, I was thrown back into the Wizarding world yet again. This is the sixth plight of the works of J.K Rowling at its best.
As you well know there has been a battle between good in this fictional [?] world. The battle between good and evil is beginning to boil over with some serious casualties that are starting to add up.
I would not normally be analyzing the story since it is derived from a book in this feature, though since so much was left out of the story [as usually happens with literature adaptations], I felt a little peeved. ALTHOUGH, the major points were all hit… and what a hit it was. Right on the mark.
The plot moved nicely although choppy in some bits. Even though I have read the series I felt slightly confused at first with the opening sequence. It had been a while since I read the book, and felt like I had no clue what was going on. This soon faded, and I was along for the ride.
I wanted to keep this review short and simple because we all know you are going to go see it. I give this film 3.5 out of 5. I would have given a 4 if not so much of the story was rearranged and parts taken out.
Granted I had read the book some time ago, I was thrown back into the Wizarding world yet again. This is the sixth plight of the works of J.K Rowling at its best.
As you well know there has been a battle between good in this fictional [?] world. The battle between good and evil is beginning to boil over with some serious casualties that are starting to add up.
I would not normally be analyzing the story since it is derived from a book in this feature, though since so much was left out of the story [as usually happens with literature adaptations], I felt a little peeved. ALTHOUGH, the major points were all hit… and what a hit it was. Right on the mark.
The plot moved nicely although choppy in some bits. Even though I have read the series I felt slightly confused at first with the opening sequence. It had been a while since I read the book, and felt like I had no clue what was going on. This soon faded, and I was along for the ride.
I wanted to keep this review short and simple because we all know you are going to go see it. I give this film 3.5 out of 5. I would have given a 4 if not so much of the story was rearranged and parts taken out.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
David Carradine
[will post tribute video once youtube stops having a temper tantrum like a 2 yr. old.]
I would like to take a break from my usual reviews, to post of the sad passing of David Carradine. He will be missed.
I would like to take a break from my usual reviews, to post of the sad passing of David Carradine. He will be missed.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Angels and Demons
Angels and Demons
Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgaard Director: Ron Howard Studio: Sony Pictures
Usually I am the type of person who reads the book beforehand, like I did with the Davinci Code, but this time I was not able to. The good news is I don’t mind so much.
Like I usually say, when a film is based off of a book, it is hard to criticize the plot and story. So, I will keep it short and mention that I was interested where the story went, even though I could predict a few things like I always do.
The characters in this film were just like those in the Davinci Code, but in all honesty to make them counter to this, would be bad. I was very pleased with Ewan McGreggor’s performance this time around. I forgot not to trust the one in the film who seems saintly. They are usually the culprit, and he fooled me magnificently.
Cinematography, special effects, and everything else were nice and well rounded in this film. I also have to mention, it is not hard to enjoy a film when Ron Howard is the one who directed. I am pleased to review this film in a positive light.
I give this film 4 out of 5.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgaard Director: Ron Howard Studio: Sony Pictures
Usually I am the type of person who reads the book beforehand, like I did with the Davinci Code, but this time I was not able to. The good news is I don’t mind so much.
Like I usually say, when a film is based off of a book, it is hard to criticize the plot and story. So, I will keep it short and mention that I was interested where the story went, even though I could predict a few things like I always do.
The characters in this film were just like those in the Davinci Code, but in all honesty to make them counter to this, would be bad. I was very pleased with Ewan McGreggor’s performance this time around. I forgot not to trust the one in the film who seems saintly. They are usually the culprit, and he fooled me magnificently.
Cinematography, special effects, and everything else were nice and well rounded in this film. I also have to mention, it is not hard to enjoy a film when Ron Howard is the one who directed. I am pleased to review this film in a positive light.
I give this film 4 out of 5.
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