Always a brides maid, never a bride. That is the theme of this chick flick. I went and saw the sneak preview the other night. The entire theatre was female, wait I take that back, there was one lone man in a baseball cap near the top. I am certain he was dragged there by his, wife, girlfriend, or possibly daughters...and I feel for him. This movie is about Jane who has been not just a brides maid, but a maid of honor 27 times and she has the dresses to prove it. A wedding columnist discovers her unique perspective on weddings and begins to tail her.
27 Dresses starts out really well and you think that you are in for an hour and a half of fun and fluff, but then it takes a turn and tries desperately to be full of heart. It never really comes together as none of the characters, including Katherine Heigl, are very likeable. I didn't hate this movie, but it is by no means a memorable romantic comedy.
** Rentable
PG-13 (language and some sexual content)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
So I didn't see the first National Treasure. I don't know that it really matters as I seemed fully able to follow the new story without the aid of the previously mentioned movie. It would seem in this episode, Ben Gates (Cage) is trying to clear the name of his great-great grandfather, Thomas Gates, who has been accused as one of the masterminds behind the Lincoln assassination. To do this he must prove that Thomas Gates was listed amongst the conspirators because he had information to an ancient American Indian treasure and that the confederates were after it. How does he prove this?....find the treasure.
Although the idea is kind of fun...the movie is not. Much like The Da Vinci Code, they pull information out of no where, which isn't that much fun to watch. Part of the whole "going to the movies" experience is in fact visual, so when you don't get to see how someone is figuring out clues, but just pulling it out of thin air and rushing around--eh, not so much fun. The dialogue is hokey and Nicolas Cage is too old, his hair looks fake. Oh but for those of you that are in love with this new action adventure series, fear not, they blatantly inform us of soon to be part 3.
** Rentable
Rated PG (for some violence)
Although the idea is kind of fun...the movie is not. Much like The Da Vinci Code, they pull information out of no where, which isn't that much fun to watch. Part of the whole "going to the movies" experience is in fact visual, so when you don't get to see how someone is figuring out clues, but just pulling it out of thin air and rushing around--eh, not so much fun. The dialogue is hokey and Nicolas Cage is too old, his hair looks fake. Oh but for those of you that are in love with this new action adventure series, fear not, they blatantly inform us of soon to be part 3.
** Rentable
Rated PG (for some violence)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Alvin and The Chipmunks
Fortunately nobody vomited during this movie, which is a good sign I guess. Since I worked on "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The video game" for the new movie, the company I work for took us all to it. We do that for all the movie-games we work on. Needless to say expectations were very low going in, and that helped. It's actually entertaining, quite mediocre, but not terrible, it makes you laugh at parts. There's actually a joke with helium that is quite unexpected and quite funny. Kids will probably enjoy this movie a lot, parents will find it somewhat barable. Don't rush to your local theater, unless your kids really want to see this or you are a die-hard Chipmunks fan.
And go buy "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The videogame" for your Wii, Playstation, Nintendo DS or PC today. Keep in mind the videogame is also for kids, but keep an eye out for the animation, I did most of the Alvin animations for the game.
**
And go buy "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The videogame" for your Wii, Playstation, Nintendo DS or PC today. Keep in mind the videogame is also for kids, but keep an eye out for the animation, I did most of the Alvin animations for the game.
**
I am Legend
Well this was one movie experience that I will probably never forget. So I head to the midnight showing of I am Legend, IMAX version. The tickets were bought online for the 11:59 showing. I arrived at the theatre at 11:30...my mistake. The theatre was totally packed and I ended up in the handicap seats right in the middle of the front row, just below the railing. Not great, but not all that horrid. So I sit there chit chatting waiting for the movie to begin. When suddenly the guy behind me projectile vomits, yes I said vomit. Spewing vile chunks of popcorn, soda, and just a "little bit" of Jack Daniels all over the railing and onto the floor. Luckily the railing protected me from the acid rain and I escaped relatively unscathed. Unfortunately so did the vomiter. He just stood up and left, leaving the abominable residue cascading all over the seats, floor, and wall....the smell was...pungent to say the least. Now I mention all of this, because as I said before, the theatre is packed and there is really no where else to go. Those sitting next to the PRIME seats, now stewing in acid fled the scene quickly. One girl started crying. After about 10 minutes some poor underpaid employee was sent in to clean it up, he had that special throw-up powder and some delightful spray. Poor kid.
So the movie starts, or the previews do. Now this is an important part as one (of the two) previews was the new Batman Movie: The Dark Night. (Only playing in IMAX theatres). Honestly, this preview alone is worth seeing the movie for, I must say that this Batman looks to be one of the most gritty. It was AWESOME! Yes, I just said awesome.
I am Legend is about a lone man that survived the spread of a man made virus that wiped out the human race. Honestly I don't know that I can say more than that. I don't want to spoil anything. This is a "on the edge of your seat" type movie that was unexpectedly so much fun. Will Smith was great and although I would classify this movie as a horror genre don't be swayed by that. You maybe constantly on edge, but there are thought provoking scenes throughout the movie that are so well done. The CGI is AMAZING, and the cinematography is great. You find yourself thinking, "how did they do this"? This is not a movie that will go down in history, it is another Will Smith flick--but something I would see again--preferably without the vomit.
*** MUST SEE
Rated PG-13 (for violence)
So the movie starts, or the previews do. Now this is an important part as one (of the two) previews was the new Batman Movie: The Dark Night. (Only playing in IMAX theatres). Honestly, this preview alone is worth seeing the movie for, I must say that this Batman looks to be one of the most gritty. It was AWESOME! Yes, I just said awesome.
I am Legend is about a lone man that survived the spread of a man made virus that wiped out the human race. Honestly I don't know that I can say more than that. I don't want to spoil anything. This is a "on the edge of your seat" type movie that was unexpectedly so much fun. Will Smith was great and although I would classify this movie as a horror genre don't be swayed by that. You maybe constantly on edge, but there are thought provoking scenes throughout the movie that are so well done. The CGI is AMAZING, and the cinematography is great. You find yourself thinking, "how did they do this"? This is not a movie that will go down in history, it is another Will Smith flick--but something I would see again--preferably without the vomit.
*** MUST SEE
Rated PG-13 (for violence)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Golden Compass
Ok so I went and saw the Golden Compass the other day. Mind you I went in blind, not knowing anything about the book or the controversy that it has caused with the Bible Belt. Sooooo....the movie itself is about a little girl Lyra that lives in a world where your soul does not live inside your body, but walks around next to you in the shape of an animal and is referred to as your "daemon" pronounced demon. Lyra, an orphan has been raised at a Cambroxford type University, where her guardian Uncle stops in to check on her from time to time. He however has caused a wrinkle in the perfectly pressed life of the Magisterium by discovering the source of "dust". Lyra is in possession of a Golden Compass that only she can decipher and the Magisterium wants it. In the mean time her Uncle is in pursuit of dust, the magic that connects worlds together.
If this sounds confusing, good. It should. The movie itself has some really fun special effects, but there is extremely limited storyline or plot to be found. Most likely because in the process of adaptation the screenwriter left out all of the religious content. Religious content you ask? Well if you are like me and somewhat ignorant when it comes to literature, let me give you a readers digest version of the book. CAUTION: This could be considered a spoiler: Ok so in the book the Magisterium is referred to as the "Church" and Lyra's Uncle who feels that the Church has far too much control over peoples lives sets out to study the dust so that he can rid the world of original sin. His plan; to kill God. *Gasp*
So there you have the major plot point. However it is missing entirely from the movie, which unfortunately leaves the movie like an empty shell. Cool on the outside but nothing holding it together. It makes very little sense and even the little bit that does loses steam about half way into it. The end is a shameless plea for a sequel, but I doubt there really is a need for one.
** Rentable
Rated PG-13 (for violence)
If this sounds confusing, good. It should. The movie itself has some really fun special effects, but there is extremely limited storyline or plot to be found. Most likely because in the process of adaptation the screenwriter left out all of the religious content. Religious content you ask? Well if you are like me and somewhat ignorant when it comes to literature, let me give you a readers digest version of the book. CAUTION: This could be considered a spoiler: Ok so in the book the Magisterium is referred to as the "Church" and Lyra's Uncle who feels that the Church has far too much control over peoples lives sets out to study the dust so that he can rid the world of original sin. His plan; to kill God. *Gasp*
So there you have the major plot point. However it is missing entirely from the movie, which unfortunately leaves the movie like an empty shell. Cool on the outside but nothing holding it together. It makes very little sense and even the little bit that does loses steam about half way into it. The end is a shameless plea for a sequel, but I doubt there really is a need for one.
** Rentable
Rated PG-13 (for violence)
Monday, December 3, 2007
Slug watches "Churchball"
I finally had surgery on my gimpy right knee on Wednesday morning. HALLELUJAH!! I only tore my acl 4 months ago, so needless to say, I'm glad to have the surgery in the rearview mirror. So for the next 4 weeks I look forward to being back at my parents, laying like a slug on the couch, able to do nothing but elevate my leg and watch movies. And then 6 months of rehab. So if you see me sometime in the next 6 months, don't be surprised if I'm a little more huskie than you remember me being, extended periods of inactivity and mom feeding you every meal will do that to you. But anyway, in my sluggified state, my parents recieved their new Netflix movie, "Church Ball". A film depicting the violent world that is Mormon Church Basketball, aka the brawl that starts with a prayer. The movie is kind of dumb but actually quite funny, especially to those of you who've had any experience with real church ball. I saw Hulk Hogan on Jay Leno once say professional wrestling is nothing compaired to Mormon church basketball. The character that has a swearing problem was particularly entertaining, he had me laughing quite a bit, they bleep out his swearing which somehow makes it even more funny.
I recommend renting it, especially if you've played church ball.
**
I recommend renting it, especially if you've played church ball.
**
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pointless
I for some reason saw "Beowulf". Terrible decision. I told myself I wouldn't see it since it is made with "motion capture" and not animation. And since I am an animator, it's putting animators out of work, but not really, since even with mo-cap, they need animators to go in and fix things up. Making an entire movie with motion capture is very pointless to me. The purpose of animation is characterization, such as any Pixar or Dreamworks film, or using it as a stunt double for actors. Mo-cap is great in some instances, such as Golum in "Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong". But to do mo-cap just because you can is so dumb. In "Beowulf" they try to make the characters look real but you can tell they're not. Our eyes are experts in what a human face and body should move like, so we can tell when something doesn't look right. The faces and bodies are chubby and they don't move right. It's as if they only animated the eyes and mouths, and don't add all the essential subtle movements in the human face. I saw the 3D version which is kind of cool in parts but still pretty pointless, and the glasses hurt my nose. As far as story, "Beowul" is, yes, pointless. The villain keeps coming back to life and doesn't die and the story doesn't really have a resolution. I'm thouroughly offended by Robert Zemeckis and his motion capture. Animators will always be needed, get thee hence with your "hi-tech" movies and mo-cap ways. The fight Beowulf has with a dragon is entertaining, but there's no need to see this movie.
*
*
Enchanted
Giselle a young maiden on her way to marry her one true love, Prince Edward, is banished by his mother, the evil Queen Narissa to a far away land...Manhattan.
This is actually quite clever, the way they take all of the "Princess" stories and kind of blend them into one. Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty...they are all there. The film does start a little slow and takes a while to set up the story, but once it does it is sweet and charming. Not as Enchanting as I expected it to be...but still fun.
*** Must See
Rated PG (for Mild innuendo)
This is actually quite clever, the way they take all of the "Princess" stories and kind of blend them into one. Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty...they are all there. The film does start a little slow and takes a while to set up the story, but once it does it is sweet and charming. Not as Enchanting as I expected it to be...but still fun.
*** Must See
Rated PG (for Mild innuendo)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Buzz-Zzzzzz
I saw Bee Movie over the weekend. Sorry Dreamworks, you're still not up to Pixar's level. Shrek 1, 2 and Over the Hedge were worthy efforts (unfortunately Shrek 4 & 5 are in the works.) Technically they're right there with Pixar, but in terms of story, where it really matters, Dreamworks is lagging. It was a fun movie, but kind of slow, and just didn't have the "heart" and story that every Pixar film has had. It's pretty funny throughout but there's only about 2 parts that made me "LOL" as the instant messengers say, but the humor is somewhat Seinfeld-esque which is enjoyable at times. The character design is a little weird for the lead character, Barry Bee Benson, voiced by Mr. Seinfeld himself. Maybe it was his tiny nose and hair, something weird about it. And the lead human character, voiced by the annoying Renee Zelweiger, is a little weird in the face, maybe the eyes are too close together, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The animation is great and the look and design of the movie (sets, textures, rendering) is very well done. Better luck with your next one Dreamworks, Kung-Fu Panda, starring the voice talent of Jack Black. Judging from the trailer, which plays with Bee Movie, I think the panda will follow in the steps of the bee. Although the character design looks great. As for Bee Movie, I give it **1/2.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
American Gangster
American Gangster follows the real life story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and his rise to power as a crime boss. It also tells the parallel story of Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) the police officer that is eventually asked to bring Lucas in.
Well it isn’t exactly the Godfather or Goodfellas for that matter in fact I think that it is more like a Serpico, which in my opinion makes it an interesting movie. As it is based on a true story it takes its time giving you all the bits and pieces of information, perhaps more time than necessary, and because of that you find yourself liking Lucas more than you should.
Unlike Matt I wasn’t disappointed by the movie—perhaps because after his review I went in with much lower expectations. The police story line in my opinion is much more interesting and again reminds me of Serpico. Nevertheless it is shot really well and you are sucked in right from the start. I think that Matt’s comparison of Frank Lucas to Anakin Skywalker is kind of stretch. Nothing can be that bad. But I get what he meant and agree it wasn’t poignant enough.
Extremely interesting and very well done—expect to hear Oscar buzz for both Washington and Crowe.
***
Rated R (for violence, drugs, language, nudity and sexuality)
Well it isn’t exactly the Godfather or Goodfellas for that matter in fact I think that it is more like a Serpico, which in my opinion makes it an interesting movie. As it is based on a true story it takes its time giving you all the bits and pieces of information, perhaps more time than necessary, and because of that you find yourself liking Lucas more than you should.
Unlike Matt I wasn’t disappointed by the movie—perhaps because after his review I went in with much lower expectations. The police story line in my opinion is much more interesting and again reminds me of Serpico. Nevertheless it is shot really well and you are sucked in right from the start. I think that Matt’s comparison of Frank Lucas to Anakin Skywalker is kind of stretch. Nothing can be that bad. But I get what he meant and agree it wasn’t poignant enough.
Extremely interesting and very well done—expect to hear Oscar buzz for both Washington and Crowe.
***
Rated R (for violence, drugs, language, nudity and sexuality)
Monday, November 5, 2007
I am ashamed...
...because, I actually paid $8.50, shame for you Californians that have to pay $15 to see a movie, to see one of the worst movies I've ever seen......"Dragon Wars" or as it is know online, "D-War". It was in theaters for probably the length of the movie, just under two hours, and I was stupid enough to see it. It's not may fault! They used words like "dragons" and, and "wars" to suck me into the theater! As some of you may know, I'm an animator and I love special fx, so the idea of a movie about a war, with dragons....seemed pretty cool........fraid not. It was made in Korea I believe and the fx are actually pretty good, but those in no way make up for the horrid, horrid story and acting. One of the stars is the guy who plays Darryl from "The Office" in the warehouse. I don't even know why I'm sharing this information with the public, so continue to laugh and check out the trailer, and then continue to laugh. And then maybe rent it or put it on your Netflix list so you can have a greater appreciation of you laughter and perhaps continue your laughter...I am shamed.
Lars and the Real Girl
Lars (Ryan Gosling) is an extreme introvert. Despite his sister-in-law, Karen's attempts to bring him out of his shell and make him feel part of the family, he continues to ostracize himself from them and would be friends. One day to the surprise of Karen and his brother, Gus, Lars announces that he has a guest, a girl from Brazil, named Bianca. His family is only too thrilled to meet his new friend only to find out that she is a life size doll. After consulting their doctor, his family, along with the entire town decide to go along with this delusion.
If you appreciate independent film you will enjoy this movie and it's over all "Sundance feel." Although slowly paced the movie is fun and humorous without being campy. The entire town seems to grow from this experience and although totally over-the-top, is remarkably sweet.
A Must See*** 1/2
Rated PG-13 (most likely because of what the doll is suppose to be used for)
If you appreciate independent film you will enjoy this movie and it's over all "Sundance feel." Although slowly paced the movie is fun and humorous without being campy. The entire town seems to grow from this experience and although totally over-the-top, is remarkably sweet.
A Must See*** 1/2
Rated PG-13 (most likely because of what the doll is suppose to be used for)
Dan in Real Life
Dan in Real Life is about a widower advise columnist that goes to a family reunion with his three daughters. The girls each have reasons to be upset with their dad and he finds himself alone in a book store, where he meets the girl of his dreams only to find out that she is dating his brother.
Awesome in its awkwardness! This movie is filled with uncomfortable moments that will literally make you writhe in your seat. However unlike in Meet the Parents where the protagonist is constantly faced with over-the-top obnoxious situations, Dan is in simple everyday REAL situations that make life painful. This does however tend to make the movie a tad on the sad side, it is still cute despite the never ending awkward moments.
** Rentable
Rated PG-13 (for some innuendo)
Awesome in its awkwardness! This movie is filled with uncomfortable moments that will literally make you writhe in your seat. However unlike in Meet the Parents where the protagonist is constantly faced with over-the-top obnoxious situations, Dan is in simple everyday REAL situations that make life painful. This does however tend to make the movie a tad on the sad side, it is still cute despite the never ending awkward moments.
** Rentable
Rated PG-13 (for some innuendo)
Digital Video Disc
I have no idea if that's what DVD stands for, but that sounds about right, doesn't sound made up....I'll run with it.
Anyway, "Transformers" came out a few weeks ago on DVD and if you saw it in the theater, good work, what a fun movie, especially on the big screen. I am not ashamed to say, well maybe a little, let's say I'm not ashamed to say to people who know me, that I saw it in the theater 4 times. Hey, I'm a special fx freak and they don't come much better than they do in Transformers. And I'm an animator, so it was also research...yeah. Well, if you didn't see it in theaters, shame on you, you can still see it in IMAX theaters I believe, so you can get the theater experience. I've yet to see it on an IMAX screen, but I imagine it would be awesome, and it has added footage, not seen in the original theatrical release, however, as most never-before-seen footage, I'm sure it wasn't "seen before" for a reason. But at least rent or just buy the dvd, you won't regret it. It's action packed, ground breaking special fx, really funny, a lot of fun.....aaand it has two extremely attractive girls in it, Megan Fox and some blonde Australian chick, wow. And the voice of Optimus Prime is done by the guy that did it for the original cartoons, Peter Cullen, his voice is great.
Oh and Disney/Pixar's "Ratatouille" comes out on DVD tomorrow, definitely go pick that one up. I saw it twice in the theater, again, research, and it's a goal/dream of mine to work for Pixar. I loved it, Pixar is to date flawless with their films, Ratatouille continues that. It's a buyable dvd.
Anyway, "Transformers" came out a few weeks ago on DVD and if you saw it in the theater, good work, what a fun movie, especially on the big screen. I am not ashamed to say, well maybe a little, let's say I'm not ashamed to say to people who know me, that I saw it in the theater 4 times. Hey, I'm a special fx freak and they don't come much better than they do in Transformers. And I'm an animator, so it was also research...yeah. Well, if you didn't see it in theaters, shame on you, you can still see it in IMAX theaters I believe, so you can get the theater experience. I've yet to see it on an IMAX screen, but I imagine it would be awesome, and it has added footage, not seen in the original theatrical release, however, as most never-before-seen footage, I'm sure it wasn't "seen before" for a reason. But at least rent or just buy the dvd, you won't regret it. It's action packed, ground breaking special fx, really funny, a lot of fun.....aaand it has two extremely attractive girls in it, Megan Fox and some blonde Australian chick, wow. And the voice of Optimus Prime is done by the guy that did it for the original cartoons, Peter Cullen, his voice is great.
Oh and Disney/Pixar's "Ratatouille" comes out on DVD tomorrow, definitely go pick that one up. I saw it twice in the theater, again, research, and it's a goal/dream of mine to work for Pixar. I loved it, Pixar is to date flawless with their films, Ratatouille continues that. It's a buyable dvd.
Movie Buzz...
Barry Bee Benson discovers the wonders of life outside the hive only to uncover that humans are stealing honey from the Bee's. In an effort to set things right, Barry sues the human race, upsetting the whole natural balance of the earth.
Amazing CGI, the colors alone make watching this extremely fun. If you enjoyed Seinfeld and appreciate his type of humor you will love this movie. It it clever and witty and the type of movie that you will glean something new from every time you see it. The attention to the visual details make up for the lack of plot. In my opinion, not as good as A Bugs Life, but still very cute and entertaining.
*** A Must See
Rated PG
Amazing CGI, the colors alone make watching this extremely fun. If you enjoyed Seinfeld and appreciate his type of humor you will love this movie. It it clever and witty and the type of movie that you will glean something new from every time you see it. The attention to the visual details make up for the lack of plot. In my opinion, not as good as A Bugs Life, but still very cute and entertaining.
*** A Must See
Rated PG
What up Gangsta!
Well it's good to now be part of the blogging world. My sister, Mandy and I are always chatting on instant messenger about the goodness and horridness of movies so we figured we should start a blog. Now, my sister got her masters in screenwriting and I don't enjoy writing papers so don't mock my grammatical skills. I think some blogs are really fun so hopefully this one shall entertain you....enjoy:
So I saw the movie "American Gangster", starring Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe, over the weekend with my friends Morgan, Gabe and his wife Malorie.
I think the hype of this movie kind of hurt my viewing of it. Hype tends to do that with everthing, get's your hopes up and it's never as good as you think it'll be, i.e. Star Wars prequels, Godzilla (I actually really liked the '98 remake, a guilty pleasure of mine), Jurassic Park 2 & 3, Sam Bowie, etc. In fact, I think the only thing to ever be better than the hype was Lebron James. Anyway, back to the movie. It was good, but not instant gangster film classic good. The acting is great and the story is amazing, it's a true story, but the ending, particularly Denzel's character, Frank Lucas' change of heart, is kind of, oh....Anaking Skywalker's joining the darkside-ish, but turning good. It's like, "I was the worst person in the world.....but alright....I'll be good now."
I shall give it **1/2 out of ****. Rentable.
Aaaand as far as cool new previews played with it, "The Dark Knight", sequel to Batman Begins looks really cool, can't wait. And the new Will Smith movie, "I Am Legend" looks better with each new trailer. It's looks like "Last Man on Earth" mixed with any zombie movie you can think of, kind of creepy. Check them both out online. Best places to watch new trailers by the way, www.apple.com/trailers/, yahoo.com and aol.com, in their movie sections.
So I saw the movie "American Gangster", starring Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe, over the weekend with my friends Morgan, Gabe and his wife Malorie.
I think the hype of this movie kind of hurt my viewing of it. Hype tends to do that with everthing, get's your hopes up and it's never as good as you think it'll be, i.e. Star Wars prequels, Godzilla (I actually really liked the '98 remake, a guilty pleasure of mine), Jurassic Park 2 & 3, Sam Bowie, etc. In fact, I think the only thing to ever be better than the hype was Lebron James. Anyway, back to the movie. It was good, but not instant gangster film classic good. The acting is great and the story is amazing, it's a true story, but the ending, particularly Denzel's character, Frank Lucas' change of heart, is kind of, oh....Anaking Skywalker's joining the darkside-ish, but turning good. It's like, "I was the worst person in the world.....but alright....I'll be good now."
I shall give it **1/2 out of ****. Rentable.
Aaaand as far as cool new previews played with it, "The Dark Knight", sequel to Batman Begins looks really cool, can't wait. And the new Will Smith movie, "I Am Legend" looks better with each new trailer. It's looks like "Last Man on Earth" mixed with any zombie movie you can think of, kind of creepy. Check them both out online. Best places to watch new trailers by the way, www.apple.com/trailers/, yahoo.com and aol.com, in their movie sections.
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