I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
Channing Tatum continues to try his darndest to break away from being the lughead that his face so clearly was built for. I think he'll get better, as long as the roles allow him the chance to actually act. Jamie Bell is pretty consistent, so no complaints there.
It was just rather generic. Nothing you haven't seen before from countless period action/adventure films. I'd hoped for a bit more mystery attached to the missing Eagle of the Ninth and to the Ninth Legion in general, but the actual acquisition of said Eagle was almost too easy, and lacking in any real intrigue.
Overall, pretty to look at and relatively engaging, but ultimately forgettable. I think someone needs to re-invent the sword and sandal film quick, or else more and more of these Gladiator wannabes will continue to make a pretty fantastic genre go stale.
Buy? - Nope.
Side Note - Romans should never have American accents. All Romans had British accents. We all know this to be true. Just ask history.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
Not bad. First and foremost, this is a Western, and not a post-Unforgiven Western, but one you'd see John Ford make, or even Sergio Leone. Why? Because this one moves at a leisurely pace.
I think one of the reasons critics were so unenthused by this film is because it lacks a lot of the panache you'd expect from a movie of this calibre, and during this time of year. It's not flashy, and it's not quick or witty or anything. It is different. I think it almost prides itself on it, which may be its biggest downfall.
I stand by my thought that had this come out in the late 90s or early 2000s, it'd have been hailed as great fun. I think we've managed to dilute our blockbusters even further than they were a mere 10 years ago, to where they're so pre-packaged and glossy that anything that bucks that trend (or simply regresses backwards) could be construed as lazy, or dull.
I don't think audiences will latch onto it, though. After seeing it, I figured its audience was limited. But, I was entertained. I liked what I saw. It did feel almost vintage though, in its pace and tone.
I don't get the complaints about tone, though. I never felt like this was trying to be anything but a western with sci-fi overtones. I heard someone mention it trying to be a parody, which made me laugh. Blazing Saddles is a parody. Austin Powers is a parody. This is not.
Not what I'd hoped for (I think maybe Jon Favreau wasn't the best person for the job, mostly because going from the quick and funny Iron Man films to something more serious will probably hurt more than help), but still a nice distraction. Certainly better than 80% of what comes out these days, so take that into account.
Buy? - Maybe. Discounted Blu-ray perhaps. I need to see it again before I decide.
Side Note - Please, people: just because you see six screenwriters on screen does not mean six people tackled this script at six different occasions. Three of those writers were ONE team. The other two were also a team. And a screen story credit hardly implies that the last writer had much to do with the final script. Come on, people. Let's get real.
I think one of the reasons critics were so unenthused by this film is because it lacks a lot of the panache you'd expect from a movie of this calibre, and during this time of year. It's not flashy, and it's not quick or witty or anything. It is different. I think it almost prides itself on it, which may be its biggest downfall.
I stand by my thought that had this come out in the late 90s or early 2000s, it'd have been hailed as great fun. I think we've managed to dilute our blockbusters even further than they were a mere 10 years ago, to where they're so pre-packaged and glossy that anything that bucks that trend (or simply regresses backwards) could be construed as lazy, or dull.
I don't think audiences will latch onto it, though. After seeing it, I figured its audience was limited. But, I was entertained. I liked what I saw. It did feel almost vintage though, in its pace and tone.
I don't get the complaints about tone, though. I never felt like this was trying to be anything but a western with sci-fi overtones. I heard someone mention it trying to be a parody, which made me laugh. Blazing Saddles is a parody. Austin Powers is a parody. This is not.
Not what I'd hoped for (I think maybe Jon Favreau wasn't the best person for the job, mostly because going from the quick and funny Iron Man films to something more serious will probably hurt more than help), but still a nice distraction. Certainly better than 80% of what comes out these days, so take that into account.
Buy? - Maybe. Discounted Blu-ray perhaps. I need to see it again before I decide.
Side Note - Please, people: just because you see six screenwriters on screen does not mean six people tackled this script at six different occasions. Three of those writers were ONE team. The other two were also a team. And a screen story credit hardly implies that the last writer had much to do with the final script. Come on, people. Let's get real.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Unknown (2011)
This was a fantasy film. No question. Why? Because there is zero logic to it whatsoever. Okay, maybe not ZERO logic, but the last act of the film is dependent upon you pretty much throwing logic out the window, and indulging yourself in a ridiculous action sequence. I didn't buy it.
I wish I could spoil it, but it'd ruin the whole conceit behind the film, and while I'd love to do that and save you a Netflix or Redbox rental, I won't. I mean, the rest of the film was intriguing, so there's that. I don't remember being bored or uninterested, except for during some incredibly awkward acting that ensues while Mr. Neeson tries to convince people that "[he's] Martin Harris!!!" Phoning it in would be a compliment. He gets better, though. So, rest assured, all you Neesonites.
Still, I just can't get over the big "twist", and the events that followed after. It just made no sense.
Buy? - No. I am a Diane Kruger fan, but not THAT much of a Diane Kruger fan.
Side Note - I am not, however, a January Jones fan. Between this and X-Men: First Class, she's proven to be about as wooden an actress as ever to grace cinema. She's beautiful, but someone needs to buy that girl some acting classes. And maybe an Extra Value Meal, you know, because she's skinny?
I wish I could spoil it, but it'd ruin the whole conceit behind the film, and while I'd love to do that and save you a Netflix or Redbox rental, I won't. I mean, the rest of the film was intriguing, so there's that. I don't remember being bored or uninterested, except for during some incredibly awkward acting that ensues while Mr. Neeson tries to convince people that "[he's] Martin Harris!!!" Phoning it in would be a compliment. He gets better, though. So, rest assured, all you Neesonites.
Still, I just can't get over the big "twist", and the events that followed after. It just made no sense.
Buy? - No. I am a Diane Kruger fan, but not THAT much of a Diane Kruger fan.
Side Note - I am not, however, a January Jones fan. Between this and X-Men: First Class, she's proven to be about as wooden an actress as ever to grace cinema. She's beautiful, but someone needs to buy that girl some acting classes. And maybe an Extra Value Meal, you know, because she's skinny?
Bingeflix - Big Fan (2009)
I have a hard time with sports fans who are so undyingly loyal to their respective sports team, that it makes them semi-retarded, socially speaking. I see this a lot on the college level, especially from my alma mater (where they fancy their football and basketball teams anointed from on high, I kid you not). It makes me sad for them.
This film basks in that insanity, and puts it on trial, ultimately saying in the end that fandom will win out, no matter what awful, terrible things one fan in particular has to endure. I took issue with that. Probably because I just don't get it, and I never will, so in the end it seems silly. I'm not even that much of a movie fan to ever completely rid my life of any sense of normalcy in order to fully commit myself to something I have no control over. It'd just drive me insane.
Patton Oswalt is just incredible in it, though. He's impressed me quite frequently as a serious act-or, specifically his work on United States of Tara, where he had to handle some heavy stuff.
Overall, it's a well-made movie, but one I couldn't get completely behind because of the numbskull protagonist and his misguided life choices. I'll just never understand the point of it all.
Buy? - Nope. It's not a downer, but it is hard to watch at some points. Movies like this just aren't re-watchable, unless you find it funny or something. And in that case, shame on you.
Side Note - The guy they cast as Patton Oswalt's brother isn't actually Patton Oswalt's brother, but you'll swear it is.
Up Next - The Tiger and the Snow (2005)
This film basks in that insanity, and puts it on trial, ultimately saying in the end that fandom will win out, no matter what awful, terrible things one fan in particular has to endure. I took issue with that. Probably because I just don't get it, and I never will, so in the end it seems silly. I'm not even that much of a movie fan to ever completely rid my life of any sense of normalcy in order to fully commit myself to something I have no control over. It'd just drive me insane.
Patton Oswalt is just incredible in it, though. He's impressed me quite frequently as a serious act-or, specifically his work on United States of Tara, where he had to handle some heavy stuff.
Overall, it's a well-made movie, but one I couldn't get completely behind because of the numbskull protagonist and his misguided life choices. I'll just never understand the point of it all.
Buy? - Nope. It's not a downer, but it is hard to watch at some points. Movies like this just aren't re-watchable, unless you find it funny or something. And in that case, shame on you.
Side Note - The guy they cast as Patton Oswalt's brother isn't actually Patton Oswalt's brother, but you'll swear it is.
Up Next - The Tiger and the Snow (2005)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Bingeflix - Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967)
One of those classics that I've always ignored, mostly because I found its politics out-dated, so I just never cared. But, I knew I SHOULD see it, because it's one of those movies, you know?
Turns out, it's pretty good. The thing about the politics is that I never figured out what the big deal was with an interracial couple. I figured the film would be a sort of comedy of errors, not quite unlike the horrid "remake" of this film with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher-Moore-Willis... BUT, back in '67, this was a very radical notion, and the fate of a couple who dared defy cultural norms was firmly planted in the land of scorn and violence. This film touched on that, and raised serious questions about what it means to be a radical, and if that's really the most rational kind of person to be at any given point in time.
All in all, a fine experience. It moves like a movie from that era would move, so be aware of that. Not a brisk, densely plotted film. It's a talkie, in the truest sense of the word. There is a car accident, though, if that moves you. Sexually.
Buy? - No. Not something I'd pull out over and over again. It's something you show high school students, but not your kids. Unless they're racists. Or into car crashes. Sexually.
Side Note - True story, there is actually a movie about people who get turned on by car crashes. It's called Crash, and you can blame David Cronenberg for it.
Up Next - Big Fan (2009)
Turns out, it's pretty good. The thing about the politics is that I never figured out what the big deal was with an interracial couple. I figured the film would be a sort of comedy of errors, not quite unlike the horrid "remake" of this film with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher-Moore-Willis... BUT, back in '67, this was a very radical notion, and the fate of a couple who dared defy cultural norms was firmly planted in the land of scorn and violence. This film touched on that, and raised serious questions about what it means to be a radical, and if that's really the most rational kind of person to be at any given point in time.
All in all, a fine experience. It moves like a movie from that era would move, so be aware of that. Not a brisk, densely plotted film. It's a talkie, in the truest sense of the word. There is a car accident, though, if that moves you. Sexually.
Buy? - No. Not something I'd pull out over and over again. It's something you show high school students, but not your kids. Unless they're racists. Or into car crashes. Sexually.
Side Note - True story, there is actually a movie about people who get turned on by car crashes. It's called Crash, and you can blame David Cronenberg for it.
Up Next - Big Fan (2009)
Bingeflix - Ondine (2009)
I'm a big fan of magical realism. And not the mainstream, Liar, Liar kind, but the Local Hero, Chocolat and Purple Rose of Cairo variety. I love the notion of fantastical elements mingling with the nitty-gritty, but with hardly a wink or nod at their obvious absurdity. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a super great, and super recent example of this idea in full force.
If you haven't figured already, Ondine falls into this category. For the most part. It's about an Irish fisherman who catches a beautiful woman in his net, and proceeds to fall in love. I won't spoil things, except to say that if you're a fan of Icelandic alt-rock, then you may have a leg-up in the "didn't see that coming" department.
It's a fine movie. Great performances, especially from the little girl playing Colin Farrell's daughter, Annie. A sure-footed little actress, who is mighty fearless in her portrayal.
However, even at 90 minutes, it felt long, which is a gripe, but the movie quickly picked up again after it started to falter near the end of the second act, and it flies on through to the end.
I'm still unsure how I feel about the ending, but it makes sense. It works. It's just not the most exciting ending. It just kind of happens.
See it, if you're fan of magical realism, films based in Scottish myth (the myth of Selkies or mermaids plays a big part in this film) and/or films set in the lush gloom of Ireland. It reminded me a lot of Local Hero, which is one of my favorite films of all time, and the only film where I've been able to stomach Burt Lancaster.
Buy? - Nah. It's not for kids, and it is kind of a downer, so it's not something I'd come back to.
Side Note - This film was directed by Neil Jordan, who is arguably most famous for tricking millions of movie goers into seeing Jae Davidson's penis.
Up Next: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967)
If you haven't figured already, Ondine falls into this category. For the most part. It's about an Irish fisherman who catches a beautiful woman in his net, and proceeds to fall in love. I won't spoil things, except to say that if you're a fan of Icelandic alt-rock, then you may have a leg-up in the "didn't see that coming" department.
It's a fine movie. Great performances, especially from the little girl playing Colin Farrell's daughter, Annie. A sure-footed little actress, who is mighty fearless in her portrayal.
However, even at 90 minutes, it felt long, which is a gripe, but the movie quickly picked up again after it started to falter near the end of the second act, and it flies on through to the end.
I'm still unsure how I feel about the ending, but it makes sense. It works. It's just not the most exciting ending. It just kind of happens.
See it, if you're fan of magical realism, films based in Scottish myth (the myth of Selkies or mermaids plays a big part in this film) and/or films set in the lush gloom of Ireland. It reminded me a lot of Local Hero, which is one of my favorite films of all time, and the only film where I've been able to stomach Burt Lancaster.
Buy? - Nah. It's not for kids, and it is kind of a downer, so it's not something I'd come back to.
Side Note - This film was directed by Neil Jordan, who is arguably most famous for tricking millions of movie goers into seeing Jae Davidson's penis.
Up Next: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967)
Hearts Growing Fonder?
I'm back!
I think.
So here's the deal: I have well over 300 films and TV shows on my Netflix Instant Watch queue. A lot of those are TV shows, and some of them are movies I love that I want to watch whenever. But, the majority are films I've never seen and, for some reason, continue to not see despite being in my queue for months (and in some cases, years). So, in light of Netflix's rate hike, I've decided that I need to plow through my Netflix Instant Queue, and see as many films as I can.
See, I'm still unsure about whether I want to keep the streaming service, post the September increase, so I've decided to binge a little, and also make a little project out of it.
So here's the deal: for the next month, I will go through my Instant Watch queue, starting at the top, and FINALLY watch every movie on there (that I haven't previously seen), and then report back here. I'm calling it, "Bingeflix." It's a mash-up, like Bennifer. Or Halle Berry.
I think it sounds fun. I started yesterday with Ondine, a neat little Irish film about mermaids and liver transplants.
No set schedule for these posts, but I'll try and keep 'em regular. And short. Short is good. Short is always good.
See you in a few!
I think.
So here's the deal: I have well over 300 films and TV shows on my Netflix Instant Watch queue. A lot of those are TV shows, and some of them are movies I love that I want to watch whenever. But, the majority are films I've never seen and, for some reason, continue to not see despite being in my queue for months (and in some cases, years). So, in light of Netflix's rate hike, I've decided that I need to plow through my Netflix Instant Queue, and see as many films as I can.
See, I'm still unsure about whether I want to keep the streaming service, post the September increase, so I've decided to binge a little, and also make a little project out of it.
So here's the deal: for the next month, I will go through my Instant Watch queue, starting at the top, and FINALLY watch every movie on there (that I haven't previously seen), and then report back here. I'm calling it, "Bingeflix." It's a mash-up, like Bennifer. Or Halle Berry.
I think it sounds fun. I started yesterday with Ondine, a neat little Irish film about mermaids and liver transplants.
No set schedule for these posts, but I'll try and keep 'em regular. And short. Short is good. Short is always good.
See you in a few!
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