Saturday, May 23, 2009
B GANGSTER MOVIE
Now for something completely irrelevant. First of a nwe line of lists is one of my favorite gangster movies of all time. I have not watched all of the gangster movies around, so Casino or a few others would not be in this list to be fair. This is a list of what I love personally as gangster flicks.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wolverine Review
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
I suppose I should be grateful. Wolverine is, after all, nowhere near as horrific as X-Men 3. Nor is it the worst superhero movie ever made, as many were expecting. So in a way it kinda beat expectations, seeing as how they were incredibly low. That's probably the best compliment you'll probably scrounge out of me.
For one thing, the story is horrific. Now, Wolverine's origins in the comics wasn't exactly topnotched. In fact it was very flawed and as such, it gave the writers unmeasurable freedom to break free from the comic story because to be honest, very few comic fans care for Wolverine's origins. He was much cooler when nobody had any idea where he came from. But instead of changing the story for the better, the writers bombarded it with cliches after cliches, each more painful the next. In fact, it seemed they were hellbent on destroying the story because they kept every aspect of Wolverine's origins that didn't work and changed the few that actually managed to show depth in Wolverine's character.
It's such a shame too, Hugh Jackman was apparantly so thrilled and passionate a film. He deserves a better movie than this as much as the character does. He does his best with the paper thin dialog given to him, but he is given no room to expand.
Then there's the endless cameos from minor characters that were obviously meant to show up just so they can get themselves a spin-off. Gambit was a shallow pretty boy with a few cool moves and nothing much else to show for it. Ryan Reynolds was actually surprisingly good and in the 10 minutes given to him at the start was actually one of the few highlights of the film. It's all the more a waste that his charcater was so mishandled later on in the film. And the lest about the appearances of Cyclops. Silverfox, Wraith, Blob, Emma Frost and Agent Zero the better.
But alright, let's give this film a fair shot. The story may be ridiculous but it should have at least the promise of being entertaining. Only that's just the thing, it's nowhere near entertaining. The action scenese were incredibly bland (the first part and the finale were the only ones that were entertaining in anyway). This is in part due to the horrendous visual effects. Really, everything looked fake. This was most obvious in a scene in which Wolverine observed his claws in a bathroom and clanged them together. The effects here look like they're straight out of the 90's. And the stunts all seem to be made of pulling actors in strings. It's all the more frustrating when you realize that they had 150 million dollars to work with, roughly the same amount it took to make the new Star Trek movie. But comparing the effects between the two is like comparing Lord of the Rings to a Muppet show. Even Wolverine and Sabertooth's fights are all the same. They fight several times throughout the movie and they all go the same way. They sneer at each other, make a cheesy line, laugh, growl, draw claws, run at each other, hit each other continuously despite the fact neither of them could get killed from any wounds either could inflict.
In the end, it's more of a missed opportunity than it is a piece of trash. That much I can be grateful. I can only hope they put more thought into making the inevitable sequels and spin-offs
5 out of 10
I suppose I should be grateful. Wolverine is, after all, nowhere near as horrific as X-Men 3. Nor is it the worst superhero movie ever made, as many were expecting. So in a way it kinda beat expectations, seeing as how they were incredibly low. That's probably the best compliment you'll probably scrounge out of me.
For one thing, the story is horrific. Now, Wolverine's origins in the comics wasn't exactly topnotched. In fact it was very flawed and as such, it gave the writers unmeasurable freedom to break free from the comic story because to be honest, very few comic fans care for Wolverine's origins. He was much cooler when nobody had any idea where he came from. But instead of changing the story for the better, the writers bombarded it with cliches after cliches, each more painful the next. In fact, it seemed they were hellbent on destroying the story because they kept every aspect of Wolverine's origins that didn't work and changed the few that actually managed to show depth in Wolverine's character.
It's such a shame too, Hugh Jackman was apparantly so thrilled and passionate a film. He deserves a better movie than this as much as the character does. He does his best with the paper thin dialog given to him, but he is given no room to expand.
Then there's the endless cameos from minor characters that were obviously meant to show up just so they can get themselves a spin-off. Gambit was a shallow pretty boy with a few cool moves and nothing much else to show for it. Ryan Reynolds was actually surprisingly good and in the 10 minutes given to him at the start was actually one of the few highlights of the film. It's all the more a waste that his charcater was so mishandled later on in the film. And the lest about the appearances of Cyclops. Silverfox, Wraith, Blob, Emma Frost and Agent Zero the better.
But alright, let's give this film a fair shot. The story may be ridiculous but it should have at least the promise of being entertaining. Only that's just the thing, it's nowhere near entertaining. The action scenese were incredibly bland (the first part and the finale were the only ones that were entertaining in anyway). This is in part due to the horrendous visual effects. Really, everything looked fake. This was most obvious in a scene in which Wolverine observed his claws in a bathroom and clanged them together. The effects here look like they're straight out of the 90's. And the stunts all seem to be made of pulling actors in strings. It's all the more frustrating when you realize that they had 150 million dollars to work with, roughly the same amount it took to make the new Star Trek movie. But comparing the effects between the two is like comparing Lord of the Rings to a Muppet show. Even Wolverine and Sabertooth's fights are all the same. They fight several times throughout the movie and they all go the same way. They sneer at each other, make a cheesy line, laugh, growl, draw claws, run at each other, hit each other continuously despite the fact neither of them could get killed from any wounds either could inflict.
In the end, it's more of a missed opportunity than it is a piece of trash. That much I can be grateful. I can only hope they put more thought into making the inevitable sequels and spin-offs
5 out of 10
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Escape from Cuba
Alright I wasn't exactly in Cuba, but I was playing Godfather 2, the game I'm mostly playing now. So I thought of something new to put up on my blog, my games! Yeah, screencaps of my playing. Here we revolve around the character I made (he looks cool, no?) as I try to bust a bank in the middle of Cuba, Castro be dammed!
Blowing up the bank. Told him to wait.
GAH COPS!
C'MON HIT ME! HAHHAHAHAHAAH!!!!
I'm sticking this stick up your a- wait that came out wrong.
Almost hooome. Oooh fireworks!
Blowing up the bank. Told him to wait.
GAH COPS!
C'MON HIT ME! HAHHAHAHAHAAH!!!!
I'm sticking this stick up your a- wait that came out wrong.
I SAID NO SUGAR WITH MY COFFEEE!!!!
Almost hooome. Oooh fireworks!
You got something on your face riiight here...
Al Pacino would be proud.
Must.. escape... cops... must... take... money... oooh ice cream!
Al Pacino would be proud.
Must.. escape... cops... must... take... money... oooh ice cream!
I want some rocky road with sprinkles on t- ah f*$#% it!
So, how's your strawberry? Personally I'm partial to vanila.
YOU. DROPPED. MY. ICE. CREAM.
Oooh what does this button d- BOOOM!
Home is just across the street!
Standard cool pose at end of impossible blood-soaked killing spree
So, how's your strawberry? Personally I'm partial to vanila.
YOU. DROPPED. MY. ICE. CREAM.
Oooh what does this button d- BOOOM!
Home is just across the street!
Standard cool pose at end of impossible blood-soaked killing spreeSunday, April 19, 2009
Quickie Reviews and my NEW BLOG!!!
Well, it's been a while since I posted much of anything. Which is quite a surprise since I usually try to find time. So to make up for it, I'm unveiling a new blog of mine! www.vitaars.blogspot.com.
There I will be posting more personal and insightful things like my thoughts on life, god, politics, self, happenings around me, women, drugs and sex. Okay, maybe not those last three, but the others are a good start. Think of it as a personal Dear Diary for me while this one here is my babble on stuff you'd actually care to read about, like when will Transformers 2 release or is Lohan crazy or what?!
Anyway, here's some very quick reviews of four films I've just watched in the last couple of days.
17 Again
I saw the trailer expecting a complete trainwreck, cementing Zac Efron as a one hit wonder, a nameless member of a cast destined to disappear after their all too quick stop in the lime light. I thought this movie would suck. Well, consider me surprise to find out that, no, it did not suck. That's probably the best compliment this film will get out of me, though considering my bedrock low expectations, consider it a tremendous leap. Efron shows a hint of comedic talent and timing, perhaps a bit of promise that I did not see in any of the HMS flicks. Matthew Perry, sadly, is only around for such little time, it's disappointing to see how underrated the man is these days. The jokes range from amusing to being actually funny, though some of the romantic scenes between Zac and an older actress tends to be a bit too awkward for my taste. Nonetheless, I didn't have a bad time. In fact I had a decent time. It's not that you should go out and see this film, in fact it's perfectly alright to watch it from your room. But if you've got nothing else better to do at the mall, this isn't really that bad a choice of a film to spend an hour and a half on.
6.5 out of 10
Marley and Me
This movie is a sweet surprise, though is surprisingly lacking in actual laughs. The trailers showed this off to be a comedy but in reality, it's a sweet ballad to life, love, family and loyalty. It's a movie filled with so much honesty and optimism that goodie-tooshoes will eat it up. As a cynic and a critic, one might find the antics, the doggie drama and the melodramatic scenarios to be tedious and boring but dog-lovers will lap it up. People such as me. I'm not afraid to admit that I teared up in the end and that it is reminiscent of movies guys would hate because they love it. Still, it's a decent film that you should give a try.
7 out of 10
Monsters V.S. Aliens
I was totally hooked in Dreamwork's entry last year, Kung Fu Panda. It was the closest they ever got to Pixar, perhaps even a bit better than Pixar's lesser. Sure it was no Ratatouille or Wall-E or Finding Nemo, but it was good, and I'll be dammed if it wasn't gorgeous. So I was a bit disappointed that this year's entry was neither as beautiful or as heart-felt, but it's good nonetheless. Definitely better than the Ice Age and definitely a a good entry. It's hilarious and cute, a good animated film for sure. But I guess that's about it. Great fun in terms of entertainment, but in terms of value, isn't doing anything to further the art.
8 out of 10
Crank 2: High Voltage
Pure, unadultered, sick and stupid fun. It was completely impossible and for a large part of the first film, it made a complete fool of itself and that was why it was so popular. It's now wonder this movie did not show itself to critics, it seems impossible to think that any respectable critic worth his salt will say any kind word about this film. But then again, this is also the kind of movie that is critic-proof since it wasn't meant to be that kind of film. In fact it's meant to be the complete opposite and it does that extremely well. This is a testosterone filled ode to the idea of fun for guys maxed to the extreme. I cannot imagine any girl who might enjoy this movie and guys, there is no way in hell you should allow them to see this lewd, gross and one hell of a fun time. Still, after the first film this is starting to get tedious and I'm starting to think that is being to overstay it's welcome. Still if you guys are into this sort of thing then you might as well give it a shot.
6 out of 10
There I will be posting more personal and insightful things like my thoughts on life, god, politics, self, happenings around me, women, drugs and sex. Okay, maybe not those last three, but the others are a good start. Think of it as a personal Dear Diary for me while this one here is my babble on stuff you'd actually care to read about, like when will Transformers 2 release or is Lohan crazy or what?!
Anyway, here's some very quick reviews of four films I've just watched in the last couple of days.
17 Again
I saw the trailer expecting a complete trainwreck, cementing Zac Efron as a one hit wonder, a nameless member of a cast destined to disappear after their all too quick stop in the lime light. I thought this movie would suck. Well, consider me surprise to find out that, no, it did not suck. That's probably the best compliment this film will get out of me, though considering my bedrock low expectations, consider it a tremendous leap. Efron shows a hint of comedic talent and timing, perhaps a bit of promise that I did not see in any of the HMS flicks. Matthew Perry, sadly, is only around for such little time, it's disappointing to see how underrated the man is these days. The jokes range from amusing to being actually funny, though some of the romantic scenes between Zac and an older actress tends to be a bit too awkward for my taste. Nonetheless, I didn't have a bad time. In fact I had a decent time. It's not that you should go out and see this film, in fact it's perfectly alright to watch it from your room. But if you've got nothing else better to do at the mall, this isn't really that bad a choice of a film to spend an hour and a half on.
6.5 out of 10
Marley and Me
This movie is a sweet surprise, though is surprisingly lacking in actual laughs. The trailers showed this off to be a comedy but in reality, it's a sweet ballad to life, love, family and loyalty. It's a movie filled with so much honesty and optimism that goodie-tooshoes will eat it up. As a cynic and a critic, one might find the antics, the doggie drama and the melodramatic scenarios to be tedious and boring but dog-lovers will lap it up. People such as me. I'm not afraid to admit that I teared up in the end and that it is reminiscent of movies guys would hate because they love it. Still, it's a decent film that you should give a try.
7 out of 10
Monsters V.S. Aliens
I was totally hooked in Dreamwork's entry last year, Kung Fu Panda. It was the closest they ever got to Pixar, perhaps even a bit better than Pixar's lesser. Sure it was no Ratatouille or Wall-E or Finding Nemo, but it was good, and I'll be dammed if it wasn't gorgeous. So I was a bit disappointed that this year's entry was neither as beautiful or as heart-felt, but it's good nonetheless. Definitely better than the Ice Age and definitely a a good entry. It's hilarious and cute, a good animated film for sure. But I guess that's about it. Great fun in terms of entertainment, but in terms of value, isn't doing anything to further the art.
8 out of 10
Crank 2: High Voltage
Pure, unadultered, sick and stupid fun. It was completely impossible and for a large part of the first film, it made a complete fool of itself and that was why it was so popular. It's now wonder this movie did not show itself to critics, it seems impossible to think that any respectable critic worth his salt will say any kind word about this film. But then again, this is also the kind of movie that is critic-proof since it wasn't meant to be that kind of film. In fact it's meant to be the complete opposite and it does that extremely well. This is a testosterone filled ode to the idea of fun for guys maxed to the extreme. I cannot imagine any girl who might enjoy this movie and guys, there is no way in hell you should allow them to see this lewd, gross and one hell of a fun time. Still, after the first film this is starting to get tedious and I'm starting to think that is being to overstay it's welcome. Still if you guys are into this sort of thing then you might as well give it a shot.
6 out of 10
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Watchmen Review!!! So is it worth your time?
Watchmen
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Jackie Earl Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Billy Cudrup and Malin Akerman
Oh Watchmen, Watchmen... what will I ever do with you? After a long screening of a full 163 minutes, Alan Moore's masterpiece has been translated, finally on screen. We have finally seen the unfilmmable film. And what is the consensus? Frustratingly delighted.
While I will not go so far as to call the film a success, it is by no means a disaster either. The fact of the matter is, the film is one of highly polarizing ingredients. But one thing for sure, is that it is by no means a normal superhero movie, just as the Dark Knight was not and just as the original Graphic Novel was not.
Fanboys may be a bit warmer to the film than anyone who had not read it before. It's clear, since in the cinema I watched it in, most of the people stood up to leave before the credits even rolled. It's not an indication of a bad film, it's simply an indication of wrong expectations. Do not come in expecting an action-packed (though it does have its fair shair of guns and brawls). Instead, Zack Snyder follows a complex narrative that follows so fervently the panels of the graphic novel, so much to a fault. What results is an overly complex, indulgent and saturated story that manages to drag somewhat in the middle section.
This is perhaps Snyder's greatest fault, his refusal to stray from the comic page. The graphic novel was full of flashbacks and cutscenes. It had hundreds of little nuances and effects that only a graphic novel can execute, and Snyder attempts so fevershly to translate it all on screen. I can't help but feel that the movie would have fared much better had Snyder taken some artistic liberties and allowed the film to flow more naturally in a coherrent timeline. One of the greatest moments of the film was one in which Snyder took full artistic responsibilites, the opening sequence and credits, which follows a montage of gorgeus scenes depicting an America gone wrong. These scenes were absent completely from the graphic novel, but were envisioned so perfectly and exectuded so beuatifully, it makes for one of the best opening scenes in quite a while. I can't help but imagine just how better a film Watchmen would be had Snyder employed the same bravado in the latter areas.
I don't care too much also for some of the music chosen for the film. Zack Snyder seems to have put together a variety of old songs that range from brilliantly fitting to simply awkward. This showed even in the trailers in which the first featured a spine-chilling rendition of Smashing Pumpkins' "The End is the Beginning of the End" while the second trailer simply seemed poorly placed to the tune.
Then there's the actors, some of which are terribly miscart. Adrian Veidt, the world's smartest man, is now also the most cynical. A far cry from the gentle, peace-loving philosopher of the novel. Akerman certainly plays well the role of on-screen whore, and while her sexuality is evident, her acting still leaves much to be desired.
Still, some give an admirable performance, from an sad, sexually insecure Wilson as Niteowl to a tragic yet hate-filled turn from Morgan as the Comedian. Yet it is Haley as Rorsharch that steals the show. He is essentially to this movie what Joker was to The Dark Knight, a driving force of the narrative, a scene chewer and the backbone of the haunting message Watchmen delivers in a tour-de-force of depressing emotions. He ranges from frightening, a psycopathic vigilante and is basicall Batman gone wrong. Yet he can turn from lunatic to a broken soul in an instant, and his scenes are definitely among the most powerful moments of the film.
Then there's the story, driven together by Snyder's trademark visuals that are visually striking and haunting. While in its essence, the film lacks much of the punch of the graphic novel, aesthetically it is a beautifully engineered carbon copy. And that is a very good thing.
Still, when it comes to the story, it lacks, as I said, much of the punch. Perhaps its due to the flawed narrative, or the changed ending, or simply the acting of some of the characters, but in the end, Watchmen comes across as an indulgent film on the verge of fanaticism in terms of its fathfulness to the source material. If ever there was the case of a film being TOO faithful to its source, its Watchmen, because in the transition, it loses much of the subtler emotions the spring across, and the final, dark message in the climatic finale is much blunted. Make no mistake, it was a powerful experience, and my body was numb in what was perhaps the film's greatest moment. But even as I sat in awe at the finale, I can't help but feel that it lacked a certain key ingredient, and it was only later that I discovered what it was: meaning. The film attempts to be so much more than what it is, and instead falls so much shorter.
In the end, Watchmen is by no means a disaster. In fact, I'm pretty sure I loved it. But it is not the ultimate Watchmen film we have been waiting for, though its a pretty damn good effort. It would have been a great film had it not been hampered down by such prominent flaws. Still, I have to give props to Zack Snyder. He may have been erratic and fanatic in his execution, which led both the film's greath highlights and shortcomings, but at the very least his ambitious undertaking and rigorous faith in the source material is highly admirable. And in that case, this what the end result is: a highly admirable film that falls short but delivers just enough great moments that it wants to make me watch it again and again just for the experience.
7.5 out of 10
By the way, recently released are THREE brand new spanking trailers! Harry Potter 6, Up and Star Trek! Give em all a looksie!
Harry Potter 6
Up
Star Trek
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Jackie Earl Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Billy Cudrup and Malin Akerman
Oh Watchmen, Watchmen... what will I ever do with you? After a long screening of a full 163 minutes, Alan Moore's masterpiece has been translated, finally on screen. We have finally seen the unfilmmable film. And what is the consensus? Frustratingly delighted.
While I will not go so far as to call the film a success, it is by no means a disaster either. The fact of the matter is, the film is one of highly polarizing ingredients. But one thing for sure, is that it is by no means a normal superhero movie, just as the Dark Knight was not and just as the original Graphic Novel was not.
Fanboys may be a bit warmer to the film than anyone who had not read it before. It's clear, since in the cinema I watched it in, most of the people stood up to leave before the credits even rolled. It's not an indication of a bad film, it's simply an indication of wrong expectations. Do not come in expecting an action-packed (though it does have its fair shair of guns and brawls). Instead, Zack Snyder follows a complex narrative that follows so fervently the panels of the graphic novel, so much to a fault. What results is an overly complex, indulgent and saturated story that manages to drag somewhat in the middle section.
This is perhaps Snyder's greatest fault, his refusal to stray from the comic page. The graphic novel was full of flashbacks and cutscenes. It had hundreds of little nuances and effects that only a graphic novel can execute, and Snyder attempts so fevershly to translate it all on screen. I can't help but feel that the movie would have fared much better had Snyder taken some artistic liberties and allowed the film to flow more naturally in a coherrent timeline. One of the greatest moments of the film was one in which Snyder took full artistic responsibilites, the opening sequence and credits, which follows a montage of gorgeus scenes depicting an America gone wrong. These scenes were absent completely from the graphic novel, but were envisioned so perfectly and exectuded so beuatifully, it makes for one of the best opening scenes in quite a while. I can't help but imagine just how better a film Watchmen would be had Snyder employed the same bravado in the latter areas.
I don't care too much also for some of the music chosen for the film. Zack Snyder seems to have put together a variety of old songs that range from brilliantly fitting to simply awkward. This showed even in the trailers in which the first featured a spine-chilling rendition of Smashing Pumpkins' "The End is the Beginning of the End" while the second trailer simply seemed poorly placed to the tune.
Then there's the actors, some of which are terribly miscart. Adrian Veidt, the world's smartest man, is now also the most cynical. A far cry from the gentle, peace-loving philosopher of the novel. Akerman certainly plays well the role of on-screen whore, and while her sexuality is evident, her acting still leaves much to be desired.
Still, some give an admirable performance, from an sad, sexually insecure Wilson as Niteowl to a tragic yet hate-filled turn from Morgan as the Comedian. Yet it is Haley as Rorsharch that steals the show. He is essentially to this movie what Joker was to The Dark Knight, a driving force of the narrative, a scene chewer and the backbone of the haunting message Watchmen delivers in a tour-de-force of depressing emotions. He ranges from frightening, a psycopathic vigilante and is basicall Batman gone wrong. Yet he can turn from lunatic to a broken soul in an instant, and his scenes are definitely among the most powerful moments of the film.
Then there's the story, driven together by Snyder's trademark visuals that are visually striking and haunting. While in its essence, the film lacks much of the punch of the graphic novel, aesthetically it is a beautifully engineered carbon copy. And that is a very good thing.
Still, when it comes to the story, it lacks, as I said, much of the punch. Perhaps its due to the flawed narrative, or the changed ending, or simply the acting of some of the characters, but in the end, Watchmen comes across as an indulgent film on the verge of fanaticism in terms of its fathfulness to the source material. If ever there was the case of a film being TOO faithful to its source, its Watchmen, because in the transition, it loses much of the subtler emotions the spring across, and the final, dark message in the climatic finale is much blunted. Make no mistake, it was a powerful experience, and my body was numb in what was perhaps the film's greatest moment. But even as I sat in awe at the finale, I can't help but feel that it lacked a certain key ingredient, and it was only later that I discovered what it was: meaning. The film attempts to be so much more than what it is, and instead falls so much shorter.
In the end, Watchmen is by no means a disaster. In fact, I'm pretty sure I loved it. But it is not the ultimate Watchmen film we have been waiting for, though its a pretty damn good effort. It would have been a great film had it not been hampered down by such prominent flaws. Still, I have to give props to Zack Snyder. He may have been erratic and fanatic in his execution, which led both the film's greath highlights and shortcomings, but at the very least his ambitious undertaking and rigorous faith in the source material is highly admirable. And in that case, this what the end result is: a highly admirable film that falls short but delivers just enough great moments that it wants to make me watch it again and again just for the experience.
7.5 out of 10
By the way, recently released are THREE brand new spanking trailers! Harry Potter 6, Up and Star Trek! Give em all a looksie!
Harry Potter 6
Up
Star Trek
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