Book Review: Twilight! And some quick comic bashes!

Twilight
by Stephanie Meyer


Well, I finally read it. After constant insistence on the sheer awesomeness of this book and the countless times I've been told to just read the damn thing, I finally have. And I went into the book with an equal sense of high expectations and a bit of stubborn skepticism. On both fronts I have been generously not disappointed.

First of all, this book is highly entertaining, the most of any book in my recent memory. It is rare to find a page-turner of this magnitude and like many books of the same breed, it draws this from its narrative. This Romance novel is dangerously addictive with its sensual tale and dark tone, it appeals to the inner romantic and emotive of any normal-brained adolescent (myself included). It is, however, by and large a girl's book. Not that open-minded testosterone induced individuals cannot enjoy it, I did immensely, but this was done by a woman and it clearly shows. The hero is a girl, and not only that, but a rather plain girl. Bella then falls in love with Edward, a vampire who by the most Estrogen-filled chance is a complete stud. If anything, this is by part an ode to one of a perfect female fantasy of falling in love with a mysterious and very dark stranger who is handsome and powerful beyond belief.

That brings us to what works perfectly. The first part, and by large a majority of the book, deals with Bella's descent into a dark, romantic and very dangerous world. How Stephanie handles Bella's teenage mindset, the stages of her falling in love from outright denial and hate to the point of sheer unconditional love, is so well made that it makes every page gush with suspense even when there's absolutely nothing happening. The author's expert use of the senses in her narrative, her masterful grasp of the teenage mindset and even a dash of old school irony borrowed heavily from Meyer's obvious love of the classics all contribute to an expertly told tale of macabre romance. And there's barely a drop of blood for the majority of the novel. All this tells a lot of the narrative work and the excellent conversation handling.

But then for all its undeniable appeal, it has its downside. The hyped finale is both predictable and abrupt, not to mention the pumped up pacing horribly shatters the slow dark build up of much of the book's romantic run. If anything, the delve into death is inevitable to add a sense of conflict and danger, but the handling of it is by far different from the rest of the book it ends up feeling completely different and quickly concluded, as if as an afterthought. If anything, it acts more like the end of a television episode where you have the feeling of inevitable continuation. While many books deal like that, this one deals so in such a case that it leaves a lot of disappointing conclusions, though a lot of the more interesting unanswered ones leave one wanting much more from the sequel.

Another disappointing turn is the handle on some characters. While most supporting are left ignored, it is the interesting ones that I feel are not given enough room to shine, and those that compromise this group is basically the Vampire family. While some characters are given a side story or two that adds a new dimension, such as the likable Alice, most feel more like missed opportunities such as Jasper and Rosalie who are both hinted at more conflict yet are never pushed to the extent beyond that of a character caricature. Speaking of which, the heroine herself, Bella, is by far a mixed element. While I applaud the exert handle on her for a majority of the issue, once she starts falling hopelessly in love with Edward she becomes highly annoying. You could excuse her sheer addiction for Edward's constant presence from time to time, one may even forgive her for thinking just about him just about every single page, but once this starts to pan out for the last quarter of the novel's run, it ruins a lot of the character build up she's had done on the first part of the book. In other words, she starts off as a responsible, smart and stubborn teenage girl and ends up a love-sick puppy with no sense of self worth. I know characters are supposed to change and evolve through the stories, but this is ridiculous, she feels like a completely different person by the end of it.

But all these, I suppose are excusable for now, just because of how well the story is driven into one's cranium. Despite its several flaws, and a few major one here and there, this story leaves one frantic and driven to know more about this dark world in Forks, despite the inevitable conclusion that, yes, you can probably guess what occurs in the next chapter. If anything, this is an ode to masterful storytelling that is entertaining beyond praise. It is no wonder that the book is so ridiculously popular, its appeal is just both so unique and yet so natural. A definite must-read for anyone looking for something to delve to in those long lonely nights.

7.5 out of 10


Quick COMIC Bashes

Wolverine # 62-65 (Get Mystique)
Written by Jason Aaron/ Pencils by Ron Garney


One of the best interpretations of the two characters ever, period. From the intricate look at their pasts to the mind-blowing confrontation between these two legendary characters, the handle on the interaction between the two is just spotless and highly entertaining. Now that Sabertooth is dead and rotting, I am really rooting for Mystique to take his place as Logan's arch-rival. This great book just shows that it's a match made in heaven. P.S. Garney's sketchy art is bot unique and highly addictive. While unremarkable at first, it grows on you to the point that you can't quite get enough of it.
10/10

Invincible Iron Man # 1
Written by Matt Fraction/ Pencils by Salvador Larroca


Awesome. It is clear that with the success of the blockbuster film, Marvel has decided to delve back a bit on what truly makes Tony Stark such a likable character. From his playboy mannerisms to his witty charm, this book molds the good old Stark with his more modern role as S.H.I.E.L.D Director. Better yet, it even plays up old school spasms withe Ezekiel Stane, son of the movie's villian Obadiah Stane, taking up the role as Iron Man's rival in the Iron suit business.

10/10

Batman # 676 (R.I.P.)
Written by Grant Morrison / Pencils by Tony Daniel


Is it just me or is every comic I've been getting so good it merits a ten? This is yet another one, not that R.I.P has begun, everyone is dying to know how Morrison is planning to kill of the Dark Knight. This book is more like a prologue more than anything else, and serves as a jumping point for any new readers and as a refresher for all the old ones. While books like these are usually boring, nothing Grant manages to do ever comes across as that. Besides, the spectacular and creepy finale more than merits the high score I give it now. Really, that ending is just so insane, I still have goosebumps right now. Joker is the bomb.

10/10

IRON MAN REVIEW!!!

IRON MAN
"Robert Downey Jr. shines like gold in his metal suit"

Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard

Iron Man is in a tough position, mostly because it has to meet my standards on two different levels. First off, it has to meet my expectations as a standard film, and secondly it has to meet it again as a Comic Book adaptation. It is to my extreme pleasure to announce that the movie pulls off both with flying colors beams of repulsor rays.

But before we get into any other aspect of the film, it is important for us to give credit first to the aspect of the film that is not only getting the most attention by the critics but without which the entire film would become a piece of scrap metal. I am talking, of course, about our star, Robert Downey Jr. As an actor portraying a character, he gives Tony Stark a perfect balance between brilliant scientist, irresponsible playboy and gold-hearted hero. Had it not been for Downey's brilliant portrayal, the delicate balance of Stark's character would shatter and we would be left with an asshole billionaire we end up not really caring about. Seriously, even the comics I have yet to see a representation of the character so perfectly executed as it was by Downey. I am left with the satisfied knowledge that until the day he dies, Downey will look to this role as his crowning achievement and people will look to him as the only man capable of spewing out Stark's witty lines so perfectly.

Moving on from Downey's amazing performance, we move on to Farveau's vision with the film, and how it stands up on its own. Already mentioned is how perfectly the character of Stark is done, we have to add in the other characters. And while none of them stand a chance of outshining Downey, it's his film through and through, they all give unique quirky supporting roles that flesh out this new Marvel world slowly being created. On that note, it is to a fanboy's delirious joy that they crafted a world so attuned to its comic basis. From the hints to a future Avenger collaboration all the way to the inclusion of a popular government agency, this movie is a drug ride for any respectable comic fan.

Not to say that the movie isn't awesome for non-fans. I suppose it is no shock to know that the movie boasts some pretty cool visuals. And while none of them are breath-takingly new or ground-breaking, their execution from Stark's high-tech computer system named 'Jarvis' all the way to his astonishing suit, they are carefully used to give out moments after moments of "Oh Damn!" Still, the movie is not without it's flaws, the ending itself for example is a bit too hastily wrapped up for my taste. The pacing is steady and ends in breakneck speed, with the action and the characterization balanced well.

Take note that while this movie is indeed an origin movie, exploring the start of Iron Man, it is also unlike any other Superhero origin movie so far. It has the same giddy and childlike mirth of Spiderman, but shows it in the mature sense of Batman Begins. It is hard to put at it, mostly because no superhero appeals to that sense more than Iron Man and no movie has yet to execute that sense to this extent.

In conclusion, Iron Man is a joy to behold. Whether you're a fan of in-depth characterization of your beloved hero, witty remarks thrown to and fro, amazing visual action or just plain out excellent story telling, this movie gleams like diamond in the golden casing of Iron. Tony Stark may not be as big a name as Peter Parker, Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne, but Downey makes damn well sure that people will start remembering who the man is behind that Iron Mask. The only other downside to all this is that for all the awesomeness the movie displays in its two-hour run, enough is never enough. It's rare for a movie to have you actually all and out screaming for a sequel the moment the credits roll. Now if you'll excuse me, let me pick out everyone's favorite Black Sabbath tune...

DA...DA... DA DA DA!!! DADADADADADADADADA!!! I...AM.... IRON MAN!!!!

9/10

Spiderman 3 Review

Truth be told I wasn't that impressed with the 1st Spiderman. Sure it was cool, sure Spidey rocked and kicked some Green Goblin butt, the movie however was filled with uncertainties that might have been hidden then, but very obivous when, let's say, a second sequel comes out.

Hey! What do you know...

So here's Spiderman 3. I was actually looking forward to this, just like everyone else on the face of the Earth. I loved the part 2, a great improvement from the 1st and the only time I really felt the Spiderman magic. The trailer for this film showed a lot of kick ass but alread I felt that it might be biting off mor ethan it could chew. Still I gave Sam Raimi the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe not.

It was a disappointment, that is clearly the most obvious point here. Not that I'm saying it's bad, Raimi has had enough experience to keep the movie from sinking anywhere below mediocrity. It's actually good, but filled with so much flaws that in the end, it pales in comparisson to its initial vision and to that of its predecessor.

First of all, the biggest problem... the screenplay. I have no idea how much of the creative team are comic book fanboys but, for chrissakes, enough is enough!

"Let's throw in the symbiote, it'd make an awesome storyline!"

"Sure man! Don't forget Eddie! You can't have symbiotes without Venom"

"Now that'd make a kickass finale! How bout the symbiote sticks to Peter first! Make him all evil and stuff"

"That's the idea dude! And! And! Let's break him up and MJ!!!"

"Oh yeah!!! And let's put Gwen Stacy between them!"

"Where'd she come from?"

"Dunno, just write her in. Make her Eddie's girlfriend or something..."

"How bout Peter goes really evil, kills off some dude..."

"Yah, now that's add up to the plot! Let's make him kill Sandman!!!"

"Jesus! Now that's one villain rock up baby!!! But why would Peter wanna kill Sandman?"

"Cuz Sandman killed Uncle Ben."

"What!? I thought that dude who died in part 1 killed Uncle Ben."

"Well just write it up that Sandman was the real one who did him in. Make him human too. Give him a dying kid or something."

"But man, if we do that, we'd be complicating things, setting back principles we originally defined from the 1st development!"

"So?"

"hmmm... Good point."

"Oh and add in Green Goblin II too. Harry is sooo gonna get creamed this time around."

"So... how many characters we got here again?"

The magic of the second was that it had a linear storyline, not one where everyone just throws in whatever they could think of. Yes, Petey got evil, we get it. We don't need more and more scenes and storylines to remind us!!!

As a result of the multiple storylines, characterization suffered. Despit the fact that this is by far the longest of the Spiderman flicks, it also is the weakest. Venom was a disappointment. Sure he looked cool, but he was damn rushed, didn't do him any justice. And no offense to Topher Grace but I still can't stand seeing the geek from That 70's Show play VENOM!!! Sandman is well defined, but his sympathetic storyline is waaay overplayed. His humanity overstays its welcome really fast and very soon we all actually WISH he was your typical guiltless baddie. The only villain done with justice here is Harry, his characterization is solid and we feel the vengeance and hatred from here as well as the confusion. But no surprise there guys, unlike the other two, Harry's has had two prior films to build up his character!

I do have to hand it to the special effects team though. The action scenes were intense, and the most wildly imaginative of the trilogy. I fell in love with the Sand scene for example. But as much as it totally kicked ass, especially in the grand finale, it may have been too good for its own good. The 1st couple of action scenes were very well played, Harry attacking Petey for example was pretty cool. But by the time it came to the finale where everyone was just about throwing every trick in the book, it fell flat despite the grand toss ups of rumbles.

Another thing I have against the film is the cast. Tobey Macguire has his good points, beleive me. He was adorable at many points in the three films as nerdy Peter Parker. And when he tried to be a baddie in this pic, we were all laughing out. I think Sam wanted him to look that ridiculous cuz if not, that was just waaay off the Cool-o-meter. Kirsten Dunst looked ravishing in the 1st movie, but as the movies went one she seemed to have been slowly belittled to girl-pawn, a crying face to show the crowd and the feisty MJ we all love is absent for the entire film. Dunst is also looking less and less pretty. I don't know if its the stress or what, or maybe she forgot her make-up... maybe....

Overall, I only wish that Sam could have come up with something better since a third part is usually the final one people would watch before finally getting pissed off and tired of the whole damn charade. Let's face it, how many Part 4's are there that were actually any good? Still, if Sam was crazy enough to attempt another one, well we wish him all the best because as far as I'm concerned this part 3 already embodies the spirit of that long-forgotten overhyped and overstayed 4th movie. Good Day.

6.5 out of 10

300 Review

Alright, here's another review for my blog. This particular movie I've been waiting for two years now. and before I start my review, I just want to say this...

Madness? This. Is. SPARTA!!!!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

The movie was brilliant. A few months before I saw the film I went off and finally read a copy of Frank Miller's 300. It was a masterpiece, containg visual arts that spread through out and absolutely leaves you stunned.

The first point this movie probably garnered is the most obvious. The Visuals. It's cinematography is just beautiful. The sienna tint, the ancient epic feel and the highly stylized fight scenes. Jean Pe actually thought the actors were CGI themselves. It perfectly captured the essence of the comic book visual and I have to say, this is the first film that ever made skewered and decapitated bodies actually look gorgeous. The visuals alone is enough to garner the movie price.

Secondly the plot was actually pretty good. The screenplay of course was based on Miller's comic book script, which makes it awesome enough as it is. Miller is a master storyteller. But Zack Snyder masterfully strokes in enough additional content (the Queen Gorgo sublot for example) that actually enhances the story, making it superior even to the comic book's (which admittedly was quite simple). The story isn't going to win any oscars, but it has enough power to carry the weight of the visuals and acting which makes it very effective nonetheless.

If there was another start of the show that could probably top even the jaw-dropping cinematography, it's probably the heart-stopping fight scenes. Although I have to sya at times it felt awkward seeing so many slow-motions in a historical movie, one has to keep in mind it was based on a visual comic book medium, which explaines its highly stylized nature. I realize this may be one if the film's biggest flaw and strenghts as not everyone will agree to this. But the fight scenes are incredibly choreographed and with the help of the visuals, make one intensifying scene after another. Each cut, slice and stab makes you feel the ground shake. The blood splatters are amazingly 2-D, which helps enhance the feel that this indeed is a comic book brought to life. And Snyder's stroke of genius comes in the hand-to-hand fighting, where he slows down the frame-rate to a near stop as the Spartan is getting ready for a kill, before speeding it up again and then slowing it down again. this allows the viewers to absorb the viusal spectacle before them befroe they are brought forward again into the fray, very much like a comic book frame.

Then comes the acting. It was nothing marvelous, certainly not at the level o the technical side (which are the real stars of the show) but it is effective enough. Gerard Buthler (Phantom of the Opera) is the only one who gives a real note-worthy performance. This role will almost certainly get him fame and fortune at last. His Leonidas easily crosses the boundery of goodly king to fearless warrior. Let's just say every time he shouts out "Spartans!!!" you feel your seats shake.

In the end, it was one incredible, intense ride. There is no way it is getting into the Oscars, perhaps maybe for Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography. But it suceeds in what it aimed to do, be an intense enjoyable film that leaves a lasting impact and a hallmark for comic-book movies out there. It easily is the superior to Frank Miller's Sin City (which in itself was quite a good movie) and is certainly at level with some of the best comic book movies out there (Batman Begins for example)

9 out of 10