Best Action Movie of 2009:
Terminator Salvation
Runner up:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Best Super Hero Movie of 2009:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Runner Up:
Watchmen
Best Thriller of 2009:
The Taking of Pelham 123
Runner Up:
Angels and Demons
Biggest Surprise of 2009:
Friday the 13th
Runner Up:
Up
Best Spacial Effects:
Avatar
Runners Up:
Terminator Salvation
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Most Disappointing Movie of 2009:
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Worst Spacial Effects:
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Runner Up:
The Final Destination
Worst Thriller of 2009:
The Final Destination
Worst Action Movie of 2009:
Dragonball: Evolution
Runner Up:
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
Worst Movie of 2009:
Dragonball: Evolution
Runners Up:
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
The Final Destination
Best Movie of 2009:
Terminator Salvation
Runners Up:
Avatar
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 02, 2009
2nd Annual Captain Redneck's Movie Awards
Its awards season again. That means it's time for the 2nd Annual Captain Redneck's Movie Awards.
Best Action Movie of 2008
Quantum of Solace
Runner up
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Best Superhero Movie of 2008
The Dark Knight
Runners up
Iron Man
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Best Thriller of 2008
Body of Lies
Runner up
Quantum of Solace
Biggest Surprise of 2008
The Incredible Hulk
Runner Up
10,000 BC
Best Spacial Effects
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Runners up
The Dark Knight
Quantum of Solace
Most Disappointing Movie of 2008
The Forbidden Kingdom
Runner up
21
Worst Spacial Effects
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Runner up
Transporter 3
Worst Thriller of 2008
The Happening
Worst Action Movie of 2008
Transporter 3
Worst Movie of 2008
The Happening
Runners up
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Transporter 3
Best Movie of 2008
The Dark Knight
Runners up
Iron Man
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Best Action Movie of 2008
Quantum of Solace
Runner up
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Best Superhero Movie of 2008
The Dark Knight
Runners up
Iron Man
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Best Thriller of 2008
Body of Lies
Runner up
Quantum of Solace
Biggest Surprise of 2008
The Incredible Hulk
Runner Up
10,000 BC
Best Spacial Effects
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Runners up
The Dark Knight
Quantum of Solace
Most Disappointing Movie of 2008
The Forbidden Kingdom
Runner up
21
Worst Spacial Effects
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Runner up
Transporter 3
Worst Thriller of 2008
The Happening
Worst Action Movie of 2008
Transporter 3
Worst Movie of 2008
The Happening
Runners up
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Transporter 3
Best Movie of 2008
The Dark Knight
Runners up
Iron Man
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Iron Man
Superhero movies have become very popular recently. While some of these movies were good, others were horrible. Iron Man is one the best superhero movies I've seen in years.
Pros: At first I didn't think that Robert Downey Jr. could play the role of Tony Stark, but after seeing the movie I realized that he's perfect. Downey has and a lot of problems in the past, but he picked the perfect role to revive his acting career. The other actors portray their characters with perfection.
The other thing I like about the movie was the effects. I especially enjoyed the scenes where Tony tests out the Iron Man suit. In one scene Iron Man is attacked by military jets and destroys one of them. I also liked watching the fight at the end of the movie.
The plot has enough twists to keep from becoming too predictable. It's hard to tell who the real villain is, and when I fond out who it was I was surprised.
Cons: It's hard to find anything wrong with this movie. While the plot does have plenty of twists, its also really confusing. How can Stark survive after he's been hit in the heart by a piece of shrapnel from one of his company's bombs. He also manages to create a capsule to replace his heart and a prototype of the Iron Man suit in a cave, and somehow manages to escape from the terrorists.
It's hard to believe that anyone could survive what happened to Tony, or have the ability to create a capsule that could keep them alive. That's the only part of the plot that confuses me.
Final Verdict: While the Iron Man movie isn't as good as Batman Begins, and X-Men 3: The Last Stand, but it's much better than The Hulk, and Batman and Robin. It has a great cast, excellent effects, and a decent, but confusing plot. The plot is the only thing that keeps Iron Man from getting a perfect score. If you like superhero movies, then you'll enjoy Iron Man. I can't wait to see the sequel.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 7.9
Acting: 8.0
Direction: 8.4
Visuals: 9.0
Final Score (Out of 10):
8.3
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
21 5.1
The Forbidden Kingdom 6.0
Pros: At first I didn't think that Robert Downey Jr. could play the role of Tony Stark, but after seeing the movie I realized that he's perfect. Downey has and a lot of problems in the past, but he picked the perfect role to revive his acting career. The other actors portray their characters with perfection.
The other thing I like about the movie was the effects. I especially enjoyed the scenes where Tony tests out the Iron Man suit. In one scene Iron Man is attacked by military jets and destroys one of them. I also liked watching the fight at the end of the movie.
The plot has enough twists to keep from becoming too predictable. It's hard to tell who the real villain is, and when I fond out who it was I was surprised.
Cons: It's hard to find anything wrong with this movie. While the plot does have plenty of twists, its also really confusing. How can Stark survive after he's been hit in the heart by a piece of shrapnel from one of his company's bombs. He also manages to create a capsule to replace his heart and a prototype of the Iron Man suit in a cave, and somehow manages to escape from the terrorists.
It's hard to believe that anyone could survive what happened to Tony, or have the ability to create a capsule that could keep them alive. That's the only part of the plot that confuses me.
Final Verdict: While the Iron Man movie isn't as good as Batman Begins, and X-Men 3: The Last Stand, but it's much better than The Hulk, and Batman and Robin. It has a great cast, excellent effects, and a decent, but confusing plot. The plot is the only thing that keeps Iron Man from getting a perfect score. If you like superhero movies, then you'll enjoy Iron Man. I can't wait to see the sequel.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 7.9
Acting: 8.0
Direction: 8.4
Visuals: 9.0
Final Score (Out of 10):
8.3
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
21 5.1
The Forbidden Kingdom 6.0
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Forbidden Kingdom
The Forbidden Kingdom has the best visual effects of any movie I've this year so far. The other cool thing about the movie is that it stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Unfortunately, neither of them is the main character, and the story doesn't make any sense.
Pros : The visual effects are very impressive especially during the fights. They remind of other kung fu movies I've seen such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and fantasy epics such as the Lord of the Ring trilogy . Jakie Chan and Jet Li are the best actors in the movie, and show why they are two of the best martial arts experts in Hollywood. It's a shame that they haven't been in the same movie until now. It's also a shame that neither Chan or Li is the main character, and their in a movie with a really confusing plot.
Cons: The movie's protagonist is a teenager from Boston named Jason who steals a staff from a Chinese pawnshop, and somehow ends up in ancient China. There he meets a drunk man named Lu Yan who is played by Chan tells him the story of the Monkey King. During the battle with the Jade Warlord the Monkey King turned to stone, and his staff was magically transported to Boston 500 years in the future. Since Jason has the staff he must give it to the Monkey King.
On their journey to the Jade Warlord's palace Lu fights a monk played by Li. The monk stole the staff, and Lu wants it back. After the fight they decide to join forces and defeat the Jade Warlord's army, but first they have to teach Jason how to fight. Cue the training montage!
After a battle with the Jade Warlord's minions Lu is struck by an arrow. The only way he can be saved is by drinking the elixer of the immortals. I'm not going to tell you how the movie ends, but I can tell you that its very predictable.
Final Verdict: The Forbidden Kingdom had the potential to be a great movie. Unfortunately, the plot and main character keep it from being just that. It's a shame that Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's talents were wasted in this movie.
Scores (Out of 10) :
Story: 5.6
Acting: 5.0
Direction: 5.4
Visuals: 8.0
Final Score (Out of 10):
6.0
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
21 5.1
Pros : The visual effects are very impressive especially during the fights. They remind of other kung fu movies I've seen such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and fantasy epics such as the Lord of the Ring trilogy . Jakie Chan and Jet Li are the best actors in the movie, and show why they are two of the best martial arts experts in Hollywood. It's a shame that they haven't been in the same movie until now. It's also a shame that neither Chan or Li is the main character, and their in a movie with a really confusing plot.
Cons: The movie's protagonist is a teenager from Boston named Jason who steals a staff from a Chinese pawnshop, and somehow ends up in ancient China. There he meets a drunk man named Lu Yan who is played by Chan tells him the story of the Monkey King. During the battle with the Jade Warlord the Monkey King turned to stone, and his staff was magically transported to Boston 500 years in the future. Since Jason has the staff he must give it to the Monkey King.
On their journey to the Jade Warlord's palace Lu fights a monk played by Li. The monk stole the staff, and Lu wants it back. After the fight they decide to join forces and defeat the Jade Warlord's army, but first they have to teach Jason how to fight. Cue the training montage!
After a battle with the Jade Warlord's minions Lu is struck by an arrow. The only way he can be saved is by drinking the elixer of the immortals. I'm not going to tell you how the movie ends, but I can tell you that its very predictable.
Final Verdict: The Forbidden Kingdom had the potential to be a great movie. Unfortunately, the plot and main character keep it from being just that. It's a shame that Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's talents were wasted in this movie.
Scores (Out of 10) :
Story: 5.6
Acting: 5.0
Direction: 5.4
Visuals: 8.0
Final Score (Out of 10):
6.0
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
21 5.1
Sunday, April 20, 2008
21
Ben Campbell is a math wiz. He only problem is that he needs $300,000 in order to attend Harvard Medical School, and he doesn't have the money. One of his professors wants to change Ben's luck by inviting he to join a group of MIT geniuses as they learn how to play blackjack, and rack in the cash. Unfortunately, the plan backfires, and so does the movie's chances of being more than a morality tale.
Pros: 21 does a good job of showing people what can happen when you gamble too much. You can lose no only your money, but you can also lose your friends. That's what happens to Ben. He also gets beaten up by casino security guard Cole Williams, after he's betrayed by his professor Mickey Rosa. At first its hard to tell if Cole or Mickey is the villain, but it becomes clearer towards the end of the movie. That's the one thing I like about the plot, it keeps you guessing what's going to happen next.
Cons: One of the movie's biggest flaws is that it makes gambling look cool, in spite of the fact that you can also become broke and lose everything you have. It also makes seem like its easy to beat the house, but in reality it isn't. Another problem is the acting. The duologue is awful, despite the fact that it was edited by three people. If you don't believe men watch the credits at the end of the movie and see for yourselves.
Final Verdict: When I saw the trailers for 21 I thought it would be good, but its nothing more than a morality tale about the dangers of gambling. After seeing the movie, I couldn't help but wonder if all casinos in Vegas have a room in the basement when anyone caught cheating is tied to a chair, and beaten up by security guards. If that's true then I'm never gambling in Vegas. Watching 21 is gamble nobody should take.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 5.5
Acting: 5.0
Direction: 4.6
Visuals: 5.3
Final Score (Out of 10):
5.1
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
Pros: 21 does a good job of showing people what can happen when you gamble too much. You can lose no only your money, but you can also lose your friends. That's what happens to Ben. He also gets beaten up by casino security guard Cole Williams, after he's betrayed by his professor Mickey Rosa. At first its hard to tell if Cole or Mickey is the villain, but it becomes clearer towards the end of the movie. That's the one thing I like about the plot, it keeps you guessing what's going to happen next.
Cons: One of the movie's biggest flaws is that it makes gambling look cool, in spite of the fact that you can also become broke and lose everything you have. It also makes seem like its easy to beat the house, but in reality it isn't. Another problem is the acting. The duologue is awful, despite the fact that it was edited by three people. If you don't believe men watch the credits at the end of the movie and see for yourselves.
Final Verdict: When I saw the trailers for 21 I thought it would be good, but its nothing more than a morality tale about the dangers of gambling. After seeing the movie, I couldn't help but wonder if all casinos in Vegas have a room in the basement when anyone caught cheating is tied to a chair, and beaten up by security guards. If that's true then I'm never gambling in Vegas. Watching 21 is gamble nobody should take.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 5.5
Acting: 5.0
Direction: 4.6
Visuals: 5.3
Final Score (Out of 10):
5.1
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far (Scores out of 10):
10,000 B.C. 8.0
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
10,000 B.C.
10,000 B.C. isn't as bad as some critics say it is. The movie does have some flaws, but it manages to overcome them.
Pros: Like 300 and the Lord of Rings trilogy it has stunning visuals, effects and locations that make viewers feel like they're part of the action. The mammoths, saber-tooth tigers, giant birds, and other creatures look extremely realistic. 10,000 B.C. clearly shows how CGI technology has evolved over the last decade. Some of the movie was shot in New Zealand, and some parts like the ones shot in the mountains reminded me of scenes from the Lord of Rings movies. However, the visuals, effects, and locations don't completely make up for the bad plot and dialogue.
Cons : 10,000 B.C. has one of the most cliched plots in movie history. A young blue eyed girl has managed to escape from slave traders. When Old Mother sees her, she has a vision of the future. In her vision Old Mother sees the slave traders coming to the village and capturing the girl and some of the men. This ominous event will occur after the last hunt. Eventually, Old Mother's vision comes true, and D'Leh and a few of the hunters from the tribe set out to save those who were taken by the villains. Along the way the warriors meet an African tribe, and are told of a prophecy in which a person with the ability to talk to saber-toothed tigers will lead an army to victory. I have no idea why the African tribes waited so long to fight the slave traders, and the Egyptian like civilization that uses slaves and Mammoths to build pyramids.
The dialogue isn't much better. It's extremely corny. I'm not sure if pre-history humans spoke English, or any other language that exits today.
Final Verdict: Despite the cliched plot and awful dialogue, 10,000 B.C. isn't as bad as some of the critics say it is. The incredible visuals, effects and locations help this movie to overcome its flaws. 10,000 B.C. have violence, but it doesn't have any blood, or gore like 300. If you're a fan of epic movies, then you'll enjoy 10,000 B.C.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 6.7
Acting: 6.5
Direction: 9.0
Visuals: 9.8
Final Score (Out of 10) :
8.0
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
Pros: Like 300 and the Lord of Rings trilogy it has stunning visuals, effects and locations that make viewers feel like they're part of the action. The mammoths, saber-tooth tigers, giant birds, and other creatures look extremely realistic. 10,000 B.C. clearly shows how CGI technology has evolved over the last decade. Some of the movie was shot in New Zealand, and some parts like the ones shot in the mountains reminded me of scenes from the Lord of Rings movies. However, the visuals, effects, and locations don't completely make up for the bad plot and dialogue.
Cons : 10,000 B.C. has one of the most cliched plots in movie history. A young blue eyed girl has managed to escape from slave traders. When Old Mother sees her, she has a vision of the future. In her vision Old Mother sees the slave traders coming to the village and capturing the girl and some of the men. This ominous event will occur after the last hunt. Eventually, Old Mother's vision comes true, and D'Leh and a few of the hunters from the tribe set out to save those who were taken by the villains. Along the way the warriors meet an African tribe, and are told of a prophecy in which a person with the ability to talk to saber-toothed tigers will lead an army to victory. I have no idea why the African tribes waited so long to fight the slave traders, and the Egyptian like civilization that uses slaves and Mammoths to build pyramids.
The dialogue isn't much better. It's extremely corny. I'm not sure if pre-history humans spoke English, or any other language that exits today.
Final Verdict: Despite the cliched plot and awful dialogue, 10,000 B.C. isn't as bad as some of the critics say it is. The incredible visuals, effects and locations help this movie to overcome its flaws. 10,000 B.C. have violence, but it doesn't have any blood, or gore like 300. If you're a fan of epic movies, then you'll enjoy 10,000 B.C.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 6.7
Acting: 6.5
Direction: 9.0
Visuals: 9.8
Final Score (Out of 10) :
8.0
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
Sunday, February 17, 2008
2008 Summer Movie Preview
May
2nd
Iron Man*
Made of Honor
Son of Rainbow
3rd
Savage Grace
9th
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane
Frontiers (limited)
Speed Racer
Surfwise (limited)
What Happens in Vegas
16th
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Midnight Meat Train
21st
The Edge of Heaven
22nd
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull*
23rd
The Children of Huang Shi (limited)
30th
Sex and the City: The Movie
Starship Dave
The Strangers
June
6th
Kung Fu Panda*
Mother of Tears (limited)
The Time Traveler's Wife
When Did You Last See Your Father? (limited)
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
13th
The Happening*
The Incredible Hulk*
20th
Brick Lane (limited)
Get Smart*
The Love Guru
Religulous
25th
Mad Detectives (NY, LA, expands: Feb 1)
Shotgun Stories
27th
Wall-E
Wanted*
July
2nd
Hancock
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery
3rd
The Wackness
4th
The Last Mistress (limited)
11th
Hellboy II: The Golden Army*
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D
Meet Dave
18th
Mama Mia!
Space Chimps
The Dark Knight*
25th
Perfect Match
Step Brothers
The X-Files 2*
August
1st
He's Just Not That Into You
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor*
Swing Vote
8th
Blindness
Eagle Eye
Pineapple Express
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
15th
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Accidental Husband
The International
Towelhead (limited)
Tropic Thunder
Wild Child
22nd
I Know What Boys Like
Mongol (limited)
Trailer Trash
29th
Babylon A.D.*
* Movies I'll be reviewing
2nd
Iron Man*
Made of Honor
Son of Rainbow
3rd
Savage Grace
9th
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane
Frontiers (limited)
Speed Racer
Surfwise (limited)
What Happens in Vegas
16th
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Midnight Meat Train
21st
The Edge of Heaven
22nd
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull*
23rd
The Children of Huang Shi (limited)
30th
Sex and the City: The Movie
Starship Dave
The Strangers
June
6th
Kung Fu Panda*
Mother of Tears (limited)
The Time Traveler's Wife
When Did You Last See Your Father? (limited)
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
13th
The Happening*
The Incredible Hulk*
20th
Brick Lane (limited)
Get Smart*
The Love Guru
Religulous
25th
Mad Detectives (NY, LA, expands: Feb 1)
Shotgun Stories
27th
Wall-E
Wanted*
July
2nd
Hancock
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery
3rd
The Wackness
4th
The Last Mistress (limited)
11th
Hellboy II: The Golden Army*
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D
Meet Dave
18th
Mama Mia!
Space Chimps
The Dark Knight*
25th
Perfect Match
Step Brothers
The X-Files 2*
August
1st
He's Just Not That Into You
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor*
Swing Vote
8th
Blindness
Eagle Eye
Pineapple Express
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
15th
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Accidental Husband
The International
Towelhead (limited)
Tropic Thunder
Wild Child
22nd
I Know What Boys Like
Mongol (limited)
Trailer Trash
29th
Babylon A.D.*
* Movies I'll be reviewing
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
1st Annual Captain Redneck's Movie Awards
Its awards season again. That means it's time for the 1st Annual Captain Redneck's Movie Awards.
Best Action Movie of 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
Runner up
300
Best Animated Movie of 2007
The Simpsons Movie
Runner up
Shrek the Third
Best Thriller of 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum
Runner up
American Gangster
Biggest Surprise of 2007
TMNT
Runner Up
Ocean's Thirteen
Best Spacial Effects
Transformers
Runners up
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Live Free or Die Hard
Most Disappointing Movie of 2007
The Golden Compass
Runner up
I Am Legend
Worst Spacial Effects
Ghost Rider
Runner up
28 Weeks Later
Worst Thriller of 2007
28 Weeks Later
Runner up
Fracture
Worst Action Movie of 2007
Hitman
Runner up
Ghost Rider
Worst Movie of 2007
Hitman
Runners up
Ghost Rider
28 Week Later
Best Movie of 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
Runners up
Transformers
The Bourne Ultimatum
Best Action Movie of 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
Runner up
300
Best Animated Movie of 2007
The Simpsons Movie
Runner up
Shrek the Third
Best Thriller of 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum
Runner up
American Gangster
Biggest Surprise of 2007
TMNT
Runner Up
Ocean's Thirteen
Best Spacial Effects
Transformers
Runners up
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Live Free or Die Hard
Most Disappointing Movie of 2007
The Golden Compass
Runner up
I Am Legend
Worst Spacial Effects
Ghost Rider
Runner up
28 Weeks Later
Worst Thriller of 2007
28 Weeks Later
Runner up
Fracture
Worst Action Movie of 2007
Hitman
Runner up
Ghost Rider
Worst Movie of 2007
Hitman
Runners up
Ghost Rider
28 Week Later
Best Movie of 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
Runners up
Transformers
The Bourne Ultimatum
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Movie That Suck: Waterworld
Movies That Suck is back! After a long break, it's time to rant about another bad movie. This time its Waterworld.
Waterworld was the most expensive movie made in the 1990's. It cost about $172 million, and grossed over $88 million. That means it grossed at least $84 million less than it cost, which makes it one of the most expensive flops in Hollywood history. There are many reasons why it was a dud. Here are three of them:
1) The generic plot. A man trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world has to protect a woman and I child, while being chased by a maniac and his or her minions. In Waterworld The Mariner finds Helen and a child named Enola. Throughout the film the trio is persuade by The Deacon and his minions while they search for Dryland.
2) The horrible acting, script, and directing. I can't believe that Kevin Costner and Denis Hopper risked their careers by acting in this flick. What were they thinking? They're too of the best actors of all time, neither one of them can overcome the poorly written script and bad directing. The same can be said for the rest of the cast.
3) The special effects. The effects are the best part of the movie. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the budget for action movies is spent on them. That's the case with Waterworld. My guess is that the effects were used to distract viewers from the convoluted plot and the actors.
Waterworld could have been an epic triumph, but it ends up being an epic failure. This is one waterlogged movie that should remain in Davy Jones' locker for all eternity.
Waterworld was the most expensive movie made in the 1990's. It cost about $172 million, and grossed over $88 million. That means it grossed at least $84 million less than it cost, which makes it one of the most expensive flops in Hollywood history. There are many reasons why it was a dud. Here are three of them:
1) The generic plot. A man trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world has to protect a woman and I child, while being chased by a maniac and his or her minions. In Waterworld The Mariner finds Helen and a child named Enola. Throughout the film the trio is persuade by The Deacon and his minions while they search for Dryland.
2) The horrible acting, script, and directing. I can't believe that Kevin Costner and Denis Hopper risked their careers by acting in this flick. What were they thinking? They're too of the best actors of all time, neither one of them can overcome the poorly written script and bad directing. The same can be said for the rest of the cast.
3) The special effects. The effects are the best part of the movie. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the budget for action movies is spent on them. That's the case with Waterworld. My guess is that the effects were used to distract viewers from the convoluted plot and the actors.
Waterworld could have been an epic triumph, but it ends up being an epic failure. This is one waterlogged movie that should remain in Davy Jones' locker for all eternity.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
I Am Legend
In 2009 a cure for cancer was fond. Three years later that cure has all but wiped out humanity. While many of the people who survived became zombies, there are some people who are immune to the virus. Dr. Robert Neville is one of the few that are immune and he's spent the last three years trying to find a cure.
Pros: The movie does a good job of showing one person's struggle to survive in a city where he fells like he's the only person alive. During the daytime Neville hunts for food with his German Shepard Sam, exercises, tries to contact other survivors, and conducts experiments on mice in his lab. At night he has to board up his house to keep the zombies out. The zombies don't appear until Robert goes searching for Sam after she chases a deer into a tunnel. The doctor manages to capture one of the zombies, and takes her back to his lab so that he can try to cure it.
There are a few comedic moments in which Robert talks to manikins. In one scene Robert finds the manikin he named Frank standing in front on a tunnel. At first he shouts at Frank, then he shoots him. The other moment occurs when Robert tries to talk to a female manikin in the video store, because he promised that he would.
One of the most suspenseful moments occurs when Robert gets caught in a trap set up by a zombie hunter. Robert manages to escape, but after he does he and Sam have to fight the zombie and his dogs. During the battle Robert's dog is bitten by the zombie dogs. He tries to cure her, but he fails.
Cons: I Am Legend would be better if it had more moments of suspense, but those moments don't occur very often. Most of time I waited for something exciting to happen, but nothing does. Watching this movie is like playing a video game. You want to skip the long boring cut scenes to get to action, but you can't. You have to watch them before you can start playing again.
Another problem is the ending. When Robert meets Anna, another survivor she tells him that there's a colony of survivors in Vermont. I'm not sure that's the way the book the movie's based on ends, because I haven't read it.
I also have an issue with the flashbacks that occur at random points during the movie. They show what happened the night Robert's wife and daughter left New York City in a helicopter. Those scenes should have appeared during the beginning of the movie.
Final Verdict: While I Am Legend isn't one of Will Smith's best movies, it isn't one of his worst. He's the best actor in this movie, but he can only carry it so far. Like the Tom Hanks movie Castaway, I Am Legend has a good beginning, but the lack of suspense, and conclusion are a disappointment.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 6.0
Acting: 7.0
Direction:7.0
Visuals: 6.0
Final Score (Out of 10): 6.5
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Hitman 3
The Golden Compass 6.8
Pros: The movie does a good job of showing one person's struggle to survive in a city where he fells like he's the only person alive. During the daytime Neville hunts for food with his German Shepard Sam, exercises, tries to contact other survivors, and conducts experiments on mice in his lab. At night he has to board up his house to keep the zombies out. The zombies don't appear until Robert goes searching for Sam after she chases a deer into a tunnel. The doctor manages to capture one of the zombies, and takes her back to his lab so that he can try to cure it.
There are a few comedic moments in which Robert talks to manikins. In one scene Robert finds the manikin he named Frank standing in front on a tunnel. At first he shouts at Frank, then he shoots him. The other moment occurs when Robert tries to talk to a female manikin in the video store, because he promised that he would.
One of the most suspenseful moments occurs when Robert gets caught in a trap set up by a zombie hunter. Robert manages to escape, but after he does he and Sam have to fight the zombie and his dogs. During the battle Robert's dog is bitten by the zombie dogs. He tries to cure her, but he fails.
Cons: I Am Legend would be better if it had more moments of suspense, but those moments don't occur very often. Most of time I waited for something exciting to happen, but nothing does. Watching this movie is like playing a video game. You want to skip the long boring cut scenes to get to action, but you can't. You have to watch them before you can start playing again.
Another problem is the ending. When Robert meets Anna, another survivor she tells him that there's a colony of survivors in Vermont. I'm not sure that's the way the book the movie's based on ends, because I haven't read it.
I also have an issue with the flashbacks that occur at random points during the movie. They show what happened the night Robert's wife and daughter left New York City in a helicopter. Those scenes should have appeared during the beginning of the movie.
Final Verdict: While I Am Legend isn't one of Will Smith's best movies, it isn't one of his worst. He's the best actor in this movie, but he can only carry it so far. Like the Tom Hanks movie Castaway, I Am Legend has a good beginning, but the lack of suspense, and conclusion are a disappointment.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 6.0
Acting: 7.0
Direction:7.0
Visuals: 6.0
Final Score (Out of 10): 6.5
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Hitman 3
The Golden Compass 6.8
Friday, December 21, 2007
The Golden Compass
The Golden Compass is the first book in Philip Pullman's trilogy "His Dark Materials".
Over a decade after its first publication its finally made into a movie. The Golden Compass has a great cast, and it does a good job of following the source material, but it also has has a few flaws.
Pros: The best thing about The Golden Compass is its cast, because the actors fit their characters perfectly. For example, Nicole Kidman does a fantastic job of portraying the wicked Mrs. Coulter. Ian McKellen provides the perfect voice for the armored bear Iorek Byrnison. The role of air ship pilot Lee Scoresby is played persuasively by Sam Elliot.
I could go on, but I feel that it's time to mention the movie's other strength: the plot twists.
One of the biggest plot twists occurs when Mrs. Coulter tells Lyra that her uncle Lord Asriel is really her father, and that she is her mother. Its hard to believe that Asriel and Mrs. Coulter were married. The other twist occurs when Lyra finds out that her mother is the leader of a organization called the Gobblers. The Gobblers job is to assist the Magisterium in its attempt to separate children from their daemons before they can learn about dust.
The dust mentioned in the book is not the type that you find in your house, its cosmic dust. Lord Aserial believes that this dust can open portals to other worlds, but he needs to go north in order to do more research. Lyra wants to go north as well, so she decides to travel with Mrs. Coulter in her zeppelin. Its at that point when the special effects start to get in the way of the plot and characters.
Cons: The heavy use of special effects is one of the movies major flaws. They draw the viewer's attention from the most important aspects of any movie, which are the plot and characters. While the characters are one of the movie's strong points, the plot sadly is not.
The movie rushes from one place to the next so fast that its hard to keep up. As a result the plot becomes disjointed, and the characters don't become a developed as they should be.
Final Verdict: The Golden Compass isn't a bad movie, but it could have been better. Hopefully the next movie will be longer and won't rely as much on special effects.
Despite all the twists and turns in the beginning the plot of The Golden Compass becomes predicable towards the end. Which is sad considering how well the movie stuck to the events in the book.
Scores (Out of ten):
Story: 6.0
Acting: 8.0
Direction: 7.0
Visuals: 6.0
Final Score (Out of 10): 6.8
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Hitman 3
Over a decade after its first publication its finally made into a movie. The Golden Compass has a great cast, and it does a good job of following the source material, but it also has has a few flaws.
Pros: The best thing about The Golden Compass is its cast, because the actors fit their characters perfectly. For example, Nicole Kidman does a fantastic job of portraying the wicked Mrs. Coulter. Ian McKellen provides the perfect voice for the armored bear Iorek Byrnison. The role of air ship pilot Lee Scoresby is played persuasively by Sam Elliot.
I could go on, but I feel that it's time to mention the movie's other strength: the plot twists.
One of the biggest plot twists occurs when Mrs. Coulter tells Lyra that her uncle Lord Asriel is really her father, and that she is her mother. Its hard to believe that Asriel and Mrs. Coulter were married. The other twist occurs when Lyra finds out that her mother is the leader of a organization called the Gobblers. The Gobblers job is to assist the Magisterium in its attempt to separate children from their daemons before they can learn about dust.
The dust mentioned in the book is not the type that you find in your house, its cosmic dust. Lord Aserial believes that this dust can open portals to other worlds, but he needs to go north in order to do more research. Lyra wants to go north as well, so she decides to travel with Mrs. Coulter in her zeppelin. Its at that point when the special effects start to get in the way of the plot and characters.
Cons: The heavy use of special effects is one of the movies major flaws. They draw the viewer's attention from the most important aspects of any movie, which are the plot and characters. While the characters are one of the movie's strong points, the plot sadly is not.
The movie rushes from one place to the next so fast that its hard to keep up. As a result the plot becomes disjointed, and the characters don't become a developed as they should be.
Final Verdict: The Golden Compass isn't a bad movie, but it could have been better. Hopefully the next movie will be longer and won't rely as much on special effects.
Despite all the twists and turns in the beginning the plot of The Golden Compass becomes predicable towards the end. Which is sad considering how well the movie stuck to the events in the book.
Scores (Out of ten):
Story: 6.0
Acting: 8.0
Direction: 7.0
Visuals: 6.0
Final Score (Out of 10): 6.8
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Hitman 3
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Hitman
There have been a lot of movies based on video games lately. Some are good, some are bad. Hitman is falls firmly into the latter category.
Pros: I like the fact that the movie Hitman doesn't rely heavily on special effects. It also doesn't have a lot of blood and gore.
The best part is the fight scene in the subway between Agent 47 and the assassins the Organization sent to kill him. It reminded me of the subway fight scene from the first Matrix film where Neo fights Agent Smith.
Cons: The plot is really hard to understand due to it's inconsistent pacing. In the beginning it's fast and confusing, because there's no explanation as to why the Organization sent assassins to kill Agent 47, or
why 47 has a barcode on the back of his head, or how he got the cross he carries in his briefcase. As the flick progresses the plot becomes slow and predictable. Which is sad, because after I saw the trailers I thought the movie would be awesome. You really can't believe everything you see on TV.
One thing that puzzles me the most about the movie is the casting. I thought that Agent 47 would be played by Vin Diesel or The Rock. Instead he's portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, an actor very few people have heard of. The same can be said for the rest of the cast. The actors barely show any emotion and look like androids.
Final Verdict: After seeing awful movies based on the Doom and Mario Bros. franchises, I was hoping that the Hitman movie would be better. Unfortunately, it's not.
While Hitman doesn't rely as heavily on special effects as the majority of action movies these days. Enough though the movie doesn't contain loads of blood and gore, it lacks the visual pizazz of The Matrix. It also has an unevenly paced plot, and questionable casting and directing. The ending leaves an opening for a sequel, but I don't intend to see it.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 3
Acting: 3
Direction: 3
Visuals: 3
Final Score : 3
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Pros: I like the fact that the movie Hitman doesn't rely heavily on special effects. It also doesn't have a lot of blood and gore.
The best part is the fight scene in the subway between Agent 47 and the assassins the Organization sent to kill him. It reminded me of the subway fight scene from the first Matrix film where Neo fights Agent Smith.
Cons: The plot is really hard to understand due to it's inconsistent pacing. In the beginning it's fast and confusing, because there's no explanation as to why the Organization sent assassins to kill Agent 47, or
why 47 has a barcode on the back of his head, or how he got the cross he carries in his briefcase. As the flick progresses the plot becomes slow and predictable. Which is sad, because after I saw the trailers I thought the movie would be awesome. You really can't believe everything you see on TV.
One thing that puzzles me the most about the movie is the casting. I thought that Agent 47 would be played by Vin Diesel or The Rock. Instead he's portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, an actor very few people have heard of. The same can be said for the rest of the cast. The actors barely show any emotion and look like androids.
Final Verdict: After seeing awful movies based on the Doom and Mario Bros. franchises, I was hoping that the Hitman movie would be better. Unfortunately, it's not.
While Hitman doesn't rely as heavily on special effects as the majority of action movies these days. Enough though the movie doesn't contain loads of blood and gore, it lacks the visual pizazz of The Matrix. It also has an unevenly paced plot, and questionable casting and directing. The ending leaves an opening for a sequel, but I don't intend to see it.
Scores (Out of 10):
Story: 3
Acting: 3
Direction: 3
Visuals: 3
Final Score : 3
How the rating system works:
9-10.0=A
7-8.9= B
5-6.9= C
3-4.9= D
0-2.9= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
American Gangster 9
Thursday, November 15, 2007
American Gangster
The most feared head of a New York City crime family wasn't Italian or Irish, he was black. His name is Frank Lucas. He took over the family when Bumpy Johnson died. He also did something no other drug dealer would do, he flew to Asia to buy the purest weed in the world and sell it cheap. Frank became so successful he was able to get the rest of his family and friends involved in drug dealing, and he bought a big house for his mother.
Frank Lucas is being pursued by Detective Richie Roberts. Richie's job isn't easy, because there are a lot of cops that buy or transport drugs given to them by Frank and his associates. Back is the 1970's it wasn't unusual for cops to be involved in the drug trade. When Richie is given the opportunity to put together a crew to help him bring an end to mafia rule in New York. Frank becomes the main target after Richie spots him and other members of his gang at a boxing match. That's when Richie vows to make Frank's life a living hell.
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are the two best actors in the movie, and they prove it by convincing the viewers that they are characters their portraying. American Gangster is the best movie Ridely Scott has directed since Gladiator, and it should receive multiple Academy Award nominations.
If your a fan of The Godfather, and Scarface, you'll really like American Gangster. Its not as violent as most gangster flicks, but it's one of the best.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
Frank Lucas is being pursued by Detective Richie Roberts. Richie's job isn't easy, because there are a lot of cops that buy or transport drugs given to them by Frank and his associates. Back is the 1970's it wasn't unusual for cops to be involved in the drug trade. When Richie is given the opportunity to put together a crew to help him bring an end to mafia rule in New York. Frank becomes the main target after Richie spots him and other members of his gang at a boxing match. That's when Richie vows to make Frank's life a living hell.
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are the two best actors in the movie, and they prove it by convincing the viewers that they are characters their portraying. American Gangster is the best movie Ridely Scott has directed since Gladiator, and it should receive multiple Academy Award nominations.
If your a fan of The Godfather, and Scarface, you'll really like American Gangster. Its not as violent as most gangster flicks, but it's one of the best.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The Bourne Ultimatum 9
Friday, October 26, 2007
Movies That Suck: The Day After Tomorrow
At some point in the future there will be major tornadoes in Los Angeles, huge hailstones will fall in Tokyo, and New York City will be flooded then the water will freeze causing a new Ice Age. That's according to the 2004 blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow. I would believe the film's message if it focused more on the plot and characters than on the effects. Unfortunately, the effects are the only decent aspect of the movie. The plot and characters are unimportant. Which is a shame, because I want to care about what happens to the characters, but I can't.
The plot doesn't make any sense. Global warming is happening, but not as rapidly as the movie suggests. For some reason in the US only happens it the eastern and western states, while the southern states and Mexico aren't affected as badly. So in order to survive there must be a massive evacuation to the south. That's what Sam Hall, a climate scientist tried to tell the president. Of course, the president doesn't believe him until its almost too late. When Sam gets a call from his son in New York, he decides to rescue him even if it means risking his life by walking all the way from Washington DC in extremely cold weather. The movie also has several subplots, but it seemed that the directer added them just to make the movie longer than it should have been.
The characters in the movie aren't much better. The actor's are unconvincing, and show very little emotion. It's hard to take any of them seriously, because of the horrible dialogue and acting.
Global warming won't affect the planet as rapidly as The Day After Tomorrow suggests. It could take decades or centuries before anything that happens in this movie actually occurs.
This movie had the potential to be great, but its a clear cut case of style over substance. Which is sad because the effects were cool at first, but after a while I realized that the people who made the movie spent more time on them and less time on writing a good script. Even the best actors couldn't save this disaster. That's why The Day After Tomorrow sucks.
The plot doesn't make any sense. Global warming is happening, but not as rapidly as the movie suggests. For some reason in the US only happens it the eastern and western states, while the southern states and Mexico aren't affected as badly. So in order to survive there must be a massive evacuation to the south. That's what Sam Hall, a climate scientist tried to tell the president. Of course, the president doesn't believe him until its almost too late. When Sam gets a call from his son in New York, he decides to rescue him even if it means risking his life by walking all the way from Washington DC in extremely cold weather. The movie also has several subplots, but it seemed that the directer added them just to make the movie longer than it should have been.
The characters in the movie aren't much better. The actor's are unconvincing, and show very little emotion. It's hard to take any of them seriously, because of the horrible dialogue and acting.
Global warming won't affect the planet as rapidly as The Day After Tomorrow suggests. It could take decades or centuries before anything that happens in this movie actually occurs.
This movie had the potential to be great, but its a clear cut case of style over substance. Which is sad because the effects were cool at first, but after a while I realized that the people who made the movie spent more time on them and less time on writing a good script. Even the best actors couldn't save this disaster. That's why The Day After Tomorrow sucks.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum
Jason Bourne is back, and he's trying to find out who he really is. He's also trying to figure out why he was chosen to participate in a CIA run program that's supposed to protect American lives. As in the previous two movies Bourne finds himself being chased all over the world. This time Bourne is being chased by an assassin, who was hired by the CIA to kill him. In this movie Bourne begins his journey in Moscow, and eventually returns to New York to find the place where his training began.
The chase scenes are the best parts of the movie, and in this movie they happen frequently. It seems that Bourne is always on the run. Whether he's jumping from one roof top to the next, riding a motorcycle, or driving a car Jason always seems to find a way to escape, even if he has to fight his way out.
I can't help but feel sorry for the people who are trying to stop Bourne. In spite of all their high tech gadgets, Bourne always manages to stay one step ahead of them. One of major conflicts in the movie is between Pamela Landy and Noah Vosen. Pamela doesn't want to kill Bourne, he thinks that only wants to know the truth. Noah on the other hand wants Bourne dead.
Will Jason learn what his true identity is? I can't tell you that, but I can tell you that the ending leaves an opening for a fourth movie. I hope there is one, because I'd defiantly want I watch it.
If you enjoy watching action packed, suspense filled movies, then you'll like The Bourne Ultimatum is the movie for you. It's one of the best movies of year.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
The chase scenes are the best parts of the movie, and in this movie they happen frequently. It seems that Bourne is always on the run. Whether he's jumping from one roof top to the next, riding a motorcycle, or driving a car Jason always seems to find a way to escape, even if he has to fight his way out.
I can't help but feel sorry for the people who are trying to stop Bourne. In spite of all their high tech gadgets, Bourne always manages to stay one step ahead of them. One of major conflicts in the movie is between Pamela Landy and Noah Vosen. Pamela doesn't want to kill Bourne, he thinks that only wants to know the truth. Noah on the other hand wants Bourne dead.
Will Jason learn what his true identity is? I can't tell you that, but I can tell you that the ending leaves an opening for a fourth movie. I hope there is one, because I'd defiantly want I watch it.
If you enjoy watching action packed, suspense filled movies, then you'll like The Bourne Ultimatum is the movie for you. It's one of the best movies of year.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
The Simpsons Movie 9
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Movies That Suck: Lost in Space
For years Hollywood has been turning TV shows into movies. Sometimes the transition is a success, other times it results in a flop. The movie version of the 1960s TV series Lost in Space is a total dud.
The Robinson family is on a mission to find a to find a new home world for the human race, because Earth is on the brink of destruction. One thing that they didn't count on was that an evil man named Smith reprograms Will's robot, and orders it to destroy the Robinson family. While the robot fails to kill the Robinsons, it does succeed in disabling the ship. Now the crew is lost in space, and in danger of crashing into the sun.
Don West, the ship's pilot uses the hyperdrive to fly the ship threw the sun. Once the ship survives it crashes on an uncharted planet, and takes the movie down with it. If the characters had died in the crash landing the film would be much shorter than its running time, which is over two hours. Somehow they manage to survive.
The only thing I liked about the movie was the special effects. They made everything look realistic. Unfortunately, the effects overshadow every other aspect of the movie. The acting is bland, and the plot is full of black holes.
There is a saying the goes "In space no one can hear you scream". In space no one can hear you yawn either. Lost in Space should be lost in space, or at least lost in the DVD bargain bin for all eternity.
The Robinson family is on a mission to find a to find a new home world for the human race, because Earth is on the brink of destruction. One thing that they didn't count on was that an evil man named Smith reprograms Will's robot, and orders it to destroy the Robinson family. While the robot fails to kill the Robinsons, it does succeed in disabling the ship. Now the crew is lost in space, and in danger of crashing into the sun.
Don West, the ship's pilot uses the hyperdrive to fly the ship threw the sun. Once the ship survives it crashes on an uncharted planet, and takes the movie down with it. If the characters had died in the crash landing the film would be much shorter than its running time, which is over two hours. Somehow they manage to survive.
The only thing I liked about the movie was the special effects. They made everything look realistic. Unfortunately, the effects overshadow every other aspect of the movie. The acting is bland, and the plot is full of black holes.
There is a saying the goes "In space no one can hear you scream". In space no one can hear you yawn either. Lost in Space should be lost in space, or at least lost in the DVD bargain bin for all eternity.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Simpsons Movie
After almost two decades of waiting there's finally a movie version of the longest running animated series in history. The movie touches on the subjects of pollution global warming, and their impact on the environment. When Lisa finds out that Lake Springfield is polluted, she shows everyone in town her presentation on global warming titled "An Irritating Truth". Eventually the lake gets cleaned up only to be polluted again when Homer drops a silo full of pig waste in it.
As a result of Homer's stupidity the EPA places a dome over Springfield, but the Simpons manage to escape to Alaska. Can Springfield be saved? You'll have to see the movie to find out.
There are a lot of really funny moments, like the scene where Homer is holding the pig upside down and letting walk on the ceiling. Another one occurs when Homer tries to destroy the EPA truck with a crane in order to save his family. The wrecking ball taps the EPA truck then swings back, and destroys the crane. What happens after that is really hilarious.
The Simpons TV series is known for making fun of celebrities, the same goes for the movie. In The Simpsons Movie Arnold Schwarzenegger is the president, which is something that could never really happen. The movie also makes fun of Tom Hanks.
Turning a TV show into a movie is no easy task. Film adaptations of popular television programs aren't always successful. The Simpsons makes the transition flawlessly, which is why it's one of the best animated movies of 2007.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
As a result of Homer's stupidity the EPA places a dome over Springfield, but the Simpons manage to escape to Alaska. Can Springfield be saved? You'll have to see the movie to find out.
There are a lot of really funny moments, like the scene where Homer is holding the pig upside down and letting walk on the ceiling. Another one occurs when Homer tries to destroy the EPA truck with a crane in order to save his family. The wrecking ball taps the EPA truck then swings back, and destroys the crane. What happens after that is really hilarious.
The Simpons TV series is known for making fun of celebrities, the same goes for the movie. In The Simpsons Movie Arnold Schwarzenegger is the president, which is something that could never really happen. The movie also makes fun of Tom Hanks.
Turning a TV show into a movie is no easy task. Film adaptations of popular television programs aren't always successful. The Simpsons makes the transition flawlessly, which is why it's one of the best animated movies of 2007.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 8
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Lord Voldemort is back, and he plans to rebuild his army, and make Harry's life a living nightmare. Of course the Ministry of Magic doesn't believe it, and sends Dolores Umbridge to Hogwarts to be the new Professor for the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Umbridge does her best to convince everyone at Hogwarts that Voldemort isn't coming back. She also tries to stop some of the students from forming a rebellion.
The students aren't the only ones trying to stop Voldemort. There is also a mysterious group known as the Order of the Phoenix, which is headed by Harry's godfather Sirius Black. There are so many plot twists I can't possibly discuss all of them in this review. I can tell you that Harry kisses a girl, but it's not Hermione.
The effects steal the show especially during the battle, and training scenes. It's amazing how technology has allowed film makers to create effects that were impossible decades ago. The backgrounds are very realistic, and make the viewer feel like their really in the movie.
Now that the last book has been released, Potter fans can look foreword to seeing two more movies. Will they be as good as this one? We'll have to wait and see.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
The students aren't the only ones trying to stop Voldemort. There is also a mysterious group known as the Order of the Phoenix, which is headed by Harry's godfather Sirius Black. There are so many plot twists I can't possibly discuss all of them in this review. I can tell you that Harry kisses a girl, but it's not Hermione.
The effects steal the show especially during the battle, and training scenes. It's amazing how technology has allowed film makers to create effects that were impossible decades ago. The backgrounds are very realistic, and make the viewer feel like their really in the movie.
Now that the last book has been released, Potter fans can look foreword to seeing two more movies. Will they be as good as this one? We'll have to wait and see.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Transformers 8
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Transformers
For over two decades the Autobots and the Decepicons have been fighting a seemingly never ending war. That war hits the big screen with a bang this summer. If your looking for a movie with a lot of explosions, then Transformers is the movie for you.
The Decepeticons have arrived on earth to search for the All Spark. They send a scout to gather the classified data they need to find it. The scout eventually finds out the map to the All Spark, which had been imprinted on the glasses of the grandfather of Sam Witwicky. The same glasses Sam is trying to sell on EBay so that he has enough money to buy a car. When Sam and his dad go to buy the car, Sam sees an old Camaro. What he doesn't know is that the ordinary looking car is actually Bumblebee, who is a member of the Autobots. One night the Camaro drive to a junk yard, and Sam follows it. He's shocked when he sees the Camaro transform for the first time, as Bumblebee sends a signal to the other Autobots.Eventually other members of the Autobots arrive, led by Optimus Prime. They need Sam to find the glasses so they can find the All Spark before the Decepicons do. When the Autobots and Decepicons clash, all hell breaks loose.
The effects in this movie are incredible, especially when the Autobots and Decepicons transform, and during the fight sequences. Buildings and other structures are destroyed, and a lot of stuff gets blown up. That's what you can expect from a movie directed by Micheal Bay. Transformers is one of his best films. It's as good as Bad Boys and Bad Boys II, and its much better than Pearl Harbor.
There are two things I didn't like about the movie: 1) The plot was hard to follow in the beginning. 2) The ending seemed a little too long. Otherwise it was an excellent viewing experience.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
The Decepeticons have arrived on earth to search for the All Spark. They send a scout to gather the classified data they need to find it. The scout eventually finds out the map to the All Spark, which had been imprinted on the glasses of the grandfather of Sam Witwicky. The same glasses Sam is trying to sell on EBay so that he has enough money to buy a car. When Sam and his dad go to buy the car, Sam sees an old Camaro. What he doesn't know is that the ordinary looking car is actually Bumblebee, who is a member of the Autobots. One night the Camaro drive to a junk yard, and Sam follows it. He's shocked when he sees the Camaro transform for the first time, as Bumblebee sends a signal to the other Autobots.Eventually other members of the Autobots arrive, led by Optimus Prime. They need Sam to find the glasses so they can find the All Spark before the Decepicons do. When the Autobots and Decepicons clash, all hell breaks loose.
The effects in this movie are incredible, especially when the Autobots and Decepicons transform, and during the fight sequences. Buildings and other structures are destroyed, and a lot of stuff gets blown up. That's what you can expect from a movie directed by Micheal Bay. Transformers is one of his best films. It's as good as Bad Boys and Bad Boys II, and its much better than Pearl Harbor.
There are two things I didn't like about the movie: 1) The plot was hard to follow in the beginning. 2) The ending seemed a little too long. Otherwise it was an excellent viewing experience.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard 8
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
Bruce Willis is back in action as John McClane. This time America's security is threatened by a group of hackers are threatening to shut down the nation's government, and infrastructure. In order to stop them McClane teams up with a hacker named Matt played by Justin Long who plays the role of the Mac in Apple's Mac vs. PC ads. McClane has to bring Matt to Washington DC, but first they have to survive an attack from assassins who work for Gabriel, the leader of the evil computer geniuses.
Live Free or Die Hard is the ultimate action movie. It has explosions, gun fights, and chase scenes. One of my favorite scenes is when McClane destroys a helicopter with a car. Another good one is when an F-17 attacks a semi truck driven by McClane. The reason why it attacked the car is because Gabriel gave the pilot the order.
Since the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, America has been focused on fighting terrorists from other countries, while ignoring the fact that there might be terrorists in this country. A terrorist attack on this country by computer hackers seems likely, but it would take a lot of time effort and people to pull off. Gabriel was hoping that his plan to shut down America's government, financial, transportation, and energy infrastructure would work, but he wasn't counting on the fact that McClane would do everything he could to stop him from succeeding.
Live Free or Die Hard is the best movie of the franchise. It's action packed, and has a great cast. It's one of the must see movies of the summer.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
Live Free or Die Hard is the ultimate action movie. It has explosions, gun fights, and chase scenes. One of my favorite scenes is when McClane destroys a helicopter with a car. Another good one is when an F-17 attacks a semi truck driven by McClane. The reason why it attacked the car is because Gabriel gave the pilot the order.
Since the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, America has been focused on fighting terrorists from other countries, while ignoring the fact that there might be terrorists in this country. A terrorist attack on this country by computer hackers seems likely, but it would take a lot of time effort and people to pull off. Gabriel was hoping that his plan to shut down America's government, financial, transportation, and energy infrastructure would work, but he wasn't counting on the fact that McClane would do everything he could to stop him from succeeding.
Live Free or Die Hard is the best movie of the franchise. It's action packed, and has a great cast. It's one of the must see movies of the summer.
I give this movie an 8 out of 10
How the rating system works:
10-9=A
8-7= B
6-5= C
4-3= D
2-0= F
This year so far
Scores out of 10
Ghost Rider 4
300 8
TMNT 7
Fracture 5
28 Weeks Later 4
Shrek the Third 7
Ocean's Thirteen 8
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