SEARCH THIS BLOG

Monday, April 28, 2014

"Transcendence"


 
What if you could preserve your consciousness and live on even after you pass? What if it's possible to transfer your memories, thoughts and feelings into a computer and continue to grow? Would it still be you? How far would you take it? Would you make the world a better place given the chance? But at what cost and consequence?  Is there such thing as a perfect world?

After Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp, “Pirates of the Caribbean”), a renowned researcher in AI (artificial intelligence), is shot by a tech-terrorist (Kate Mara, "Iron Man 2") group and dying from a radioactive poisoning, his loving wife and fellow researcher, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall, “Iron Man 3”) desperately tries to keep him alive, in cyberspace. Technology advances rapidly and Will/AI perform feats beyond human limitations, alarming their colleagues (Paul Bettany, “The Tourist” and Morgan Freeman, “Red") and FBI (Cillian Murphy, “In Time”).

Hall grounds the movie. With palpable emotions, she makes you believe Will is really alive and their relationship is far beyond virtual. The moment she first notices Will is more than digits and speaks to her or when she realizes what Will/AI could break down her body chemistry and exactly read her feelings. Bettany, whose character is a third wheel in Will and Evelyn's relationship adds complexity with being torn between what he believes needs to be done and remains loyal to his good friends, but both Freeman and Murphy are wasted in their minor roles.

More than man versus machine, the premise explores what it means to be human, questions the existence of soul, humanity and ethical issues. A directorial debut by Wally Pfister, director Christopher Nolan's ("Batman" trilogy) long-time and Oscar-winning cinematographer, the film is exquisitely photographed, and if executed right, has the potential to rival the critically lauded “Inception.”

But the biggest flaw is the massive leap of logic that transcends suspension of disbelief. After a compelling beginning, it jumps off the cliff quickly. The thought-provoking nature remains through the end, but with the script that lets events unravel illogically, the film fails to live up to its transcendent potentials.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-transcendence/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/ls8hfjm
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/k27t8am

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Upcoming Movies: July 2014


[Originally posted on 6/29/14]

July 4
"Earth to Echo" (http://callhimecho.com) - After receiving a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group of kids embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help.

"Deliver Us from Evil" (http://www.deliverusfromevil-movie.net) - An NY police officer investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city.

July 11
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (http://www.dawnofapes.com) - A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

"A Long Way Down" (http://www.magpictures.com/alongwaydown/) - Four people meet on New Year's Eve and form a surrogate family to help one another weather the difficulties of their lives.

July 18
"The Purge: Anarchy" (http://blumhouse.com/film/thepurgeanarchy) - A young couple works to survive on the streets after their car breaks down right as the annual purge commences.

"I Origins" - A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.

July 25
"Lucy" (http://www.lucymovie.com) - A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

"Magic in the Moonlight" - A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"


 
Call me skeptical.

While Captain America is a superhero everyone could certainly look up to, he is not, truthfully, that interesting of a character. He's not a godlike being from another planet. No super ego. No secret identity. No larger-than-life transformation. He's simply Steve Rogers. All-American hero with such earnest goodness. A self-sacrificing soldier, an unassuming next door neighbor. The kind who could walk into his own Captain America's exhibit, largely unrecognized.

Captain America: The First Avenger" wasn't my favorite. Chris Evans (Captain America/Steve Rogers) doesn't stand out as an actor. Even the Marvel press conference I attended last summer didn't raise my expectations. As it turns out, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” blows every per-conceived notion out of the water.

Like “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: The Dark World,” the movie takes place post-Battle of New York in “The Avengers.” It's been a couple of years since Steve has been defrosted, picked up by the S.H.I.E.L.D., and fought aliens alongside other superheroes. Physically, the 95-year old has started to adjust to the 21st century living, but psychologically, he's still unsure what he's fighting for. Modern society is morally gray and doesn't fit with his black-and-white view of the world. The world as he knew it has changed.

S.H.I.E.L.D. is expanded here beyond director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,”  “The Avengers”) and agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders, “The Avengers”). Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) is a top brass at the global espionage organization and member of the World Security Council, overseeing Project Insight, an overreaching secret project that would unprecedentedly change the fate of the world.

When director Fury was brazenly ambushed in broad daylight, Cap, teaming up with sassy and ambiguous Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson, “Iron Man 2,” “The Avengers,” “Her”) and war veteran Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie, “The Adjustment Bureau”). He must find out who's behind the attack while being suspected and hunted down by members of the organization. He also faces his equal, a man from his past, brainwashed assassin (Sebastian Stan) known as the Winter Soldier.

While the first movie is humorless, there's a good dose of humor in this installment, which makes it entertaining. Evans and Johansson have chemistry, making their polar opposite characters' platonic relationship and banter interesting. Mackie fits right in as wing-man Falcon, egging humorous one-liners out of straight-laced Cap.

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the film is more of a political action thriller, sprinkled with superhero adventures. An old-fashioned conspiracy dealing with government infiltration, mass surveillance, preemptive strike and the cost of freedom. It has a similar grounded-in-reality feel like the first “Iron Man,” and although not as dark as “The Dark Knight,” it's filled with hard-hitting, intense action sequences. It even manages to churn out a few surprises. Incredibly awesome choreography and intensity, including hand-to-hand combat, land pursuit and aerial battle. Cap is unbelievably agile and fluid with his shield. The shield is expertly utilized both as an offense and defense. Falcon takes to the skies and makes it exhilarating. Black Widow's considerable role greatly contributes to the dynamics and makes a significant impact on the movie.

For a usual Marvel treat, stay for two post-credit scenes, sparking interest of what's to come in the next installment and next year's “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Marvel has raised the quality of superhero movies to the next level. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” ranks up there as one of the very best.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-captain-america-the-winter-soldier/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/n2n74kd
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/kgc2lot

Comic-Con 2011 Exhibit
 

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Upcoming Movies: June 2014


[Originally posted on 6/04/14]


June 6
"Edge of Tomorrow" (http://www.edgeoftomorrowmovie.com) - A soldier fighting in a war with aliens finds himself caught in a time loop of his last day in the battle, though he becomes better skilled along the way.

"The Fault in Our Stars" (http://thefaultinourstarsmovie.com) - Two teenagers share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey.

June 13
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" (http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com) - When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.

"The Signal" - On a road trip, three friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, one regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare.

June 20
"Jersey Boys" (http://www.jerseyboysmovie.com) - The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.

"Third Person" - Three interlocking love stories involving three couples in three cities: Rome, Paris, New York.

June 27
"Transformers: Age of Extinction" (http://www.transformersmovie.com) - An automobile mechanic and his daughter make a discovery that brings down the Autobots and Decepticons - and a paranoid government official - on them.

"Snowpiercer" - In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off all life on the planet except for a lucky few that boarded a train that travels around the globe, where a class system evolves.

"Summer Blockbusters 2014"

[Originally posted on 5/12/14]

2014 Summer Blockbusters in 3:25 minutes:

Friday, April 4, 2014

Upcoming Movies: May 2014

[Originally posted on 5/01/14]

The 2014 blockbuster season arrives this Friday!  Superheroes, monsters and evil queen are coming to theaters near you. 

And for those comic book lovers, the first Saturday of May means one thing... FREE Comic Book Day.  Check out http://www.freecomicbookday.com and grab your copies.

***

May 2
"The Amazing Spider Man 2" (http://www.theamazingspiderman.com/site/) - Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life.

"Belle" [limited] - An illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle.

May 9
"Chef" - A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.

"Neighbors" (http://www.neighbors-movie.com/) - A couple with a newborn baby face unexpected difficulties after they are forced to live next to a fraternity house.

May 16
"Godzilla" (http://www.godzillamovie.com/) - The world's most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

"Million Dollar Arm" - A sports agent stages an unconventional recruitment strategy to get talented Asian cricket players to play Major League Baseball.

May 23
"X-Men: Days of Future Past" (http://www.x-menmovies.com/#!/home) - The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.

"Blended" (http://www.blendedmovie.com/) - After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship.

May 30
"Maleficent" (http://movies.disney.com/maleficent) - A vindictive fairy is driven to curse an infant princess only to realize the child may be the only one who can restore peace.

"A Million Ways to Die in the West" - As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

WonderCon 2014: Feature Film Highlights

[Originally posted on 4/26/14]

Unlike last year, this year's WonderCon features a number of feature films. While it may not be as “exclusive” as these movies are going to be out in theaters pretty soon, the panels and exhibits are lower profiles in general, it's still entertaining to see extended trailers or additional footage and chat with select cast and crew.

***

Here are some of the feature film highlights:

Edge of Tomorrow” (starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt)
In attendance: Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton briefly discussed about the action-packed movie, in which Tom Cruise's character is a soldier battling an alien army and experiences a “groundhog day” on the day he dies. He continuously relieves his experience, and in the process learns to fight and his combat skills get better each time. Paxton commented about how heavy the exoskeleton suits were and there were times where the actors had to be suspended by chains to help take the weight off the suits. Paxton asserted that the movie would not just be a guy's movie; it will appeal to the gals as well. He praised Emily Blunt, playing a fellow soldier, for being tough and terrific.

***

Into the Storm”
In attendance: director Steven Quale, stars Richard Armitage, Max Deacon, Jeremy Sumpter, Arlen Escarpia

This panel showed goosebumps-inducing trailer, multiple tornadoes' wrath, wreaking havoc in a small town. Rain, wind, lightning, funnel cloud, fire, including a fire twister, destroying everything on its path. There's a balance of special effects between practical and digital. The actors were blasted with 120 MPH wind machine, sprays of cold water and dirt, and debris crashing around them. The result is natural disaster at its most powerful.

***

Godzilla”
In attendance: director Gareth Edwards

The bulk of the trailer with the tsunami in Hawaii is already out, but it's the closing scene that got fans raving. All the elements were expertly put together. Godzilla, rising from the sea, is only partly seen in the beginning, raising curiosity and fright. Floods sweep the tropical city. Humans are shooting at the unknown monster and hanging in the balance. But just when we thought the Godzilla would appear in its all its glory, a winged bug-like alien creature, comes into full view, and faces off with the Godzilla.

Director Gareth Edwards noted the challenge about designing a Godzilla was everyone had an opinion of what Godzilla should look like. And as far as the other creature, we had so many monsters over the last decades, so he took different elements of different monsters and created something that hopefully would look original.

***

Dawn of Planet of the Apes”
In attendance: director Matt Reeves, stars Kerri Russell, Gary Oldman, Andy Serkis

The movie picks up 10 years after the events of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” By this time, intelligent apes have ruled the world, so to speak, and we're introduced to the inside of the ape world, where Caesar is the leader. Caesar is an egalitarian leader and he carries humanity from his upbringing with a human family. As one might have guessed, humans have survived in this new ape world, and it's the question of how the two species could co-exist. It's a story about survival. A friend-or-foe scene, between a seemingly friendly ape, drinking along a couple of human buddies, left the crowd gasping in shock.

Director Matt Reeves promised a very immersive experience. He mentioned about performance-capture scenes shot in the woods and in the rain with 3-D cameras.

***

The Maze Runner”
In attendance: author James Dahsner, director Wes Ball, stars Will Poulter, Dylan O'Brien

Author James Dashner was enthusiastic about the adaptation of his YA dystopian fiction, noting how the movie matched his vision perfectly and how the filmmaker nailed the casting. The book was inspired by “Lord of the Flies,” “Ender's Game”  and TV show “Lost.” The trailer, which is available online, features the protagonists running for their lives to escape the maze, trying to avoid being crushed, trapped or swallowed by rising, falling or closing-in walls and ground shifting or breaking apart. To the amusement of those in the audience, the actors noted that running wasn't part of the audition. While the movie looks like it's chocked full of special effects, director Wes Ball remarked that the biggest special effects were the emotional performance from the cast. The panel concluded the presentation by taking a “selfie,” an ever-growing trend, from the stage with the audience in the background.

***

X-Men: Days of Future Past”
In attendance: writer-producer Simon Kinberg

Writer-producer Simon Kinberg opened the panel by showing an extended sneak peek, a complete opening, intense fight scenes between relentless and superior Sentinels and various mutants. Fire and ice duels are shown prominently in the struggle.

Taking place in the past, 1970s shortly after the events of “X-Men: First Class," and the future, where Sentinels are hunting mutants and humans alike, the movie features the largest number of mutants. According to Kinberg, time-travel was tricky in general and the team consulted with James Cameron (“Avatar”) to be sure that they would handle this aspect meticulously. To distinguish the two eras, he added that the past was filmed with a bright palette and future with a cool, darker shade.

Like “X-Men: First Class,” there's a political element in the story. President Nixon makes a cameo and hints that the mutants might be behind the story of the missing tapes in the White House.

***

Lucy” (starring: Scarlett Johansson)
In attendance: director Luc Besson

Responding to a fan's question, director Luc Besson mentioned that his films often show the strength of women and weakness of men. His latest picture has a gritty look and cool feel, said to be using only 30% of CGI.

Like the 2011 “Limitless," this movie is based on a popular belief that humans only use ten percent of the brain and explores what happens if we could access and operate at 100% of brain power. Taking on the action route, the result is a near super human who acts with such precision, in speed and perception. In rapid succession, Scarlett Johansson's character is shown mapping her escape from her shackles, shoots and kills several men, chowing down their food, pulls out a bullet from her shoulder, finds her way to a hospital, forces doctors to operate on her to take out a leaking bag filled with drugs that was mysteriously placed inside her stomach. In another scene, she drives the wrong-way in the streets of Paris, unfazed amidst other cars wheezing by, flipping and crashing around her.

***

I left the last movie panel, "Deliver Us from Evil" early (stars Eric Bana and Olivia Munn were present, among a few others).  A day dominated by movie presentations ended with a TV-related panel for me, a Q&A session with the showrunners. Steve Callaghan (“Family Guy”), Chris Carter (“The X-Files”), Marc Guggenheim (“Arrow”) and Andrew Kreisberg (“Arrow”), Steven Molaro (“The Big Bang Theory”), Rockne O’Bannon (“Revolution”), Jane Espenson (“Once Upon a Time”) and John Rogers (“Leverage”) were in attendance.

It's interesting to hear them speak and provide insights, such as the writing aspect, their relationships with the actors and fans, and role of social media. One funny tidbit they mentioned was the about the actors. During the first year of the show, it's been said that actors work for them. In the second year, actors and showrunners are partners. But the third year, showrunners work for the actors, because it's easier to replace who's behind the camera since they're not visible to the public, than the actors, who by this time have become well-known and a constant present in the lives of the shows' fans.

***

As long as WonderCon continues to be held in Anaheim, I would happily attend. It may not be a transcendent experience like the mega-popular Comic-Con, but certainly worth the drive. Hassle-free entrance to most panels, comics-loaded exhibit halls (although curiously missing movie and TV props this year) and creative cosplays.

If you've never been to Comic-Con and wanted to get a taste of the experience at a fraction of the price, or if you're a Comic-Con fan but tired of the drama-filled process of scoring tickets, waiting in long lines and camping out for panels, head out to WonderCon next year!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/wondercon-2014-feature-film-highlights-part-i/
http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/wondercon-2014-feature-film-highlights-part-ii/
http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/wondercon-2014-feature-film-highlights-part-iii/

[left click to enlarge pictures]