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Sunday, May 29, 2011

"Kung Fu Panda 2"

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Pudgy "Dragon Warrior" Po and the Furious Five are back in action!  They will do whatever it takes to protect the Valley of Peace and China against the evil albino peacock and its fiery weapons and army of ferocious wolves.  Po traces back his origin to when he was a cute baby panda (giggle time!) found by his adopted, noodle-making goose father. Through inner peace Po finally defeats the enemy.  Fun and furious with a heart and flurry of fury actions with a message to let go of the past, choose to be what you want to be, and create a new future.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

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For the fourth time around, Johnny Depp returns to the role that turns him into an iconic fixture in movie history, Captain Jack Sparrow.  He's still the same, flippantly flamboyant and drunkenly hysterical character that captured the hearts of fans of all ages years ago. 

 

Among the trilogy, "Curse of the Black Pearl" has always been the most entertaining.  The grandiose special effects, sets, costume and makeup were all novelty.  The story felt fresh and colorful characters made it an exhilarating, epic adventure. 

 

How does 'On Stranger Tides' stack up?  Thankfully, it bears much resemblance to the original 'Curse of the Black Pearl.'  Unlike the sequels, dreaded 'Dead Man's Chest' and so-so 'At World's End,' the fun has returned!  No longer overbloated, gone are the muddled subplots, unnecessary characters, choppy action sequences and ever-present darkness. 

 

In 'On Stranger Tides,' Captain Jack is reunited with his first-mate 'Gibbs' (Kevin McNally) and frenemy, one-legged 'Barbossa' (Geoffrey Rush).  Barbossa is now a privateer sanctioned by the crown of England, in a quest against the Spaniards for the fabled fountain of youth. 
 
Watching Jack's opening antics with sly quips and high-spirited escape involving a banquet table, chandelier and horse-drawn carriages, the swaggering swashbuckler is officially back.   Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly, the other two main stars in the trilogy, rode off into the sunset at 'At World's End' and are missing from this fourth installment. 

 

Jack crosses path with a foxy beauty, former lover 'Angelica' (Penelope Cruz).  Cruz, initially appearing as Jack's impersonator, makes a notable entry in the Captain Jack Sparrow vs. Captain Jack Sparrow swordfight scene.  Angelica happens to be the daughter of the legendary, much feared Pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).  She forces Jack into joining his father's ship, Queen of Anne's Revenge, so that he could provide direction to reach the eternal spring.  After a mutiny, Blackbeard makes his presence known by showing off what his magical sword and voodoo skills could do.

 

In order to reach the fountain of youth, sailors must sail past a sea of mermaids - murderous mermaids with teeth as sharp as shark and vicious as predators.  The mayhem created by these mermaids is impressive.  Afterwards they must also find two silver challises, which will need to be filled with a mermaid's tears and water.  Among the hostage-turned-crew member is a young preacher (Sam McClaflin), who ends up falling for a captured mermaid, Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey). 

 

With Barbossa and the Spanish soldiers hot on their trail, Captain Jack, Blackbeard, Angelica and crew trek through the lush jungles and into the deep caves, in a race to reach the fountain of youth, culminating in a final clash.  Although Barbossa and the Spaniards may have another motive in the pursuit.

 

With a straightforward story and each character serving a purpose, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is what a pirate movie should be - a swashbuckling adventure at the high seas.  The continuance of the rousing score greatly boosts the rambunctious romp.  Wait and sit through the credit for a post-closing scene that opens up curious possibilities.

 

This is the first 2011 summer blockbuster experience that is enhanced by DBox motion seats at Ultrastar Theaters, where the seat movements subtly sway and rumble with the actions.  'On Stranger Tides' is just as fun as a themed park ride. 
 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Note - "Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides"

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" review is now up on http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-pirates-caribbean-stranger-tides/  It will be posted on the blog at a later time.
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If you live in Southern Calif. and are interested in Ultrastar Theaters movie tickets at $8/ea., please e-mail indotransserv@gmail.com. Valid for NEW releases anytime (except 3-D).

Friday, May 20, 2011

Just For Fun: Top Swashbuckler Movies

['Pirates' review is coming up next]

With "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" swashbuckling its way into theaters this week, let's look back at the top ten best buccaneers on the silver screen.

From the unhinged to the undead, from the animated to the exemplary, check out the article on Moviefone:
http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/05/20/best-movie-pirates/

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Just For Fun: The "Real" Summer Movie Posters

A whole host of blockbusters are on their way this summer, ready to dazzle you with dizzying marketing campaigns, flashy trailers and big-name stars.  Don't be fooled!  If movie posters could tell the truth, here's what they would say. :-P

Check out the Shiznit for a peek at the summer movie posters with humorously altered taglines: (could you guess which one is "All CGIs but the abs?")

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

"Thor"

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"Thor" strikes into theaters and starts off the summer blockbuster season.

Kenneth Branagh ("Henry V," "Hamlet") may seem to be an odd choice to direct a big-budget superhero movie. Some superhero movies translate well from comics onto the screen, but "Thor," the story of a golden-manned, hammer-hurling God could be campy or amateurish in the hands of the wrong director. Branagh has proven otherwise.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is one hot-headed Norse God. The apparent heir to the throne of the realm of Asgard, he's brash and reckless. After a break-in incident by a few creatures of Frost Giants, Asgard's old nemesis, he defies the order of his father, the wise King Odin (Anthony Hopkins).  

Thor pushes his way through the galactic portal, watched over by its long-time guardian (Idris Elba), and ventures out to the frozen land of Jotunheim, along with quartet of his loyal fighters (Ray Stevenson, Tadanabou Asano, Josh Dallas, Jamie Alexander). By provoking and starting a fight, he breaks a truce that could lead to a war.  

Furious and disappointed in his son, King Odin strips off Thor of his supremacy and banishes him to Earth to learn a lesson about humility. In darkness through the storm of clouds, Thor lands in the desert of New Mexico, where he's accidentally hit by the vehicle occupied by Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), an astrophysicist, her quirky assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), and mentor Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard).

There are developments in both worlds. In New Mexico, the S.H.I.E.L.D. government agents, led by Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), are tracking down the unusual atmospheric phenomenon and taking over Jane's research. In Asgard, King Odin falls into a slumber state and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's iniquitous younger brother, proclaims himself as the ruler of the realm. Loki's dark backstory and motivation is revealingly more complex than a sibling jealousy and deeper than greed. He's a multi-dimensional character and not your typical villain.

But no one steals Hemsworth's thunder here; a star is born.  Any doubt about him is erased; as a newcomer, he will make a fine addition to the cast of the all-star "The Avengers" (premiering next summer).

With his Shakespearean language and old-world manner, Thor is a fish out-of-water and hilarity follows. He gradually transforms from anger and confusion to comprehension and resignation as a mere mortal. For the first time in his life, he doesn't know what he's supposed to be or do. Even with his Godlike, muscular stature, there's a childlike innocence and gentleness about him, wondering around and interacting with humans in his exile.

There's a poignancy when Thor finds his hammer, Mjolnir, stuck in a rock, and realizes he could not pick it up even with all his might. Mjolnir is a war hammer forged out of a dying star  and could only be held by a worthy warrior. Now this incredible brute strength looks more like a lost little boy. He softens considerably and understands his reprimand.  

When Thor faces off with the Destroyer, a giant robot sent down by Loki, and selflessly offers himself to end the destruction on Earth, it's a turning point in his character. And when his almighty power is restored in its regal glory, Thor displays it wisely. The God of Thunder is now a dignified warrior.

"Thor" is an epic blend of mythology, action, adventure and fantasy. But underneath all the flash, it has a layered story, well-developed characters and human dynamics. Beyond royal rivalry, it's a story about familial betrayal and tragedy, self-discovery and growth. Yet it's lighthearted enough as a pure enjoyment. The only flaw here, surprisingly, is Natalie Portman, fresh off her Oscar win in "Black Swan." Supposedly an accomplished scientist, somehow her portrayal as a love interest comes off as a giddy school girl.

Last but not least, what a visual marvel! Asgard is celestially fantastic, fits for Gods - glittering gold spheres, lustrous palace and crystal bridge shimmering in a spectrum of colors. It shines even more luminously, in stark contrast with the dusty, humble Earth.

"Thor" was my most anticipated superhero movie in 2011 since I attended the Comic-Con panel and previewed the extended trailer last year. As an original adaptation, "Thor" has set the bar high for "Green Lantern" and "Captain America." Like "Spider Man" and "Iron Man" before it, Marvel has another star in its universe, primed for a sequel.

"Thor" deserves a thunderous applause.  

Monday, May 9, 2011

Note: "Thor"

"Thor" review is now up on http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-thor/ It will be posted on the blog at a later time.
__________________________________________
If you live in Southern Calif. and are interested in Ultrastar Theaters movie tickets at $8.25/ea., including FREE promo popcorn vouchers, please e-mail indotransserv@gmail.com. Valid for NEW releases (except 3-D).

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Free Comic Book Day

["Thor" review is up next] [Geek-Out Guide was added to previous Summer Blockbusters post]

Don't forget that today (May 7) is Free Comic Book Day!

The event has been taking place on the first Saturday in May since 2002. More than two million comics are expected to be distributed FREE at participating stores across the nation (no strings attached; I picked up a couple of copies last year).

Check out the article on MSNBC:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42934239/ns/today-books/t/spidey-archie-dinosaurs-it-must-be-free-comic-book-day?gt1=43001

Pick up your FREE comics at your neighborhood store: (store locator below)
http://www.freecomicbookday.com/fcbd_locator.asp

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

2011 Summer Blockbusters Guide

It seems like Summer 2011 is going to be one of the most jam-packed summers in Hollywood history, with swaths of superheroes, wizards, monsters, aliens, cowboys and hungover schmucks competing for your hard-earned cash. What's coming out? What's worth seeing? 

Check out the 2011 Summer Blockbusters Guide on CraveOnline:
http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/167343-summer-blockbuster-guide-2011

Any chance for blockbuster-fatigue? This year, Hollywood studios are cramming a record of 14 big-budget movies into a 12-week season!

"Thor" is coming out the end of this week.  

Sunday, May 1, 2011

"Fast Five"

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Summer opens big, loud and early!  With elements of "The Italian Job" and "Ocean Eleven," "Fast Five" is far more than street car-racing.  It's a testosterone-fueled, incredulous heist through the labyrinth of Rio de Janeiro that pushes beyond the limit of plausibility - involving muscle cars, train, vault - leaving pile-ups at every turn.  Fastest, most furious and funnest.