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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Upcoming Movies: July 2011

July 1

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (http://www.transformersmovie.com/) - Against the backdrop of the space race between the U.S.S.R. and the USA, the alliance between Sam Witwicky and Optimus Prime is put to the test against a common enemy: Shockwave.

 

"Larry Crowne" (http://www.larrycrowne.com/)-  Unclear of his next steps after losing his job at a big-box retailer, Larry Crowne enrolls at his local college, where he finds a niche among the school's community of outcasts, and a connection with a teacher who has lost her passion for life.

 

July 8

"Horrible Bosses" (http://horriblebossesmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html) - Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

 

July 15

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2" - The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to find and destroy the final horcruxes. But when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the battle of Harry vs. Voldemort looms large. 

 

"Winnie the Pooh" (http://disney.go.com/pooh/) - Hand-drawn Disney treatment in the studio's return to Hundred Acre Wood, bringing back Winnie, Eeyore, et al. back into theaters in a classical fashion.

 

July 22

"Captain America: The First Avenger" (http://captainamerica.marvel.com/) - After being deemed unfit for military service during WWII, a soldier volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.  His first mission is to combat the Nazi propaganda effort headed by Red Skull.

 

July 29

"Cowboys & Aliens" (http://www.platinumstudios.com/cowboysandaliens) - Apache Indians and Western settlers must lay their differences aside when an alien spaceship crash lands in their city.

 
"The Smurfs" (http://www.smurfhappens.com/) - The little blue creatures of Smurf village move to New York City after an evil wizard chases them out of their mushroom-like homes in the forest.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"Super 8"

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The "E.T." of the 21st century.

Growing up overseas, I never saw the original "E.T."  But I had the pleasure of seeing the 2002's remake.  "Super 8" is a reminiscence of that, with a homage to "Jurassic Park."  I saw it a couple of weeks ago, but due to a variety of factors, I wasn't able to write a review around that time.  It may not be an instant classic, but "Super 8" has a magical quality.  It stays fresh in my mind as one of the best movies of the year. 

If you're not a fan of "Cloverfield," fear not, "Super 8" is nothing like the shaky docu-style film.  While both share the director, J.J. Abrams, that's where the similarity stops.  It's also worlds beyond Steven Spielberg's own "War of the Worlds" (starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning).  Inspired by Spielberg (acting as producer here), "Super 8" has all the footprints of an old-fashioned kids' adventure, family movie. 

Set in 1979 Ohio, the story opens with several kids (Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Gabriel Basso), filming an amateur movie with a Super 8 camera in front of an old train station.  They witness and survive the impact of a horrifically breathtaking freight train crash, which is derailed by a pick-up truck driven by a familiar face.  Almost immediately the U.S. Air Force (led by Noah Emmerich) swarm in and sweep around the area, recovering tons of small white-cubed materials from the train.  They continually roam around  and even set up makeshift camps in town.  

Not long after the town begins to experience strange occurrences.  Pets running and found many miles away, people mysteriously disappearing, pools of blood streaming through, random power outage, electrical interference, neighborhood posts destroyed, loud scary noises in the dark.  And during the Cold War era, suspicion gravitates toward the Soviet Union. Little did they know that something far sinister lurks in the background, threatening the lives of everyone.  A pandora box has been opened. 

The filmmakers did a super job in keeping "Super 8" under wrap and thus raises the "shock and awe" value.  "Super 8" is a throwback to a nostalgic era - rotary telephone, walkman, camera film - filled with memories of childhood friendships and the wonders of exploration and discovery about the world.   The kids are the true stars here.  Relatively unknown, they're a talented bunch.  Ellen Fanning is especially stunning.  The natural interconnectedness yet underscored by distinct personalities create an authentic innocence and camaraderie. 

The strength of "Super 8" lies in the execution.  It's executed exceptionally well that every moment is precious. The ambiance is just right that you could literally feel the chill in the air.  With spectacular cinematography, special effects, sound editing, it's tense and thrilling. 

And the story is the draw.  It's purely poignant, sweet and funny.  It's a story about a boy's grief, coping with the loss of his mother, and dealing with his overprotective father and the town's sheriff (Kyle Chandler).  It's also a coming-of-age story, interlinked with genuine interactions among friends. 

Perfectly paced, the suspense builds gradually and keeps its momentum until its heartwarming ending.  Stay through the closing credits roll for a special treat.  "Super 8" is spellbindingly super. 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Note: "Super 8"

Belated "Super 8" review is now up on http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/super-8-movie-review/  It will be posted on the blog at a later time.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Green Lantern"

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"In brightest day. In blackest night. No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power... Green Lantern's light!"

It wouldn't be fair to compare "Green Lantern" with the recent "X-Men" or "The Dark Knight," which are inherently darker and carries a more serious tone, dealing with human nature, psychological, social and political issues. And while the heroes share similar bravado and tongue-in-cheek humor, it's not like "Iron-Man" either, which is grounded in reality.

"Green Lantern" is more along the lines of "Thor" or "Fantastic Four," highly fantasy-based and intended as a light entertainment. While "Thor," with a surprisingly layered story and compelling characters, was a thunderously successful adaptation, "Green Lantern" is a hit-or-miss.

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine") is a cocky and careless, top test pilot with Ferris Aircraft. In a "Top Gun" fashion, he dogfights robotic drones, shows off his maverick side by going outside the rules of engagement in beating out the drones, which effectively costs the company a billion dollar defense contract. Behind the bravado, Hal is haunted by the memory of his dad (Jon Tenney), also a test pilot, who died before his eyes when he was a little boy. There's always a fear that he would meet the same fate. Blake Lively is Carol Ferris, a fellow pilot, vice president of his father's company, childhood friend and ex-girlfriend.

In a faraway galaxy, the Green Lantern Corps, protectors of the universe's order, are facing a growing monstrous enemy, Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown), which threatens to destroy everything. When warrior Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison) is mortally wounded, he crashes into earth with his spaceship. Each Green Lantern wears a ring, harnessed by the power of will. Abin's ring flies out and chooses Hal, the first human ever recruited as a Lantern, bestowed with the highest honor and greatest responsibility.

Hal is flown to planet Oa to meet the rest of Green Lanterns. When Hal is transformed, his skin turns into a glowing green energy and he can manifests any object that he imagines in his mind, which can be used as weapons. He's trained by porcine-like Killowog (voiced by Michael Clarke-Duncan) and fish-like Tomar-Re (voiced by Geoffrey Rush), and challenged to a test duel by a Lantern leader, Sinestro (Mark Strong). As Green Lantern, Hal is to focus his mind and not let fear defeat him. Otherwise he would get killed by Parallax, which carries the power of fear, and can detect and feeds on fear.

On earth, a biologist named Hector Hammond (Peter Saarsgard), is called upon by the government to dissect the alien's deceased body. During the process, the remnant of the fear energy remaining in Abin's body infects him, deforms his skull and inhabits his human form. Always being made to feel inferior, he targets his dad, a U.S. senator. While Hector is a side story, he's more gripping as a villain than the distant, smoky-tentacled space monster Parallax. Although Hal's ultimate confrontation with Parallax is no less fearsome.

With shiny visuals and special effects, "Green Lantern" is entertaining overall but subpar. As an origin story, it lacks an engaging script and at times feels mechanical. It's not able to find the proper balance of tone, vacillating between goofy and grave. While the shifts between the two worlds flow seamlessly in "Thor," they're less cohesive in "Green Lantern."

Lively may be lovely as a love interest, but she doesn't show the credibility of a skilled pilot or high-powered executive. However, she does have a chemistry with Reynolds. And Ferris plays a role in making Hal realize his inner ability to overcome fear and thus be trusted as the bearer of the cosmic ring.

Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, Reynolds is suitably cast. While he's not a compelling enough character or superhero to care about, as Green Lantern, he's believable in his solemnity, yet his comedic charm helps when dealing with the absurdity that comes with the premise.

After soaring sky-high with "Thor" and blown away by the extraordinary force of "X-Men: First Class," adjust your expectations and you'll float along for the intergalactic ride with "Green Lantern."
 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Note: "Green Lantern"

"Green Lantern" review is now up on http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/green-lantern-movie-review/  It will be posted on the blog at a later time.
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Monday, June 13, 2011

Movie Studios Mulling Over Comic-Con

[Note: I was planning to do a review on "Super 8 but running out of time this past weekend]

In summers past, Warner Brothers used Comic-Con International, the premiere convention for comic book, science fiction and fantasy fans, as a marketing platform for movies like “Sherlock Holmes,” “300” and “Sucker Punch.”

The three years and millions of dollars Disney spent promoting “Tron: Legacy” at Comic-Con did not translate into ticket sales. Walt Disney Studios staged “Tron: Legacy” stunts there three years in a row. Last July, DreamWorks Animation paraded Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and other members of the “Megamind” cast through the convention.

This year? Warner’s main studio operation is bringing nothing. Ditto Disney and DreamWorks. The Weinstein Company, a perennial presence, will also sit this one out. Even Marvel Entertainment, whose panel for “The Avengers” was a highlight of Comic-Con 2010, is on the fence about whether it will mount a major presentation.

What's going on?

Check out the article on The New York Times:

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"X-Men: First Class"

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[Note: San Diego Entertainer site was hacked, so I'm posting the review first here until the site is up and running again]
 
The original "X-Men" in 2000 propelled the meteoric rise of superheroes into the next decade and beyond.  The first installment was followed up by a spectacular second, "X2."  Unfortunately, the third, "The Last Stand" (with the change of director from Bryan Singer to Brett Ratner) fell flat. Crammed with too many characters, it's big on style and nothing else.  "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" has its moments.  Director Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake," "Kick-Ass") with Singer's return as a producer brings back the "X-Men" that fans worship. 

 

"First Class" is more of the origin story of the future Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen).  They're young men learning about who they are, what they're capable of, discovering their superpowers and others like them, and where they stand in the world.

 

The story opens in Nazi's concentration camp, where metal-bending Erik Lehnserr (Michael Fassbender, "Pride & Prejudice"), as a little boy, was separated from his family.  Discovered as a mutant by a psychopathic doctor (Kevin Bacon), he's forced to mentally move a coin and fails, resulting in the tragic death of his mother.  What follows is a terrifyingly powerful scene as Erik's power is unlocked by rage.  He carries this deep-rooted anger to adulthood, turning into a vengeance-seeker and later a full-blown villain.

 

Telepathic Charles Xavier (James McAvoy, "Wanted") grows up in a sprawling, remote estate.  One day he finds Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), a shape-shifting blue mutant, masquerading as his mother in his kitchen.  Since then they live together like brother and sister.  There's a glimpse of their university days, where Charles is quite a charmer with the co-eds and eventually becomes a renowned professor in genetics mutation. 

 

A CIA agent, Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne) stumbles upon the existence of mutants while in pursuit of Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), which turns out to be the same Nazi doctor who killed Erik's mother.  Sebastian is also a mutant, with the power to absorb and release energy force.  He's accompanied by diamond-encrusted Emma Frost, twister-spinning Riptide, tailed devil Azazel. 

 

An underwater incident leads Charles to Erik, where Charles saves his life.  From then on their friendship grows.  Erik's intensity is balanced by Charles' calming influence.  They travel together to track down the other mutants - wing-sprouting Angel (Zoe Kravits), ear-splitting Banshee (Caleb Landry Jones), ape-like Beast (Nicholas Hoult), evolving Darwin (Edi Gathegi), fiery Havok (Lucas Till).  Their relationships with the mutant proteges display their mentoring ability.  The training at Charles' estate to control and manipulate their powers for good provides some of the lighthearted scenes.   

 

Even with a common bond, Charles and Erik's ideological differences drive them apart.  Charles believes that mutants and humans can co-exist peacefully, whereas Erik seeks to destroy for fear of being dominated. 

 

With Sebastian playing the United States and Russian governments to start World War III, the world now discovers the mutants and their abilities during the showdown off the Cuban coast.  Erik is most powerful with Charles' assistance when he can find that place mentally between rage and serenity.  Sebastian meets his demise in a fitting fashion.

 

Once the missile crisis is averted, however, the humans, united by the fear of the unknown, turn against the mutants. With Erik out of control, Charles tries everything in his power to turn around the situation.  Charles is struck and ends up paralyzed.  The moment comes when the mutants, influenced by their own personal experiences, must choose side in determining the future of the human race. 

 

The retro design and archival news footage provide "First Class" an authentic feel.  It's unfortunate that it's missing a few of the main mutants; most notably Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Gray.  If you blink, you'd miss a surprising cameo or two.

 

It's a thrill to see the superb special effects be put into exhilarating use; the interesting mix of superpowers, an anchor ripping off a ship, submarine and missiles suspended in the air.  But that's not what makes "First Class" a real first class.  It's a lot more than good versus evil.  The dynamics of Charles and Erik's intense friendship, underlined by solid acting, is the strongest point.  The genuine human emotions and implications - rage, pain, agony, fear, isolation and longing - to be "normal," to be tolerated for being different and be accepted in society are the pillars of the story. 

 

An extraordinary blast from the past, "X-Men: First Class" will go down as one of this decade's best superhero movies.
 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Upcoming Movies: June 2011

June 3
"X-Men: First Class" (http://www.x-menfirstclassmovie.com/) - Two young men, the future Professor X and Magneto, are discovering their superpowers. Banding together with fellow mutants to stop a threat to the world, a rift grows, leading to the founding of each brotherhood and the beginning of their eternal war.


June 10 
"Super 8" (http://www.super8-movie.com/) - 1979: When kids shooting a movie witness a train crash, their shock soon turns to suspicion and horror after disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town.


June 17
"Green Lantern" (http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com/) - When granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, a test pilot becomes the first human to earn membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. His mission is to combat an enemy that threatens to destroy the universe's balance of power.


June 24
"Cars 2" (http://disney.go.com/cars/?cmp=dmov_dpic_car_url_dcomcars) - The crew enters the Race of Champions, a multi-national event taking place in Japan, Germany, Italy, France, and England.