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.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
"Green Lantern"
"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."
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/3pwg5k9
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.
_________________________________________
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).
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).
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"
[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.
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/3pwg5k9
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.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
"Kung Fu Panda 2"
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.
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/3pwg5k9
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
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.
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/3dzobkt
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.
_________________________________________
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).
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/
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"
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).
__________________________________________
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
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!
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"
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.
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/3z5tgmt
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