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Movie Reviews - Guru of FIlm

The A-Team (2010) - Overkill is Overrated

: Guru Of FIlm
The A - Team returns to the screen in typical remake fashion and comes to a predictable ending. Directed by Joe Carnahan this movie has a very nice build up and back story on each of the characters. Liam Neeson is the glue of the movie as his calm demeanor and confidence carry many scenes that are lacking of anything else. His most memorable line of the night "Overkill is underrated." and the the special effects staff certainly took it to heart.
The A team (2010) - Falling Tank Scene
Templeton 'Faceman' Peck (Bradley Cooper) fights of UAV from a falling tank after their plane explodes.



It seems most of the scenes involve some sort of ridiculous explosion or plane crash and I understand that subtly is not what they were aiming for but I feel there was a line that was crossed. One or two cheesy effect is an annoying distraction; fifteen is almost unwatchable. The film started strong with funny quips, a deepening of the characters and action that advanced the plot line.

This all seems to be put on hold and the second half stagnates as the plot crawls along, characters are forgotten, and the plot line gets insanely twisted and slow despite the incessant explosions. The soundtrack is forgettable although it was comforting to hear the familiar theme. I feel this remake fell to the tradition combination of ills, trying to modernize while the original feel... etc.


P.S. Murdock (Sharlto Copley) puts on a spectacular performance and really is entertaining.

Fail - The movie gets a D, failing but with credit. It showed us how it could have been good...
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July 16th 2010 @ 05:31

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Cowboy Bebop the Movie: Knockin' on Heaven's Door (2001)

: Guru Of Film
Cowboy Bebop manages to keep going strong with the addition of a feature Knockin' on Heaven's Door (2001). All of the main characters are in full swing as it is set between the 22nd and 23rd episodes. The movie grabs your attention and although a bit on the long side as it manages to stay relevant and interesting.

Spike Spiegel and his crew of misfits embark on a mission to capture a bounty head for a small fortune. They are soon twisted up it's in it's reach. A former soldier is planning to annihilate humanity to further his personal quest for reality. Trying to stop him Spike Spiegel comes to terms with his own own mortality and examines his lifestyle. Two new characters are introduced Electra Ovilo, voiced by Jennifer Hale, and Vincent, based on Bob Dylan and voiced by Daran Norris. These characters bring a breath of fresh air to the movie and are developed to a meaningful depth making it easy to associate with them.

Spike Spiegel Cowboy Bebop the Movie Knockin on Heaven's Door
Spike Spiegel fights in Cowboy Bebop the Movie: Knockin' on Heavens Door (2001) voiced by Steve Blum.

Fans of the series will find it unsurprising as the movie delves into the darker sided of the human mind in a successful manner, despite the fact it's an animated movie. The themes of mortality, and what really constitutes living and dieing really reminds you the emotions that an animated piece can bring out. That being said it's well written, with expressive voice actors (English version, of course) and emotional but not technical animation.

The drawings are loose in general, and had the occasional background issue. It's easily overcome as the artusts come through in crucial moments. The strong story line and action carry the animators through any rough patches.

Being a fan of the series will definitely make this movie more relevant as you will understand characterizations that Director Shinichiro Watanabe didn't have time to fully reveal, for instance how they all came to be on the Bebop. This film is highly entertaining and raises the bar for animation. I strongly encourage everyone to go see this with an open mind; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Pass - This film follows the advice 'for every laugh, there should be a tear." in a engaging macabre manner.
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June 28th 2010 @ 06:48

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


The Secret of Kells (2009)

: Guru of Film
A touching animated feature that explores an old Irish myth about the origins of the book of Kells. It takes place within an interesting time period of history where Christianity is replacing the pagan beliefs of old. At the same time raids from the Northmen (Vikings) were disrupting the area through their constant raids.

The Secret of Kells (2009) screenshot
Brendan gets help from his new friend Aisling, a forest spirit.

The animation was very fanciful and I think it enhanced the movie as it helped you understand what the characters were feeling without much set up or dialogue. The characterization is easily done just through the visual clues. It's animation is technically raw, in the vein of Samurai Jack, but works amazing well.

Brendan is a young apprentice in an abbey where he's looked after by his overly protective uncle, Abbot Cellach. He meets Brother Aidan, an illuminator, who fled from a Northmen raid on his home. He is unable to finish the book of Kells without various items and the help of his young apprentice, Brendan. This leads to conflict with Abbot Cellach as they have differing ideas of what is best for the boy.

The melting of pagan beliefs with Christian ones is interesting to watch and even more so when one realizes that it actually happened in somewhat of the same manner.This duality of the story, as well as it's historical significance is one of the things that distinguishes the movie and makes it a memorable piece.

Pass- This visually striking piece has enough substance to make it memorable.

P.S. Here's the theatrical trailer
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April 4th 2010 @ 07:10

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Shutter Island (2010) - Not Bad

: Guru of Film
Wow, Leonardo DiCaprio puts on a solid performance in this thriller. He does an adequate job but seems unable to express the personal conflict he's undergoing. He wasn't bad though; he was just unable to capture my imagination. I think it would have been worth considering a more expressive lead for the role.

The suspense is there and created largely by the setting and mood portrayed in the film. The setting is cliched, as it happens at a mental institution set off from the world on it's own secluded island. The theme is dark and the cinematographer, Robert Richardsen, earned his keep shooting a very satisfying piece. He's definitely added another notch to his belt with this one. It was shot throughout Massachusetts and looks good.
Shutter Island (2010) Leonardo DiCaprio
Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), contemplates his course.

This mood helps you enter into the world of the protagonist, Teddy Daniels, and his journey on the island. The plot holds passing interest but lacks the surprises that would make it stand out. The supporting cast was a convincing bunch, in particular, Mark Ruffalo and Patricia Clarkson put on touching performances.

Let's be honest, the sole reason that this film got so much attention was because Scorsese was directing it, and after it was released the interest dissipated fairly quickly. When one has developed a following as large as his it's difficult to meet their expectations. This film would be considered an achievement for most filmmakers' instead it is destined to be lost in the annals of time.

Pass/Fail
Pass- Get ready for an enjoyable and utterly forgettable feature.
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March 21st 2010 @ 03:35

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


(500) Days of Summer (2009)

(500) Days of Summer is an exceptional movie in the notoriously weak genre known as the romantic comedy. It's a category defined by Matthew McConaughey's numerous back alley abortions. The movie starts with the stark proclamation "this is not a love story" and for once, it isn't. Ladies, don't worry however romance is the driving force and it's the most prominent feature. It's set in LA and makes the city look beautiful, no small feat, considering the geography of the city.

500 Days of Summer Joesph Gordon Levitt Zooey Deschanel
Joesph Gordon-Levitt shares an elevator with Zooey Deschanel


The storyline begins with Tom Hansen falling in love with Summer Finn and how the relationship progresses. It's told through a flashback / jump forward format which seemed a bit hectic at first. As the movie progresses however the anti-climatic nature of such an arrangement really adds to the interest in the events in between. This was a great call by rookie director Marc Webb and shows the depth of emotion he is capable of mining.

It's as much a coming of age story as it is a love story as Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns from a love-stoned boy into a cynical man. His performance throughout the transformation was remarkable which helped carry Zooey Deschanel's average performance as the distant Summer.

As, a straight male I wasn't overly excited to see this but was gently coerced, as is always the case, by my significant other. To my skepticism it was an enjoyable movie and notably complimented by the leading inclusion of the Smiths music. I found myself humming "There is a light that never goes out." by the Smiths as I left the theater, hand in hand.
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September 5th 2009 @ 05:27

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

A very strong showing from a series whose movies started weak and have gradually picked up steam. The fanfare may not have been as fanatical but the movie was defitely polished as well as enjoyable.
The film industry bandwagon has been applauding the restrained use of special effects and I'm jumping on. The fact the special effects took a back seat to the story and plot is a welcome improvement over the previous movies. The dependence on the effects is normally used as a crutch and sadly overshadows the characters and acting.

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August 4th 2009 @ 06:40

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


List Of Racial Slurs In Gran Torino (2008)

Walt Kowalski, (Clint Eastwood) an unabashed racist, begins a journey
Walt drives home one of his Hmong neighbors, Sue
to a slightly softer viewpoint through his encounters with his Hmong neighbors. However, this in no way stops him from using a wide variety of racial slurs throughout the movie, even from the grave. The huge number as well as the diversity in names, spurned me to document them. I've listed the collection of racial epitaphs, in order of appearance, used by Walt in Gran Torino (2008).

1. Swamp Rats


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June 30th 2009 @ 04:31

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Gran Torino (2008) - Clint Eastwood Steals the Show

After watching this movie I was taken aback. It was a very good movie. It's not what I was expecting from Clint Eastwood but I can see why this received the reception it did. You can definitely tell this film has a director with a deft touch. It's definitely a true 'Auteur' film as you can feel Clint Eastwood's character.
Gran Torino (2008) Clint Eastwood Steal Car
Walt (Clint Eastwood) Confronts a gang member attempting to steal his car


This creates a bit of an issue as Clint Eastwood outshines all of his costars. Therein lies the only problem with the movie and that there's just something off about the other actors. Their lines seem slightly forced and lacking sincerity. It's unfortunate as this is a good movie but this holds it back from becoming a classic


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June 22nd 2009 @ 06:01

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Casablanca (1942)-Analysis of Lighting pt. 2

This is a continuation from Part 1, please read it first if you haven't already.

The filmmakers employed some of the more fanciful lighting effects used in the movie in Rick’s café, in particular the setting up of lights at low angles. “Edeson lit his scenes upward from the floor or across from sidelights, casting shadows of people high on walls that would be physically impossible in real life” (Lebo 142).
Odd Lighting in Rick's Cafe
Odd Background Lighting in Rick's Cafe
Long shadows appear high on the café’s wall in most scenes even though it would be awkward, if not impossible, to light a café that way in real life. This effect was created using cross backlights also known as ‘kickers’ (Alton 54). John Alton actually refers to it as ‘Criminal Lighting’ (Alton 54), as it is often used to light and demonize people, but this might be too strong of a characterization, as it also can be used to create an odd, or mysterious feel . The effect in Rick’s Café was that it helped create a feeling of distress that many patrons feel due to their desperation in their attempts to leave Casablanca. Rick transcends these issues and he himself is never lit in this manner. This kind of fanciful lighting creates a very interesting and sketchy atmosphere that allows Rick to operate freely. The café is also where we first develop an opinion of Rick’s character, which starts out slightly unsavory and who projects a cold persona


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June 1st 2009 @ 16:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Casablanca (1942)-Analysis of Lighting pt. 1

The Lights of Casablanca

-An indepth look into the lighting techniques employed and the context in which they were used, caught between film noir and the classic Hollywood style.

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May 30th 2009 @ 15:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Valkyrie (2008) - Nothing Ever Goes According to Plan.

The movie, while hyped, fell off the radar soon after its release; I blame the poor acting and weak plotline. Tom Cruise does a disappointing job considering everyone’s expectation of him; he just seems too much of a wimp to actually fight in a real war. Some of his co-stars steal the show at certain critical points further lessening his impact. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful with rich vibrant colors pervasive throughout the entire film. The colors scheme is an odd one with brown, greens and a subdued red. It works out beautifully with the colors contrasting without harming one another or the piece as a whole.
Valkyrie Movie Poster
Valkyrie (2008) Movie Poster


Tom Cruise seems to get into the role as the movie goes on but I still feel he has too much Jerry Maguire to pull it off, too much swagger. As a kernel constantly in the presence of generals and even the furor himself, his self righteous whining bitching would hardly be tolerated. Beyond that however, I think there are some great performances particularly by Bill Nightly in the role of General Olbricht. You could see the worry and indecision on his face. He seems to be genuinely worried about the possible ramifications of their actions and the best course of action


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May 27th 2009 @ 14:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - Maybe it's Written.

Maybe it's written.
Throughout it's duration you know this movie is going places and really captures your imagination. Even more impressive is that it manages to create a good movie with a seemingly cliche ending. The good guy wins and the bad guys lose. The writing / relatively true story is what really brings the movie to life. It seems like everything probably happened to somebody, doubtly though all to the same person.
Cover

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May 19th 2009 @ 03:23

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Fast and Furious (2009)

I think that the acting of Vin Diesel is a pretty good metaphor for the movie as a whole. His emotional range is non-existent but seeing him in some of the action scenes is him at his best. The entire movie is built on a weak premise and some of the writing is bordering on
Fast and Furious (2009) DVD Cover
unwatchable. Don't get me wrong however, it is watchable but enjoyable? Not so much.

The only caveat is some of the stunts and action sequences, which are the only redeeming quality. When you go and see the Fast and the Furious, though you don't expect a deep storyline, you expect action. I'd say better than the other sequels not as good as the first one


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May 15th 2009 @ 15:02

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

The movie was fairly successful in it's effort to create an emotional touching story. The science of aging backwards may be a little sketchy but it does nothing to diminish the emotional connection that Brad Pitt creates with the audience. His circumstances were some of the lowest a person could start from and this makes you feel sorry for him. This interest in his life never wanes even though the plot develops intentionally slow.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) DVD Cover
The DVD Cover

Brad Pitt really plays a different character then his cliche action hero but does a spectacular job. He out shines his co-star Cate Blanchett, who plays his lover, and the meet in the middle of both their lives, he getting younger, she older. She didn't seem to get into the part. With the huge periods of time elapsed fake aging makes make-up an important topic. The actor's make up is not bad but on the age extremes it starts looking mediocre. Another strong suit of the film are the beautiful sets. It was shot in New Orleans and just looks magnificent. They intentionally altered the coloring of the film with spectacular results. This is a very solid film with a strong emotional draw.
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May 15th 2009 @ 07:47

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   


Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Overall a good flick, I definitely had low expectations going in to this movie but it turned out well. It is, however, a very genre specific piece. It's a family friendly movie and as such it has no overtly raunchy content and a predictable ending. The script was well written and Burt Reynolds plays his character very well; it looks like he's having fun throughout the film.
DVD Cover

His smooth manor allows him to carry most of the film with down to earth, backcountry ways. He combines well opposite of Carrie (Sally Field) and their light-hearted conflict provide for much of the comic relief. They are being relentlessly pursued by the vengeful sheriff and other officers. However, their techniques have more in common with the Keystone Kops then with serious lawmen. The movie ending is satisfying, to put it as vague as possible


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May 14th 2009 @ 03:39

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews
   




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