Story: A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.
Review: "Spider-Man 3," earned $148 million over this past weekend; breaking all time records with sinking the record holder, "Pirate's, Dead Man's Chest" opening day box office numbers of $55.8 million ($59.3 million for Spider-Man)!
The web that Spidey spun for me over the weekend had its weak spots. I think for all the money Spiderman has earned and spent, (rumor has it that it cost $500 million dollars to create, making it the most expensive movie ever), should have been incredible. But our friendly neighborhood spider weaves a long and arduous web with too many sub-plots and a water-down romance. Let's just say MJ and Peter Parker are not going to be at the top of the most romantic couple of all time list. The age old story of revenge is pretty sloppily told, but I can give them an A for effort in this area.
However, despite the movie's obvious frailties, the action sequences are fantastic! I forgot to breathe during the first fight scene between Harry (New Goblin) and Spiderman. CG has really come along way since the first Spiderman movie. The first time we see Flint Marko transform into Sandman, it is a quite a remarkable feet of computer graphic engineering (not to be missed). When Venom makes it onto the scene, (screen time for Venom was way to short), he actually made me jump in my seat (I think it was those teeth)!
All in all it was a mediocre film. If you like action pack fight sequences, inventive CG, a dancing Spidey, a strained love triangle and can stomach a teary eyed Peter Parker wooing a two dimensional MJ; you may have a wonderful experience. If not, just go to see Bruce Campbell who gets five hilarious minutes on screen with our man in red tights.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Children of Men
Story: In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.
Review: First thing first: This is an excellently crafted film. The acting is superb (Owen, Caine, Moore and new comer Ashitey do a wonderful job); the cinematography, timing, direction, story and overall execution is extremely well done.
With that said it gave me disturbing dreams for an entire weekend! I have tried to figure out why this movie had such an adverse effect on me and I have finally realized why. This film just came to close to home. We witness on a daily bases violent acts of terror. This movie inadvertently made me acutely aware of how violence of this magnitude impacts my inner psyche. Now I'm not talking about "Die Hard" movies (one of my favorite action movies of all time); because to me it is just slightly outside the realm of reality. Therefore I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy Willis blowing up the bad guys. However, it is not the same when it comes to "Children of Men". It is much to real. So, I caution anyone that sees this movie, (definitely an adult movie), ahead of time. It is a good movie but it may have a lasting effect that you would much rather live without.
Review: First thing first: This is an excellently crafted film. The acting is superb (Owen, Caine, Moore and new comer Ashitey do a wonderful job); the cinematography, timing, direction, story and overall execution is extremely well done.
With that said it gave me disturbing dreams for an entire weekend! I have tried to figure out why this movie had such an adverse effect on me and I have finally realized why. This film just came to close to home. We witness on a daily bases violent acts of terror. This movie inadvertently made me acutely aware of how violence of this magnitude impacts my inner psyche. Now I'm not talking about "Die Hard" movies (one of my favorite action movies of all time); because to me it is just slightly outside the realm of reality. Therefore I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy Willis blowing up the bad guys. However, it is not the same when it comes to "Children of Men". It is much to real. So, I caution anyone that sees this movie, (definitely an adult movie), ahead of time. It is a good movie but it may have a lasting effect that you would much rather live without.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
How to Eat Fried Worms
Story: During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.
Review: Director Bob Dolman (directed "The Banger Sisters"), creates a delightful film that is both funny and poignant for our pre-adolescents. Those who remember their pre-teen years can also relate to hardships that come with being in the fifth grade. I watched this movie with about twenty, 11 year olds that had either already seen it or were viewing for the first time. I have never witness twenty, 11 year olds so glued to a movie! A topic I feel that is mostly glossed over by society; bullying has become a kind of 'right of passage'. Either you were bullied as a kid or your were the bully. As children come into their own it seems to be left up to the kids to decide where they stand. Maybe adults can only coach their kids so far and it is really left up to them to make their own decisions in the matter. Ah, growing pains - don't miss them.
But our choices do mold and shape us for our adult lives. The movie even touches upon Billy's father's difficulties in saying no to playing tennis with his bullying boss. He is terrible at it, but does so to save face, much like his son in eating 10 worms. The film interestingly enough delves into the bully's own bully - his brother Nigel. In the middle of the film there is a scene with Joe (our 11 year old bully) and his brother Nigel discussing Joe's painful experience at school that day. Our sympathy grows for Joe as his brother taunts him regarding his public humiliation that left Joe embarrassed and hurt. It brings to light the origination of "the bully". It starts at home; it is a real problem for our children and eventually for us too - the adults. It makes you wonder if we only could brake the cycle of this kind of abuse, that maybe we could make bullying a footnote in history.
On a lighter note the actors are wonderfully comfortable making the audience squirm and chuckle with laughter at their antics. I recommend this movie for all ages, it will leave you with the warm fuzzies. But those of you with weak stomachs, take note it is a little gross. My pre-adolescents would say that is the best part!
Review: Director Bob Dolman (directed "The Banger Sisters"), creates a delightful film that is both funny and poignant for our pre-adolescents. Those who remember their pre-teen years can also relate to hardships that come with being in the fifth grade. I watched this movie with about twenty, 11 year olds that had either already seen it or were viewing for the first time. I have never witness twenty, 11 year olds so glued to a movie! A topic I feel that is mostly glossed over by society; bullying has become a kind of 'right of passage'. Either you were bullied as a kid or your were the bully. As children come into their own it seems to be left up to the kids to decide where they stand. Maybe adults can only coach their kids so far and it is really left up to them to make their own decisions in the matter. Ah, growing pains - don't miss them.
But our choices do mold and shape us for our adult lives. The movie even touches upon Billy's father's difficulties in saying no to playing tennis with his bullying boss. He is terrible at it, but does so to save face, much like his son in eating 10 worms. The film interestingly enough delves into the bully's own bully - his brother Nigel. In the middle of the film there is a scene with Joe (our 11 year old bully) and his brother Nigel discussing Joe's painful experience at school that day. Our sympathy grows for Joe as his brother taunts him regarding his public humiliation that left Joe embarrassed and hurt. It brings to light the origination of "the bully". It starts at home; it is a real problem for our children and eventually for us too - the adults. It makes you wonder if we only could brake the cycle of this kind of abuse, that maybe we could make bullying a footnote in history.
On a lighter note the actors are wonderfully comfortable making the audience squirm and chuckle with laughter at their antics. I recommend this movie for all ages, it will leave you with the warm fuzzies. But those of you with weak stomachs, take note it is a little gross. My pre-adolescents would say that is the best part!
Monday, April 16, 2007
"Peaceful Warrior"
Story: A chance encounter with a stranger changes the life of a college gymnast.
Review: Scott Mechlowicz, who plays Dan Millman was excellent in this mediocre film. What I was most disappointed in was the writer's inability to choose which faith doctrine he supported. If your going to do a movie where the core beliefs of Nick Notle's character (Socrates, appropriately named) are so pertinent to the story, you want to make sure you pick and stick with one faith. The story felt like it had Buddhism and Christianity intertwined through out it; and the writer took from the faith buffet of what suited the his palate.
For instance there is a scene where Socrates, picks up Dan and tosses him over the bridge and into the water below. A extremely upset Dan asks Socrates why he did that and Socrates asked him what he was thinking at the time. The whole exercise was to clear Dan's mind of any junk. Now I think that is great. Clearing your mind is amazing thing to do. But I think this movie doesn't address what to fill it with. As much as this move sounds great, for instance "This moment is the only thing that matters. " Socrates. I think living in the moment is very important, something I feel society has lost this way of life. But yet it still left me pondering if this story was meant to relay life is an individualist sport and that you have to find your way alone? I whole hardly disagree. We need each other - life is more about relationships and less about doing it all by yourself. It is to bad the writer couldn't see that as humans we suffer, but we don't have to go through the pain alone. No one does, not even the writer of this film.
Review: Scott Mechlowicz, who plays Dan Millman was excellent in this mediocre film. What I was most disappointed in was the writer's inability to choose which faith doctrine he supported. If your going to do a movie where the core beliefs of Nick Notle's character (Socrates, appropriately named) are so pertinent to the story, you want to make sure you pick and stick with one faith. The story felt like it had Buddhism and Christianity intertwined through out it; and the writer took from the faith buffet of what suited the his palate.
For instance there is a scene where Socrates, picks up Dan and tosses him over the bridge and into the water below. A extremely upset Dan asks Socrates why he did that and Socrates asked him what he was thinking at the time. The whole exercise was to clear Dan's mind of any junk. Now I think that is great. Clearing your mind is amazing thing to do. But I think this movie doesn't address what to fill it with. As much as this move sounds great, for instance "This moment is the only thing that matters. " Socrates. I think living in the moment is very important, something I feel society has lost this way of life. But yet it still left me pondering if this story was meant to relay life is an individualist sport and that you have to find your way alone? I whole hardly disagree. We need each other - life is more about relationships and less about doing it all by yourself. It is to bad the writer couldn't see that as humans we suffer, but we don't have to go through the pain alone. No one does, not even the writer of this film.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Blades of Glory - Cuts the Ice!
Story: Will Ferrell and Jon Heder star as rival figure skaters, banned and disgraced from the sport, who team together as pairs' skaters.
Review: At first glace you would think this movie is going to be one of those, "Oh it's so stupid, it will have to be funny movies". But no, the dialog between the characters was actually thought out and witty at times. There is also the physical aspect of two guys skating together which makes the movie even more fun. It won't bring home Oscar, but it does deliver the belly laughs. From the moment the movie starts it has you chuckling. Will Ferrell's character is completely nuts; but that is why we love him. Jon Heder holds his own and the combination of both Jon and Will on screen is dynamite. Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Nick Swardson and Jenna Fischer make the movie so entertaining.
This movie is hilarious, I saw it twice! Two Thumbs up!
Review: At first glace you would think this movie is going to be one of those, "Oh it's so stupid, it will have to be funny movies". But no, the dialog between the characters was actually thought out and witty at times. There is also the physical aspect of two guys skating together which makes the movie even more fun. It won't bring home Oscar, but it does deliver the belly laughs. From the moment the movie starts it has you chuckling. Will Ferrell's character is completely nuts; but that is why we love him. Jon Heder holds his own and the combination of both Jon and Will on screen is dynamite. Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Nick Swardson and Jenna Fischer make the movie so entertaining.
This movie is hilarious, I saw it twice! Two Thumbs up!
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