I was a big fan of Deadpool long before the first film came out. He was one of the most unique, funny, and original characters in the Marvel Comics Universe (which is ironic because he was a rip off of the DC Comic's character Deathstroke). So when DEADPOOL was released to theaters, I was also one of the first ones who saw it an immediately became one of my favorite films of that year. Fast forward to today and I'm back at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge to see the highly anticipated sequel DEADPOOL 2.
The film's official synopsis: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack,
a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his
dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to
cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for
life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the Yakuza,
and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the
world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor -
finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug
title of World's Best Lover.
Dude, seriously, this was a hilariously fucking awesome movie! The jokes come fast (pun intended) and funny, the action is a hybrid of THE MATRIX and JOHN WICK, and it builds off what the first film established. It does what a sequel should do, and all this comes courtesy of screenwriters Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds (yeah, that surprised me too) and the film's director David Leitch, who also helmed ATOMIC BLONDE and is the uncredited co-director on JOHN WICK. So, good job fellas. You guys made a lot of fanboys and fangirls very, very happy.
As for our players, they all knocked it out of the park! Reynolds brings his "A" game to out favorite "Merc with the Mouth", but this time, old Deadpool has some pathos and sympathy to go along with his wise cracking, fowl-mouthed, fourth wall breaking, ass kicking shenanigans. Josh Brolin IS Cable: the look, the voice, the mannerism, and is a badass all the way! Newcommer Zazie Beetz shines as the lucky mutant Domino, and does quite a bit of ass kicking herself. Returning actress Brianna Hildebrand is back as our favorite X-Men Negasonic Teenage Warhead, but now has a super awesome girlfriend Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna), who has a super cute friendship with Wade Wilson. Also back are Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), Weasel (T.J. Miller), Blind Al (Leslie Uggams), Dopinder (Karan Soni), and Stefan Kapicic as the voice as Colossus.
So, as always, there are end credit scenes, cause it wouldn't be a Marvel Film without end credit scenes. However, these are mid-credit scenes. There are two of them, and are fucking hysterically, gut busting fantastic!! After that, then leave the theater so you can go pee! There, I saved you five minutes of doing the "Pee-Pee Dance" in your seat. DEADPOOL 2 is wickedly funny, outrageously funny, action packed, superhero comic book movie sequel you've been waiting for!! So shit your pants and call in sick for work, then change your pants and go see this bad boy before it comes out on Blu-Ray next week!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
DEADPOOL 2 is playing in 2D, Real 3D, and in IMAX in theaters nationwide,
including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view
showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.
Family movies are often referred to kids movies due to the fact that they're aimed specifically for kids. While that's a generic definition of that, it's whole heartily false. As a forty-something adult, I enjoy in what they bring. They're extremely fun to watch, have interesting characters, are set is some fantastic world and lastly, more importantly, they remind us that life is magical and anything is possible. It's the inner child in every adult that begs to be let out once in a while, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I feel it's a healthy expression. Case in point, my recent viewing of the new Disney movie MOANA, which is one of their best films in a long time.
The film's official synopsis: Moana Waialiki is a sea voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a
chief in a long line of navigators. When her island's fishermen can't
catch any fish and the crops fail, she learns that the demigod Maui
caused the blight by stealing the heart of the goddess, Te Fiti. The
only way to heal the island is to persuade Maui to return Te Fiti's
heart, so Moana sets off on an epic journey across the Pacific. The film
is based on stories from Polynesian mythology.
You can always count on Disney to bring in the fun with their characters. Voice over actress Auli'i Cravalho is perfect as our heroine and adventurer Moana. She brings strength, naivety, self assurance and that spirit of adventure to her character. The man himself Mr. Dwayne Johnson brings the laughter and fun as Maui, the mystical God who teams up with Moana to fulfill her quest. Now I have to admit that Johnson has become one of my favorite actors in Hollywood right now. Mainly because he's really good actor. And by doing voice over work for this movie, ot proves that he's a very talented individual. Guiding Moana on her journey is Gramma Tala, voiced by the talented Rachel House. If you don't know her name yet, you better get acquainted with her work. She's been several amazing films like WHALE RIDER, EAGLE VS. SHARK and has appeared in television shows like Hope and Wire, Soul Mates and the Wolf Creek mini series. What I really enjoyed about the movie is that it takes us back to when were we younger; to a time when were optimistic, full of life, always looking for adventure and not being scared of it because it sounded like fun to us. Now that I'm older, I don't feel as adventurous because I'm now wiser, smarter and I don't feel like I have the time or energy to do anything (yes kids, getting old does suck). But I can still remember what those emotions feel like, and at times it makes me feel young again. That's what's fun about kids movies: they make you feel young. And there's nothing wrong with that! The other factor I enjoyed was that it touches upon adult themes; such as responsibility, destiny, life and death. However it's told in a way that children can understand. These are very important life lessons to learn, even though we wish we could ignore them. Unfortunately, we cannot and therefore, it's a part of life that we must accept. That's also what I enjoy about kids movies; there's a lot of life lessons that are shown throughout the frames of the movie and that's a smart thing to address.
Directors John Musker and Ron Clements did several months of research for the film. They immersed themselves in the
Polynesian culture
and mythology of the its people. They really tried to make the film respectful to the culture and I think they did a damn good job. So two big thumbs up to Musker and Clements on a job well done. And on a side note, this is the first Polynesian-themed Disney animated feature film since 2002's LILO & STITCH. About damn time we got another Polynesian movie Disney! What took you so damn long, huh?
MOANA is a superior family film that will be watched for generations to come! It full of laughs, adventure, fun and once again shows that with a little bit of self-confidence, there's nothing we can't do! So kids, I say to you all is this: Go out there and make this world a better place! And make sure your folks take you to see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
MOANA is still playing in selected theaters nationwide. Check your local listings to see if it's playing at a theater near you. The movie is also available on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as digital download, on demand, iTunes and other streaming services.
It's been interesting to see the X-MEN franchise grow to its current popularity. With five films, two WOLVERINE entries (with a third movie currently in production) and this year's R-rated hit DEADPOOL, the series has garnered worldwide acclaim, legions of fans as well as a little bit of criticism. Now director Bryan Singer has revealed the latest chapter in the mutant saga. Based on the story that comic book fans have been waiting a long time to see, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE unleashes one of the most popular and powerful villains ever.
Theatrical Movie Poster
The film's official synopsis: Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshiped as a God. Apocalypse,
the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed
the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible.
Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the
world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a
disheartened Magneto, to cleanse mankind and create a new world order,
over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance,
Raven with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to
stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.
Created by writer Louise Simonson and artist Jackson Guice, Apocalypse made his appearance in X-Factor #5 in 1986 and since has gone one to become one of the most feared villains in the Marvel Universe. Malevolent, unmerciful, relentless, he is the stuff that nightmares are made of. I've lost track how many times he has wrecked havoc among the X-Men in the comics that I read in my youth. To see him on the big screen was amazing! Actor Oscar Isaac turns in an awesome performance as our antagonist, however, I have one gripe that I need to get off my chest. I didn't like Apocalypse's face design. Yup, I said it. I went there. Now I've seen the original face and make up design when it was leaked online and it looked damn good! It looked just like the comic! But for some reason the studio went in another direction and the end results weren't that great. Still a great performance!!
And speaking of performance, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jenifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult all come back to portray their respected characters once again (and if you don't know by now who they play in the movie then you need to go watch the previous installments). Actress Rose Byrne returns as Moira Mactaggert, who we last saw in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. I was very happy to see her return to the series as her character was very important into the development of both the X-Men group as well as the franchise. And let's not forget Evan Peters as Quicksilver, whose scene was even better than in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST! Seriously, it is freaking outstandingly cool!! Oh, and look for the expected cameo by Stan Lee and one from that Hugh Jackman guy.
Seeing how I just talked about all the returning actors and actresses, let me talk about the newbies in the film. Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones) shows a lot of believability as Jean Grey. She proves that she was born to play this character. Tye Sheridan (SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, DARK PLACES & MUD) is the best Cyclops/Scott Summers ever!! He should've played this role since the beginning of the relaunch! Olivia Munn (ZOOLANDER 2,RIDE ALONG 2 & MAGIC MIKE) looks identical to her comic book counterpart Psylocke! Her casting for this part was spot on perfect!! Kodi Smit-McPhee brings both vulnerability and raw anger to his portrayal as Nightcrawler. Really outstanding job from all the mutant newbies!
Singer's directing style has really changed over the years. He made his directorial debut with 1993's PUBLIC ACCESS but he gained notoriety the next year with THE USUAL SUSPECTS and 1998's APT PUPIL. Then in 2000 he made X-MEN which really took him to a whole other level. He directed X2 but then he jumped ship to make the DC Comics and Warner Brothers 2006 flop SUPERMAN RETURNS (which wasn't that bad of a film people). He made a couple more films before returning the franchise with 2014's X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. When you compare his first film to this one, his style has become much more dynamic, much more visually grand, much more elaborate; basically, he's a major Hollywood director now who's got the budget to make major Hollywood blockbusters. Which is totally fine and dandy, but I'd like to see home make a small, character driven film that he excelled at originally.
Overall X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is another superhero summer extravaganza that will surely thrill you and make you wave your fist in the air wishing that Wolverine claws would come out! It totally satisfies your need for Marvel based mutant heroes until the next DEADPOOL movie comes out but this deserves your time of seeing it on the big screen!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended viewing!!
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is playing in 2D, Real 3D and in IMAX theaters nationwide, including the Century Greenback 16 in Sacramento. Check your local listing to see if it is playing at a theater near you.
It been 14 years since JURASSIC PARK III was released and let's be honest, it wasn't that great of a film and a weak conclusion to what was a highly popular and profitable franchise. So when it was announced last year that Universal Pictures was reviving the series with a new (and fourth) entry, I was very hesitant. Let's face it: Hollywood has seriously run out of original ideas so they're continuing to raid their vaults to either remake or make new sequels of previously popular films. But after taking my family to see JURASSIC WORLD in 3D at the Regal Natomas 16 Theater, I was very surprised on how excellent it was!
The film's official synopsis: 22 years after the original Jurassic Park failed, the new park (also
known as Jurassic World) is open for business. After years of studying
genetics the scientists on the park genetically engineer a new breed of
dinosaur. When everything goes horribly wrong, will our heroes make it
off the island?
This film was a lot more fun to watch than I was expecting it to be. It had action. It had scares. It had comedy, It had genetically created dinosaurs that ate a shit load of innocent people! And kids went to see this film! What the hell America? What is wrong with you? Have you no sense of morals these day? Don't you know you are desensitizing your children? If you take them to see this movie you're only making them want to go out and commit violence in the world!
Actually I'm just kidding! Take the kids to see this movie! It was awesome! Now back to my movie review.
First, this was a worthy entry to the series (given that JURASSIC PARK III sucked really bad that's not saying much). It picks up after the first film, which also takes place on the original island. This was a smart move on both Universal and the filmmakers. If you want to have people come see it and enjoy it, have it tie in to the original because people love the first one.
Second, have interesting characters in the film. Sure there have been some arguments that Chris Pratt's character Owen is very masochistic and he demeans women in the film. Well, what did you expect from a Hollywood film? Political correctness? Look in this film and you'll find a plethora of old school stereotypes: an evil Asian scientist, a female in distress, annoying stupid kids getting into trouble, and a handsome brave alpha male to save the day. Did I leave anybody out?
Third, fill the screen with awesome special effects that will make them crap in their pants. With today's CGI effects, the dinosaurs look even more real than they did 22 years ago. And seeing it in 3D was pretty damn spectacular. But if you don't like 3D and if it gives you a headache, then 2D is just as cool.
Fourth, have an incredible script to go with your incredible CGI. Well....ok the script was kinda weak and the characters are kinda two-dimenional stereotypes like I previously mentioned. But it did have a beginning, a middle, and an end. So they got that right.
So JURASSIC WORLD is typical Hollywood escapism film and that's a good thing. It's a summer blockbuster popcorn action/adventure film and that's fine. Nothing wrong with that. It had it all and made a fun movie going experience so do check it out. Four out of five stars! Very entertaining!
JURASSIC WORLD is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide,
including at the Regal Natomas Stadium 16. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.regmovies.com.
Marvel Studio's juggernaut onslaught of major blockbusters to dominate movie theaters this year continues with this past Friday's newest release. Now if you recall, I disliked the relaunch of America's favorite wallcrawler THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. In fact, I ripped that film a new one in my review and gave it only one star! In fact, the last statement I wrote in it was, "Sony Pictures wants to recapture the magic of the Sam Raimi films, but after seeing this, it looks very doubtful." Now two years later, Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field and director Marc Webb return with the latest installment of the franchise THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. And this time, the filmmakers finally got it right!
The film's official synopsis: It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker,
there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing
being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being
Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New
Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the
emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more
powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan),
returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing
in common: OsCorp.
Right off the bat the on-screen chemistry between Garfield and Stone is much better and more believable and makes the audience care about their respective characters. Of course it doesn't hurt that Garfield and Stone are actually dating in real life. So their acting is honest and real and really quite enchanting to watch. Plus Garfield's Peter Parker looks and sounds like his comic book counterpart and Stone's Gwen Stacey is more three dimensional and sounds and looks like a real woman. Two vast improvements over their previous performances in the first film.
For the newbies in the film, really outstanding jobs all around. Jamie Foxx proves that he has ability and capability to portray a truly deadly super villain. His version and vision of Electro is a sympathetic and tragic person who embraces his inner most desire of vengeance against those who wronged him. Hey, if I had his electrical powers I'd wreak havoc all over the place! Here we get to see the evolution of the timid gaining the powers of a god and as the old saying goes, "Absolute power corrupts absolute." Foxx's Electro is a perfect example of this. My vote for Best Villain of 2014! A great performance on the part of Foxx!
Dane DeHaan's performance and his version of Harry Osborn is again another improvement of the previous incarnation, this being the James Franco version from the original Sam Raimi trilogy. Here, DeHaan's Harry is, to me, much more fleshed out and much more interesting. His background is more complete, the animosity between him and his dying father Norman, his strained friendship with Peter, and suddenly the young heir is given the keys to the Osborn Kingdom are all interesting aspects to his character development. And his rise as the Green Goblin, Spider-Man's most deadliest foe of all time. Kudos to Dane DeHaan for making Harry a more well-rounded character and for bringing back that element of pure evil!
Once again Marc Webb steps into the director's chair and has improved tremendously. The look of the film is way more dynamic, looks like the comic book coming to life before our very eyes. Instead of imitating what Sam Raimi did (like he tried in the first film), Webb transforms the franchise and makes it his own; visually stunning and entertaining, gripping action scenes, tender moments of human emotions, and the ultimate sacrifices that capture the audiences' interests. Also congrats to screenwriters Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner and James Vanderbilt for crafting a smart, personal, exciting, and entertaining story, which is based on the old comic story by the legendary team of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Now the film is available in both 2D and 3D. I saw it in 2D since there was no 3D version available at that time frame. However, I am very interested in seeing it in 3D, just because these is so much action in film, I am very curious in what it looks like in 3D.
Overall THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 is an impressive, all-out action packed, thrill ride of a superhero movie! It superiority over the first film is dully noted and those who didn't like that film will love this one! Hands down one of Marvel's best summer films! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide,
including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view
showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.
You know, when someone says the word Lego, my mind becomes filled with all the cool things I built with them: buildings, airplanes, cars, trains, lightsabers, etc. I loved my Legos, and so did my brother. Years later when my sister was born, she became a hug Lego fanatic! She had more Legos than my brother and I had combined! Then the Legos morphed and changed; now you can make official Star Wars vehicles, or comic book action heroes and the Star Trek starship out of them. Soon after, there were awesome video games that had outstanding computer graphics! All this leads to the release of THE LEGO MOVIE, which I saw in 2D over at the Camera 12 in Downtown San Jose.
The film's official synopsis: Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure,
is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to
saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an
epic quest to stop the evil tyrant Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell), a journey for which Emmet is
hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.
Also contributing their vocal talents to the film are Will Arnett (Batman), Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle), Alison Brie (Unikitty), Nick Offerman (Metal Beard), Liam Neeson(Bad Cop /
Good Cop /
Pa Cop), Morgan Freeman (Vitruvius), Cobie Smulders (Wonder Woman), Channing Tatum (Superman), Will Forte (Abraham Lincoln) and Jonah Hill (Green Lantern).
Directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord (CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, 21 JUMP STREET, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2) keep the film moving fast and furious, never letting up or slowing down. Right from the get-go, the film will leave you in stitches from the first joke till the last joke. But not only that, the film is action packed and captures every child's imagination at it full throttle! I remember playing with my Legos and THIS is how I imagined what I was playing with! Truly inspiring and captures the wonders of a child's mind!
Miller and Lord also wrote co-wrote the film's script along with siblings Dan and Kevin Hagema, who have experience in writing family films such as HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA and its upcoming sequel and several episodes for the children's television series Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.
As I stated earlier, I saw the 2D version of the film and I thought it was outstanding! I am very interested in viewing the film in all its 3D glory! So look for me seeing this film again in the very near future!
Overall THE LEGO MOVIE is a smart, funny, action packed children's thrill ride of the year! The movie totally blew me away! I have never witnessed a more clever family film in all my life! Hopefully this movie will be a first in a new series of films that I would love to see. So if you're looking for something to do with the family this weekend, take them to see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
THE LEGO MOVIE is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera
Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.
You want to know something? Kids movies are a lot of fun to watch! It reminds me of when I was a young and my folks taking me to see all those awesome kids movies that I now look back with fond memoriance. Nowadays, kids movies (or called family films) have become even cooler, thanks to computer animation and 3D effects. But in the end it all comes down to the story and the characters. Are we being entertained? Do we care about the characters? Are we having a good time watching the movie? Well, after seeing the new family film DESPICABLE ME 2, I can say yes to all three questions.
A secret laboratory in the arctic (developing a super secret serium) has just been stolen by a new mysterious villain. In need of assistance, the Anti-Villain League (or A.V.I.) sends out their top agent Lucy Wilde (voiced by Kristen Wiig) to recruit former evil villain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) to help them save the world from this super evil genius.
Returning to lend their vocal talents to the film are Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith), Elsie Fisher (Agnes), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), and Pierre Coffin, who did a number of Minion voices. They're joined by newbies Nasim Pedrad (Jillian), Kristen Schaal (Shannon), Steve Coogan (Silas Ramsbottom), and Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo, better known as
El Macho.
I liked this film better the first one. For starters, thanks to screenwriters Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, this film has a much better script and better character development, which I thought the first one lacked. Gru's personality is enhanced, especially with the chance of saving the world. Plus being teamed up with Agent Wilde, we get to have a love interest that will take Gru to the next level. And having him be the hero gives the film a dimension, thus propelling the character to new realms.
The film is packed with action and laughter, mostly from the scene stealing Minions, which are super funny, cute, and adorable! One dresses up like a French maid (oh-la-la), one looks like a fireman, one looks like a firetruck (see trailer), and one looks like Carmen Miranda! OK, what kid born in the last ten years will get that joke? Not one of them, but for us adults, we'll get that reference because we grew up watching that same joke in all the old Looney Tunes cartoons we used to watch back when we were kids. See, that's the beauty of cartoons. Some jokes are for the kids, and some are for the adults. Also looks for references to Saturday Night Live, The Village People, lucha libre wrestling, and an Minion karaoke version of All 4 One's "I Swear." It's really, really hilarious! Now I saw the film in standard 2D version, so I cannot comment on what the 3D effects looks like. But since it's a well written, well directed, very funny film, then you probably won't need to see it in 3D. But if the kids want to see it that way, then go for it. They will love you for it.
DESPICABLE ME 2 is guaranteed fun time at the movies! If you're tired of the heat that's sweeping the nation, take the whole family out to see this movie! And remember to switch your brain from adult to kid. That way you'll be able to enjoy it more with your family! 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended!!
DESPICABLE ME 2is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera
Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.
Happy 4th of July everybody!! So it's been a long time since I frequented the Camera Cinemas; San Jose's oldest independent theater chain. So today I decided to correct this by heading out to the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell to see MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, the latest film by the folks over at Disney/Pixar.
The film's official synopsis: Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) are an inseparable pair, but that
wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters
met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the
door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the
best of friends.
The film is a prequel to MONSTERS, INC., which was a huge hit when it came out back in 2001. Now 12 years later, we get to know the origin of how one of the greatest monster duos of all time meet, and the obstacles they faced, like not being friends!
Crystal and Goodman return once again to their signature characters and they bring the funny like no other! However, in this film their friendship doesn't exist. Rather, they sincerely dislike one another. Gasp!! Mike and Sulley aren't friends?!? Stop the madness!! Well it's true, but that's we the fun lies. We see the roots of these soon-to-be-famous monsters.
In the film's prologue, we see little Mike with his classmates as they visit the historic Monsters, Inc. Here is where Mike decides to become a scarer when he grows up. So we see him study hard, practicing his scares, hitting the books, he is the ideal role model for the perfect student. On the other end of the spectrum is Sulley, who just coasts through school riding on the coattails of his legendary family's name. But it only gets him so far, especially when the very intimidating Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren) threatens him with expulsion from the program, and soon from the university. However, she doesn't believe that Mike has what it takes to be in the program as well. Soon these two monsters, along with their new friends in their college fraternity, Oozma Kappa (the biggest group of losers in the whole school), must compete and win in the university's annual Scare Games (think HUNGER GAMES and that
Triwizard tournament in HARRY POTTER AND THE WIZARD'S GOBLET) in order to stay in school as well as in the scarer program.
The film's story is full of fun, laughs, and of course, hilarious monsters. But there is an underlined message to be found in the frames, and that message is to always believe in yourself. Even if your friends, or teachers, or your peers at work, if you believe in yourself, you cannot fail. The only way to fail is to doubt yourself. And I thinks that's a great message to covey to kids!!
The computer animation is just out of this world. Even though the film takes place in the monster world of Monstropolis, the rending of the college and the enviornment look so freaking realistic! The trees, the buildings, the grass, the cars and buses, the houses, everything in the film looks so damn real! Computer technology has grown so fast since the first film, it's hard to imagine just what the future holds for these two monsters. What will they looks like if Pixar decides to make a part three?
The theater was only showing the film in standard 2D. So I am making plans to see this film again but in 3D! Yup, I should be seeing this again real soon!
Overall MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is funny, entertaining, and heart warming film that the whole family will no doubt enjoy! Beat the heat and head out to your local theater and stay cool by watching this great movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera
Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.
Hello there people. So after spending the weekend attending the Hitchcock 9 over at the Castro Theatre, I wanted to see a film that was the complete opposite to a silent film. So after work I went to see MAN OF STEEL over at the Cinelux Almaden Theater over by my house.
OK, so I said in my original review that I really enjoyed the film. Well, after seeing it a second time, I still enjoyed the film. Now I have been receiving a lot of slack because I liked it. From family members to filmmakers, a lot of people really don't like the movie. My take on this can be boiled down to this one simple statement: it's just a movie. That's it! It's there for my amusement and entertainment. Was I entertained? Yes. Was I blown away by it? Yes. Did it have a good story and interesting characters? Yes. Did it have cool special effects? Yes? Did it offer action, humor, and drama? Yes. So, I liked the movie. Deal with it people!
MAN OF STEEL is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide,
including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view
showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.
In the year 2009, writer/director J.J. Abrams did the impossible. His re-imaging of STAR TREK was a huge summer blockbuster, injecting the stale franchise with a major shot of adrenaline for the 21st century audiences to enjoy. Now in 2013, Abrams releases the next chapter in the rebooted series. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS expands on the characters we've all come to know and love while giving us one of the greatest villains of all time.
Here is the film's official synopsis: When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an
unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has
detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a
state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a
manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass
destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life
and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and
sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.
What I enjoyed about the film was that we get to know more about the characters. Kirk (Chris Pine) is still a brash, impulsive, head strong young man who has so much potential, but thinks he's above rules and regulations. Since the film is supposed to take place before the original television series, we get to see what the crew of the Enterpise was like when they were still young and green. In the case of Kirk, the events that transpire in the film will no doubt shape him into becoming the great captain that he is destined to become.
However the big star of the film is Benedict Cumberbatch, who's Kahn is one of the greatest villains to ever grace the silver screen. Unlike the previous incarnation, this Kahn is far more intelligent, more cunning, and more vicious. His mind is like a steal trap. His plans are far more deadlier. His body is a lethal weapon. And this Kahn has no problem with killing someone with his bare hands. Not since Heath Ledger's Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT have we seen a villain so terrifying!
The entire cast from the first film are once again reunited for this successful sequel. All turn in great performances. But like all sequels, there are some new blood injected into the mix. Joining in on all the fun is actor Peter Weller, who's famous for the playing the lead in the 1987 film ROBOCOP. Here, Weller portrays Starfleet Admiral Alexander Marcus, who knows more about Kahn than he's letting Kirk on. Also appearing in the film is the beautiful Alicia Eve as science officer Dr. Carol Marcus, daughter of Admiral Marcus and potential love interest for Kirk. Both of these two make the film much more interesting as well as intense.
Overall STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is on helluva sci-fi, hi-octane, roller coaster ride of a sequel! It's action packed, it's humorous, it's unpredectable, it's just a damn good movie! Don't believe me? I saw the film TWICE IN ONE DAY!! That's right people! I saw it in 2D, loved it, walked to the boxoffice and saw it again in 3D! BTW the 3D effects were spectacular! So if it's in 3D see it! If not, see it still!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.
Hello again! So my good friend Amanda's son Brian celebrated his 12th birthday back on October 30th. So for his B-Day present, I took him and Amanda to see the new Disney computer animated family film WRECK-IT RALPH over at the Cinelux Theater in Campbell.
Meet Ralph (John C. Reilly) who is the main villain of the arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr., a popular game in Litwak's Arcade. The hero Felix (Jack McBrayer) is loved by the citizens in the game, and Ralph is treated like dirt (poor buy sleeps on a pile of bricks in the dump). Tired of being the bad guy, he jumps from game to game in hopes to win a medal and gain respect among the people of Fix-It Felix. However, his actions causes major ramifications that could spell the end for not only his game, but for all the games in the arcade as well!
The film is a love letter to the video games and arcades of the past. Those you are old enough to remember going to the arcades (like myself) and spending your entire allowance on video games and hanging out with your friends, those were the best of times of your life. The film manages to captures that nostalgic feeling and present up on the big screen for all of us to enjoy!
A tip of the hat goes to the folks at Disney, for they have done their homework for this movie. Like the TOY STORY series, there are several trademark characters that you video game fanatics will recognize; such as arcade icon Q-Bert, Clyde the orange ghost from Pac-Man, Doctor Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog, and Bowser from Super Mario Bros.
Reilly does a great job with Ralph, bringing depth, humor, and pathos to the character. You feel sorry for Ralph and we go along with him on his journey of self-respect and dignity. Of course this leads him to some far out video games, like Hero's Duty, where he is told that when you win the game you get a medal. Here we meets tough, no nonsense Sergeant Calhoun, whose voice is provided by none other than Jane Lynch, star of the Fox TV show Glee. Lynch owns this character, and I can't think of any other actress who could've pulled off better than her! But let me take a moment and point out another great actress lending her voice to the film. Sarah Silverman does a magnificent job of bringing her character Vanellope von Schweetz to life. Combining a spunky attitude and determination, with a touch of sadness for good measure, we can relate to her because, like Ralph, she's an outcast among her peers in her own video game. The two form a powerful friendship that radiates and mirrors our own lives. At one point, some of us were outcasts; those who didn't quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. Try not to see a little bit of yourself in these 8-bit characters!
Overall WRECK-IT RALPH is my vote for Best Family Film of 2012! This is what the movie BRAVE should have been! Full of action, adventure, romance, and comedy, this is one film that has it all! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!
WRECK-IT RALPH is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.
The fifth and final film I saw on Saturday was UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING, the fourth installment of the highly successful and popular franchise. However the screening I attended is not the 3D version, as the Camera 12 did not have that version of the film. So the version I saw was the standard 2D version. Just making sure we're all on the same page.
Theatrical Movie Poster (2012)
The film begins with a nice prologue that brings the audience up to sped with the series, then it kicks off on a bleak note. Set six months after the events of UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, the human race has discovered the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans. As the result of this discovery, the humans have declared war on both factors, a mass extermination that has been called "The Purge." Trying to escape, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is captured and frozen in cryogenic suspension. She is awaken twelve years later and escapes from a medical facility called Antigen, who are trying to make an apparent antidote to the virus that creates the Vampires and Lycans. Also escaping Antigen is a young girl named Eve (India Eisley), who revealed to be a hybrid daughter of Selene and her lover Michael, the only other hybrid to exist. Together they fight for survival in a foreign world to them, with the humans hunting them while the Lycans begin to replenish their clan.
Also appearing in the film are Stephen Rea (Dr. Jacob Lane), Michael Ealy (Det. Sebastian), Theo James (David), Charles Dance (Thomas), and Chris Holden-Reid (Quint).
These films are not true horror films, even though they do offer the monsters that have plagued the nightmares of theater audiences for the past 100 years. The UNDERWORLD series are more action than horror, but there are some elements of the horror genre that are predominant: blood, gore, violence, and monsters. But when the filmmakers meld these ingredients with the action/adventure genre, they discovered a had something that was original and unique. Audiences became enthralled with the series since the first film was released back in 2003, and now in 2012, we have the fourth installment to the series.
What I enjoyed with this film is the fact that the filmmakers took our favorite characters and expanded the storyline and took it to a whole new level. Instead of the present day, we and Selene are flung twelve years into the future, where her kind are on the brinke of extinction. Now this was a smart thing to do, and the film fulfills my requirements for sequels: it expands on the story of the series, while also having our characters evolve and grow. Complacency is what can kill off a franchise, rendering it in an abysmal mess and cause its audiences not to come back. Here the story transcends to its next level, our characters are transformed from what they were originally, and the environment they inhabit in has also changed, in this case it has changed for the worse.
Once again Beckinsale is both beautiful and deadly as Selene. While her mannerism hasn't really differed from the previous films, her new role as mother will be an interesting factor to watch. Also let's face it: the woman was born to wear black leather clothes and shoot up werewolves, and she still looks sexy as hell. Also worthy mention is young India Eisley, who really gives a great performance as the hybrid child Eve. Her ability to be cute one minute and a ferocious killing machine must be very trying at times, but Eisley pulls it off. Hope she is recast for the next installment.
Overall, UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING is a worthy entry to the franchise! Whether you see it in 2D or 3D, if you are a fan of these film. then you will not be disappointed with this installment. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen! Four out of five stars.
UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com
Welcome back folks! So the second feature I saw on Saturday was the new science fiction, alien invasion, end of the world, apocalyptic horror film THE DARKEST HOUR. While watching it I thought to myself, "Oh boy, this is going to be a tough one to review."
Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)
Stop me if you've heard this one: Two cool, good looking guys meet two very hot and sexy ladies and a douchebag guy and they survive an alien invasion and try to find other survivors and along the way discover how to defeat these hostile aliens and save humanity. Does this sound familiar to you? Yeah, I thought it did too.
OK, so now that we have established that this film contains nothing new and is basically the same schlock flick that Hollywood has been putting out for the past decade, let me tell you what I did like about the film. First: the two actresses in the film are Olivia Thirlby and Rachael Taylor who portray Natalie and Anne respectively. Now I've been a big fan of Thirlby for quite some time. From JUNO to THE WACKNESS to NO STRINGS ATTACHED, Thirlby is a very talented actress and I enjoy her work. Taylor is just smoking hot. From the first time I saw her in Michael Bay's 2007 film TRANSFORMERS, I was infatuated. But when I saw her in films like BOTTLE SHOCK, SPLINTERHEADS, and SUMMER CODA, her acting in these films were amazing. Taylor really is a gifted actress. I hope these ladies will appear in another film together again. The played off one another great and have good on-screen chemistry.
The other thing I liked about the film was it was filmed on location in Moscow. It's been a long time since I've seen Moscow in a film (I think the last time was in ROCKY IV). Having the film take place there was a very good idea, giving it an exotic look, having incredible looking buildings and ancient and historical landmarks and monuments really made the film look impressive.
Other than these two items, the rest of the film is recycled crap. I saw the film in 2D, to which I am very thankful. If I saw it in 3D, I would have wanted to stab my eyes out with a plastic fork. The movie is bad, just really, really bad. There is nothing original about the film. By the end of the film, the main character Sean (portrayed by Emile Hirsch) becomes the 21st century version of John Conner from the TERMINATOR series. I mean it's so damn obvious. I want to know if the filmmakers thought nobody would notice this? Well guess what guys? I noticed it, and you guys suck!
THE DARKEST HOUR is one awful sci-fi, horror film. Folks best skip this film all together. Don't go see it, don't Netflix it when it comes out, don't Redbox it, just ignore it all together. Hopefully it will be forgotten, and I shall never have to see it ever again.
THE DARKEST HOUR is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, check their website at www.cameracinemas.com
So the first film I saw today was the previously blogged COWBOYS AND ALIENS, which I had a blast watching. So for my second film of the day I went and saw the remake of CONAN THE BARBARIAN in 3-D. Needless to say, that was a bad idea.
So, instead of doing my usual movie critique, I thought it would be more educational to list what was so bad about the film:
1) All of the acting was just horrible.
2) The directing was equally horrible.
3) Why the hell did they remake this film?
4) If Rose McGowan gets another face lift job, she'll look more like Joan Rivers.
5) Too much CGI, not enough story.
6) Wait, was there a story?
7) I know that Jason Momoa did the best that he could, but he's no Arnold.
8) Why the hell was Ron Perlman in this film?
9) I remember now! No there wasn't a story.
10) Why did I see this movie again?
11) Oh that's right, because I was bored.
12) Who ever thought that remaking this film was a good idea should've been fired....or beheaded.
13) After directing such remake films like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003), FRIDAY THE 13TH (2009) and CONAN knockoff PATHFINDER (2007), Marcus Nispel should be executed immediately and his head should be planted on a spear.
14) The movie looked even worse in 3-D.
15) The poster was more entertaining than the actual film.
16) Why the hell did they remake this film? Oh wait, I already said that one.
17) I got diabetes from watching the movie.
CONAN THE BARBARIAN is the poster child for movie abortion. If there was ever a better example that Hollywood has totally run out of original ideas for movies, let this be proof. In the words of my favorite TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000, "Folks, they just didn't care."
CONAN THE BARBARIAN 2-D & 3-D is now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml
