Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sherlock Holmes
Christmas Day was a time of joy for the nation this past Friday as presents were unwrapped, families came together, and many celebrated the meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus Christ. Another thing that many families partook in was venturing to the nearest movie theater to watch the several new films that were released. There were mostly R rated films like the romantic comedy "It's Complicated", the musical "Nine", and George Clooney's new film, "Up In the Air." However, there was one film that was released that a larger variety of people could enjoy and it was Guy Ritchie's new film, "Sherlock Holmes."
In both literature and past films, the story of Sherlock Holmes has been told and retold several times. Robert Downey Jr. isn't the first to entertain us with the stories of Sherlock, Watson, and the evil Professor Moriarty(although he is baeley shown in this film since he was only used as a setup for the sequel) but in this new adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional series, Downey shows us a new kind of Holmes that will surly be remembered in the years to come.
The evil and seemingly magical Lord Blackwood(Marc Strong) is about to murder yet another innocent girl but is barely apprehended by the police with the help of detective Sherlock Holmes(Downey) and Dr. Watson(Jude Law). Right before Blackwood's hanging, he warns Holmes that something is coming that Holmes will have no control over and that he will rise from the dead and be more powerful than ever. So Blackwood dies, Sherlock is without a case for some time, Watson is preparing to marry, but then something horrible happens. A murder takes place and Holmes discovers that Blackwood has indeed returned from the dead. Now Holmes must ignore all things logical and real to unravel the mystery behind this evil magician.
Now right from the start of the film we realize that this portrayal of Holmes is much different than past versions. We realize that when we see Holmes take down half the criminals in Blackwood's lair. Yes this version of Holmes is stronger, more violent, and frankly more enjoyable than past portrayals. Of course he still has the intelligence we've always known but now he uses that brain of his to calculate what will happen in his next fight and then will do just what he planned faster than the victim can say, "I surrender." Watson is the man who is always there for Holmes and also has a fist of fury which can take care of business even quicker than Holmes. Also in past versions we would never see Sherlock get involved in a complicated romance with mysterious women such as Irene Adler(Rachel McAdams).
Things that are enjoyable about "Holmes" include the cinematography which beautifully shows us the city of London up close and afar. The city shots looks wonderful and many times they are shots of the city at night which does a good job of adding to the dark, more intense feeling of the film. The film's action and mystery of "Holmes" kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole two hours. There are several action sequences in the film that I just went gaga for. The best example is when we would see Holmes think out the fight in his head(while played in slow motion) then do exactly what he thought(in normal motion). That effect gave me chills. Of course aside from action "Holmes" also had a great deal of comedy. Not many scenes went by without the theater laughing at a characters actions, jokes, or sarcasm.
One of the most enjoyable things about "Sherlock Holmes" is the fantastic performance by Robert Downey Jr. In the past two years we've seen how great an actor Downey is in "Iron Man", "Tropic Thunder", and "The Soloist" and his skill shines bright in "Holmes." He plays the role perfectly. The way he acts is great, his facial expressions are both great and humorous, and he delivers his line perfectly. After seeing his performance, I am not surprised that he received a Golden Globe nomination for this film. Downey wasn't the only one with a strong performance. In fact every actor did great in this film.
"Sherlock Holmes" is a fantastic film that has retold the classic story in a more than average way. The action, story, and acting worked together to create a film that was a wonderful Christmas present and end to my day. 3 stars out of 4.
"Sherlock Holmes" has a running time of 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.
In both literature and past films, the story of Sherlock Holmes has been told and retold several times. Robert Downey Jr. isn't the first to entertain us with the stories of Sherlock, Watson, and the evil Professor Moriarty(although he is baeley shown in this film since he was only used as a setup for the sequel) but in this new adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional series, Downey shows us a new kind of Holmes that will surly be remembered in the years to come.
The evil and seemingly magical Lord Blackwood(Marc Strong) is about to murder yet another innocent girl but is barely apprehended by the police with the help of detective Sherlock Holmes(Downey) and Dr. Watson(Jude Law). Right before Blackwood's hanging, he warns Holmes that something is coming that Holmes will have no control over and that he will rise from the dead and be more powerful than ever. So Blackwood dies, Sherlock is without a case for some time, Watson is preparing to marry, but then something horrible happens. A murder takes place and Holmes discovers that Blackwood has indeed returned from the dead. Now Holmes must ignore all things logical and real to unravel the mystery behind this evil magician.
Now right from the start of the film we realize that this portrayal of Holmes is much different than past versions. We realize that when we see Holmes take down half the criminals in Blackwood's lair. Yes this version of Holmes is stronger, more violent, and frankly more enjoyable than past portrayals. Of course he still has the intelligence we've always known but now he uses that brain of his to calculate what will happen in his next fight and then will do just what he planned faster than the victim can say, "I surrender." Watson is the man who is always there for Holmes and also has a fist of fury which can take care of business even quicker than Holmes. Also in past versions we would never see Sherlock get involved in a complicated romance with mysterious women such as Irene Adler(Rachel McAdams).
Things that are enjoyable about "Holmes" include the cinematography which beautifully shows us the city of London up close and afar. The city shots looks wonderful and many times they are shots of the city at night which does a good job of adding to the dark, more intense feeling of the film. The film's action and mystery of "Holmes" kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole two hours. There are several action sequences in the film that I just went gaga for. The best example is when we would see Holmes think out the fight in his head(while played in slow motion) then do exactly what he thought(in normal motion). That effect gave me chills. Of course aside from action "Holmes" also had a great deal of comedy. Not many scenes went by without the theater laughing at a characters actions, jokes, or sarcasm.
One of the most enjoyable things about "Sherlock Holmes" is the fantastic performance by Robert Downey Jr. In the past two years we've seen how great an actor Downey is in "Iron Man", "Tropic Thunder", and "The Soloist" and his skill shines bright in "Holmes." He plays the role perfectly. The way he acts is great, his facial expressions are both great and humorous, and he delivers his line perfectly. After seeing his performance, I am not surprised that he received a Golden Globe nomination for this film. Downey wasn't the only one with a strong performance. In fact every actor did great in this film.
"Sherlock Holmes" is a fantastic film that has retold the classic story in a more than average way. The action, story, and acting worked together to create a film that was a wonderful Christmas present and end to my day. 3 stars out of 4.
"Sherlock Holmes" has a running time of 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Avatar
Director James Cameron has proven himself to be a fantastic director with past films like the first two "Terminator" films, "Aliens", and of course the ever so popular "Titanic" and it is clear that he would be worthy of taking on a project as complex as "Avatar". Well once again, Cameron has dazzled us with a brilliant piece of film making with his new action/drama that is "Avatar."
"Avatar" takes place in the year 2154 when humans are mining on the beautiful moon of Pandora for a mineral called unobtainuim that is incredibly valuable . The only problem with the humans mining there is that an alien race known as the Na'vi inhabit the moon and are considered very dangerous. Jake Sully(Sam Worthington), an ex-marine who is paralyzed from the waist down, volunteers to work on this moon and operate an avatar, an alien body mixed with both alien and human DNA, so that he can infiltrate the village and learn their ways(and to find out how to destroy their village.) However, when Jake meets a female Na'vi named Neytiri(Zoe Saldana) and enters their village, he starts to feel emotion for these aliens and begins on a journey of adventure, love, danger, and betrayal.
The most dazzling, truly wondrous element in this film is of course the CGI. Almost everything in this film is CGI from the aliens themselves, to the plants, to the animals. There is such a variety of animals in "Avatar" and each has it's own unique features, look, and all of them are of course strictly CGI. All of the plants move so gracefully side to side and move around when something touches them and it adds more wonder to this magical place. Pandora itself is presented beautifully with the floating mountains with waterfalls falling off the edges and the fog floating around them. I also think it's fascinating how they can create light that shines off all the plants and reflects around the scene to make it seem more real and mark my words EVERYTHING looks absolutely one hundred percent real. Everything moves swiftly and everything doesn't seem fake at all. This is without a doubt a new era of CGI that will hopefully begin to work its ways into more areas of cinema.
Now the story isn't exactly an original masterpiece and it is basically a futuristic version of "Dances with Wolves" with a few changes having to do with the climax. This is the only thing that took away from "Avatar" being a true movie masterpiece. However, themes placed in the story help the film from seeming unoriginal. In "Avatar" the aliens seem to be connected with everything on Pandora in a mystical connection that the humans can't grasp. Somehow the aliens connect with nature and it's creatures. This is actually sometimes literal because the aliens hair connects to the heads/hairs of the animals so that they can become one with each other. This adds to the fact that James Cameron is trying to show us that Pandora is a perfect world where everything connects and lives in harmony with each other. For Jake Sully, it is a world where, inside his avatar, he is free from the imperfections of life. It's a world where he can walk again and feel almost perfect which is a concept many can connect with and/or want.
The romance is captured perfectly in "Avatar" as it shows us the transformation of both of the main characters. Jake doesn't know what to expect from the alien tribe and is shown kindness by Neytiri who shows him their ways and teaches him how to act like a Na'vi. Throughout the film, Jake's love for the Na'vi's world and culture and for Neytiri herself grows and in the end, he is willing to fight and die for the aliens because he realizes that the humans are doing wrong to the world. Neytiri on the other hand doesn't care for Jake at all when she first meets him but decides to give him a chance to be a part of her village when her she feels like her goddess Eywa(who binds all things on the moon together) sends her a message. She too grows to feel for an eventually love Jake and in a way shows kindness to other humans because of the kindness shown to her by Jake.
Besides the slightly unoriginal plot, everything else is done close to perfection. The acting is great, the dialogue is great, and most of all...I think the music is fantastic. Music is one thing that I look for in films because for me it adds a great deal of heart to the film. This film has great music that flows with the film and adds even more to the masterpiece.
"Avatar" is a new piece of movie making that we've never seen before. It will surly dazzle all viewers who step into the theater(especially if you see it in 3-D or IMAX 3-D). James Cameron has shown us that he is still one of the top directors in the world and I can't wait till I get to see this film win some awards early next year. 4 stars out of 4.
Avatar has a running time of 161 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language, and some smoking.
"Avatar" takes place in the year 2154 when humans are mining on the beautiful moon of Pandora for a mineral called unobtainuim that is incredibly valuable . The only problem with the humans mining there is that an alien race known as the Na'vi inhabit the moon and are considered very dangerous. Jake Sully(Sam Worthington), an ex-marine who is paralyzed from the waist down, volunteers to work on this moon and operate an avatar, an alien body mixed with both alien and human DNA, so that he can infiltrate the village and learn their ways(and to find out how to destroy their village.) However, when Jake meets a female Na'vi named Neytiri(Zoe Saldana) and enters their village, he starts to feel emotion for these aliens and begins on a journey of adventure, love, danger, and betrayal.
The most dazzling, truly wondrous element in this film is of course the CGI. Almost everything in this film is CGI from the aliens themselves, to the plants, to the animals. There is such a variety of animals in "Avatar" and each has it's own unique features, look, and all of them are of course strictly CGI. All of the plants move so gracefully side to side and move around when something touches them and it adds more wonder to this magical place. Pandora itself is presented beautifully with the floating mountains with waterfalls falling off the edges and the fog floating around them. I also think it's fascinating how they can create light that shines off all the plants and reflects around the scene to make it seem more real and mark my words EVERYTHING looks absolutely one hundred percent real. Everything moves swiftly and everything doesn't seem fake at all. This is without a doubt a new era of CGI that will hopefully begin to work its ways into more areas of cinema.
Now the story isn't exactly an original masterpiece and it is basically a futuristic version of "Dances with Wolves" with a few changes having to do with the climax. This is the only thing that took away from "Avatar" being a true movie masterpiece. However, themes placed in the story help the film from seeming unoriginal. In "Avatar" the aliens seem to be connected with everything on Pandora in a mystical connection that the humans can't grasp. Somehow the aliens connect with nature and it's creatures. This is actually sometimes literal because the aliens hair connects to the heads/hairs of the animals so that they can become one with each other. This adds to the fact that James Cameron is trying to show us that Pandora is a perfect world where everything connects and lives in harmony with each other. For Jake Sully, it is a world where, inside his avatar, he is free from the imperfections of life. It's a world where he can walk again and feel almost perfect which is a concept many can connect with and/or want.
The romance is captured perfectly in "Avatar" as it shows us the transformation of both of the main characters. Jake doesn't know what to expect from the alien tribe and is shown kindness by Neytiri who shows him their ways and teaches him how to act like a Na'vi. Throughout the film, Jake's love for the Na'vi's world and culture and for Neytiri herself grows and in the end, he is willing to fight and die for the aliens because he realizes that the humans are doing wrong to the world. Neytiri on the other hand doesn't care for Jake at all when she first meets him but decides to give him a chance to be a part of her village when her she feels like her goddess Eywa(who binds all things on the moon together) sends her a message. She too grows to feel for an eventually love Jake and in a way shows kindness to other humans because of the kindness shown to her by Jake.
Besides the slightly unoriginal plot, everything else is done close to perfection. The acting is great, the dialogue is great, and most of all...I think the music is fantastic. Music is one thing that I look for in films because for me it adds a great deal of heart to the film. This film has great music that flows with the film and adds even more to the masterpiece.
"Avatar" is a new piece of movie making that we've never seen before. It will surly dazzle all viewers who step into the theater(especially if you see it in 3-D or IMAX 3-D). James Cameron has shown us that he is still one of the top directors in the world and I can't wait till I get to see this film win some awards early next year. 4 stars out of 4.
Avatar has a running time of 161 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language, and some smoking.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Invictus
Once again we find ourselves in the most wonderful time of the year. Of course we have Christmas coming up soon and the end of the year...but now is also the time that Academy Award winning films tend to be released. Now, first let me say that I usually don't agree with what the Academy thinks about films (for instance the fact that comic book films "cough Dark Knight cough" NEVER get nominated for a decent award...with the exception of Heath Ledger) and most of the time I don't find the acclaimed films appealing. However, there are some Oscar films that I do enjoy greatly and a perfect example of this is Clint Eastwood's new drama, "Invictus."
"Invictus" is the story of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) who has just been released from prison and soon after becomes president of South Africa. Mandela's goal is to put an end to the country's apartheid policies and unite blacks and whites to form a stronger nation. An opportunity arises when Mandela observes a Rugby match for South Africa's team, the Springboks. The country is disgraced by the Springboks but Mandela has faith and summons team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to have tea with him in his office. Mandela encourages Pienaar to get inspiration to improve his team and have a chance at winning the world cup. Mandela hopes that by doing this the country can also be inspired and come together as a great nation once again.
Now even before I went to see this film I knew I was going to be impressed. If the fact that award-winning actor, writer, and director Clint Eastwood doesn't get your attention, maybe the two award-winning actors that starred in the film will. Let me repeat....AWARD WINNING! This film is done by some of the best in the business and, mark my words, their reputation precedes them in "Invictus." Morgan Freeman plays his role brilliantly as the man who wanted peace, unity, and fellowship. I could feel the emotion, charisma, and attitude coming from Freeman as he played his role. Matt Damon also does a great job and Clint Eastwood's experience and talent shines through all aspects of "Invictus."
As in all sports related films, the makers of the movie have to find an attractive, entertaining way to shoot the sports scenes so that movie-goers will be entertained. "Invictus" is a great example of well shot cinematography. The rugby scenes are entertaining and are one of the things I looked forward to seeing the most as the film went on. The rugby sequences kept me on the edge of my seat and are filled with inspiration.
Others aspects of "Invictus" such as character development, pacing, dialogue, etc. are also carried out greatly. The dialogue is fantastic and I walked out with several quotes that I loved. Morgan Freeman once again delivers his lines greatly and adds even more to the enjoyment of the film. The film does a great job of showing how the characters, primarily Matt Damon's, transform throughout the film. We get to see how the personalities of many people are changed for the better.
One of the most important things a movie can have is a good message and Clint Eastwood tried hard (and succeeded) in getting many messages across in "Invictus." I felt that the main message is the importance of unity and fellowship. Throughout the film we see how Mandela dreamed that South Africa could be a better nation if they had the inspiration to do so. Mandela goes out of his way to make this dream a reality by the principles of fellowship, responsibility, and most importantly forgiveness. A quote in this film stuck out to me. It is when Mandela tells his assistant, "Now is also the time for forgiveness. Forgiveness takes away hatred. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon." Indeed forgiveness is something all of us need to embrace in order to grow in our relationship with others.
"Invictus" is a remarkable film about perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances that will surely pack a large punch of inspiration into almost every viewer. Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, and Clint Eastwood have given us a wonderful film that will undoubtedly win big when award season comes around. Three and a half stars out of four.
"Invictus" has a running time of 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
"Invictus" is the story of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) who has just been released from prison and soon after becomes president of South Africa. Mandela's goal is to put an end to the country's apartheid policies and unite blacks and whites to form a stronger nation. An opportunity arises when Mandela observes a Rugby match for South Africa's team, the Springboks. The country is disgraced by the Springboks but Mandela has faith and summons team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to have tea with him in his office. Mandela encourages Pienaar to get inspiration to improve his team and have a chance at winning the world cup. Mandela hopes that by doing this the country can also be inspired and come together as a great nation once again.
Now even before I went to see this film I knew I was going to be impressed. If the fact that award-winning actor, writer, and director Clint Eastwood doesn't get your attention, maybe the two award-winning actors that starred in the film will. Let me repeat....AWARD WINNING! This film is done by some of the best in the business and, mark my words, their reputation precedes them in "Invictus." Morgan Freeman plays his role brilliantly as the man who wanted peace, unity, and fellowship. I could feel the emotion, charisma, and attitude coming from Freeman as he played his role. Matt Damon also does a great job and Clint Eastwood's experience and talent shines through all aspects of "Invictus."
As in all sports related films, the makers of the movie have to find an attractive, entertaining way to shoot the sports scenes so that movie-goers will be entertained. "Invictus" is a great example of well shot cinematography. The rugby scenes are entertaining and are one of the things I looked forward to seeing the most as the film went on. The rugby sequences kept me on the edge of my seat and are filled with inspiration.
Others aspects of "Invictus" such as character development, pacing, dialogue, etc. are also carried out greatly. The dialogue is fantastic and I walked out with several quotes that I loved. Morgan Freeman once again delivers his lines greatly and adds even more to the enjoyment of the film. The film does a great job of showing how the characters, primarily Matt Damon's, transform throughout the film. We get to see how the personalities of many people are changed for the better.
One of the most important things a movie can have is a good message and Clint Eastwood tried hard (and succeeded) in getting many messages across in "Invictus." I felt that the main message is the importance of unity and fellowship. Throughout the film we see how Mandela dreamed that South Africa could be a better nation if they had the inspiration to do so. Mandela goes out of his way to make this dream a reality by the principles of fellowship, responsibility, and most importantly forgiveness. A quote in this film stuck out to me. It is when Mandela tells his assistant, "Now is also the time for forgiveness. Forgiveness takes away hatred. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon." Indeed forgiveness is something all of us need to embrace in order to grow in our relationship with others.
"Invictus" is a remarkable film about perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances that will surely pack a large punch of inspiration into almost every viewer. Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, and Clint Eastwood have given us a wonderful film that will undoubtedly win big when award season comes around. Three and a half stars out of four.
"Invictus" has a running time of 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Weekly Update
-One of the biggest films of the 2009 winter movie season will be released next week("Avatar") and it is already getting some Golden Globe/Oscar buzz. Apparently there was a Hollywood screening this week and while none of the critics are allowed to write on the film. There is word that all writers were highly impressed with director James Cameron's(Terminator 1 and 2, Titanic) new visual masterpiece. The film is already in the running for best picture for a drama and best director for the Golden Globes and might be in the top ten list for best film in the Oscars. "Avatar" opens next Friday the 18th.
-For those of you who positively loved the zombie killing film known as "Zombieland", get excited because a sequel is already in production and this time it will be in 3D. The film is expected to be released 2011/2012.
-Peter Jackson told sources last week that the long awaited "Hobbit" films(which will be told in a two part series) will probably meet the big screen in 2012 and 2013. "The Hobbit" tells the story of Bilbo Baggins before Frodo was in his life. Actors Hugo Weaving and Ian Mckellen are confirmed to reprise their roles.
-Big news for Potter fans today besides the fact the Half Blood Prince was relased is that a sneak peak for the upcoming two-part "Deathly Hallows" film was released along with the film. The preview consists of several interviews and a teaser trailer for thew films. It is pretty exciting to watch. Just stroll over to http://youtube,com to catch a look at it. "Deathly Hallows" part one comes out November of next year followed by part to in July of 2011.
-For those of you who positively loved the zombie killing film known as "Zombieland", get excited because a sequel is already in production and this time it will be in 3D. The film is expected to be released 2011/2012.
-Peter Jackson told sources last week that the long awaited "Hobbit" films(which will be told in a two part series) will probably meet the big screen in 2012 and 2013. "The Hobbit" tells the story of Bilbo Baggins before Frodo was in his life. Actors Hugo Weaving and Ian Mckellen are confirmed to reprise their roles.
-Big news for Potter fans today besides the fact the Half Blood Prince was relased is that a sneak peak for the upcoming two-part "Deathly Hallows" film was released along with the film. The preview consists of several interviews and a teaser trailer for thew films. It is pretty exciting to watch. Just stroll over to http://youtube,com to catch a look at it. "Deathly Hallows" part one comes out November of next year followed by part to in July of 2011.
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