The Kingdom was the first movie I've watch since The Bourne Ultimatum and I was very glad I took the time out to catch it. The premise of the movie was simple really: a terrorist cell blows up a bomb inside a compound built for American workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hence the name of the film) and a team of FBI agents fight politics home and aboard to find the man behind it. Essentially, that's the story in a nutshell. It had great interesting if somewhat stereotypical characters but the acting more then makes up for it. But it also had wonderful moments in this film with give you a chance to bond with them. Perhaps giving us characters we can identify with so easily gave us a platform from which we start to care about them much easier and much quicker; something which would prove we useful as the story plays itself out.
I have a problem classifying this movie simple because its not a full on action movie, neither is it a full on crime mystery and it also falls short on being a strong comment on the political climate that is now existing in the Middle East. Some people will see this as a flaw in the movie but I rather think it's part of what made it so enjoyable.
Good and evil is seemingly played out very clearly in this film but at the end; what you get instead of a "good guys win, bad guys end up all died" scenario is a moral mirror with which one can look at themselves and ask themselves have they been rooting for the correct side.
Terrorism is probably one of the most horrid fears in our world today and this film addresses in with no holds barred. It doesn't put faceless victims on screen but rather gives you a look at how a normal peaceful afternoon can be shattered by the horrors of terrorism. It also gives you a look at the "answer" to terrorism: Vengeance. Do not get me wrong, those who commit senseless mass murder must be punished but it must be done so in the name of justice and not revenge. The desire for payback can make violence of this sort play itself out in an endless cycle from which the only ones who will suffer are the innocent. It is clear from this film that the ones who will suffer for our inability to co-exist peacefully on this earth will be our children.
We are continually divided on many issues ranging form race, religion, ethnicity and so forth and the longer we choose not to focus on what we have in common, on what might bring us together, the longer the innocent will suffer.
What I loved most about this film is that it doesn't tell you who is right and who is wrong. It is something you decide for yourself but what you get is characters in whom you can see and understand their motivations and from there you can see yourself in their shoes. And at the end, when the guns are silence and the cost is counted, you find yourself in a moment of reflection, wishing that what you saw was nothing more then fantasy before realizing it is a fictionalised version of what is happening in the world today. 8/10.
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, 5 October 2007
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Movie Review: The Bourne Ultimatum
I think the Bourne Trilogy could possibly be the best spy/thriller movies ever made. The first two Bourne film; The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy were awesome. Good action sequences, great plot, great action and most of all, a focus on character over action.
And The Bourne Ultimatum is no different, it dovetails perfectly into the series. And like the previous two films, the best part of it was how they focus on telling the stories of the characters and adding on to what was established in the previous two films.
The film once again has great action as well. The chase scenes in Tangier and New York City were really by the edge of you seat stuff. But the one scene which I loved the most was the spy vs spy one set at Waterloo station. That was such an awesome scene that the only way to describe it would be to say "go watch it."
I think the key to the success of these films was how they made the stories about the characters. In action films, the emphasis has often been on action over story telling (take that Michael Bay) but I have always felt the best action films have been those that managed to tell a great story about interesting characters and that was what this film had in bundles. You not only get charged up by the action but you get drawn in to the story and you feel for the characters. Even the James Bond films are starting to move towards that direction but they still have a long way to go before they can match up to the three Bourne film.
This is one film that is definitely worth a watch. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I think its worth watching twice! To me, this film was everything that Transformers failed to be. 9.5/10.
p/s: I love Julie Stiles! She's gorgeous. She lights up the movie....
And The Bourne Ultimatum is no different, it dovetails perfectly into the series. And like the previous two films, the best part of it was how they focus on telling the stories of the characters and adding on to what was established in the previous two films.
The film once again has great action as well. The chase scenes in Tangier and New York City were really by the edge of you seat stuff. But the one scene which I loved the most was the spy vs spy one set at Waterloo station. That was such an awesome scene that the only way to describe it would be to say "go watch it."
I think the key to the success of these films was how they made the stories about the characters. In action films, the emphasis has often been on action over story telling (take that Michael Bay) but I have always felt the best action films have been those that managed to tell a great story about interesting characters and that was what this film had in bundles. You not only get charged up by the action but you get drawn in to the story and you feel for the characters. Even the James Bond films are starting to move towards that direction but they still have a long way to go before they can match up to the three Bourne film.
This is one film that is definitely worth a watch. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I think its worth watching twice! To me, this film was everything that Transformers failed to be. 9.5/10.
p/s: I love Julie Stiles! She's gorgeous. She lights up the movie....
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Movie Review: The Simpsons Movie
Like a large number of people my age, I have grown up with the Simpsons. Since their début those 18 years ago, they have grown old with us. An entire generation have grown up to the antics of Homer and family and now they have finally made it to the big screen. While many people have commented on how the quality of the show has gone down, I think its just that when the Simpsons first came out, it was one of a kind but now, there are many other shows that have followed in its footsteps.
So how do I feel personally about this long awaited movie? I think its great. And I'm not saying it just because I am a Simpsons fan and therefore have a nature bias towards them. I'm probably expecting more from this movie then most. After all, it's being written by 11 of the best and most prolific writers of the entire series.
To understand the Simpsons, one has to remember that the depth of the jokes is what makes it different from everything else. Of course there is the zany adventures of Homer but behind everything that happens to him (and the family as a result), there is always a strong moral tale. If you are expecting slap-stick style jokes and gags, maybe you should be watching Mr. Bean instead.
The Simpsons simply reflect pop culture and pop culture moves and changes with the times, and this is what you have to know to fully appreciate what the Simpsons is truly about. I have said so many times before, the Simpsons is really a very deep show and one has to really understand the ideas and philosophy behind the writing to fully and truly get what the show is trying to say.
That said, the movie has a simple but heart warming story. It's a story that really touches on the importance of being a family and what being a family means. The love between a husband and a wife is much more then just say the words "I Love You" to each other every day. It also talks about what it means to be a father. And what does a child really expect from his/her father. This is the central theme of the movie: the ups and downs of being a family and sticking together no matter what.
If you really want to enjoy this movie, remember, the Simpsons isn't about gags and jokes (although there are tons of it in this movie), at it's heart, it's a simple movie about being a family. 9.5/10 from me.
*This movie is even better the 2nd time around!
p/s: to all those Strait Times reviewers: do yourself a favour and get a brain before you review another movie. Bloody w***ers...I'd do to them what Maggie's doing to the monkey...
So how do I feel personally about this long awaited movie? I think its great. And I'm not saying it just because I am a Simpsons fan and therefore have a nature bias towards them. I'm probably expecting more from this movie then most. After all, it's being written by 11 of the best and most prolific writers of the entire series.
To understand the Simpsons, one has to remember that the depth of the jokes is what makes it different from everything else. Of course there is the zany adventures of Homer but behind everything that happens to him (and the family as a result), there is always a strong moral tale. If you are expecting slap-stick style jokes and gags, maybe you should be watching Mr. Bean instead.
The Simpsons simply reflect pop culture and pop culture moves and changes with the times, and this is what you have to know to fully appreciate what the Simpsons is truly about. I have said so many times before, the Simpsons is really a very deep show and one has to really understand the ideas and philosophy behind the writing to fully and truly get what the show is trying to say.
That said, the movie has a simple but heart warming story. It's a story that really touches on the importance of being a family and what being a family means. The love between a husband and a wife is much more then just say the words "I Love You" to each other every day. It also talks about what it means to be a father. And what does a child really expect from his/her father. This is the central theme of the movie: the ups and downs of being a family and sticking together no matter what.
If you really want to enjoy this movie, remember, the Simpsons isn't about gags and jokes (although there are tons of it in this movie), at it's heart, it's a simple movie about being a family. 9.5/10 from me.
*This movie is even better the 2nd time around!
p/s: to all those Strait Times reviewers: do yourself a favour and get a brain before you review another movie. Bloody w***ers...I'd do to them what Maggie's doing to the monkey...
Friday, 20 July 2007
Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I've yet to read a single Harry Potter book (gasp!). But you see, I have this horrible problem, I'm a horribly impatient person especially when it comes to film trilogies and books. I really cannot stand waiting and so I will get down to reading them when the final book comes out and a box set is releases. Oh yeah, I like box sets too. Actually, I just like boxes.
So I'm going to grade this film on the basis of the film itself. Personally, I expected more from this film. The preceding 2 films were very good and very entertaining especially The Prisoner of Azkaban. They really focused on the characters and the development of those characters. However, I was left rather disappointed by this sequel. Maybe because David Yates had 2 films to tell the story he wanted to tell but there was a lack of both character development and a rather laboured form of storytelling.
The film itself was rather slow moving and the plot seemed rather confusing. And sadly, it really lacked the character development that was prominent in the last 2 film and since this is the 5th Harry Potter movie, I think its time to really focus on the relationship between the characters and make us care more about them. This in my opinion will only build up the excitement to the next film. After all, if you care about the characters, you will care about the story. I think in films like these were it is set in magical and fantastical world, one can get overwhelmed by showing too much of the world and forgetting that in the end, a film is a story about relationships. I really could not feel the lost of the death of Sirius Black which to me is a major turning point in the series.
Another issue I had with this film is Daniel Radcliffe's acting is starting to really affect the series. He seems only able to portray happy, angry and sad in a fixed rotation of said emotions. As the lead in the series is easily being out acted by Emma Watson (who is truly becoming a beautiful leading lady) and Rupert Grint. New addition Evanna Lynch really steals the show as Luna Lovegood. Her performance lights up the film every time she appears on screen. Another good set up for the next film is the increasing screen time for Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) given her much more important role in the next 2 books.
I am hoping the next one will really start to bring the relationship of the characters to the fore front and start making us non readers of the book care about the characters and the situation they are facing; that after all was the strength of Lord of The Rings. 6/10.
So I'm going to grade this film on the basis of the film itself. Personally, I expected more from this film. The preceding 2 films were very good and very entertaining especially The Prisoner of Azkaban. They really focused on the characters and the development of those characters. However, I was left rather disappointed by this sequel. Maybe because David Yates had 2 films to tell the story he wanted to tell but there was a lack of both character development and a rather laboured form of storytelling.
The film itself was rather slow moving and the plot seemed rather confusing. And sadly, it really lacked the character development that was prominent in the last 2 film and since this is the 5th Harry Potter movie, I think its time to really focus on the relationship between the characters and make us care more about them. This in my opinion will only build up the excitement to the next film. After all, if you care about the characters, you will care about the story. I think in films like these were it is set in magical and fantastical world, one can get overwhelmed by showing too much of the world and forgetting that in the end, a film is a story about relationships. I really could not feel the lost of the death of Sirius Black which to me is a major turning point in the series.
Another issue I had with this film is Daniel Radcliffe's acting is starting to really affect the series. He seems only able to portray happy, angry and sad in a fixed rotation of said emotions. As the lead in the series is easily being out acted by Emma Watson (who is truly becoming a beautiful leading lady) and Rupert Grint. New addition Evanna Lynch really steals the show as Luna Lovegood. Her performance lights up the film every time she appears on screen. Another good set up for the next film is the increasing screen time for Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) given her much more important role in the next 2 books.
I am hoping the next one will really start to bring the relationship of the characters to the fore front and start making us non readers of the book care about the characters and the situation they are facing; that after all was the strength of Lord of The Rings. 6/10.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Movie Review: Transformers
I am not a real big fan of Michael Bay. He's done a number of really fun action packed films but he has also made one of the worse movies I have ever watched in my whole life, Pearl Harbor; the film it self was almost as tragic as the attack. Honestly, I don't think he's done a film that I enjoyed since The Rock. And I enjoyed Transformers as a kid growing up, so when I found out he was doing Transformers, I was not in a very happy mood.
But I went to watch it anyway, I mean it was Transformers and it was produced by Spielberg himself so it really couldn't be that bad.
Well, the effects, the Transformer robots were awesome! Some of the best CGI work I have seen in a long while. And the fight scenes were good; especially the one when the special forces were fighting Decepticon Scorponok. But sadly, 45 mins into the film, after the wow of the effects and the action, I found myself bored. The story line started out promising but was never worked into its full potential but instead the focus was turned to the awesome fighting scenes between the robots which I am all for it. But after a while, you really need something more going for it. You need a strong story to pull it all together, like what was done in the Star Wars IV and V and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but sadly, the it was missing in Transformers. It just confirms for me the fact that Michael Bay can do excellent action films but when it comes to the story telling aspect of the films, I still find him lacking.
I give it 6/10* but mainly cause I like the Transformers as a kid and the CGI was awesome. The story (or there lack off) really got me bored.
*The story gets a 1/10 for me. Which means the action and the CGI were worth 5/10 of the total score.
But I went to watch it anyway, I mean it was Transformers and it was produced by Spielberg himself so it really couldn't be that bad.
Well, the effects, the Transformer robots were awesome! Some of the best CGI work I have seen in a long while. And the fight scenes were good; especially the one when the special forces were fighting Decepticon Scorponok. But sadly, 45 mins into the film, after the wow of the effects and the action, I found myself bored. The story line started out promising but was never worked into its full potential but instead the focus was turned to the awesome fighting scenes between the robots which I am all for it. But after a while, you really need something more going for it. You need a strong story to pull it all together, like what was done in the Star Wars IV and V and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but sadly, the it was missing in Transformers. It just confirms for me the fact that Michael Bay can do excellent action films but when it comes to the story telling aspect of the films, I still find him lacking.
I give it 6/10* but mainly cause I like the Transformers as a kid and the CGI was awesome. The story (or there lack off) really got me bored.
*The story gets a 1/10 for me. Which means the action and the CGI were worth 5/10 of the total score.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Movie Review: Fantasic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer
I watched the first Fantastic 4 and the only thing I liked about it was Jessica Alba. But this second one was different: It had Jessica Alba. And it had the Silver Surfer. Well...that's about it. There wasn't really anything wrong with the film. But as compared with the rest of the other comic book movies, it was just to clean. Too much for the kids.
The lack of a darkness of it makes it a nice fun show for kids but not something that I enjoyed. But like I said, there was nothing wrong with the film in the end.
I have always liked the Silver Surfer. For as long as I remembered, he was the first superhero that I knew of as a kid so to see him on screen was exciting. The story itself was simple if somewhat boring and expected. The CGI and animation work was good but that in itself can't carry a film. It's something you would enjoy if you were a kid but sadly it wasn't something I enjoyed. 4/10.
The lack of a darkness of it makes it a nice fun show for kids but not something that I enjoyed. But like I said, there was nothing wrong with the film in the end.
I have always liked the Silver Surfer. For as long as I remembered, he was the first superhero that I knew of as a kid so to see him on screen was exciting. The story itself was simple if somewhat boring and expected. The CGI and animation work was good but that in itself can't carry a film. It's something you would enjoy if you were a kid but sadly it wasn't something I enjoyed. 4/10.
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Movie Review: Blades of Glory
I have never been a big fan of slap stick style comedies like Blades of Glory; well, not enough to actually go watch it at a cinema. I normally wait for the DVD to be released. But I was having a pretty bad week this past week and so I decided I needed to have a laugh. And so I went to watch Blades. To my surprise...I enjoyed it...
It was just a movie that you go out there, sit down, switch off for a few hours and enjoy yourself and have a few laughs. The jokes were crude but never distasteful and the gags just worked so well within this genre of movies. Throw into the mix Jon Heder and Will Ferell and you got yourself a nice funny night out. Its worth it if you were not having a great day! I give it a 7.5/10.
It was just a movie that you go out there, sit down, switch off for a few hours and enjoy yourself and have a few laughs. The jokes were crude but never distasteful and the gags just worked so well within this genre of movies. Throw into the mix Jon Heder and Will Ferell and you got yourself a nice funny night out. Its worth it if you were not having a great day! I give it a 7.5/10.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Movie Review: Hot Fuzz
I like British comedy. They have dry wit and humour that I really enjoy. Maybe it because my own humour is about like that too, which sadly isn't something that many people in my own country enjoy. In fact, most of the people I know don't dig this kind of humour. But I like it.
And that's why I really enjoyed watching Hot Fuzz. It's by the same writing team that did Shaun of the Dead, another movie I really liked. They take the same zaniness that was done to Zombie flicks in Shaun of the Dead and put it into your all guns blazing police/action movie. For those who enjoy Shaun, you'll find yourself laughing at all the homages to that film that is in this film. Hint: Listen for a very familiar tune in the pub scenes.
The movie takes everything you'd expect from your clinched action movies and puts it into over drive. The result is one amazingly funny movie. Adding to that a cast of really great Brit actors/actress, and a whole list of cameos. This is one of those films you just go into the cinema and enjoy yourself. Escapism at its best. I don't really have anything else I can say about this except that if you need a laugh, this is the movie for you. It's a 9/10 from me.
And that's why I really enjoyed watching Hot Fuzz. It's by the same writing team that did Shaun of the Dead, another movie I really liked. They take the same zaniness that was done to Zombie flicks in Shaun of the Dead and put it into your all guns blazing police/action movie. For those who enjoy Shaun, you'll find yourself laughing at all the homages to that film that is in this film. Hint: Listen for a very familiar tune in the pub scenes.
The movie takes everything you'd expect from your clinched action movies and puts it into over drive. The result is one amazingly funny movie. Adding to that a cast of really great Brit actors/actress, and a whole list of cameos. This is one of those films you just go into the cinema and enjoy yourself. Escapism at its best. I don't really have anything else I can say about this except that if you need a laugh, this is the movie for you. It's a 9/10 from me.
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: The World's End
*WARNING: Post contains Spoilers!*
I have to say that I was very happy with the third of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. It was a fitting end to the trilogy (if the studio chooses to end it here). The first Pirates of the Caribbean film was a classic; a great action adventure that really stood out when it was released. When the decision was made to turn it into a trilogy and film the next 2 films together (ala The Matrix Trilogy), a deep sense of dread came over me and considering what happened with the Matrix, I think it was well founded.
When the 2nd film came out (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest), my fears almost seem to come true. The film was in my humble opinion a big let down from the first one. As far as trilogies go, the middle is always the hardest one to tell and the hallmark of a great trilogy is often decided by how great the middle one is (The Godfather Part II, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Spiderman 2 etc...). Bad part twos often leave too much problems for the final chapter to fix.
But this film really does pull the trilogy back up the the fun and adventure of the first film. And in light of that, all the pieces fit into place, and thus the story thread running through all 3 films is very smooth. This also make watching the 2nd film a lot more enjoyable. Fingers cross on a special marathon screening of all 3 film together perhaps?
For this film itself, as I said early, it recaptures the swashbuckling adventure of the first POTC film and is very much watch-able on its own. All the story treads are tied up very well together and the twist and turns of the film are still surprising enough (well, some of them are but some are rather expected) to make you be on the edge of your seat.
The characters are rich and very well acted. Johnny Depp is excellent as usual as Captain Jack Sparrow and the return of Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa is a welcome addition to this film. The scenes between the two of them are really a great highlight in this film. Another great addition is Keith Richards who does a cameo appearance as Jack Sparrow's father. Keep a look out for that scene. It is really an awesome scene.
The fight scenes are excellent and much bigger and grander then in the first 2 films and the CGI work on this film is first rate. The story itself has a good blend of humour and drama to really get you caught up in it. However, a little problem that I have is the film does move at a very quick pace and sometimes leave you behind for a moment and doesn't give you time to catch up. But on a whole, it wasn't a big issue. The dialogue overall was good but sometimes it was delivered at breakneck speed and it really forces you to pay attention.
The overall plot of the film, however, isn't really played out as well as probably in the first film. I actually overheard some of the audience trying to work out what they had just watched after the show but honestly, I didn't have that problem and neither did any of the friends I went with. Could just be a minority.
And for anyone reading this before they watch the film, remember to stay until the end of the credits for a hidden scene. *BIG SPOILER ALERT: Highlight the empty space if you wish to read it* The child seen in the hidden scene is NOT the boy from the opening of the film but rather the son of Will and Elizabeth; who is waiting to see his father for the first time. I really enjoyed this film and it really closed the trilogy in a thoroughly satisfying way. I give it a 8.5/10.
I have to say that I was very happy with the third of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. It was a fitting end to the trilogy (if the studio chooses to end it here). The first Pirates of the Caribbean film was a classic; a great action adventure that really stood out when it was released. When the decision was made to turn it into a trilogy and film the next 2 films together (ala The Matrix Trilogy), a deep sense of dread came over me and considering what happened with the Matrix, I think it was well founded.
When the 2nd film came out (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest), my fears almost seem to come true. The film was in my humble opinion a big let down from the first one. As far as trilogies go, the middle is always the hardest one to tell and the hallmark of a great trilogy is often decided by how great the middle one is (The Godfather Part II, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Spiderman 2 etc...). Bad part twos often leave too much problems for the final chapter to fix.
But this film really does pull the trilogy back up the the fun and adventure of the first film. And in light of that, all the pieces fit into place, and thus the story thread running through all 3 films is very smooth. This also make watching the 2nd film a lot more enjoyable. Fingers cross on a special marathon screening of all 3 film together perhaps?
For this film itself, as I said early, it recaptures the swashbuckling adventure of the first POTC film and is very much watch-able on its own. All the story treads are tied up very well together and the twist and turns of the film are still surprising enough (well, some of them are but some are rather expected) to make you be on the edge of your seat.
The characters are rich and very well acted. Johnny Depp is excellent as usual as Captain Jack Sparrow and the return of Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa is a welcome addition to this film. The scenes between the two of them are really a great highlight in this film. Another great addition is Keith Richards who does a cameo appearance as Jack Sparrow's father. Keep a look out for that scene. It is really an awesome scene.
The fight scenes are excellent and much bigger and grander then in the first 2 films and the CGI work on this film is first rate. The story itself has a good blend of humour and drama to really get you caught up in it. However, a little problem that I have is the film does move at a very quick pace and sometimes leave you behind for a moment and doesn't give you time to catch up. But on a whole, it wasn't a big issue. The dialogue overall was good but sometimes it was delivered at breakneck speed and it really forces you to pay attention.
The overall plot of the film, however, isn't really played out as well as probably in the first film. I actually overheard some of the audience trying to work out what they had just watched after the show but honestly, I didn't have that problem and neither did any of the friends I went with. Could just be a minority.
And for anyone reading this before they watch the film, remember to stay until the end of the credits for a hidden scene. *BIG SPOILER ALERT: Highlight the empty space if you wish to read it* The child seen in the hidden scene is NOT the boy from the opening of the film but rather the son of Will and Elizabeth; who is waiting to see his father for the first time. I really enjoyed this film and it really closed the trilogy in a thoroughly satisfying way. I give it a 8.5/10.
Friday, 18 May 2007
Movie Review: Zodiac
*WARNING: This post contains possible Spoilers.*
I watched Zodiac today. I liked it. Well, maybe I'm biased because I like most of David Fincher's films; especially Fight Club and Seven. But that aside, I think it was a pretty good watch. For those who are unsure of what it is about, well, don't find out. Its better that way. But for a basic sum up of what the film is about: its about a serial murder case. I like stories like this. Mystery and serial murder stuff, its just really great story telling. Particularly when you throw in a set of cyphers into the mix, you got me hooked.
The good points about this film was that it was very well paced, it was slow but you don't really feel the length. The characters are engaging and the acting was first rate. The only draw back I could think of was the fact that because of the length of time needed to cover in the film, if you didn't pay close attention to the captions, you'd feel lost. Another downer I feel was the film does a very odd job when jumping between the two main characters. Actually more of Robert Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), he sort of drops away from the story a little during the middle part of it. But other wise, I didn't find anything else wrong with it. The plot was tight, the pace was comfortable and it had great acting.
The look of the film was a departure from Seven and Fight Club, not as extreme but still holding elements of the typical Fincher look. Interesting technical note, Fincher shot this on digital rather the 35mm film. Might explain for why this film looked different from his previous ones.
Overall, I really enjoyed Zodiac. A lot more then Spiderman 3 in fact. I fact I liked it so much more that I rate it at 7.5/10.
I watched Zodiac today. I liked it. Well, maybe I'm biased because I like most of David Fincher's films; especially Fight Club and Seven. But that aside, I think it was a pretty good watch. For those who are unsure of what it is about, well, don't find out. Its better that way. But for a basic sum up of what the film is about: its about a serial murder case. I like stories like this. Mystery and serial murder stuff, its just really great story telling. Particularly when you throw in a set of cyphers into the mix, you got me hooked.
The good points about this film was that it was very well paced, it was slow but you don't really feel the length. The characters are engaging and the acting was first rate. The only draw back I could think of was the fact that because of the length of time needed to cover in the film, if you didn't pay close attention to the captions, you'd feel lost. Another downer I feel was the film does a very odd job when jumping between the two main characters. Actually more of Robert Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), he sort of drops away from the story a little during the middle part of it. But other wise, I didn't find anything else wrong with it. The plot was tight, the pace was comfortable and it had great acting.
The look of the film was a departure from Seven and Fight Club, not as extreme but still holding elements of the typical Fincher look. Interesting technical note, Fincher shot this on digital rather the 35mm film. Might explain for why this film looked different from his previous ones.
Overall, I really enjoyed Zodiac. A lot more then Spiderman 3 in fact. I fact I liked it so much more that I rate it at 7.5/10.
Friday, 4 May 2007
Movie Review: Spiderman 3
*WARNING: This post contains Spoilers.*
I just got home from watching Spiderman 3. I have to admit, I was rather disappointed. When you put all three Spiderman movies together, 3 would be the weakest. I'm not saying that it was a bad movie. In fact, it was rather entertaining but in terms of the overall trilogy (isn't this such a buzz word nowadays?), it just couldn't stand up to the other two films. Since the internet has given every one a chance to speak their mind, here's my two cents worth...
The main thing that bugged me most about Spiderman 3 was the way the whole story played out. It just felt very much like 3 short films about Spiderman spliced together into a single movie (which ran for 2 1/2 hours!). In the first two films, there was an overall story arch that held the films together; Spiderman 1 being about Peter learning to deal with the power he has been given (you know, they whole "With great power comes great responsibility thing); while the 2nd film was about Peter learning to balance his life after accepting his role as Spiderman and not too mention the entire story arch with Doc Octopus. Such an arch was clearly missing in this film.
The opening 30 mins or so of the film felt like we were tying up unfinished story lines left over from Spiderman 2 with the New Goblin sub plot. Then the film continues to drag us through the Sandman/Black Spiderman plot line before finally coming to a slow and tenuous conclusion with the "All-In" fist fight involving not 2, not 3 but 4 superheroes/villians - Sandman and Venom on one side and Spiderman and New Goblin on the other (yes, its not a typo; NEW GOBLIN AND SPIDERMAN).
Character development was really weak as well. We don't really learn anything new about Peter, he's still as indecisive as he was in the first 2 films. How long does it take him to get used to being Spiderman? The there is Sandman, great back story to his character in this film but not used enough to make me feel for him. He was just always in the background and hence, forgettable. It felt like he was there just as a plot device to get Peter to embrace the Black Spidersuit powers. Venom is Venom, awesome but totally underused. He has always been Spiderman's most interesting nemesis (in my humble opinion at least). But to introduce 2 brand new villains to this film and not to mention trying to wrap up the Harry/Peter story line and have Peter fight his own demons was just one villain too many.
In the end, I counted Spiderman fighting 4 different enemies in the whole film. It was just a little too much. I think if they had just focused on a story line using New Goblin/Spiderman/Venom, many of us would have left the theatres feeling a lot better. There was so much that could have been done without need to introduce Sandman. Having said that, Thomas Haden Church did really well in that role. In the film makers defence, once they had decided to attempt such an ambitious story line, they were pretty much locked into it.
I think there is a lot more to come from this franchise, but maybe its time for Sam Raimi to take a short break from it. I just felt that overall, I was being dragged along for the ride rather then sitting back and going with the flow of the story. But what worries me is the fact that they tried to squeeze so much into this film with Venom (who honestly deserves a single film just with him and Spiderman) and company, it might be a sign that there won't be a fourth one. Fingers crossed that's not going to be the case.
So in closing, if I had to rate the film, I'm going to do it in context with the other two films. Hence, Spiderman 1 would get a 8.5/10 (this happens to be my personal favourite), Spiderman 2 would be a 9/10 and finally, Spiderman 3 would come in with a disappointing 5/10.
I just got home from watching Spiderman 3. I have to admit, I was rather disappointed. When you put all three Spiderman movies together, 3 would be the weakest. I'm not saying that it was a bad movie. In fact, it was rather entertaining but in terms of the overall trilogy (isn't this such a buzz word nowadays?), it just couldn't stand up to the other two films. Since the internet has given every one a chance to speak their mind, here's my two cents worth...
The main thing that bugged me most about Spiderman 3 was the way the whole story played out. It just felt very much like 3 short films about Spiderman spliced together into a single movie (which ran for 2 1/2 hours!). In the first two films, there was an overall story arch that held the films together; Spiderman 1 being about Peter learning to deal with the power he has been given (you know, they whole "With great power comes great responsibility thing); while the 2nd film was about Peter learning to balance his life after accepting his role as Spiderman and not too mention the entire story arch with Doc Octopus. Such an arch was clearly missing in this film.
The opening 30 mins or so of the film felt like we were tying up unfinished story lines left over from Spiderman 2 with the New Goblin sub plot. Then the film continues to drag us through the Sandman/Black Spiderman plot line before finally coming to a slow and tenuous conclusion with the "All-In" fist fight involving not 2, not 3 but 4 superheroes/villians - Sandman and Venom on one side and Spiderman and New Goblin on the other (yes, its not a typo; NEW GOBLIN AND SPIDERMAN).
Character development was really weak as well. We don't really learn anything new about Peter, he's still as indecisive as he was in the first 2 films. How long does it take him to get used to being Spiderman? The there is Sandman, great back story to his character in this film but not used enough to make me feel for him. He was just always in the background and hence, forgettable. It felt like he was there just as a plot device to get Peter to embrace the Black Spidersuit powers. Venom is Venom, awesome but totally underused. He has always been Spiderman's most interesting nemesis (in my humble opinion at least). But to introduce 2 brand new villains to this film and not to mention trying to wrap up the Harry/Peter story line and have Peter fight his own demons was just one villain too many.
In the end, I counted Spiderman fighting 4 different enemies in the whole film. It was just a little too much. I think if they had just focused on a story line using New Goblin/Spiderman/Venom, many of us would have left the theatres feeling a lot better. There was so much that could have been done without need to introduce Sandman. Having said that, Thomas Haden Church did really well in that role. In the film makers defence, once they had decided to attempt such an ambitious story line, they were pretty much locked into it.
I think there is a lot more to come from this franchise, but maybe its time for Sam Raimi to take a short break from it. I just felt that overall, I was being dragged along for the ride rather then sitting back and going with the flow of the story. But what worries me is the fact that they tried to squeeze so much into this film with Venom (who honestly deserves a single film just with him and Spiderman) and company, it might be a sign that there won't be a fourth one. Fingers crossed that's not going to be the case.
So in closing, if I had to rate the film, I'm going to do it in context with the other two films. Hence, Spiderman 1 would get a 8.5/10 (this happens to be my personal favourite), Spiderman 2 would be a 9/10 and finally, Spiderman 3 would come in with a disappointing 5/10.
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