Apollo 18

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This film is centered around the Apollo 18 mission, which "officially" was a canceled space mission. This film takes top secret tapes that show three men, Ben Anderson, Nate, and John Grey, actively visiting the moon and encountering some alien life form. These top secret tapes are slightly edited to present a feature film that exploits a great government cover-up. 

This film is directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, and this was his first American film. This 86 minute film plays off the ideals of government cover-ups and controversy by using facts to add to the film's controversy. The Nixon administration did give away 135 pounds of moon rocks from Apollo 11 and 17 missions were given to dignitaries that are now missing for one reason or another. There is also a website, that can be found on google.com, for lunartruth.com. Lunartruth.com is disabled, but there is an alternate site that is full of secret documents and the like. This film takes place in December of 1974 which is the reason for the film being filmed in 9 MM. Since the film is found footage the sound is full of static that tends to drown out the speech of the actor's. It gets so bad that there is a need for subtitles. The imagery is good for a static filled 9 MM film. There are several scene's set up to build up tension. Since the film was so short there wasn't an amazing build up of tension with the needed release. The shortness of the film also keeps audience's from building a relationship with the characters. The idea of the moon rocks being the alien life form was a great idea. It's different from the usual alien life being giant and humanoid, and this was a nice change of pace. The additional footage of the many deaths of Ben Anderson takes away from the belief of the film being found footage, but the ending chosen was the best fitting ending.

The actor's were good together for the amount of time they are together on screen. These actor's are not too well known to popular film audience's, so it helps in making it appear more realistic. Warren Christie played the role of Ben Anderson. He did great in creating the typical character whose fighting for survival along with the only other person he's with on the moon. Lloyd Owen played the role of Nate. He was great in creating the man who transforms into the psycho possessed man.  There wasn't enough time to build a connection with his character before the transformation, but the performance was still well done. Ryan Robbins, John Grey, was good in his role. He's on screen for only fifteen minutes, but he does good in adding emotion and confusion to the film. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It's a great idea, but it wasn't all it could've been. The film was too short, and there was too much static, that hindered the film instead of helping it. 

Answer to last blog: Director Justin Chadwick also directed the life story called The Other Boleyn Girl (along with the The First Grader). 

Que: What other film has actor has actor Warren Christie starred in?

What's Your Number

In Time

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

This Means War

The First Grader

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This film is based off the true story of Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge. The Kenyan government has announced that elementary education is free for all its citizens, and all that is required is birth certificate. A former Mau Mau freedom fighter, who is now 84, decides to invoke his right for an elementary education. Jane Obinchu, the school's headmistress, decides to allow him a chance for an education. Despite the protests from the local community and the Kenyan school districts, Margue's challenge's the world to allow him to learn to read. 

"The power is in the pen," Maruge. This life story was directed by Justin Chadwick, and was distributed by National Geographic Entertainment. Director Justin Chadwick is talented at directing films about historical people. This was a great story that needed to be told; because of the impact he made in his country and for education.  The story of focused of Margue's battle for education while remembering his past hardships as a freedom fighter. Now this film is made for audience's who enjoy watching dramatic life stories. I was glade that the film was shot on location in Kenya, because that energy could not be recreated in any other location. The music choice was great, because it gave deeper, emotional, feel to the film. 

The cast was great together. Many of the actors aren't well known to popular film audience's. Oliver Litondo played the leading role of Maruge. He was great creating the character. He gave his character the power and strength that you would expect from a former freedom fighter, who continues to fight for what he believes in. Naomie Harris plays the role of Jane Obinchu. She is a popular actress in Hollywood, and continues to do great in this film. She creates a powerful female character who is very full of heart. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great heartfelt film full of thought. It shows that education is just as important as freedom, and that it pays to never give up. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Kate Bosworth and actor James Marsden both starred in the film Superman Returns. 

Que: What other film, based off an historical person, did Justin Chadwick direct?

Queen Elizabeth I

The Other Boleyn Girl

Queen Elizabeth II

The Young Victoria

Straw Dogs

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This remake is based off the 1971 film of the same title, which was based off Gordon Williams' novel The Siege of Trencher's  Farm. This film follows David Sumner and Amy Sumner as they return to a small town in the backwoods of Mississippi (Amy's hometown). They return to Amy's hometown and to her father's farmhouse that is need of much repair work. They hire Amy's high school sweetheart, Charlie, and his friends (Chris Cawsey, Norman, and Bic) to repair the old farm roof. Several small misunderstandings, and prejudice's, turn against the Sumner's. This forces David to make a stand for his wife and his home. 

This remake is based more off the 1971 film instead of the original novel. Neither film is highly faithful to the novel, from what I have read about the novel, but this film remains true to the first film with small details changed around. This film was not made for children audience's, because it is highly violent with a rape scene, and adult situations. The story is fairly simple; the difference between someone being a man or being macho man pig. The story also takes a look at current prejudice's, and ideals that affect current backwoods societies. I did like that it was moderatly truthful to women's arguments of manner of dress, and behavior. My advice is that if a group of men are oggling you when your wearing shorts, then its a good idea not to flash them your chest. That just starts a lot of trouble that you don't want. This film plays to special audience's who enjoy these types of films. 

The cast was good together, but not great. The husband, James Marsden and the wife, Kate Bosworth, never really appear to be in love with one another. The villains were great in their subtleties, and presenting very different men. James Marsden played the role of David Sumner. He went slightly over the top in making his character appear weak, but did great during climax of the film. His transformation was great. Kate Bosworth played the role of Amy Sumner. She was good in creating that general female type character. Alexander Skarsgard plays the role of Charlie. Charlie is a villain without being a villain. He's is trapped by trying to prove manhood to the town even if he knows its wrong. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's good, but its not great. The actors were good, but failed to provide any real deep chemistry between them. The story is good. 

Answer to last blog: Tom Holland directed the original Fright Night in 1985. 

Que: What other film starred both Kate Bosworth and James Marsden? 

Children of Men

Superman Returns

Babel

Casino Royale

Fright Night

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Remastered from the 1985 film, of the same title, follows Charley Brewster, a teenager living in Las Vegas. He's living a great life with his mother and his girlfriend, Amy. He soon discovers that he has a new neighbor named Jerry Danridge. His former best friend, Ed Thompson, has him visit a home of a recently disappeared teenager from there school. Ed explains that he believe's Charley's new neighbor is a vampire murdering people from the city. At first Charley dismisses the idea, but-after Ed's disappearance-begins to suspect that Ed might have been right. Charley enlists the help of Peter Vincent, a vampire hunter, to help him fight against the possible danger next door. 

This remake was directed by Craig Gillespie. This film turns away from the Twilight version of vampires, and falls back to the Dracula ideal of vampirism. Where a vampire is dangerously sexy, but will not hesitate to murder you. The original was parody on vampire films, and this one continues to be a parody of the genre. However, this one combines more scares and laughs while remaining moderately truthful to the original. The vampire effects for Jerry were well done, slightly over done once. The idea for Jerry was cleverly done. It placed him in a tribe instead of being some random killing vampire. Keeping Jerry as suave and lethal was great idea. It brought audience's the classic version of a vampire. Jerry's vampires had nice effects, but it was too familiar to other recent monster films. A cool effect, even if it was realistically wrong, was during the attack on the house. The effects were great, and it truly made Jerry appear more devious. This film did show images from the city strip, but it mostly focused on the never before seen side of the city-the suburbs. The story was greatly enhanced from the original to better fit modern audience's. It kept Jerry scary while using Charley's reactions as the humor. 

The acting was good, and the cast had some pretty good chemistry together. Anton Yelchin played the leading role of Charley Brewster. He did great in his role of the awkward teenager forced to fight off a vampire. He made Jerry appear threatening and kept the film funny. Colin Farrell played the role of Jerry Danridge. He was amazing in this role. He gave the character that dangerous sex appeal that is a staple for film vampires. David Tennant played the role of Peter Vincent. He did good creating a character who knew the truth, but was terrified because of past trauma. He added some humor to the film, but the making-fun of Criss Angel idea is getting a bit tiring. Imogen Poots, Amy, was good. She created the popular girl who is in love with the nerd. Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Ed Thompson, was good in his role before he became the vampire. He was good as a vampire, but he went slightly over the top with it. 

I give this film five out of five stars! It did a great job of combining multiple genre's into a single film. Its great humor and scares turn away from the modern Twilight. 

Answer to last blog: Director Len Wiseman, did not direct the film, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. (The only film he did not direct in the franchise.) 

Que: Who directed the original Fright Night film in 1985?

Sam Firstenberg
Tom Holland
Savage Steve Holland
Jonathan Lynn

Alright. I think i can officially say that today is my unlucky day

Underworld: Awakening

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This is the fourth installment to the Underworld franchise. The war between Lycans and vampires has been raging for years because of an unexpected love. Years later, the war as turned into chaos as the leaders of the vampire clans, and the leader of the lycans, and the father of the two species, have all been murdered. Humans have suddenly discovered the two species and began a purge. Selene and Michael Corvin have been captured by the humans. Twelve years later, Selene awakes from a frozen hyper sleep in a science lab. She discovers that she has a connection to another test subject, a little girl, and sets out to try and discover what has happened the twelve years that she'd been asleep. 

This film was directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein. From the moment I saw the previous I knew this film was going to be different from the others in the franchise. I was able to see this film in 3D which was a great experience. This film plays more with the 3D special effects very subtly (lighting and glass). However, this film relies more on action than story, and feels more like a filler film than anything else. This film keeps the gothic tone that is present in the other films. You can't just come into this film, and understand the plot. The plot is added on from the previous three films, and true fans will be able to pick it up quickly. However, this also hurts the film on its own merits. It's hard to feel for characters when there's no back story, and no heartfelt story in this one. The film would've done better with a lead in from the last film in the series (Underworld: Evolution) to the beginning of this film. The action in this film is great. It's very fast paced, and much more gorier than the other films. The vampire effects were great. This film really showed Selene's bad-assness and power. The lycan effects were great as well, even with the new super wolf. He's the giant version of a lycan who can't be hurt by silver. Which is why his death did not make a lot of sense in the end. The effects for Eve, the hybrid test subject, was great. Her change was much more subtle than Michael's, and the eyes were just amazing. All the characters, even the human, were bad-ass fighters and were unable to die. It would've been better if the characters weren't all super powered. 

Kate Beckinsale returned to her role of Selene. She's great in this role as always. She builds on the character's emotions and heart in a way that is fitting to the film. India Eisley played the role of Eve, the child hybrid. This her first major film appearance and she does great. She's not a whimpering child, and she's not a brat either. She gets to fight in this film-which is unheard of for child monsters unless they are the villain. She is also great pulling of the monster and the human side of her character. Theo James, David, was good in his role. He was the character who helped Selene make sense of this new world. He's another new actor making a major film appearance. Michael Ealy, detective Sebastian, is great in this film. He plays the typical detective, but he fills his character with heart that he makes him believable. Stephen Rea, Dr. Jacob Lane, was great as the villain. He is the lead scientist at the lab that held Selene and Eve captive. He's great in this role creating a villain who is a nuisance. Kris Holden-Ried, Quint, is good as the super lycan character. He's not given much opportunity to present his character outside of being a lycan, but he does make a presence in the film as a misunderstood villain. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great action film to watch even if it doesn't contain much story. The cast was great together, and were fun to watch.

Answer to last blog: Actor Brian Bloom and director Joe Carnahan work on the film Smokin' Aces together (as well as The A-Team). 

Which other of the films, in the Underworld franchise, was not directed by Len Wiseman?

Underworld

Underworld: Evolution

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Underworld: Awakening

The A-Team

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This film is based off the popular NBC television series in the 1980's. Hannibal and Face are two military agents trying to give a location to a drug group in Mexico. During the course of there escape they enlist the help of two fellow rangers, B.A. Baracus and Murdock. From that moment on, the group continues working with Hannibal doing the most impossible missions the military, or government, can't do. There final mission ended in drastic failure that forced them into an honorable discharge and to prison. Hannibal manages to bust them out of jail, and they set out to clear their names. 

This film was directed by Joe Carnahan. This film took years to finally find a decent story, and a director to carry it through. Shockingly, I can't say that I've seen the television show to say how faithful it is to the series. However, there is minor controversial with the television show cast in that it's not fully faithful, and that it does to many changes to the characters for them to remain the same. It makes sense that the characters would be different because this is meant to be a prequel to the television series. There are several small homages to the television series in the film that you have to be a fan to catch. Sometimes the homages were slightly over done, and other times they were great. The action sequence's are different from other action flicks. There is a type of craziness, and planning, that makes it more enjoyable than other films. There also isn't a ton of gore in the film. The story is great for fast paced action, and the small amount of story provided adds to the action taking place. However, the story doesn't support unique characters. This film came out during the summer of action flicks, and it didn't manage to succeed in being the best of them, but it is still enjoyable to watch. 

One of the films strengths is the chemistry between the four main actors. One of the downfalls comes from the villains who don't make themselves fully bad. Liam Neeson plays the role of Hannibal. He acts as the father figure for the men, and is the main planner for the group. He is great in this role. He gives the film its heart. Bradley Cooper played the role of Face. His character is very generic to action films. The bad-ass who gets all the women. He doesn't bring much more to his character than this, but he does bring in a lot of humor to the film. Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, B.A. Baracus, is good in this film. He does good in creating a sympathetic character whose trying to find his place in this organization. Sharlto Copley, Murdock, was great in this role. This was his second acting job. He brought out an amazingly humorous, and insane, character that was fun to watch.  Gerald McRaney, General Russell Morrison, was decent in his role. He didn't portray a great villain because he just came off as fake. Brian Bloom, Pike, was great in his role. He was the best of the villains. Patrick Wilson, Army Colonel Lynch,  was good. He was meant to be the mastermind, but he played it too teenage rebellious like to be taken as a serious villain. 

I give this film a 4 out of 5 stars! It's a great film to watch, but it is a generic action film. 

Answer to last blog: Director Terry Gilliam and actor Tom Waits both worked on the film 12 Monkeys together (as well as The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus). 

Que: What film did both actor Brian Bloom and director Joe Carnahan work on together?

Once Upon A Time in America

Narc

Ice Castles

Smokin' Aces

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

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Doctor Parnassus is a monk who meet Mr. Nick, for all assumed purposes is Lucifer. Parnassus makes a deal with Mr. Nick for eternal life, the powers of imagination, and a love that was lost. The agreement was that any child born would be given to Mr. Nick at the age of sixteen. Years later, Parnassus owns a traveling theater group with his daughter Valentina, Anton (an orphan he rescued), ans Percy (Parnassus' adviser). Days before Valentina's sixteenth birthday Parnassus gets trapped in another deal with Mr. Nick to see who would be the first to claim five souls in three days. Tony, a man found hanging from the side of a bridge, may be Parnassus last hope in keeping his daughter. 


This film was directed by Terry Gilliam. This is a break through for director Gilliam who had previous trouble producing a film that allowed him creative freedom. This film face a major complication during filming. Heath Ledger, Tony, died during the filming process. The project was halted for a while, but the director took a unique turn that allowed the film to be finished. Tony travel's into the mirror to enter the imaginary world built within Parnassus' mind, and the mind of the person who chooses to enter. Each of the three times he enter's the mirror his face undergoes a slight change; Jude Law, Johnny Depp, and Colin Farrell took up the call to help finish the film. Naturally, the fact that one of the actor's died during production does leave its impact on the film, as it tends to do. 


"Nothing is permanent. Not even death," Tony. This is an odd film that takes audience's into pure imagination, and the story line (if you get into the deep details of it) might not be the easiest to understand at first. This film caters to a film audience's who enjoy watching artistic films with a very unique story. It is a dark modern fairy tale. Parnassus uses a mirror as a gateway into imagination which is combated with ignorance, provided by Mr. Nick. The worlds of imagination are done with computer animated technology meaning that the actors had to act with a green screen. This is a different turn for director Gilliam that paid off greatly. It also works that there is no set location or time for this film in the real world. It's a ride of dying imagination. A lot of this film also relies on the story between the characters. The cast turned out to have great chemistry together, and it pulls audience's into the story more. 

Christopher Plummer plays the role of Doctor Parnassus. He puts on another great performance in those role. He keeps the character from being unlikable to highly sympathetic. Lily Cole played the role of Valentina. The unusual features of her body add to the imagination of the film, and her talent creates a teenager who is caught in strange world. Verne Troyer, Percy, is a great relief in this film. He adds a lot of levity and sanity to the chaos. Andrew Garfield, Anton, was good in this film. He didn't stand out next to the other cast members, and didn't fully create the sympathetic hero that needed to be there. Heath Ledger, as the original Tony, was great. He gave an unsavory character depth and heart. Through the course of the film he tries to redeem his past. Johnny Depp did a great job being the first transitional face for Tony. Jude Law did great as the secondary face for Tony. Colin Farrell was also great as the third face for Tony. Neither of them spent a lot of time on screen, but there presence was felt. They added new layers to the character that was great for the film. Tom Waits, Mr. Nick, did a great job in creating an twisted and oily character. He made the perfect villain for this film. 


I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great film full of imagination. It's made for a special type of audience though. 


Answer to last blog: Actress Jodelle Ferland first became popular in the film Tideland. 


Que: What other film did director Terry Gilliam and actor Tom Waits work together in?


12 Monkeys
Jabberwocky
Dracula
Brazil

Case 39

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Emily Jenkins is a social worker who is given her 39th case. She finds herself facing a calling to save Lilith Sullivan from her neglectful parents. One night she rescue's Lilith from being burned alive in her parent's oven. Through much persuasion, Emily adopts Lilith to try and better help her cope with her past. As time progresses, and Emily's friends begin to die, Emily realize's that Lilith is something more than a troubled little girl.   

This film was directed by Christian Alvart. His first real major film made for popular film audience's. This film doesn't fit the norm for modern horror in that it's not jump at you scary, and it's also not highly gory. It has great subtle special effects along with a few other great major effects. The scene with the hornet's was brilliantly done. It gives audience's some nerving tension. Granted, this sequence was the film's high point. Lilith is never fully seen in her monster form, which is great because it adds a level of mystery. Enough of her monster form is shown to paint a rough image in the audience's mind. The story might not be unique to the monster horror movie genre, but it takes an intriguing glance at society. It takes stories that have been seen in real life, burning children in an oven, a child murdering his parents, and mother's drowning their children and focuses it into a single horror story. This is more of an occasional weekend flick. The story of the film is good in it's subtle creepiness, but it does fail to terrify its audiences. 

The cast had some chemistry together, and their acting really pulls out the computer animated sequence's to be believable. Renee Zellweger played the role of Emily Jenkins. She's good in creating this character whose driven from a motherly protection to fighting for her survival. Jodelle Ferland is great in the role of Lilith Sullivan. She plays her familiar role of the creepy little girl. She's great at this role from the subtleties in her acting. Bradley Cooper, Doug, is good in this role. He has really been brought to popular audience's with several recent film roles. In this role he creates a psychologist who discovers the truth first. He's given the best death scene in the film, and he makes its fully believable. 

I give this film a 3 out of 5 stars! It's an unnerving story, but its nor made for extreme horror. The story isn't fully unique, but it does take an interesting look at current family problems. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Helen Mirren also performed in A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1968. Her most recent Shakespeare performance was in The Tempest.)

Que: What film established actress Jodelle Ferland as her general creepy little girl role?

Silent Hill

Orphan

Tideland

The Ring

The Tempest

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This 2010 film is based off of William Shakespeare's play of the same title. This film adaption follows Prospera, who banished 12 years prior by her brother Antonio from Milan with her four year old  daughter Miranda. Propsera came upon an island that had Caliban as its only inhabitant. Prospera enslaves Caliban, and prospers on the island. A practioner of magic, Prospera creates a tempest that cause's Alonso's ship, the king of Tunisia, to crash with his son Ferdinand and Prospera's brother Antonio on board. She uses this opportunity to find a way back to her home-Milan.

This film was directed by Julie Taymor, who also artistically created the films Frida and Across the Universe. Taymor's artistry is clearly present in this film, but there is too much of an artistic styling. This is based off a classical Shakespearean play. There doesn't need to be too much creative flow behind the imagery, and the music. A film adaption needs to play to the strength's of a Shakespearean play, and not hinder it. Granted this film faced the challange of trying to get modern audiences to enjoy a Shakespeare performance. So, much of the film was cluttered wit special effects, creative camera angle's, and over powering music. however, this chaos adds a surrealistic feel to Prospera's world. The special effects for the ghost, Ariel, were brilliantly well done. It gave him a mythical visualization, and a pained visualizer. The constantly changing film photographry was too overpowering, and it took away from the script and the actor's performance. Taking away from the script is bad for a Shakespeare, because it's challenging enough to understand as a time piece, but with the ever changing sequences it becomes even less understandable. The change of Prospera from a male character to a female gives the film a more feminist approach. Prospera is the one who controls everything on the island, and she is the one who gets vengeance.

It is unfortunate that the artistry in the film diverted audience's from the actor's performance. However, some of the chosen cast seem to be an awkward fit that just barely pulled of their chemistry on set. Helen Mirren plays the leading role of Prospera. She gives her character so much power in her subtleties. She also creates a character that isn't clearly defined as evil or good. Felicity Jones plays the role of Miranda. She does a good job in this role as a teenager who plays a part in her mother's plan. Ben Whishaw played the role of Ariel, the ghost whose a slave to Prospera. He's great at creating a highly sympathetic character who is loyal to Prospera.

Without much ado, I give this film a 2 out of 5 stars! It has a lot of positional, but it just became over burdened with special visual effects.

Answer to last blog post: Director's, for the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise also directed the film The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Que: What other Shakespeare play did actress Helen Mirren perform in 1968?

Much Ado About Nothing
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hamlet
Romeo and Juliet 

Beauty and the Beast

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This 1991 film, Belle is a woman who doesn't belong to the small town that her and her father moved into. After the success of his latest invention, Maurice (Belle's father), decides to take his invention to the faire. On his way, Maurice gets turned around and wanders into the Beast's castle where he is taken captive for trespassing. Belle finds her father in Beast's castle, and offers to take his place inside the castle. Over time, Belle begins to see a softer side to Beast and even begins to fall in love with Beast.

This film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. I recently saw this new rendition in 3D. The remastering of the artistic visualizations, for the 2012 year, were amazing. The increased definition added an extra flare to the characters and to the background. The 3D technology both helped and hurt the remastering. The technique used sometimes caused an odd blending of the background, but it did bring out the subtle grandness of the artistry. However, hand drawn animation still remains better in 2D. Remastering the film is one thing, but placing it in 3D is shouting that Disney wants more money, and is jumping on the popular bandwagon. Anyway, the story itself is great. It took the classic idea from the other Disney classics, and changed it. For the first time the handsome prince, Gaston, is a conceited prick. Belle is not only odd, but as above average intelligence. The beast learns that beauty comes from within instead of visually. This was Disney's real first attempt at changing the commonplace place feel of their princess films. What made the story even more different was that magic was used more as a tool, and not solely used for villainy. It did a great job in creating a new vibe for Disney, and for creating family friendly entertainment that was fully enjoyable. Having it return to theaters for a second time is a great memory stroll for the older generation, and a way to bring in new audience's to an old film. The ending credits were amazing to watch having the hand drawn sketches appear behind the rolling credits was amazing to watch.

The voice acting was great for this film. The voice acting brought an elegant life to the characters. Paige O' Hara voiced the main character Belle.  She was great in this role creating the intelligence and heart behind Belle. Robby Benson voiced the character Beast. He gave the Beast heart, and this kept him from being too terrifying. It made audience's want Belle and Beast to have the happily ever after. Richard White voiced Gaston. He was great in making this character despicable. He was the perfect villain to for this film. Jerry Orbach, Lumiere, David Ogden Stiers, Cogsworth, and Angela Lansbury, Mrs. Potts, were a great secondary cast of characters. They gave this a more whimsical feel. Rex Everhart, Maurice, and Jesse Corti, Lefou, were great counterparts to the main character, Belle, and the main villain, Gaston. They gave the characters more definition.

I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars! It is still a treat to watch this great film on the big screen. The remastering turned out to add to the film's definition greatly. It's also a great family friendly film that everyone can easily enjoy.

Answer to last blog: Actor Christopher Llyod and director Robert Zemeckis also worked together on the film Back to the Future (as well as Who Framed Roger Rabbit).

Que: What other disney film did director's Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise direct together?

 Oliver & Company
The Lion King
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Rescuers Down Under

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

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This 1988 film, is based off the novel Who Censured Roger Rabbit by Gary K. Wolf.  Detective Eddie Valiant used to work with his brother in solving the crime's that plagued Toon Town, until his brother's death at the hands of a toon. Years later, Eddie is pulled into another case after being hired by R.K. Maroon to take some dirty photo's of Roger Rabbit's wife, Jessica Rabbit, and Marvin Acme. After taking the photo's Eddie receives news that Roger Rabbit is accused of murdering Marvin Acme out of jealousy. Eddie quickly finds himself pulled into a strange toony mystery.

Hard to believe this Touchstone Pictures produced film was released the summer that I was born. I suppose it's even harder to believe how few of today's audiences actually know about this film. This film was directed by Robert Zemeckis. This film pushed the limits of filmmaking and computer animated technology of the era. Between Bob Hoskins acting, the animation used, and the great voice acting this film is still amazing to watch in modern times. It even goes so far as to rival current films. From a brief synopsis I read about the novel it's not highly loyal to it, but keeps the characters. The story is a great mystery film that started oddly. It opens with a full fledged cartoon that reminds people of the classic cartoons from the 1940's (that pretty much no longer exist). When this film was first presented to audiences, most audience's walked out of the screening because they thought it was only a cartoon. The story remains at its heart a murder mystery with the classic film noir characters. It can be cheesy at moments, and can be overly comical with the toon characters. This film also has a great mix of toons from the Looney Tunes and Walt Disney toons, plus several others. It is mainly surprising because of the constant conflict this created between the two networks. Although there was conflict, it was great to see Donald Duck and Daffy Duck, and Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, paired up in two scene's. The main musical score was great for adding that classic noir feel to it. The major complication with this film is that it isn't fully cartoon nor is it fully murder mystery. It pays a ton of homages to classic cartoons, and creates a few of its own.

The acting was well done for this film. The acting made this film highly believable. Bob Hoskins played the leading role of Eddie Valiant. Christopher Llyod played the character Judge Doom. He did great creating this menacing character who was truly terrifying. Charles Fleischer did the voices for Roger Rabbit, Benny the Cab, Greasy (weasel), and Psycho (weasel). He is great voicing these very different roles. Katleen Turner did the voice for Jessica Rabbit.  She did great voicing this femme fatale. Lou Hirsch voiced Baby Herman. He did a great job creating a character caught between being a fifty year old man and trapped being a cartoon baby.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's got great technology, especially for its era. It has a great unique storyline that pays homage to the classics. Its also a great family film.

Answer to last blog: The name of the band that was featured in the film The Crow was called Hangman Joe's.

Que: What other film did actor Christopher Llyod and directed Robert Zemeckis work on together a year later?

Romancing the Stone
Back to the Future
The Pagemaster
The Addams Family

The Crow

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This is a film based off the 1989 comic series by James O'Barr. Eric Draven was a rock musician for a band, and was preparing to get married to his love Shelly Webster on Halloween Night. On Devil's Night, the night before Halloween, Shelly was attacked by a group of men because of some complaints she had issued. Eric walks in during the attack, and the two are brutally murdered. A year later, Eric finds himself awakened by the Crow from his grave. He sets out to revenge on those who murdered him, and his wife.

"Victims, aren't we all," Eric Draven. This film was directed by Alex Proyas, who has done great gothic styles in most of his films. This film had received several awards for it's dark soundtrack, and I don't blame them. The gothic music accents the gothic world of downtown Detroit. The costume for the Crow was amazing. It gave him the impression of being a sympathetic ghost, but also made him terrifying to his enemies. It was unfortunate that this was Brandon Lee's last film. It's possible that his haunting the film adds to the dark aura of the film. I enjoyed how the camera angel's would go in and out of first person point-of-view to third, and often to the crow point-of-view. It gave the action, and dramatic, sequences a sense of uncontrolled chaos. The action is fast paced, but doesn't revolve around physical action as much as gun action. The story is great, and takes audience's into some very dark places. There is interesting relationship between a brother and half sister, tons of drugs and alcohol, plenty of violence, and some hints of sex. At the same time, it is balanced out by the lightness of angels being brought back to protect love. The connection between the crow and man was brilliant. It isn't as explored as it is in the film's sequel though, but it explained enough to allow people to understand it. This film might've lost some of its popularity among modern audience's who aren't dark, or into intense action, but it still remains a great film.

The acting was great, even the characters weren't deeply explored (apart from Eric Draven). Most of the characters fall into the typical action characters placed into an unusual situation. Brandon Lee played the leading role of the Crow/Eric Draven. The son of the famous Bruce Lee, was great in this film. He made this character relatable, and terrifying without having too much of either. It pulled audience's into his flight for revenge. It is unfortunate that this was his final role in Hollywood, but it's highly memorable. Rochelle Davis, Sarah, plays the little girl caught in the center of all of this. She's great being the smart-ass teenager trying to survive during these dark times. It's unfortunate that she has disappeared since this role though. Ernie Hudson, Sergeant Albrecht, was great playing the role of the detective who was desperate to solve the case and wants to help Eric.

Michael Wincott played the role of Top Dollar. He's the man whose in charge of all crime in the city. He creates the greatest opponent to Eric. He makes audience's shudder from his darkness. Bai Ling, Myca, is the half sister to Top Dollar. She's his personal partner in crime, and a kind of spiritual medium. She's the one who knows what the crow was to Eric and how to use it against him. She was great to watch in this role. Laurence Mason, Tin Tin, was amazing in this role. He made the character stand out from being more than just one of the average villains. David Patrick Kelly, T-Bird, might have been the usual villain companion, but he gave the greatest speech in the film. Angel David, Skank, and Michael Massee, Funboy, were great being villains. (And yes, all the villains have "jolly pirate names".)

So, I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars! It's got amazing visual effects with amazing music, and great acting. The story is unique and deeply emotional, even if the characters remain as the average action flick characters.

Answer to last blog: Bruce Greenwood did the facial features for the creature in the film Super 8.

Que: What was the name of the band, in the film, that Eric Draven, was a member of?

Hangman's Death
Hangman Joe's
Hangman's Noose
Hangman's Grave

Super 8

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In 1979, Joe Lamb loses his mother in a steel mill accident. Four months later, Joe Lamb, and his friends in Lilian Ohio, while they are creating a zombie film using a Super 8 camera. While filming a scene they become witnesses to a horrible train crash that collided with a white truck in a major disaster. This sends Joe, and his friends, on a trail of a strange mystery involving one of their school teachers, the military, and a strange creature that is lurking in their small town.

This film was directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. This film pays homage to the 70's, and to the old Super 8 style of filmmaking. The strange creature is secondary, and their relationships is third. Okay, J.J. Abrams is the director, but he mimics a lot of Spielberg's direction. The story is remains great, and very heart moving.  There is some argument about the ending, but I very much enjoyed the subtle humanity behind it. The idea that everything evil, or bad, is at its core misunderstood. I liked that a real town, Weirton (in West Virginia), was used for most of the film. It added a level of reality to it. I also enjoyed how so many of the people who worked on this film were deeply passionate about the film, and its dedication to Super 8 filming style without it being too over played. I also enjoyed how they showed the finished product, of the kids filming, during the end credits. I also really loved the look of the creature. It made him frightening and yet sympathetic.

The acting was great, especially from a group of children. They really pulled this story into believability, and filled it with heart. It was even more surprising that all these actors are new to the acting biz. Joe Lamb, played by Joel Courtney) was great in his role. His eyes really expressed more about the character than his words. Riley Griffiths, played the role of Charles Kaznyk, was great in his role. He's Joe's best friend who also pushed his friends into finishing this film for a Super 8 film festival. He adds a lot of humour to the film. Elle Fanning, played the role of Alice Dainard, was also great in her role. The younger sister of Dakota Fanning, she is placed into a lot of emotional scene's that she performs amazingly. Gabriel Basso, Martin, Ryan Lee, Cary, and Zach Mills, Preston, make up the remainder of Joe's friends. They create a fun element to the film. Kyle Chandler, Jackson Lamb, and Ron Eldard, Louis Dainard, are the two parents show in this film. These two create complex characters who caught in the mystery surrounding their children.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's got a great story. It does its job in paying homage to the old film style as well as creating an enjoyable science fiction film. It might be more of a Spielberg film than a J.J. Abrams films, but its still good.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ryan Reynolds also performed the super hero character Deadpool in X-Men: Origins (as well as the Green Lanter/Hal Jordan).

Que: What actor did the facial features for the creature in the close ups for this film?

Doug Jones
Derek Mears
Douglas Tait
Bruce Greenwood

(In case you were curious about what makes a Super 8 film style different. )

Green Lantern

 Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!


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This film is based off the comic series of the same name by DC Comics. This story follows Hal Jordan. Hal witnessed the death of his father during a flight test, and has never been able to forget the memory. Years later, during a flight test he finds those old memories resurfacing. Shortly after, a Green Lantern's ring, that belonged to the alien Abin Sur, chooses him to replace him and protect a section of the galaxy. From this Hal must make a choice to protect the galaxy, and his home planet, or to give in to his fears.

This film was directed by Martin Campbell. Now super hero comics are challenging to create, and this was no different. I can't say how loyal this was to the comics because I've never read them. But it is surprising who the villain was, and I think it is very much left open for a sequel. This film had a bit too much to explore, and not enough time to do it. There was focus on both the Green Lantern corps and Earth, but there wasn't enough done for either. However, there was a fairly decent balance of both. A lot of what makes this film good is the subtleties that are tucked away in the film, such as movements, costume design, even ring design. The idea behind the costume was great, and it looked great, but it looked a little too computer animated. The mask also looked like face paint instead of an actual mask.  The human villain, Hector Hammond, didn't present anything to the film. The look of his transformation was way too grotesque, and he presented so much more anger than fear. The storyline created in the film was great though, it might've left a lot unexplained, but it explained just enough to keep audience's in tune with the film. There could've been more to the human human relationships, other than just being his friends. There is great action in this film, and it features Hal Jordan's famous giant fist punch. All of the action happens from their mental thoughts of will, or fear, and not their physical strength. It's a unique change to other super hero action films. I also really enjoyed all the subtle special effects involving the actor's eyes. It was well done.

Ryan Reynolds played the character of Hal Jordan, or the Green Lantern. He's great in creating this very complex character. He presented a playboy slacker whose actually fearful of life and responsibility. Peter Sarsgaard played the role of Hector Hammond. He did good with the script he was given. He made a decent opponent for Hal, but at the same time he could've done something different. Blake Lively, Carol Ferris, was great in her role. She is the woman who brings humanity to Hal Jordan, and it comes through greatly in the film. Mark Strong, Sinestro, was great in this role. He created a highly complex character who is placed in charge of the Green Lanterns, and with protecting them. Geoffrey Rush voiced the character Tomar-Re, and Michael Clarke Duncan voiced the character Kilowog.  These two characters present two very different warriors on the planet Oa, home for the Green Lanterns. It was great seeing the difference in these characters because it presented life to this alien planet.

I give this film a 3 out of 5 stars! It's a good super hero, and science fiction film, but it was too much presented in a 114 minute film. It's a film with a good story, and good action, but it's not the best super hero film of the year.

Answer to last blog: In 2004 Disney released the hand drawn animated film Home On The Range. (Which was the last hand drawn animated film created before The Princess and the Frog).

Que: What other super hero character did actor Ryan Reynolds perform as?

Deadpool
Hulk
Spider-Man
Batman

The Princess and the Frog

 Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!


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This film is loosely based on the popular fairytale The Frog Princess written by E. D. Baker-which was inspired by the Grimm Brother's fairytale The Frog Prince. Tiana works as a waitress in the Jazz-era in New Orleans, Louisiana trying to make her, and her father's, dream of opening a restaurant a reality. Prince Naveen arrives from across the sea to try and marry a wealthy woman to marry to keep himself from having to get a job. Naveen and his companion Lawrence make a deal with The Shadow Man, Dr. Facilier that turns against Naveen by turning him into a frog, and Lawrence into Naveen. Naveen meets Tiana at a costume party and asks her to kiss him in order to transform back into a prince, but the curse abounds and turns Tiana into a frog as well. Together they set out to try and find a way to return to being human.

This film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. It is interesting that it took Disney this long to take this classic fairytale and remaster it for a Disney classic. I really enjoyed this long awaited animated Disney feature. This animated film came out five years after their last animated endeavor, but it did open up Disney to return to the classic hand drawn animation that it's known for (Yes!). I really enjoyed how true this film remained to the Disney roots, and how true it remained to the era, and magical elements. Now granted it did create controversy among some "Christians" and among those who truly follow Voodoo as a religion. It took voodoo and used it more as a magical source than religious, but it hints at Voodoo's true nature through out the course of the film. According to Christian reviewers there are frightening images, but it is a Disney animated classic. If there wasn't something that made the villain terrifying then how would there be a good story. A lot of this film follows a more logical story line than previous Disney films (I.E. the magical kiss of love will save all). There is a grand kiss, but it's explained in a way that fits with the premise of the story. It also breaks the mold in that Tiana is sensible and does fight, so to speak, in this film. This being a Children's film means that for adult audience's there a moments when it'll get cheesy, and there will be musical songs. However, there are some very small moments of adult humour tucked away, so that young children would not understand them. The hand drawn animation was amazing well done for this modern adaptation. The backdrops were grandeur and picturesque creating the atmosphere of the bayou's. The character visualizations were amazing, and gave the characters an extra definition-especially Dr. Facilier.

It has also surprised me that there hasn't been more credit given to the voice actors who made these characters come fully alive. These voice actor's gave the film it's final zang like Tabasco for the Gumbo. Anika Noni Rose voice Tiana. She was great in those role, creating the headstrong princess. She filled her with heart and sensibility that it's impossible not to enjoy watching her. Bruno Campos voiced Prince Naveen. He gave his character so much personality that he's gives the film a humorous feel without going to far over the top. He creates a real prince whose full of unexpected charm. Keith David voice Dr. Facilier. He was amazing creating this very sly villain. He is so sinister, and yet he gives him a smoothness that isn't seen in most villains.  Michael-Leon Wooley voiced Louis. An swamp alligator whose dream is to play his horn to an adoring crowd. He gave this character heart, so that it's impossible to view him as terrifying. Jim Cummings voiced Ray, a light bug deep from the bayou's. Jim Cummings is a very talented voice actor having performed in several other Disney features. He creates this character bringing the feel of Cajun with him, adding a new flavor to this film. Peter Bartlett, Lawrence, created a character who got pulled into doing something bad because he wanted more. Jennifer Cody, Charlotte La Bouff, and John Goodman, Big Daddy La Bouff, and Jennifer Lewis, Mama Odie, were great humorous extra characters for this film.

I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars! It's so full of heart, and a great story, that several audience's will adore this film. It also brings back the classic Disney hand drawn animation to modern film audience's.

Answer to last blog: Actress Emma Stone also starred in the film Friends with Benefits the same year as Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Que: What hand drawn animated film did Disney release before the Princess and the Frog?

Brother Bear
Home On The Range
Chicken Little
Lilo & Stitch

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Caution:This Might Contain Spoilers!

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Cal Weaver is a middle aged man who faces sudden change when his wife, Emily Weaver, requests for a divorce because she had slept with a man, named David Lindhagen. This pushes Cal into heavy drinking in which he meets Jacob palmer, a womanizing man. He learns how to pick up women from him, and is forced to try and make choices between a new life and his old life. At the same time Jacob Palmer meets his match in a woman named, Hannah. 

This film was directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. This is the second film project for both directors. This film deals with all those various forms of love, new love, old love, and all those other forms of love that tend to occur through out life. There is a lot of elements used in this film that all clashes in a big unexpected ending. The story tends to lean more towards romantic drama than romantic comedy. There are some chuckle moments, but nothing that'll cause you to burst out in laughter. The light realism is great in this film, and seems to be becoming a much more popular trend in romantic comedies in modern cinema's. The realism makes the characters more believable, and slightly heart breaking to watch. I should probably warm that there is some adult content-like there is most modern romantic comedies. It also is meant to be a date night movie. It's more of a romantic comedy for those who are either out of love, or are trying to figure it out.

The acting was good, the actors had surprisingly great charisma together. This is a very different film for leading actor Steve Carell, Cal Weaver. This film relies more on subtle humour between the characters instead of openly slap stick, or satirical, humour. He did good playing the man trying to rediscover himself after going through the divorce. Julianne Moore, Emily Weaver, was great in her role. The wife whose going through a mid-life crises and is trying to figure out what she really wants in life. Her role was limited to being the wife, but she did great in making her character believable. Ryan Gosling, Jacob Palmer, did great as the womanizer who falls in love. When he plays the womanizer he doesn't come off as a prick, or an idiot which is great for making his character sympathetic. Emma Stone, Hannah, was great in this role. This is a very similar role to her other previous films that audience's love to watch. The smart, quirky, young woman. Analeigh Tipton, Jessica Riley, was great for this film. She's the awkward teenager who is caught between loving Cal, and not loving Robbie Weaver (Cal's son). Her character adds a lot more humour being caught in this confusion net of love. Jonah Bobo, Robbie Weaver, was great in this role. He really brought out the humour, and subtle intelligence, of his character.

Without further ado, I give this film... 4 out of 5 stars! It's got a good story, and brings out all those variations of love. There isn't much comedy as there is drama. The acting is great, and makes fully believable characters. But's it definitely not the best date movie to go watch.

Answer to last blog post: Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson both starred in the film Vanity Fair, but Pattinson wasn't credited in the film.

Que: What other romantic comedy did Emma Stone star in the same year as Crazy, Stupid, Love?

No Strings Attached
Friends With Benefits
Last Night
Something Borrowed