Man on a Ledge

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This film follows the mystery of a man who suddenly appears on a ledge in New York City. Lydia Mercer is pulled into this case to try and stop him from falling to his death. Nick Cassidy is attempting to prove his innocence and is taking a stand against David Englander. Joey Cassidy and Angie, are in the Englander building across the street attempting to re-steal the diamond that was claimed to be stolen by Nick Cassidy. 

This film was directed by Asger Leth. This film has a good basis. However, its execution fell short. This film has three different stories playing at once in a short time span. Having these three stories playing at once made the film feel slightly unfocused. The plot is very simple to follow and doesn't have a lot of surprises in it. It had an obvious villains, and an obvious twists. The moderate pacing of the film was good for building up the story. Some of the characters did get a little corny though. The small amount of action in the film was good. It added to the story instead of hindering it. Using New York as the backdrop was a great idea even if it is slightly cliché. 

The cast worked well together. Sam Worthington played the role of Nick Cassidy. He was good as he always is. He created a highly sympathetic character. Which works for being the films hero, but isn't as good for thriller film. It made it to obvious. Jamie Bell played the role of Joey Cassidy. He was good providing the film with some humor.  Genesis Rodriguez played the role of Angie. She was good adding humor to the film, and adding the curves as well. Elizabeth Banks played the role of Lydia Mercer. She was great in her role. She kept the film moderately suspenseful. Anthony Mackie played the role of Mike Ackerman. He was great in his role. The way the story was presented hindered his performance. Titus Welliver played the role of Dante Marcus. He was good in his role.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars. It's a good film, but its not a good thriller film. Everything in the film is to obvious. It does have a decent story that makes it a good summer film.

Answer to last blog: Director Tomas Alfredson also directed the film Let the Right One In and the film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. 

Que: What role is actress Elizabeth Banks known for?

Captain Elizabeth Bonny (Neverland)
Esme Cullen (Twilight)
Effie Trinket (The Hunger Games)
Erika (Underworld)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

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This film is based off the 1974 novel, of the same title, written by John le Carre. During the years of the Cold War, George Smiley is pulled from semi-retirement. He is hired to spy on his espionage forces to find a hidden Soviet mole. 

This film is directed by Tomas Alfredson. I can't say how this is in comparison to the novel. The film is one of the best spy films of this year. It's very slow pace, and I do mean s-l-o-w, allows the film to delve further into the depths of its mystery. This film relies more on its script and its characters rather than fast paced action. The script is intelligently written and full of suspenseful mystery. There is a great character revealing through the course of the film. However, the script also contains a lot of spy jargon, and contains a lot of various characters. It can make it confusing  during its first watch. It is also moderately obvious who is the guilty person. The film still carries that 1970's feel, but it feels almost timeless. 

The cast worked great together creating meaningful characters. Gary Oldman played the role of George Smiley. He was great creating the mysterious character. He never revealed what he was thinking making him the perfect spy. Colin Firth played the role of Bill Haydon. He was great in his role. He created the dark shady character really well. David Dencik played the role of Toby Esterhase. He was good in his role. He didn't do much to stand amongst the rest of the cast. Toby Jones played the role of Percy Alleline. He was great in his role, playing the distrusted character. Mark Strong played the role of Jim Prideaux. He was great in his role playing the character that pieced everything together. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a well written film, but its slow place makes it drag. It also takes a few watches to fully comprehend what is fully happening. 

Answer to last blog: Actors Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Christian Bale, Michael Cain all starred in the film The Prestige. (Each of them have played comic book characters in various films.)

Question: What other film has Tomas Alfredson directed?

Frost/Nixon

Milk

Let the Right One In

Doubt

The Dark Knight Rises

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This film is based off the DC comics character Batman. This is the final installment of the trilogy. Eight years later, villains begin to return to Gotham city. A young attractive woman, named Selina Kyle, robs Bruce Wayne, Batman, of his pearl necklace. At the same time there is an appearance of a terrorist named Bane. Wayne is forced, by Bane and Kyle, to leave his postion as a board member for his company. He decides to find a new board leader, Miranda. Wayne becomes Batman once more to save Gotham city from its reckoning. 

Now,  it is unfortunate about the recent shooting in Aurora, Colorado. It's something that should not have happened. My condolences to the families who are suffering through a tough time. 

This film was directed by Christopher Nolan. This film isn't a direct sequel after the The Dark Knight. Although, it does share a common story theme, this film takes place eight years later. The film has a quick start with several new and unexplained characters, and it makes the film feel like it has a gap. A big question comes in as to who the female character was that hung around Selina Kyle through most of the film. There was no reason for this character. It is also odd that she acts more like the known comic Catwoman than Kyle. The batman character remains intact, but the major villain characters don't. Nolan went for a softer Selina Kyle which doesn't exist in Catwoman's beginning. Also, Selina Kyle needed to have whip. Even if it was for a few seconds it should have been there. It's her signature weapon! Bane is generally known as a professor, but is not in this film. This a backstory more than anything else. It is unfortunate that these recent villains failed to match up to the previous' film Joker. Apart from changing several of the villains, the story was great. It isn't as dark as it predecessor because it creates the illusion of hope. This gives the film a more startling story. The more realistic approach makes it stand out from the recent Marvel films. Watching Gotham become destroyed is also a major switch for a superhero film. Also, creating a film that establishes a superhero's end is a very bold risk. Much of the story is clearly known by comic fans, but it is not as easily read for fans of the films. It is unfortunate that this story leaves so many loose ends-making it perfect for another sequel. The nuclear weapon used in this fim felt slightly out of place, but it worked for the story. The same goes for the technology that is used in this film. It is used to represent the destruction of the city, but it did not fit with the combat and the backdrop. The combat was great in this film. It made the film feel so personal. A lot of it is also done in quick images allowing for the violence to be implied, but not bloodily shown. 

The cast worked great together. They did great in finishing this epic trilogy. Christian Bale returned to his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. He did great in this role except for his deep Batman voice. He presented a much more conflicted Batman in this film that made audiences want him to prevail. Joseph Gordon-Levitt played the role of John Blake. He was great in his role creating the ideal heroic character. Gary Oldman returned to his role as Commissioner Gordon. He was great in his role. It is a small but highly important role. Tom Hardy played the role of Bane. He was amazing as Bane. He created a character that was so menacing and yet understandable. Anne Hathaway played the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman (burglar). She was good in her role. She did take Selina Kyle to a very different form. She was much more likable and cute. It just wasn't the Catwoman that is familiar to audiences. Morgan Freeman returned to his as Fox. He was good in his small role. He added another emotional character to the film. Marion Cotillard played the role of Miranda/Thalia. She was good even if she felt forced into the story. Michael Caine also returned to his role of Alfred. He presented a much softer side to Alfred. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It's a great emotional story full of intense action. However, so much of the film felt out of place. 

Answer to last blog: Actor David Cross is known for his role as Tobias in Arrested Development. (He did the voice for Minion in Megamind.)

Que: Actors Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson also starred as comic characters for Marvel. Which film did they share the screen with actors Christian Bale and Michael Caine?

Casino Royale

The Departed

The Prestige

Babel

About to watch the dark knight rises. Look for the review soon.

Megamind

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This film follows an alien who becomes the villain, known as Megamind, for Metro City. Megamind became to the villain to oppose Metro Man, his  arch nemesis. He lures Metro Man into a trap by kidnapping Roxanne Ritchie. Megamind is surprised to learn that he managed to finally destroy Metro Man, and now controls the city. However, after being in control of Metro City, he becomes bored and sets out for a new opponent. 

This film was directed by Tom McGrath. This film's story isn't original, especially during the time it was released (after the Incredibles and Despicable Me).  However, it is original in its perspective of telling the story. This film tells the story from a genreal comic book like perspective which is great. The story has a great moral lesson to it, as well as presenting familiar characters in a new light. This film stands out for its great script creating perfect comical timing. This film also features stunning visuals. The visual animation of this film stands out much better in 3D animation. That's why it helps to have presentation (*wink*). Its a film for children, but adults can enjoy it to.

The cast works great together, turning seemingly generic characters into memorable ones. Will Ferrell voiced the role of Megamind. He did fo slightly over the top cheesy with this character, but managed to give his character plenty of heart. It was perfect for a likable super villain. Tina Fey voiced the role of Roxanne Ritchie. She was great turning her generic character into an intelligent one. David Cross voiced the character minion. He was great in his role. Jonah Hill voiced the role of Hal Stewart/Titan. He was great creating the nerdy character that is thrown into this world of good vs. evil. Brad Pitt voiced the role of Metro Man. He was great at changing the generic role of the super hero.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It's a great family film, but it does lack in its originality.

Answer to last blog: Actress Katherine Heigl stared in the horror film Bride of Chucky, and later starred in the film One for the Money.

Que: What popular television show is actor David Cross known for?

Arrested Development
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Parks and Recreation
30 Rock 

One For The Money

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This film is based off a novel, of the same title, written by Janet Evanovich. This film follows Stephanie Plum, a woman who has lost her husband and her job selling lingerie in Trenton, New Jersey. Out of desperation she becomes a bounty hunter to gain some fast money. She sets out after Joe Morelli for a 50,000 bounty. Plum quickly finds this to be more of a challenge than she anticipated.

This film was directed by Julie Anne Robinson. I can't say how faithful this film was to the novels, but the author was highly pleased with the films turn out. This film isn't a high intensity action film, this is more of a romantic comedy with subtle romance. The story has lots of ironic and subtle humor to it. But the story is delightful to watch, and yes it is a chick flick! It's a general type of story. However, this type of story works best in novels. One of the good things is that all of the actors kept true to the New Jersey personalities and accents. The backdrop was cool, giving it the real New Jersey feel. However, there isn't much in the way of character development for several of the other characters. They remain one dimensional through out the film. There are also some characters that just aren't explained very well. 


The cast worked well together creating a unique film. Katherine Heigl played the role of Stephanie Plum. She was great as this character. She even provided the author with a new vision of this character. Jason O'Mara played the role of Joe Morelli. He was good in this role creating the mysterious man with a strange subtle allure. Daniel Sunjata played the role of Ranger.  He was good as kind of side humour role. He doesn't appear often enough though. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It was a nice cute chick flick. This film was made more for the fans of the books than anything else.

Answer to last blog: Director Patrick Tatopoulos, for the film Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, was involved in the previous Underworld films by acting as special effects (monster designer).

Que: What horror film featured actress Katherine Heigl?

Resident Evil: Apocalypse
The Faculty
Urban Legend
Bride of Chucky

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

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This film is the prequel, or third installment, to the Underworld franchise. This goes back to the moment that began the war between Lycans and Vampires. Vampires reigned supreme and controlled the werewolves, who were unable to change to form and control their rage. Lucian was born as the first Lycan able to change form. Viktor saw this as an opportunity, and used Lucian to create slaves to protect them during daylight. This created a new race of Lycans. Lucian spends several years growing up as a slave, and falls in love with Sonja, Viktor's daughter. They keep their love secret until it becomes revealed. Lucian fights for the freedom of the Lycan slaves, and fights against Viktor for Sonja. 

This film was directed by Patrick Tatopoulos (his first directed film). This film is the prequel to the Underworld franchise. It is a retelling of the tale that audiences know from the films. Since it is a retelling, the familiar characters, from the films, are not present. This film follows the tradition of being more violent with hints of sexuality then its predecessors, so not a film for children. This film has a much simpler story to follow. It isn't too bogged down with untold history and unneeded action. The action is done well. It is bloody, but it has a purpose. It also compliments the story greatly. The story also returns to its romantic basics, but it does do so more than its predecessors. It does maintain it's gothic texture visually, but it introduces more wilderness and sunlight to its background. The special effects were good for this film, except for the blood. The blood appeared to have an usual glisten to it. The Lycans did appear to be moderately computer generated, but still looked great on screen. The transformations were well done though. The vampire effects were kept simple making it great to watch. 

The cast was great, all of the actors reprising their roles from other films. The most iconic character was not in this film, because she wasn't involved in the origins story. Michael Sheen returned to his role of Lucian. He was great returning to his role. He carried the story greatly, and managed to carry onto a more action performance. Bill Nighy returned to his role as Viktor.  He was great in his return. He showed his character's emotions without losing his menacing charisma. Rhona Mitra played the role of Sonja. It is unfortunate that her character did not become as iconic as Selene. She was great in her role creating a very likable character. Kevin Grevioux returned to his role as Raze. He did appear in the first Underworld film, and returned for the films prequel. He was great in this film. Steven Macintosh returned to his role as Tannis. He was good in his return to his character. He did change the character in that he was more manipulative. 

I give this film 4 out of 4 stars! It is a much better film to watch, because it remains simple. It also has a great emotional story.

Answer to last blog: Actor Brian Steele also played the Minotaur from Your Highness, as well as William in Underworld: Evolution.

Que: How was director Patrick Tatopoulos involved with the other Underworld films?

Lighting and Sound

Special Effects

Scriptwriting

Cinamography

Underworld: Evolution

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This is the direct sequel to the film Underworld directed by Len Wiseman. This film follows Selene and Michael (now a hybrid of the two species) after they defeated Viktor. The war between the two species continues in its destructive chaos. Selene decides to attempt to wake Marcus before Kraven murders him. However, Marcus has already been awakened by another's blood. Marcus sets out to free his brother, William (the first Lycan), from his sleeping tomb. She fights for her survival against Marcus. This leads her to the beginning truth of their creation, and of Alexander Corvinus.

This film was written (in part) and directed by Len Wiseman. This story does contain a lot, but it does directly follow its predecessor. Most of this film is in shades of blue and black. The coloring of the film, and costumes, and dark backgrounds give the film a pure gothic feel. There is more violence, and there is some sex in the film. It's an action film generally not made for children. The story does have a lot of information that plays very highly off the the first film. Every character has a deep story that lays hidden in history. This gives the story its historic feel. It does have love in the film, but it doesn't spend as much time centering around it. This film focus' more on its action. The action sequences were good, even if there was a lot of computer animation used. There is also some error in how the guns were used. The creation of Marcus in his true vampire form was frightening and disgusting. It was good to see him able to change though. The lycan effects were good, but William did not appear to have anything special about him. The effects for Michael's change was good. They kept the same appearance from the first film.

Most of the orignal cast returned for this sequel. Kate Beckinsale returned to her role as Selene. She was great in this film. She gave her character more heart and strength. Scott Speedman returned to his role of Michael Corvin. He was good returning to his role. Although it was hard to tell if he was meant to be weak or a bad ass. Tony Curran played the role of Marcus. He was great in his role neither really being a villain or hero. Sir Derek Jacobi played the role of Alexander Corvinus. He was also great in his role. He created the saddened father trapped by his family as their protector. Steven Mackintosh played the role of Tanis. He was good in his role being the slimy vampire.

I give this film... 3 out of 5 stars! It's a good gothic action film. However the story failed to carry the broken heart, or the mystic of its predecessor.

Answer to last blog: Actor Andrew Garfield also starred in the film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (as well as The Amazing Spider-Man).

Que: Actor Brian Steele, who played the role of William, played which other monster character?

Minotaur (Your Highness)
Predator (Aliens vs. Predators)
Frost Giant (Thor)
Pinhead (Hellraiser: Revelations)

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

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This film is based off the Marvel comics written by Stan Lee of the same title. This film follows Peter Parker who is discovers something in his Aunt May's and Uncle Ben's basement that might help him learn more about his deceased parents. He decides to delve deeper into his father's research by learning more about his father's partner Dr. Curt Connors.  Through an accident he gets bit by a genetically altered spider, and this changes his body to become like a spider. He begins to learn more about his newfound powers and his place in the world. 

This film was directed by Marc Webb (his second film).  It is easy to see how Iron Man has changed the way Marvel does films, because this reboot was done ten years after the first Spider Man origin film with Toby Maguire. This film present Spider Man in a much darker tone giving it more realism (like the Dark Knight). This film was changed to please more comic fans. However, the risk of doing a reboot this early is that it will be compared to other film. The story of this film visually, and major plot points, are way too similar to the other origins story. Which is why all the attempts to make the film drastically different hinder the film.  The story presents a more modern realistic New York, and much more modern teenagers. However the story attempted to create a more sympathetic villain which made him seem lackluster. The story is dramatically different in that it takes place while he was in high school, so a lot of the other popular characters aren't featured in this film. This film also centers more around revenge, and discovering his powers. A lot of comic based fans will be more pleased because the character has his personality in this film. It does look amazing in 3D, but not if your sensitive to motion. The special effects for great to watch, and were kept moderately simple (unlike the other films). This one focused more on the story and character development. There are some questions left unanswered which left it open for a sequel. The effects for the Lizard were well done. He didn't look to over the top, and he didn't look to frightening. There is an ending clip after the beginning of the credits, but nothing more than that. Remember to look for Stan Lee's cameo.

The cast worked much better in this reboot. Andrew Garfield played the leading role of Spider-Man/Peter Parker. He did much better in this role than Toby Maguire because he wasn't going for the generic comic book hero. He has much more humour, and he does present an alter ego. It is also great to hear his slight accent. Emma Stone played the role of Gwen Stacy. She was great playing the girlfriend. Her character is different from the popular red head-Mary Jane. She did bring out the differences, and made her character believable. Rhys Ifans played the role of The Lizard/Dr. Curt Conners. He was great playing the sympathetic villain. Dennis Leary played the role of Captain Stacy. He was great in his limited role. Martin Sheen and Sally Field played the roles of Uncle Ben and Aunt May. They were good in their small roles leaving an impact on the film.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great fourth of July action film that families can enjoy.

Answer to last blog: Actor Stephen Rea also starred in the vampiric film Underworld: Awakening (as well as Interview with a Vampire).

Que: What other film did actor Andrew Garfield star in?

Pirate Radio
Ice Age: The Meltdown
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Marmaduke