Hannibal Rising

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the 2006 novel, of the same name, written by Thomas Harris; and serves as a prequel to Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal (and Manhunter). After Hannibal Lecter witness' the death of his family during WWII, Hannibal finds a new life with his aunt (Lady Murasaki). His anger grows and he decides to take revenge on those who had murdered his sister Mischa Lecter.

This film was directed by Peter Webber. This film is also the fifth feature with this  popular horror character. This films stories presents Hannibal Lecter in a different perspective. Hannibal is no longer the monster hiding in the shadows of cage. Instead of being the stories main antagonist he is turned into the protagonist. He is seen as young, not as silver tongued, and darker variation of a hero. This new image of Hannibal is highly unexpected and not as compelling. The story jumps a lot in the beginning and provides a lot of details. The vilains in this film aren't in anyway fully terrifying. Instead, they are barbaric monsters that you can't wait to see get the axe. This film does have a dark beauty hidden in its cinematography. It also presents various cultures in a turbulent time after the war had ended. This film does contain plenty of bloody gore befitting the character. But there is no real terrifying suspense, and no mystery to be solved. This film shows too much of a villain character making him far too sympathetic to be the cannibal audiences have come to know.

The cast worked good together. Gaspard Ulliel played the role of Hannibal Lecter. Ulliel is great for this role, but he is nothing compared to Anthony Hopkins. Anthony Hopkins has set a high bar for any actor to attempt to recreate. Apart from that, he is great in this film. Li Gong (or Gong Li) played the role of Lady Murasaki. She was great in her limited role. Her character did feel highly scripted though. Rhys Ifans played the role of Vladis Grutas. He was great in this role-creating the character that you could just despise. Kevin McKidd played the role of Petras Kolnas. He was good in his limited role. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! On its own, it is a good horror film. However, it fails to meet up to the expectations of its predecessors. 

Answer to last blog: Juan Antonio Bayona, The Impossible. also directed the film The Orphanage.

Question: Who was the child actor to portray an eight year old Hannibal?

Tom Holland
Aaron Thomas
Jordan Fry
Daryl Sabara

The Impossible

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the true accounts of Maria Belon and her families experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Khao Lak, Thailand. Maria Bennet, and her family, go on a vacation in Thailand when devastation strikes. The Bennet family must face their fears and find each other amongst the wreckage of a once serene Thailand.

This award winning film was directed by Juan Antonio Bayona. This film carries on the true events that happened in 2004. The story of this film is very dark, emotional, and hopeful. It's story takes audiences from the start of this families journey to the end. This film's story keeps an accurate portrayal of the devastation. The cinematography adds to the feeling of complete despair, and makes the raw emotions more vivid. It has been argued that this film didn't properly portray the heartache suffered by the Native Thailand people, and aims too much for an overall feel-good plot. However small the part played by the Native Thailand people, the film shows the unity and humanity that carried through this disaster. This film does have a lot of violence moments, and blood, that aid in telling the story of the film. It also openly presents the aftermath of injured survivors. This film isn't really suitable for younger audiences. 

The cast was amazing in this film. Naomi Watts played the role of Maria Bennet. She was great in her role. She made the characters plight and sufferig feel so intense. Ewan McGregor played the role of Henry Bennet. He was great in his role. He gave such deep emotion to his character through a few simple lines. Tom Holland played the role of Lucas Bennet. He was great in his role. This film allowed him to carry the same power as an adult without being an irrational child. Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast played the roles of Thomas and Simon Bennet. They were great in their limited roles.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great film that brings to light the suffering of the survivors of a natural disaster. It is an emotional roller coaster that shows the strength of family.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ricardo Montalban first portrayed the role of Khan in the Star Trek universe.

Que: What other film has Juan Antonio Bayona directed?

The Orphanage
I Am Legend
I'm Not There
Atonement

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This is based off characters from the Star Trek television series created by Gene Roddenberry, and is the sequel to the 2009 Star Trek film. Commander John Harrison has become a threat to the federation. Captain James T. Kirk, and the crew of the Enterprise, sets out to avenge Rear Admiral Christopher Pike. Kirk and his first officer Spock quickly learn that they're in a dangerous game of wits.

This film is directed by J.J. Abrams, and is the twelfth installment to the Star Trek franchise. This films attempts to harken back deeper into the classic original series, and brings back a very familiar villain. The plot isn't as personal to the characters as its predecessor. The story fails to contain a deep heartfelt pull, but it does have a great science fiction action story. This film is also a great set-up to a hopeful television series with the new timeline. This film did open the world of Star Trek to modern audiences. The computer animation was as great as the 2009 film. The cinematography is good, but it attempts to make it more of a dramatic story than it actually is. This has become a regurgitation of its predecessor, but that doesn't make it a bad thing. 

The returning cast was great in this film. Chris Pine returned to the role of James T. Kirk. He was great in his returning role. He gave a more heroic image to his character. Zachary Quinto returned to the role of Spock. He was great in his returning role. Instead of presenting the Vulcan side of his character, he now presents the human image of his character. Zoe Saldana returned to her role of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. She was great in her returning role. Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of Commander  John Harrison/Khan. He was great in his role psychologically, but perhaps not physically. Physically, he's very different from the previous variations of this character. Simon Pegg returned to his role of Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. He was great in his role, adding much more personality to his character. Karl Urban returned to his role of Lieutenant Commander Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. He was great in his limited role.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It's a great summer science fiction film-even if it doesn't fully live up to its predecessor.

Answer to last blog: Actor Leonard Nimoy made a guest appearance in the 2009 remake of Star Trek.

Que: Who was the original actor to first portray Khan?

John Cazale
Harrison Ford
Ricardo Montalban
Robert Redford

Star Trek (2009)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link

This film is based off characters from the Star Trek television series, and films. Nero has travelled back in time through a created black hole, and has begun a different chain of events making a new timeline. Jame T. Kirk, is a brash young man pulled into the federation and onto the Enterprise. Spock, torn between Vulcans and humanity, becomes captain of the Enterprise after his home planet is destroyed.

This film was directed by J.J. Abrams. This film is the 11th film in the film franchise of Star Trek. This film really breathed new life into the classic television series' characters. This film is different, because it is partially a prequel to the series, and a new beginning to franchise. Since this film creates a new timeline, there are some small alterations to the story and the characters. It does maintain a humble similarity to the original series while updating it for modern audiences. There is a lot less scientific questions, ideals, or philosophies that are familiar to fans of the classic series. This film focuses more on character development and action sequences. The action is great for the film since it aids in telling the story and explaining the characters-even when it wasn't needed. The computer animation is great in this film. It re-creates the image of the Star Trek universe.  

The cast worked great together in this film. This whole new cast worked great bringing to life old characters. Chris Pine played the role of James T. Kirk. He was great in re-creating this character. He kept the character's new persona while keeping in touch with the original Kirk. Zachary Quinto played the role of Spock. He eerily great at this role. He kept true to the original character. Zoe Saldana played the role of Uhura. She was great in her role. She was able to expand the role in surprising ways. Karl Urban played the role of Bones. He was great in his role. Eric Bana played the role of Nero. He was great at opposing Pine and Quinto. Bruce Greenwood played the role of Pike. He was great in his small role.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is easy to see why this film opened the way for two more sequels. This film pays homage to the original Star Trek series while keeping it fresh for newer audiences.

Answer to last blog: Director John Putch, Atlas Shrugged: Part II: The Strike, also directed the film the Pursuit of Happiness.

Que: Which actor, from the original Star Trek series makes an appearance in this 2009 remake?

Leonard Nimoy
William Shatner
DeForest Kelley
Nichelle Nichols

Atlas Shrugged: Part II (The Strike) (2012)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the novel, Atlas Shrugged, written by Ayn Rand, and is is also a sequel to Atlas Shrugged: Part I. Dagny Taggart and Henry Rearden are facing even greater political challenges. The world's most talented free thinkers continue to disappear and the world faces a major economic crisis. Dagny refuses to accept her political limitations and pursues a new project that could solve the energy crisis. 

This film was directed by John Putch. It is unfortuante that there was a change in directors. In many ways it feels like the original vision was lost. The story follows a similar path that Part I, but slightly alters the ideals. This film's story appears more biased in political and corporate greed. The script is easier to follow than the first one, and contains several speeches about the downfall of major corporate and government ideals. This film does keeps you thinking, but not as much as its predecessor. The few effects used are decent for the film. The cinematography remains the same as the first. 

The cast worked good together. A whole new group of face were brought in to portray the familiar characters. Samantha Mathis played the rol of Dagny Taggart. She was good in her role. She had much the same traits the first actress had, but was more snarky. Jason Beghe played the role of Henry Rearden. He was good in his role. He didn't appear the same struggling inventor as before, but a man who had given up. Esai Morales played the role of Francisco D'Anconia. He great in this role. He gave D'Anconia more of an intelligent personality. Patrick Fabian played the role of James Taggart. He was good in his role appearing more naive than before.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's a good thinking film to watch. However, this films changes in actors and directors gives it too different of a feeling.

Answer to last blog: Director Baz Luhrmann, The Great Gatsby, also directed the film Moulin Rouge.

Que: What other film has director John Putch directed?

A Beautiful Mind
The Pursuit of Happiness
Donnie Darko
A.I. Artificial Intelligence

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the 1925 novel, of the same name, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Nick Carraway moves to New York to become a bond broker in the 1920's. Nick rekindles a friendship with his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom Buchanan. Nick is soon pulled into his neighbors, Jay Gatsby, estranged life. All too soon, Nick becomes a part of Gatsby's master plan. 

This film is directed by Baz Luhrmann. I can't tell how closely it follows the novel. But to watch this film, audiences have to keep an open mind. This, 143 minute film, has a story that is a great tragic story of romance, and the struggle between new and old money. The film keeps the story through the main characters narrative. The stories narrative can be mildly confusing since it goes in and out of different times, and adds some history to the film. It also paints a different portrait of the 1920's american dream and its upper class citizens. The backgrounds for this film are marvelous too watch on screen even if it is over the top. However, the modern music pulled audiences away from the full classic feel of the 1920's experience. It would have added a different layer if the music maintained a classic jazz style. This film also feels like a musical with all the background music it uses. This film's cinematography is very over the top, particularly in the beginning of the film. Its style harkens back to another tragic romance film. The eccentrics' of it is befitting of the chaos surrounding the characters. If you're not used to this style, it can be too overpowering that you miss the heart of the story.

The cast worked amazingly well together in this film. Tobey Maguire played the role of Nick Carraway. He was great in his role. He created the image of the troubled writer with a tragic story perfectly. Leonardo DiCaprio played the role of Jay Gatsby. He was great in his role. He created an eccentric character with a secret obsession  Carey Mulligan played the role of Daisy Buchanan. She was good in her role. Until the end, you never know if you should hate her or love her. Joel Edgerton played the role of Tom Buchanan. He was great in his role. Elizabeth Debicki played the role of Jordan Baker. She was good in her limited role.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great tragic love story even if it is fairly over the top at moments. 

Answer to last blog: Actor Terrence Howard, Iron Man, also stared in the film The Brave One.

What other film has directed Baz Luhrmann directed?

Chicago
Moulin Rouge
Nine
The Phantom of the Opera

Iron Man (2008)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link

This film is based off the Marvel comic character Iron Man. Wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is taken by a terrorist organization  while campaigning his latest weaponry creation. After his escape, he begins to rediscover his purpose in life and fight off a greater threat than he could've imagined before.

This film was directed by Jon Favreau. This film was the start of the what changed the image of modern superhero films. It also changed the images of the people behind the masks. It also succeeded in bringing Marvel from the dead. This origin story is great to follow. It's updated to fit modern times, so that audiences can better accept it. The story has enough emotion given to the characters to keep it interesting. But, they are still kept in familiar roles. It gives a light to the man whose behind the mask instead of the power from the mask. The effects for the iron man suits are great. It is great to see how they evolve in two different ways. The other effects are great visually to watch even if they are over the top. 

The cast worked great together in this origin film. Robert Downey Jr played the role of Tony Stark. He was great in his role. He gave new breath to the superhero archetype. Terrence Howard played the role of Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. He was great in his limited role. Gwyneth Paltrow played the role of Pepper Potts. She was great in her limited role of the girlfriend. Jeff Bridges played the role of Obadiah Stane. He was great opposing Downey through the film. Shaun Toub played the role of Ho Yinsen. He was great in his small role.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great origin superhero story. This film paved the way for several other modern films. 

Answer to last blog: Paul Bettany performed the voice of Jarvis in the Iron Man films.

Que: What other film did actor Terrence Howard star in?

There Will Be Blood

I'm Not There

Gone Baby Gone

The Brave One

Iron Man 3

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy this blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link

This film is based off Marvel's comic character Iron Man, and is the third sequel to the 2008 Iron Man film. This film is the continuation of Tony Stark's adventures. After the incident in New York with the Avengers, Tony is suffering from PTSD (post tramtic stress disorder). A growing terrorist threat as emerged known the Mandarin. The Mandarin quickly becomes a threat to Tony Stark and everything that he holds most dear. 

This film was directed by Shane Black, the first to not be directed by Jon Favreau. This film is the final in the Iron Man trilogy. The change of directors has given this film a very different feel. The story of this film takes a much darker turn than its previous films. Even with its darker tones there is still plenty of humor. The story is as much emotional as it previous films. This film builds more on the personal relationships between its main characters, and adds a few new ones. However, this film does rush to an easy and happy conclusion. There are a few unexpected turns, but nothing that isn't predictable. The visual effects are great and a bit too over the top. The effects for the infected people with AIM added some unique visuals. The iron man suits are great to watch particularly in the end. But, with so many unmanned iron man suits it makes Stark's character feels unneeded for the superhero aspect. It keeps focus on the man Tony Stark instead. Pleasantly  this film does maintain its focus with few nods to previous films. 

The returning cast was great in this film. Robert Downey Jr. returned to his role of Tony Stark. He was able to carry this film without the need of being the ultimate hero. Don Cheadle returned to his role of Lt. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. He was great in his returning role. He was able to provide much more of a supporting role in this film. Gwyneth Paltrow returned to her role of Pepper Potts. She was great returning to her familiar role. Guy Pearce played the role of Aldrich Killian. He was great in his role opposing Downey. Ben Kingsley played the role of The Mandarin. He was un-expectantly great at his unusual role. Jon Favreau played the role of Happy Hogan. It was great seeing him with a more important role in this film. It gave him more of a personality. Rebecca Hall played the role of Maya Hansen. She was good in her small role. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great superhero film without relying too much on pure action.

Answer to last blog: Actor Terrence Howard played the role of Lt. Col. James Rhodes in the first Iron Man film.

Que: Who is the voice of Jarvis in the Iron Man films?

Paul Bettany
Jon Favreau
Don LaFontaine
Mark Hamill

Iron Man 2

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link

This film is based on the Marvel comics character Iron Man, and is a sequel to the 2008 Iron Man film. This film follows Tony Stark after his confession to being Iron Man. Tony is faced with several new challenges. Tony must find the cure to save his life, stop a new villain from destroying the world, and work with a new for known as S.H.E.I.L.D. 

This film is directed by Jon Favreau. This film's story has a lot of things going on at once. There is a general hero/villain storyline involving Whiplash. There is the personal character story of Tony Stark while facing his potential death, and the world's reactions to his Iron Man suit. S.H.E.I.L.D. also makes their first real appearance in this film. In many this film feels more like an Avengers prequel than an Iron Man sequel. It is great to catch the small references to other modern Marvel films. However, this film does offer a nice change from the previous hero films in that the hero is not a perfect man. Tony Stark's character is more flawed than the average human. This film does continue with great special effects and awesome fighting sequences. This film does carry on the talent from the original, but fails to live up to its predecessor. 

The returning cast worked great together. Robert Downey Jr. returned to his role of Iron Man. He was great returning to his neurotic role. Don Cheadle played the role of LT. Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. It is unfortunate that Marvel decided to change its actors for this role. He did good in the role creating the same militant character. Gwyneth Paltrow returned to her of Pepper Potts. She was good in her returning role. Mickey Rourke played the role of Ivan Vanko. He was great in his role of the villain. It is a shame that he wasn't the focus of the film, but he still did great. Clark Gregg played the role of agent Phil Coulson. He was great in his small role.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! This film is a good superhero film, but it does feel too bogged down with Marvel's other modern films. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Taylor Schilling, Atlas Shrugged: Part 1, stared as the character Christine Mendez in the film Argo.

Que: In the first Iron Man, who was the actor that played the role of Lt. Col. James Rhodes?

Don Cheadle

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Nate Parker

Terrence Howard

Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 (2011)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off a 1957 novel written by Ayn Rand called Atlas Shrugged.  Dagny Taggart is a struggling railroad executive in an dystopian United States. She struggles to keep ingenuity and practical innovation while society is crumbling all around her. People around her continue to disappear after asking a very popular question. 

"Who is John Galt?" This film was directed by Paul Johansson, and is intended to be the first part in a trilogy. I have not read the novel, but have read that it remains mostly true to the original novel. It keeps the original ideal of the story without campaigning it as its only ideal. This is a dramatic science fiction mystery. Admittedly, in comparison to other modern science fiction films, this one caught me off guard. The story follows more of the business aspect of futuristic business. The script is also heavy with government manipulation and government jargon. The story of this film applies more to certain types of thinkers like libertarians  conservatives, innovators, and economists. The story is slow paced and the script is very technical business terminology. This could make it hard to keep up with for the average film goer. It does present a strange mystery of where everyone is disappearing to and who really is John Galt. This film does not present any resolution to the problems created in the film making it anti-climatic. This films cinematography is presented as kind of futuristic documentary about the future of an industry. It can appear dull, but uplifting. It is a complex undistinguished film, but it is made to be the best thinking of this century.

The cast worked great together in the film. This film uses several unknown actors to create this film, but each were great in their roles. Since there are a ton of characters, I'm gonna keep this short. Taylor Schilling played the role of Dagny Taggart. She was great in her role. It was easy to see what drove her to be a great business entrepreneur. Grant Bowler played the role of Henry Rearden. He was great in his role. He created the perfect image of a struggling innovator. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! I give it a lot of points for aspiring to go in a unique direction that other films have never dared to go. Even if it is unexpected, it is a great thinking film for this age. It also builds up to its great upcoming sequels.

Answer to last blog: Actress Emma Fitzpatrick, The Collection, starred in the film The Social Network.

Que: What character did actress Taylor Schilling perform in the film Argo?

Cora Lijek
Kathy Stafford
Christine Mendez
Pat Taylor