I very much anticipated this movie. I love Marvel movies. I love Captain America. I couldn't wait. They hype before the movie was even better than the Avengers. I must say, I enjoyed it. It's probably overall a better story and movie, but Avengers was more of an adrenaline rush for me personally. It hurt that aspect of it that I called many of the plot twists ahead of time. But that said, it was still a great movie, and lived up to the hype.
The movie is about Captain America trying to adjust to living in a new world, where the lines are more blurred than in the old one. In the mean time, you have this assassin that is running around, who is Cap's equal in every way. The Winter Soldier was just excellent. It was as good as a villain as you could hope for in any movie, and there was more villainy beyond!
I don't want to spoil many things, but there were some cameos that I didn't see coming. Quicksilver and The Scarlet Witch look great for Avengers 2. Falcon (whom they show in the previews) was fantastic. And they might have shown the back of Colson's head at one point. I guess Tuesdays Agents of SHEILD will reveal that.
I also want to say that I saw this movie with a girl who had not seen any of the rest of the Marvel Studios series, and she understood it all and enjoyed it. So even if you're not a fan of the comic genre and haven't see the rest GO SEE THIS MOVIE.
Like, right now.
Go.
What are you still doing there?
Shout out to the mention of Stephen Strange. Does that mean we can look for a Dr. Strange movie after Avengers 2? I hope so. Also, two words to anyone at Marvel. Black Panther. Just saying.
Tomorrow I will try to post another review with spoilers and plot info, so you might want to skip it.
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Is Noah Worth Watching?
That question has been on the nation's mind lately.
So here is a review from someone who isn't really after the Biblical narrative, but just reviewing a movie. (Special shout out to my sister for this).
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/churchofthemasses/2014/03/the-utter-embarrassing-mess-of-noah-and-why-everybody-is-lying-about-it/
PS, Rock People.
So here is a review from someone who isn't really after the Biblical narrative, but just reviewing a movie. (Special shout out to my sister for this).
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/churchofthemasses/2014/03/the-utter-embarrassing-mess-of-noah-and-why-everybody-is-lying-about-it/
PS, Rock People.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The Hobbit
So, from time to time, I try to write movie reviews of what I watch (which is not much these days). I went to see the Hobbit.
It is good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've seen the LOTR movies and loved them. I also have read the Hobbit, twice. There is so much in there, that just the Hobbit is going to have as many movies as the LOTR. This movie centers around Bilbo, Frodo's uncle and finder of the One Ring. This movie includes the finding of the ring, first meeting Gandalf and the Elves. It also includes the history of the Dwarves.
The battles are epic. The characters are deep. The movie is fun. Highly recommended to all.
It is good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've seen the LOTR movies and loved them. I also have read the Hobbit, twice. There is so much in there, that just the Hobbit is going to have as many movies as the LOTR. This movie centers around Bilbo, Frodo's uncle and finder of the One Ring. This movie includes the finding of the ring, first meeting Gandalf and the Elves. It also includes the history of the Dwarves.
The battles are epic. The characters are deep. The movie is fun. Highly recommended to all.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Why I'm not seeing the new Dark Night -Part 2
In my original post, I intentionally did not tell a story, because I wanted to write a straight-up review of the movie, and not introduce the rest of you to my personal bias. In light of Friday, now seems to be the time to tell it.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Why I'm not seeing the new Dark Knight
I'm a pretty avid fan of the comic genre. My family couldn't afford for me to get into the comic books themselves, but Saturday morning cartoons were Batman, Spiderman, X-Men, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Plus I would get books from the library on the comic book (especially Marvel).
So with that kind of fandom, why am I not seeing the new Batman?
Few reasons. For one, I'm cheap. It's hardly worth the money to me to go to a theater anymore (except for the Avengers).
For two, the Dark Knight was SO BORING. Batman whined for a while, then the joker did some stuff, then they caught him, and I was ready to leave. And then, there was a whole other movie after that, that was even more boring, but with heavy handed philosophy.
After that, I had to hear forever from people who liked this movie because so many critics said it was good, but couldn't explain what they liked about it.
I'm sorry, but this movie would have been forgettable if Heath Ledger didn't kill himself.
That said, why spend fifteen bucks for a movie that I can watch on TV for free in a few years, and if I don't like it, I can change the channel?
Oh, by the way, dido for teen Spiderman.
So with that kind of fandom, why am I not seeing the new Batman?
Few reasons. For one, I'm cheap. It's hardly worth the money to me to go to a theater anymore (except for the Avengers).
For two, the Dark Knight was SO BORING. Batman whined for a while, then the joker did some stuff, then they caught him, and I was ready to leave. And then, there was a whole other movie after that, that was even more boring, but with heavy handed philosophy.
After that, I had to hear forever from people who liked this movie because so many critics said it was good, but couldn't explain what they liked about it.
I'm sorry, but this movie would have been forgettable if Heath Ledger didn't kill himself.
That said, why spend fifteen bucks for a movie that I can watch on TV for free in a few years, and if I don't like it, I can change the channel?
Oh, by the way, dido for teen Spiderman.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Memorial Day
I have a Memorial Day tradition, known as AMC. That's right. I wake up and watch war movies all day. Why? Movies touch the heart. They help us to understand the emotion, the sacrifice, of those who we are supposed to be remembering.
Therefore, I'm making a list of suggestions.
Great Escape
The Great Raid
U-571
HBO miniseries Band of Brothers
Sand of Iwo Jima
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Midway
We Were Soldiers
The Longest Day
Bridge over the River Kwai
You may not like war movies. That's ok. Watch them anyway. Watch and remember. I think they've earned it.
Therefore, I'm making a list of suggestions.
Great Escape
The Great Raid
U-571
HBO miniseries Band of Brothers
Sand of Iwo Jima
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Midway
We Were Soldiers
The Longest Day
Bridge over the River Kwai
You may not like war movies. That's ok. Watch them anyway. Watch and remember. I think they've earned it.
Monday, May 7, 2012
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE
In this post I'm going to review the movie "The Avengers."
BEST MOVIE EVER. OF ALL TIME.
How's that?
HULK SMASH box-office debut records.
I tried to see a 2:40 2D. It was sold out a half hour before. So were the next two. There were a few tickets for a 3:20 3D, so I saw that. That was the most crowded theater I've ever been in. And everyone loved it.
It was funny. Like really funny. Like worthy of the Avengers funny (they are really funny in the comics). People laughed. Sometimes a line was so funny, you missed the next 2 or 3 lines because you were still laughing.
People would also clap at many parts. But one character got cheers. Iron Man has become insanely popular. Captain America is the hero's hero. But people cheered the Hulk.
Most movies I walk out of thinking, "I didn't like this" or "I would have done that differently." I walked out of Avengers thinking "I want to see that again" and "I have a new favorite movie." I grew up on Marvel Cartoons (Batman too, but I like Marvels better). I totally was nerding out for this movie. And I was not disappointed. And that never happens for a movie that I'm that hyped up for. It was just great.
BEST MOVIE EVER. OF ALL TIME.
How's that?
HULK SMASH box-office debut records.
I tried to see a 2:40 2D. It was sold out a half hour before. So were the next two. There were a few tickets for a 3:20 3D, so I saw that. That was the most crowded theater I've ever been in. And everyone loved it.
It was funny. Like really funny. Like worthy of the Avengers funny (they are really funny in the comics). People laughed. Sometimes a line was so funny, you missed the next 2 or 3 lines because you were still laughing.
People would also clap at many parts. But one character got cheers. Iron Man has become insanely popular. Captain America is the hero's hero. But people cheered the Hulk.
Most movies I walk out of thinking, "I didn't like this" or "I would have done that differently." I walked out of Avengers thinking "I want to see that again" and "I have a new favorite movie." I grew up on Marvel Cartoons (Batman too, but I like Marvels better). I totally was nerding out for this movie. And I was not disappointed. And that never happens for a movie that I'm that hyped up for. It was just great.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Long One - A short post
This week has been a long one. Major project due at work, friend killed in an accident at his work. Yeah... There were a couple of news stories that I wanted to comment on, but just no time! So instead I will leave you with a quote from one of the greatest movies of all time.
Classic. Witty humor, touching tale.
Great, now I'm going to have to watch it this weekend.
(If you haven't figured out what it is, I'll give you some more.)
(If you still haven't figured it out, SHAME ON YOU. Now go buy the Princess Bride and watch it until you can quote all of it!)
"Let me explain... No! No! There is no time! Let me sum up."
Classic. Witty humor, touching tale.
Great, now I'm going to have to watch it this weekend.
(If you haven't figured out what it is, I'll give you some more.)
"I'm not left handed."
"Anybody want a peanut?"
"Inconceivable!"
"As you wish..."
"He's only mostly dead."
"You are the brute squad."
"Hello! My name is..." (You know the rest).
(If you still haven't figured it out, SHAME ON YOU. Now go buy the Princess Bride and watch it until you can quote all of it!)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wrath of the Titans
I enjoyed Clash of the Titans, and went to see this sequel. Allow me to make a few points. First, don't see it if you haven't seen the first one. Mostly, because much of the character development is in the first film, specifically for the protagonist, Persius.
That being said, it had a decent plot and premise. I enjoyed it. The greek gods are weakened (as explained in the first film, the greek gods are fed by men's prayers, so when men stop praying, the gods weaken). Because of that, the Titans and other demonic creatures are escaping Taurtaurus (I have no idea how to spell it). Long story short, Zeus is captured, Posiden dies, and it is up to Persius to save mankind from Kronos, who looks really cool, by the way.
The movie is entertaining. I saw it in 2D (because I'm cheap), but the graphics were cool. If you're looking for a movie to see, it's worth it.
That being said, it had a decent plot and premise. I enjoyed it. The greek gods are weakened (as explained in the first film, the greek gods are fed by men's prayers, so when men stop praying, the gods weaken). Because of that, the Titans and other demonic creatures are escaping Taurtaurus (I have no idea how to spell it). Long story short, Zeus is captured, Posiden dies, and it is up to Persius to save mankind from Kronos, who looks really cool, by the way.
The movie is entertaining. I saw it in 2D (because I'm cheap), but the graphics were cool. If you're looking for a movie to see, it's worth it.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Green Lantern
I also got to see Green Lantern. Two movies in two states. For free. Boo-yah.
Anyway, I know this movie didn't get the best reviews. What comic book movie does? People need to remember, this is a comic book movie. It is a DC, like Batman and Superman, but lesser well known. It has all the great elements of a Comic book movie, like his dad died, he's reluctant (even quiting at one point), he has a girlfriend that knows his secret identity only later to become endanger so that he has to rescue her. Ok, slightly predictable, but again COMIC BOOK MOVIE.
The movie is funny, but do we expect any less from Ryan Renolds? And Michael Duncan Clarke voices an alien. You gotta love him. It also had some random chick who was a good actress (unlike Natalie Portman. See Thor.). And we finally got to see what came of Andy Dufrane after he escaped from prison, and bore a son who turned into an evil scientist.
The CGI, well, it looked awful on the Green Lantern costume itself, but everything else was great. So if you're nerdy like me, enjoy this movie. If you're not nerdy and/or have no taste, I think Hangover 2 is still in theaters. Please excuse me while I try to remove this shiver from my spine.
Anyway, I know this movie didn't get the best reviews. What comic book movie does? People need to remember, this is a comic book movie. It is a DC, like Batman and Superman, but lesser well known. It has all the great elements of a Comic book movie, like his dad died, he's reluctant (even quiting at one point), he has a girlfriend that knows his secret identity only later to become endanger so that he has to rescue her. Ok, slightly predictable, but again COMIC BOOK MOVIE.
The movie is funny, but do we expect any less from Ryan Renolds? And Michael Duncan Clarke voices an alien. You gotta love him. It also had some random chick who was a good actress (unlike Natalie Portman. See Thor.). And we finally got to see what came of Andy Dufrane after he escaped from prison, and bore a son who turned into an evil scientist.
The CGI, well, it looked awful on the Green Lantern costume itself, but everything else was great. So if you're nerdy like me, enjoy this movie. If you're not nerdy and/or have no taste, I think Hangover 2 is still in theaters. Please excuse me while I try to remove this shiver from my spine.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pirates: Stranger Tides
Went on vacation last week. While I was there, I got to see the latest Pirates movie. It was actually good, though somewhat predictable. It was definately better than Pirates 2 and 3. If you don't believe me, Ask a Ninja.
Anyway, let me highlight some of the movies good points.
1) Barbossa. Screw Johnny Depp. Barbossa is the best pirate. I love his laugh when he's doing something crazy.
2) Story. This one had one, which was a nice change from the last two.
3) Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly. This movie lacked them. Major bonus.
4) Vampire mermaids. Many people were corrupted by Disney's The Little Mermaid, but this movie had what mermaids really were in ancient lore. They started to sing, luring the men down, then pulled them under in order to eat the flesh from their bones. Besides shooting webs like Spider-man, they were viciously cool. By the way, I watched this with my cousin who is also a single male. I could not resist making a joke. After watching them viciously attack men, I whispered to him, "That's pretty much my view of women." He thought it was funny, which is good because I could not resist.
Anyway, if you enjoyed the first pirates movie and despised the latter, I highly recommend this movie.
Anyway, let me highlight some of the movies good points.
1) Barbossa. Screw Johnny Depp. Barbossa is the best pirate. I love his laugh when he's doing something crazy.
2) Story. This one had one, which was a nice change from the last two.
3) Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly. This movie lacked them. Major bonus.
4) Vampire mermaids. Many people were corrupted by Disney's The Little Mermaid, but this movie had what mermaids really were in ancient lore. They started to sing, luring the men down, then pulled them under in order to eat the flesh from their bones. Besides shooting webs like Spider-man, they were viciously cool. By the way, I watched this with my cousin who is also a single male. I could not resist making a joke. After watching them viciously attack men, I whispered to him, "That's pretty much my view of women." He thought it was funny, which is good because I could not resist.
Anyway, if you enjoyed the first pirates movie and despised the latter, I highly recommend this movie.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day. As we participate in cookouts and the like, it is important to take a moment to recognize how blessed we are, and those that sacrificed for so much. I am so thankful that despite all the friends that I have who entered the service, none do I have to remember today.
I know that everyone has their own traditions. Mine is usually simple. I stay home and watch channels like AMC and TMC which air movies honoring the fallen, like Sands of Iwo Jima, Tora! Tora! Tora!, Midway, and especially The Longest Day. I also have DVDs like The Great Escape and The Great Raid. I've also repeatedly watched Band of Brothers. You may notice a theme, World War II, the Greatest Generation. So much darkness in the world from both Germany and Japan. Many don't realize that the Japanese were more brutal, more racist than the Nazis.
Anyway, these are things that I use to remember those who sacrificed everything for the ideal of freedom. I highly recommend the same to others.
I know that everyone has their own traditions. Mine is usually simple. I stay home and watch channels like AMC and TMC which air movies honoring the fallen, like Sands of Iwo Jima, Tora! Tora! Tora!, Midway, and especially The Longest Day. I also have DVDs like The Great Escape and The Great Raid. I've also repeatedly watched Band of Brothers. You may notice a theme, World War II, the Greatest Generation. So much darkness in the world from both Germany and Japan. Many don't realize that the Japanese were more brutal, more racist than the Nazis.
Anyway, these are things that I use to remember those who sacrificed everything for the ideal of freedom. I highly recommend the same to others.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thor Odinson, the Thunderer.
I saw Thor this weekend. And, well, I have mixed feelings about it. Let me start with it's problems.
#1 "Have at Thee!" This was Thor's tagline, which was ommitted entirely from the movie (even though there were a few places it would have worked). In fact, he never said "thee." Or "aye," "nay," "verily," call Earth its proper Norse name "Midgard" or many other words that are common Thor language. The writers thought that the MTV generation is too stupid to understand Old English. While it is true that I despise Shakespeare, that has more to do with it being stupid and not caring. However, a modernized Old English is Thor's iconic language. Forget the MTV generation. Appeal to the nerds. After all, we nerds are the ones who actually have money and show up to midnight showings, as well as blogging about movies that we watch. So I say to thee, nay. Nay to your dumbing down the language of Thor.
#2 Helmet. Ok, this may seem like a little one, but he only wore his iconic winged helmet for a grand total of three seconds. Even when he became Thor again, the rest of his clothes appeared, but not the signature helmet.
#3 Natalie Portman. Seriously? Why did you have to have her? No one takes her seriously as an actress anymore, and so this detracts from the movie. It's partially not her fault. Blame George Lucas. He's the one who wrote crappy dialogue like "I truly... deeply... love you (for no reason other than it says so in the script)" and "Killing younglings?" And to get out of being trapped by her roll in the Star Wars "George wants more money" Prequel Trilogy, she did movies like "No Strings Attached" and "The Black Swan" which shows that she has basically no morals whatsoever. So again I say to thee, nay.
#4 Jane Foster. She was a nurse, not a conspiracy theorist in the comics. Thor fell in love with her because he could see her desire to help the mortals despite their frailty. Now, he fell in love with her for no reason other than it says so in the script. Again, dumbing it down for the MTV generation.
#5 Driver's liscense. Ok, again, this is nitpicking, but he had a fake liscense when Foster and company were trying to break him out. It was for NY. It should have been for Detroit, MI. Part of Thor's uniqueness is that he was the only Detroit-based superhero ever (at least until joining the Avengers in NYC).
#6 Asgardians. Again, this is nitpicky, but two of the Asgardians didn't fit. I understand they were trying to be PC, but a black guy and a chinese guy don't exactly look Scandinavian.
#7 Frost Giants. Again, nitpicky, but the "giants" weren't that much bigger than the humans-sized gods.
Now for the plus side.
#1 Mjolnir. At least they did call Thor's hammer by the proper name.
#2 Donald Blake. They refered to Thor as Donald Blake for his fake identity. It was first introduced when Foster gave Thor clothes, with a Dr. Donald Blake nametag on it. This was for the nerds. Thor asked who he was, and Foster replied "an ex boyfriend." I mentioned Jane Foster was a nurse in the comic. In the comic, when Thor angered Odin, Odin didn't just cast him to Midgard and make him mortal. He put him in the body of Dr. Donald Blake (and wiped his memories of being an Asgardian), a disabled man who was an MD in MI who helped people. It was by this that Thor learned to care about others, and he and Jane fell in love. In times of danger, the good doctor would turn into the Thunder God, and slowly regained his memory, though now gaining Blake's character (Blake's cane would turn into Mjolnir). Once Odin knew that Thor learned his lesson, he again seperated the two beings. I knew that they weren't going to have this side story, so verily I thank thee Marvel for including the reference.
#3 Anthony Hopkins and company. No one could have made a better Odin that Anthony Hopkins. Their Thor and Loki were also great. For my money, whoever did the casting only made one mistake (above) which I'm guessing was the studio's decision, believing she would be a draw (again, the opposite for my money).
#4 Cameo. SPOILER ALERT! I loved the surprise cameo of a particular SHIELD Agent. When Thor was trashing a SHIELD outpost, Agent Colson asked for an eye in the sky. An agent goes in and looks at the guns, then reached up and grabs a bow. Agent Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. Hawkeye was raised in the circus as a trick bowman, then recruited to SHIELD as an operative, eventually partnering with Black Widow. Hawkeye has a rebellious streak and hates taking orders. Eventually Widow sets Hawkeye up as a supposed double agent, when in fact she was working for Hydra (the criminal organization behind Nazi rise, Capt's foe, and the arch-enemy of SHIELD). Fury ordered Hawkeye to let it go after he proved his innocence and her guilt, but he went off to get her anyway, which ends up with him joining the Avengers. This cameo was a surprise to me, and is almost enough to make up for not having "HAVE AT THEE!" in the movie. Almost.
#5 Asgardians. What is not to like about the Norse gods? I mean, anything Viking has got to be cool. Ninjas are a tired cliche. Pirates lost their coolness when the later two POTC movies made everyone Captains (especially Orlando Bloom and his lamo girlfriend. My favorite of the franchise is still Barbosa). Vikings are still cool.
Overall, I give it a B+ (though my negative list is longer, the pluses outweight it). Yes, I will get it on DVD. If you are nerdy enough to like comic book movies, but not so much as to care about the lack of his signature line, you should like it. If you ask me if you should see it, I say to thee, "Verily, aye," for both Asgard and Midgard!
#1 "Have at Thee!" This was Thor's tagline, which was ommitted entirely from the movie (even though there were a few places it would have worked). In fact, he never said "thee." Or "aye," "nay," "verily," call Earth its proper Norse name "Midgard" or many other words that are common Thor language. The writers thought that the MTV generation is too stupid to understand Old English. While it is true that I despise Shakespeare, that has more to do with it being stupid and not caring. However, a modernized Old English is Thor's iconic language. Forget the MTV generation. Appeal to the nerds. After all, we nerds are the ones who actually have money and show up to midnight showings, as well as blogging about movies that we watch. So I say to thee, nay. Nay to your dumbing down the language of Thor.
#2 Helmet. Ok, this may seem like a little one, but he only wore his iconic winged helmet for a grand total of three seconds. Even when he became Thor again, the rest of his clothes appeared, but not the signature helmet.
#3 Natalie Portman. Seriously? Why did you have to have her? No one takes her seriously as an actress anymore, and so this detracts from the movie. It's partially not her fault. Blame George Lucas. He's the one who wrote crappy dialogue like "I truly... deeply... love you (for no reason other than it says so in the script)" and "Killing younglings?" And to get out of being trapped by her roll in the Star Wars "George wants more money" Prequel Trilogy, she did movies like "No Strings Attached" and "The Black Swan" which shows that she has basically no morals whatsoever. So again I say to thee, nay.
#4 Jane Foster. She was a nurse, not a conspiracy theorist in the comics. Thor fell in love with her because he could see her desire to help the mortals despite their frailty. Now, he fell in love with her for no reason other than it says so in the script. Again, dumbing it down for the MTV generation.
#5 Driver's liscense. Ok, again, this is nitpicking, but he had a fake liscense when Foster and company were trying to break him out. It was for NY. It should have been for Detroit, MI. Part of Thor's uniqueness is that he was the only Detroit-based superhero ever (at least until joining the Avengers in NYC).
#6 Asgardians. Again, this is nitpicky, but two of the Asgardians didn't fit. I understand they were trying to be PC, but a black guy and a chinese guy don't exactly look Scandinavian.
#7 Frost Giants. Again, nitpicky, but the "giants" weren't that much bigger than the humans-sized gods.
Now for the plus side.
#1 Mjolnir. At least they did call Thor's hammer by the proper name.
#2 Donald Blake. They refered to Thor as Donald Blake for his fake identity. It was first introduced when Foster gave Thor clothes, with a Dr. Donald Blake nametag on it. This was for the nerds. Thor asked who he was, and Foster replied "an ex boyfriend." I mentioned Jane Foster was a nurse in the comic. In the comic, when Thor angered Odin, Odin didn't just cast him to Midgard and make him mortal. He put him in the body of Dr. Donald Blake (and wiped his memories of being an Asgardian), a disabled man who was an MD in MI who helped people. It was by this that Thor learned to care about others, and he and Jane fell in love. In times of danger, the good doctor would turn into the Thunder God, and slowly regained his memory, though now gaining Blake's character (Blake's cane would turn into Mjolnir). Once Odin knew that Thor learned his lesson, he again seperated the two beings. I knew that they weren't going to have this side story, so verily I thank thee Marvel for including the reference.
#3 Anthony Hopkins and company. No one could have made a better Odin that Anthony Hopkins. Their Thor and Loki were also great. For my money, whoever did the casting only made one mistake (above) which I'm guessing was the studio's decision, believing she would be a draw (again, the opposite for my money).
#4 Cameo. SPOILER ALERT! I loved the surprise cameo of a particular SHIELD Agent. When Thor was trashing a SHIELD outpost, Agent Colson asked for an eye in the sky. An agent goes in and looks at the guns, then reached up and grabs a bow. Agent Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. Hawkeye was raised in the circus as a trick bowman, then recruited to SHIELD as an operative, eventually partnering with Black Widow. Hawkeye has a rebellious streak and hates taking orders. Eventually Widow sets Hawkeye up as a supposed double agent, when in fact she was working for Hydra (the criminal organization behind Nazi rise, Capt's foe, and the arch-enemy of SHIELD). Fury ordered Hawkeye to let it go after he proved his innocence and her guilt, but he went off to get her anyway, which ends up with him joining the Avengers. This cameo was a surprise to me, and is almost enough to make up for not having "HAVE AT THEE!" in the movie. Almost.
#5 Asgardians. What is not to like about the Norse gods? I mean, anything Viking has got to be cool. Ninjas are a tired cliche. Pirates lost their coolness when the later two POTC movies made everyone Captains (especially Orlando Bloom and his lamo girlfriend. My favorite of the franchise is still Barbosa). Vikings are still cool.
Overall, I give it a B+ (though my negative list is longer, the pluses outweight it). Yes, I will get it on DVD. If you are nerdy enough to like comic book movies, but not so much as to care about the lack of his signature line, you should like it. If you ask me if you should see it, I say to thee, "Verily, aye," for both Asgard and Midgard!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Robin Hood
Finally, finally I got a chance to see Robin Hood. Let me just say that I think Gladiator was one of the best movies ever. Robin Hood is made by the same people and starring the same actor, Russell Crowe.
While this movies was not as good as Gladiator. The old Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie staring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman is also a classic Robin Hood story. Like Prince of Thieves, this is a unique telling of the Robin Hood story. If you walk in expecting one of those, you will be disappointed. This is however, a great original story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride, an archer in Richard the Lionheart's army. Unlike those stories that glorify Richard, this one gives a more accurate portrayal. After Crusaders marched down to Jerusalem to slaughter, well, everyone, they marched back through Europe by slaughtering, well, everyone. They even came closer to giving a historically accurate death than most do. I appreciate that.
What followed was a great origin move for Robin Hood, leaving open a sequel. It was good. The merry men were hilarious, as is Friar Tuck (perhaps my favorite character in any depiction of Robin Hood and a temporary nickname in college). The story, acting, dialogue, were all great. And it is great for historical accuracy. Only things were most of the helmet designs in the movie were about 300 years early, and a close up on a nail showed a modern nail, not a period nail.
That should tell you something about me. I love that time period, and I am detail oriented.
While this movies was not as good as Gladiator. The old Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie staring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman is also a classic Robin Hood story. Like Prince of Thieves, this is a unique telling of the Robin Hood story. If you walk in expecting one of those, you will be disappointed. This is however, a great original story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride, an archer in Richard the Lionheart's army. Unlike those stories that glorify Richard, this one gives a more accurate portrayal. After Crusaders marched down to Jerusalem to slaughter, well, everyone, they marched back through Europe by slaughtering, well, everyone. They even came closer to giving a historically accurate death than most do. I appreciate that.
What followed was a great origin move for Robin Hood, leaving open a sequel. It was good. The merry men were hilarious, as is Friar Tuck (perhaps my favorite character in any depiction of Robin Hood and a temporary nickname in college). The story, acting, dialogue, were all great. And it is great for historical accuracy. Only things were most of the helmet designs in the movie were about 300 years early, and a close up on a nail showed a modern nail, not a period nail.
That should tell you something about me. I love that time period, and I am detail oriented.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Iron Man 2
Saturday, I went to see Iron Man 2. As a fan of Marvel Comics in general, I was excited to see not just Iron Man, but War Machine, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Justin Hammer, and Backlash. I was not disappointed. To be honest, I expected the movie to be a let down. I greatly enjoyed the first Iron Man movie.
The fact that this movie was cleaner than the first pleased me. It still had scantily-clad cheerleaders, but no bed time with the reporter. The action was hot. Scarlett Johanssen was more than eye candy. I can see why they replaced Terrance Howard. Terrance Howard is smooth, but Rhodey is supposed to be more hard military. Don Cheadle was more military, but still had chemistry with Robert Downey Jr.
Tony Stark was depressed and reverted to his old ways, which is appropriate if you are familiar with the character so plagued by inner demons. Despite this, the movie included lots of humor and action. I would highly recommend Iron Man 2 to anyone.
=SPOILER ALERT=
If you stay to the end, you get to see a S.H.E.I.L.D. agent say "We have found him." It zooms out to show a huge hammer buried in dirt, referring to another Avenger and future Marvel movie, Thor.
The fact that this movie was cleaner than the first pleased me. It still had scantily-clad cheerleaders, but no bed time with the reporter. The action was hot. Scarlett Johanssen was more than eye candy. I can see why they replaced Terrance Howard. Terrance Howard is smooth, but Rhodey is supposed to be more hard military. Don Cheadle was more military, but still had chemistry with Robert Downey Jr.
Tony Stark was depressed and reverted to his old ways, which is appropriate if you are familiar with the character so plagued by inner demons. Despite this, the movie included lots of humor and action. I would highly recommend Iron Man 2 to anyone.
=SPOILER ALERT=
If you stay to the end, you get to see a S.H.E.I.L.D. agent say "We have found him." It zooms out to show a huge hammer buried in dirt, referring to another Avenger and future Marvel movie, Thor.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Clash of the Titans
Clash of the Titans is a movie about the Greek mythological story of Perseus. Hades kills his family and Perseus seeks revenge. His family is killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, as the soldiers of Argos declare war on the gods by desecrating the temples of the gods and destroying their statues.
I gotta say, I expected utter lameness. This movie had great potential for cheesy-ness. Apparently the 3-D was awful but I saw it in 2-D. Acting was good. Screen writing was pretty good. CGI and action was great.
Perseus was the son of Zeus, and mad about it. The movie portrayed him as wanting to prove himself a good man, not just a demigod. He was proud of his adopted family. His father taught him "someone will have to say enough." Isn't that part of every great story? Gladiator: Maximus has enough of Commodus' evil. Star Wars: the rebels have enough. In this case, they have enough of the gods' tyranny. The gods were cruel, petty, and evil. They were so obsessed with their own...vanity... that they cruelly treated and/or ignored the people, and expected love in return.
Its quite the opposite of the real God, but that's for another blog. Point here is that Clash of the Titans is well worth seeing.
I gotta say, I expected utter lameness. This movie had great potential for cheesy-ness. Apparently the 3-D was awful but I saw it in 2-D. Acting was good. Screen writing was pretty good. CGI and action was great.
Perseus was the son of Zeus, and mad about it. The movie portrayed him as wanting to prove himself a good man, not just a demigod. He was proud of his adopted family. His father taught him "someone will have to say enough." Isn't that part of every great story? Gladiator: Maximus has enough of Commodus' evil. Star Wars: the rebels have enough. In this case, they have enough of the gods' tyranny. The gods were cruel, petty, and evil. They were so obsessed with their own...vanity... that they cruelly treated and/or ignored the people, and expected love in return.
Its quite the opposite of the real God, but that's for another blog. Point here is that Clash of the Titans is well worth seeing.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce
Today is my day off, and I decided to watch the movie Amazing Grace, which is about William Wilberforce (apologies if I spelled it incorrectly). If you have not seen this, buy it today. This is a great, inspirational story of how one man took on the British Parlament and overcame.
I think this is a story that has great meaning for today. For many, it is a true story of overcoming great evil singlehandedly, an inspiration to all to be brave enough to fight for what one believes in. When all odds were against him, when he was called a traitor for speaking, he stood on faith alone to fight the evil of slavery.
Where are the Wilberforces of today? Slavery in the British Empire was focused on the production of sugar, unlike in America where we think of cotton. Brits love sugar in their tea. Today, the comparison can be made to choclate in America. Hershery, Mars, and other major chocolate makers grow chocolate in Africa by use of slavery. They claim it isn't, because they pay them LESS THAN A DOLLAR A DAY. How many of you can live on that? They pay them enough to return tomorrow for another 18 hour day of labor, but not enough to live on.
In the movie, a woman tells Wilberforce she and her friends stopped using sugar in their tea. Are we willing to stop buying chocolate? What about the children who work in sweatshops in China? What about the ten year old girls (or younger) who are kidnapped and brought to other countries INCLUDING AMERICA to be used as underage prostitutes? It makes me sick to even write about. So the question is, what are you going to do about it?
Some suggested website include International Justice Mission, Slave Free Chocolate, and many other places. Open your eyes. Search for it. Slavery is around us everyday. The question is, will you stand up like William Wilberforce and fight for basic justice for all humanity, or will you, like many others of his day, allow your own convenience and greed keep others oppressed? Because we cannot say it is not our fault or that it is not our problem. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke.
I think this is a story that has great meaning for today. For many, it is a true story of overcoming great evil singlehandedly, an inspiration to all to be brave enough to fight for what one believes in. When all odds were against him, when he was called a traitor for speaking, he stood on faith alone to fight the evil of slavery.
Where are the Wilberforces of today? Slavery in the British Empire was focused on the production of sugar, unlike in America where we think of cotton. Brits love sugar in their tea. Today, the comparison can be made to choclate in America. Hershery, Mars, and other major chocolate makers grow chocolate in Africa by use of slavery. They claim it isn't, because they pay them LESS THAN A DOLLAR A DAY. How many of you can live on that? They pay them enough to return tomorrow for another 18 hour day of labor, but not enough to live on.
In the movie, a woman tells Wilberforce she and her friends stopped using sugar in their tea. Are we willing to stop buying chocolate? What about the children who work in sweatshops in China? What about the ten year old girls (or younger) who are kidnapped and brought to other countries INCLUDING AMERICA to be used as underage prostitutes? It makes me sick to even write about. So the question is, what are you going to do about it?
Some suggested website include International Justice Mission, Slave Free Chocolate, and many other places. Open your eyes. Search for it. Slavery is around us everyday. The question is, will you stand up like William Wilberforce and fight for basic justice for all humanity, or will you, like many others of his day, allow your own convenience and greed keep others oppressed? Because we cannot say it is not our fault or that it is not our problem. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Book of Eli
Saturday I saw the movie Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. I was impressed. I gotta say, I saw a preview for it about a month ago, and immediately dismissed it. I thought it looked stupid. But the girl I've gone out with a few times wanted to see it, so I asked her if she wanted to go see it with me Saturday night.
The movie takes place after a nuclear war, 30 years after actually. They called it "the flash" because of how bright it was, and many who were alive then are blind because of it, even if they escaped the bombs and radiation.
Denzel's character, Eli, explains that a year after "the flash" people began to emerge from the bunkers they had survived in, searching for resources. Water was now the most expensive resource. Many resorted to cannibalism to survive. It was very much anarchy.
Eli also explained that people burned Bibles after the flash. They apparently blamed religion for the war, as many do, even though much simpler explanations like greed and revenge usually are the cause, masked in religion. Eli found the last one. Now he travels west, protecting the book by killing.
It really was a great movie. Not only was the acting superb, but the plot was good and the movie really moved. It didn't really drag anywhere. The action was cool, and the videography was excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone.
There is the F-bomb in it a few times, but not excessively (many movies use it for the sake of using it). The action was great. It may be much for some, but just for a comparison, its not as bas as Gladiator (which I love).
The movie also had some great themes to it. Obviously you know I'm going to like him having a quest, fighting for something he thought was worth dying for. These themes are deep in my own heart.
There are more themes to, but reveal a little more about the movie (though I will try not to ruin it), so I'll let you decide if you want to read on.
*SPOILER ALERT*
He explains to the girl that the Holy Spirit (not called by name) led him to the book, and told him to go west. He is looking for the right place to share it. This made for an interesting thing, of him not getting hurt when first confronted by the bad guys.
There is also an interesting scene where he laments that he read the book every day, but failed to do what it says. He tries to change at the end of the movie.
The bad guy also has an interesting lesson. He rules a town through fear, reminding me of many old westerns were a cattle baron "owns" the town. He seeks the Bible so that he can use it to manipulate people into doing what he wants willingly. As he says, it will give him the right words. He uses all his power in attempt to get the book, and it costs him. A warning to all who seek to hold power over others and oppress them.
The movie takes place after a nuclear war, 30 years after actually. They called it "the flash" because of how bright it was, and many who were alive then are blind because of it, even if they escaped the bombs and radiation.
Denzel's character, Eli, explains that a year after "the flash" people began to emerge from the bunkers they had survived in, searching for resources. Water was now the most expensive resource. Many resorted to cannibalism to survive. It was very much anarchy.
Eli also explained that people burned Bibles after the flash. They apparently blamed religion for the war, as many do, even though much simpler explanations like greed and revenge usually are the cause, masked in religion. Eli found the last one. Now he travels west, protecting the book by killing.
It really was a great movie. Not only was the acting superb, but the plot was good and the movie really moved. It didn't really drag anywhere. The action was cool, and the videography was excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone.
There is the F-bomb in it a few times, but not excessively (many movies use it for the sake of using it). The action was great. It may be much for some, but just for a comparison, its not as bas as Gladiator (which I love).
The movie also had some great themes to it. Obviously you know I'm going to like him having a quest, fighting for something he thought was worth dying for. These themes are deep in my own heart.
There are more themes to, but reveal a little more about the movie (though I will try not to ruin it), so I'll let you decide if you want to read on.
*SPOILER ALERT*
He explains to the girl that the Holy Spirit (not called by name) led him to the book, and told him to go west. He is looking for the right place to share it. This made for an interesting thing, of him not getting hurt when first confronted by the bad guys.
There is also an interesting scene where he laments that he read the book every day, but failed to do what it says. He tries to change at the end of the movie.
The bad guy also has an interesting lesson. He rules a town through fear, reminding me of many old westerns were a cattle baron "owns" the town. He seeks the Bible so that he can use it to manipulate people into doing what he wants willingly. As he says, it will give him the right words. He uses all his power in attempt to get the book, and it costs him. A warning to all who seek to hold power over others and oppress them.
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