Movie Review: Terminator Salvation

Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard
Director: McG
Writers: Michael Ferris, John Brancato

Visually the movie was stunning. Not in a “wow, that looks beautiful” way, but a “wow, that looks awesome!” way. Being a terminator movie, action is expected, but it’s taken to another level since now there are various terminator models. Sam Worthington was cast perfectly as Marcus Wright (A human resistance soldier who is plagued with vague memories and is discovered to be a decommissioned Terminator. His last memory is of being on death row). I found it hard to accept Christian Bale as John Conner. Going by the other movies, he just doesn’t seem to be the best fit for the role. Maybe it’s because he’s in so many action movies, he’s like the new Bruce Willis.

There were moments where all I thought was “laaame”. Without giving too much away, the use of Arny quotes from the old movies (i.e. “I’ll be back”), the “I’m cold”…”I’m using your body heat for warmth [because I think you're hot and want to touch your manly chest]“, and other scenes but they are harder to to discribe without spoiling the movie. Spoilers are not cool!

It was good that the main focus of the movie was on Marcus and not John. It gave the movie a different feel as the last two movies were focused on John. The story was kept exciting with twists (if you ignore that few lame moments) and action. During the movie I was worried what was happening wasn’t going to eventually fit right with the first 3 movies, but they did a good job in writing what they did. What I’m going to call “the heart transplant bit” was quite disapointing in it seemed like it was only there because they needed a way to get rid of a certain character (watch the movie and you should be able to figure out what I mean and why).

Only one question remains: How does Kyle and the various terminators get sent back in time? Is time machine or pocket of energy? Who invented or discovered it?

I recommend watching it on the big screen if you are into intense CGI action, but overall it’s not a must see.  ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩

Movie Review: I Love You Man

Director: John Hamburg
Writer:  Larry Levin (story and screenplay) and John Hamburg (screenplay).
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones.  

I saw I Love You Man earlier this evening and I was not disappointed. Being a huge Paul Rudd, Jason Segel and Andy Samberg fan, I have been looking forward to watching this film since I first saw the trailer. Not everyone will find this movie funny. There are going to be many who find it repulsive and offensive, but that’s comedy. I love this sort of humour. The jokes were quick and witty. The lines were delivered perfectly. The actors were awesome. Their facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language added to, and even created, comic moments. It’s a well written and directed comedy.

Comedy Worth Mentioning: Robot Chicken

“From creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, Robot Chicken is stop motion animation with a demented twist.” – IMDB

“Robot Chicken is an Emmy Award-winning American stop motion animated television series created and executive produced by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich. They are also on the writing team, and have directed some episodes. Green provides many voices for the show.
The program is a sketch comedy that parodies a number of pop culture conventions using stop motion animation of toys, action figures, dolls, and claymation” – Wikipedia

| ADULT SWIM / ROBOT CHICKEN |

Deadpool Movie Confirmed

I’m a big fan of Marvel and Ryan Reynolds, so the announcement of a Deadpool movie is exciting to me. I know there are fans of the comics who aren’t happy with “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the portrayal or Deadpool, but I look forward to seeing how they bring Deadpool to the big screen after the small “debut” in “Wolverine”. Lauren Shuler Donner will be directing the film and Ryan Reynolds is set to return.

To expand, the Deadpool in “Wolverine” was different from the Deadpool in the comic books. If you would like to know more about the comic book Deadpool you can read more on Wikipedia. To get information on the Deadpool in “Wolverine” it’s very simple, watch the movie.

Were there many people who could not enjoy the movie because it swayed too far from it’s comic book roots? Leave a comment about what you thought and/or what you think about them continuing to bring comic book character to the big screen.

If you would like to watch a review of the movie by avid comic book readers check out The Comic Book Clubs review below.

Comedy Worth Mentioning: The Lonely Island

The Lonely Island is a comedy troupe consisting of filmmakers Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg (aka The Dudes), and they are hilarious. (For more information their names are links to their individual The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) profiles).

I first fell in love with their comedy after watching “J*zz In My Pants” YouTube. I then continued to watch other videos and skits/shows they had made. Their humor is like a drug to me and I have become addicted. Join me, Life is meant to be full of laughter!

last.fm | myspace | facebook | youtube | purevolume

These two videos are currently my favourite videos. 1 because I think they are funny, and 2 they are brilliant music videos – well written, directed, filmed and edited.

Rented DVD: Rise (2007)

Directed and written by: Sebastian Gutierrez
Starring: Lucy Liu.

You can’t go wrong with a vampire movie staring Lucy Liu! This is a brilliant horror story told in an appealing way that keeps you wanting more. Flash backs were used in an effective way to inform the audience of what had happened to “Sadie Blake” and what had led her to eventually going on a vampire killing spree. Sadie laughs at Buffy and it’s B vampire slaying effort.

If you’re into vampire movies and don’t mind a whole lot of blood, violence and nudity then you have to check this movie out. Lucy Liu, James D’Arcy and Michael Chiklis are brilliant in this movie.

VICTIM. VAMPIRE. ASSASSIN.

Rented DVD’s this wk

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Directed by: Richard Brooks
Produced by: Lawrence Weingarten
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson, Judith Anderson

“The raw emotions and crackling dialogue of Tennessee Williams’ 1955 Pulitzer-winning play rumble like a thunderstorm in this film version whose fiery performances and grown-up themes made it a box-office hit.” 

Lord of the Flies (1963)
Novel by: William Golding
Written for Screen and Directed by: Peter Brook
Starring: James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, Roger Elwin, Tom Gaman 

“Based on William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies is a disturbing tale of conflict and savagery. A plane carrying a group of schoolboys crashes on a remote tropical island. No adults survive but forty boys emerge unhurt.”

Mysterious Skins (2004)
Written for the Screen and Directed by: Gregg Araki
Produced by: Mary Jane Skalski, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Gregg Araki.
Starring: Joseph Gorden-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Elisabeth Shue

“When he was eight, Brian Lackey woke up in the crawlspace beneath his Kanses home with his nose bleeding, having no idea how he got there. Since then his life has been different – he is afraid of the dark, wets his bed and is plagued by terrible nightmares. Now 18, Brian believes he was abducted by a UFO.

Neil McCormick is the ultimate beautiful outsider, the boy everyone loves from afar but is afraid of when they get too close. Also 18, Neil longs for the relationship he shared with his Little League coach when he was eight years old.

Neil’s search for what he thinks is love leads him to New York. Brian’s search leads for what happened to him leads him to Neil. Together they come to realise that the events that shaped them most were not what they seemed to be.”

Twist(2003)
Written and Directed by: Jacob Tierney
Produced by: Victoria Hirst
Starring: Nick Stahl, Joshua Close, Gary Farmer, Stephen Mchattie, Tygh Runyan

“In a gritty retelling of the Dickens’ classic, TWIST takes Oliver and the Artful Dodger out of the poorhouse and onto the streets, where junk is the currency and hustling is the game.

Starring Nick Stahl as Dodge, the beautiful nihilist who leads the innocent Oliver into a life of heroin and prostitution, TWIST is a haunting modern day fairytale about two boys who cannot escape their past.” 

WATCHMEN

Being released tomorrow is the movie I have been waiting. Watchmen. Check out the website if you want to know more about the characters. watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com

Director: Zack Snyder
Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures
Based on a comic by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics.

(500) Days of Summer – Marc Webb

In a previous post I wrote about one of my favourite directors Marc Webb and I mentioned the movie he is directing called (500) Days of Summer.

(500) Days of Summer stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. I am a huge fan of Zooey Deschanel. The Happening (which also stars Mark Wahlberg, another favourite actor of mine) has become one of my favourite movies. Check out the trailer.

IN THEATRES JULY 24, 2009.
www.foxsearchlight.com

He’s just not that into you (2009) Released in Theatres Feb (NZ)

Usually Valentines day passes and I don’t even know it. This year was different. A girl friend of mine asked if I would be her valentine and so we spent the afternoon together – had lunch, coffee and then watched a movie.

I usually refuse to watch a chick flick on the bog screen but since it was Valentines Day and my friend wanted to watch it (and Justin Long is in it) I gave in. Ken Kwapis (Director) left me happily surprised. He also directed  License to Wed (2007) and episodes from T.V shows that include Malcolm in the Middle, Freaks and Geeks and the Office. “He’s just not that into you” is now my favourite chick flick of all time. It draws you so deep into the characters lives that you feel their pain, their despair, and their happiness.

I have no time to write anything else (exam tomorrow). Just watch it!

Director: Ken Kwapis

Main cast: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper

Synopsis: In Baltimore, a group of unrelated people deal with love and the challenges of reading or misreading human behavior. Jennifer Connelly plays a woman stuck in a tired marriage with a cheating husband (Bradley Cooper). Another man pines after a woman who is having an affair with a married man.
A young woman (Ginnifer Goodwin) is obsessed with a man and tries to set up accidental meetings with him only to run across his friend (Justin Long), who takes her on as a “My Fair Lady” experiment. Drew Barrymore plays a woman perpetually confused by dating, now more than ever in a culture that is more obsessed with technology than actual human contact.

The Offspring – Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?

This is my new favourite song. I’ve been a fan of The Offspring for the past 11 years, but this song has taken them to another level on my “awesome” scale. Even for people who are not huge fans of the band may find they enjoy this song. The video is fantastic too. Directed by Lex Halaby. He also directed Snakes on a Plane (2006), which I haven’t seen yet. The video is the best I have seen lately. I love the close up on words and phrases of the ripped off pieces of paper stuck on the wall. I can relate to the girl who pretends like everything is ok while her friends/people are around but really she’s a mess inside.

This song is on the “Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace” album, which was released in the U.S. June 2008 via Columbia Records.

Twilight (2008) Released in Theatres 26 Dec (NZ)

Director Catherine Hardwicke

Staring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Nikki Reed, Cam Gigandet

“TWILIGHT is an action-packed, modern day love story between a vampire and a human.”

I looked forward to watching this movie but didn’t end up going to the theatres till it had been showing for a few weeks. I was not disappointed. Maybe it’s because of my love for cinema, or my interest in Vampire stories, I don’t know, but I am tempted to buy the books and plan on buying the movie on DVD when it is released. I have been fascinated by vampire stories since I was young, but this vampire is not like any other I have seen or read. Stephenie Meyer wrote the novels and I’m longing to know how they adapted the novel to the screen play. Catherine Hardwicke has done a fantastic job with Twilight. Her other works I enjoy watched include Thirteen (2003) (writer and director), and Vanilla Sky (2001) (production designer).

My final opinion: this movie is a must see. Especially if you like drama, romance, action and vampire stories.

High School Musical 3 – Senior Year

I was sceptical during the build up to this movie. Not sure if I would be able to handle the cheesiness of it all. I think it helped knowing that there were going to be cringe moments because I enjoyed the movie overall.

The dancing is better. The acting is better. The story is better. The movie looked amazing. The colours, the lights, the back drops, the effects. Kenny Ortega has taken everything a level higher to end the trilogy well. It was a heart melting movie with many subtle messages that we could all learn from.

I have written a previous post called “I’m Old Fashioned too =)” and talked about Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth’s performing “I’m Old Fashioned”, which is from “You Were Never Lovelier” (1942). When Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens dance together it reminded me of Fred Astaire and Rita Haworth. Of old romantic movies where the dancing moves the audience in a way that a well written script could never.

The Thin Line

As a lover of music and film I often find I will fall in love with a bands music or a directors style and want to listen and watch everything they have contributed to. Reading peoples blogs and comments it has made me think about the thin line that separates fans from stalkers.

How far is too far? When have you reached a point when you are an obsessed fan?

I don’t know but I find it an interesting topic to think about.

In my opinion there is a thin line between being a good fan and being a creepy fan. Do you know what side of the line you’re on or are you on then fence?

Quantum of Solace

Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko

As I walked home on Tuesday afternoon, with music blaring in my ears as the torrential rain soaked through my clothes, I thought about the warm movie theatre I’d just stepped out of. It didn’t bother me that I didn’t have an umbrella to keep the large drops from soaking through my hood because I was lost in my thoughts about the new James Bond movie.

I had been hanging out to watch Quantum of Solace for the past 6 months and the action did not disappoint me. I found the movie exciting and on the edge. I loved the way during the action scenes the camera view was close so you could see the detail. It was exciting because it made me feel like I was apart of the action instead of a spectator from afar. I love what Marc Forster has done and applaud him for the great work.

I am still a huge old Bond fan and will always be, but Daniel Craig is becoming my favourite Bond. He still has the usual Bond characteristics, but he brings something new to the table that is shown in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. He has brought a new dynamic to the James Bond character that brings the sense that Bond is a real person who is affected by death, betrayal and love. The contact fighting scenes are more intense and more exciting than the general shooting scenes where the bad guys seem to have the worse aim and James Bond kills them with one shot.

The new James Bond seems to be continually developing over the two movies, which I have not seen before in the Bond films. Daniel Craig and Marc Forster have brought depth to Bond and this makes me enjoy the movies even more.

There are things I did not like about Quantum of Solace and I think Casino Royal is better, but I prefer to write about positive things when talking about movies and actors I like.

Marc Web

Marc Webb with Gerard Way (MCR) during filming of MCR 'Teenagers' Music Video

Marc Webb is a music video, short film and major motion picture director. He’s directed over 70 music videos and won awards.

Marc Webb is currently directing the upcoming movie 500 Days of Summer, which I look forward to watching. For more information on this film Wikipedia.org – 500 Days of Summer

He made a short film Seascape. It premiered at the Aspen Comedy festival.

My favourite music videos are My Chemical Romance (I’m Not Ok, Helena, Ghost of You, I’m Not Ok and Teenagers), All-American Rejects (Move Along and Gives You Hell), P.O.D (Will You), Jimmy Eat World (Work), Weezer (Perfect Sitation), Yellowcard (Rough Landing Holly), Puddle Of Mudd (She Hates Me) and the list goes on.
For a full list of his music videos click Wikipedia.org – Marc Webb – Videography.

On wikipedia.org – Marc Web – Webb’s Lamb it says that Webb’s signature is a white lamb. This lamb is in the opening page of his site www.marcwebb.com, which also contains the funniest Biography I have ever read.

Zach Helm

Zach Helm on the set of Mr. Magoriums

I just finished watching Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. I found it an amazing movie that took you on an emotional roller coaster that is good for the soul and imagination. Everything about the film was thought out, right down to the very detail. Perfection is hard to achieve, but this movie comes close.

 

Zach Helm has become one of my favourite Directors (and writers). I love what he did in this movie and look forward to seeing more of his work. This is the first film he has directed. He is currently working on ‘The DisAssociate’, a movie which will be written and directed by Zach.

I have read a few articles and listened to an interview and found them all very interesting.
Below are links…

TrulyMovingPictures.org – Zach Helm, Writer/Director (article)

TrulyMovingPictures.org – Zach Helm, Writer/Director (audio file)

MovieMaker.com – DIRECTING – Zach Helm’s World of Wonder

imdb.com – Zach Helm Biograph