Rating: B+
Let's call a spade a spade. Is Ted an artistic masterpiece of biblical proportions? No. It's crass, it's boorish, it's inappropriate; the story line is cliched, and really nothing new. But....it's SUPPOSED to be crass. It's SUPPOSED to be boorish, it's SUPPOSED to be inappropriate. And how do you get around a cliched storyline? Make fun of the storyline itself. The result is some seriously extended inappropriate hilarity.
(The is the red band trailer. View discretion is advised)
The interplay is fantastic and Seth MacFarlane reunites some of his cast members from Family Guy, including Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis, and yes....Patrick Stewart. Look for a tonne of cameo work, which totally makes this movie work. In particular, the scenes with Patrick Warburton. Quite honestly, there isn't a whole lot to say about this movie. If
you're looking for laughter and a good time, and don't mind some totally
refreshing, politically INcorrect humour, go watch it.
For me, there was an added bonus to this movie. I went to school at Boston University, and I haven't been back in over 10 years. Seeing some familiar streets, neighbourhoods, parks, and in particular the Citgo sign really brought back memories and moments of nostalgia. So you'll have to excuse me if I have a bit of a soft spot for this movie, knowing full well that while the movie runs for about 115min, only about 30min of it was comedic genius and the rest was just tepid drivel.
~Cheers.
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Monday, 2 July 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Movie: The Raven (2012)
Rating: C+
I really wonder if Hollywood is afraid of making anything provocative, shocking, and daring. The Raven had so much potential, and a wealth of back material to draw from. And while it was clever, it wasn't particularly smart. Where there were plot twists, they weren't particularly mind-bending. Yet another movie in this year's indulgence of mediocrity.
It's been said that John Cusack is probably the most natural actor of our time. And I quite agree with that. It's a shame that most of the other cast members in this film was not so natural. And while I feel that Cusack is miscast in this role, I think he did an admirable job as Edgar Allan Poe, I feel that the role would have been better served being played by someone a little darker, say perhaps, Johnny Depp.
The biggest problem of the movie was its lack of direction. There really would have been no difference if they completed this movie with 1 murder, or with a dozen. The clues of the murder led you to the next clue and not to who the killer was. So really, The mystery and chase was really rather pointless. And while ONE of the murders was decidedly graphic and macabre, none of the other ones had the same level fear, torture, nor blood.
Perhaps one would be more involved in the movie if they were more familiar with Poe's work, but I doubt very many know more than a handful of his life and work well enough to find the correlation intriguing. This movie could have had so much more depth. It could have been significantly more gripping. Or they could have opted to make it totally tragic. Instead, they opted for mediocrity.
~Cheers.
I really wonder if Hollywood is afraid of making anything provocative, shocking, and daring. The Raven had so much potential, and a wealth of back material to draw from. And while it was clever, it wasn't particularly smart. Where there were plot twists, they weren't particularly mind-bending. Yet another movie in this year's indulgence of mediocrity.
It's been said that John Cusack is probably the most natural actor of our time. And I quite agree with that. It's a shame that most of the other cast members in this film was not so natural. And while I feel that Cusack is miscast in this role, I think he did an admirable job as Edgar Allan Poe, I feel that the role would have been better served being played by someone a little darker, say perhaps, Johnny Depp.
The biggest problem of the movie was its lack of direction. There really would have been no difference if they completed this movie with 1 murder, or with a dozen. The clues of the murder led you to the next clue and not to who the killer was. So really, The mystery and chase was really rather pointless. And while ONE of the murders was decidedly graphic and macabre, none of the other ones had the same level fear, torture, nor blood.
Perhaps one would be more involved in the movie if they were more familiar with Poe's work, but I doubt very many know more than a handful of his life and work well enough to find the correlation intriguing. This movie could have had so much more depth. It could have been significantly more gripping. Or they could have opted to make it totally tragic. Instead, they opted for mediocrity.
~Cheers.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)
Rating: B-
This movie’s been out a while, and I’ve been meaning to write put my critique out there. But due to extenuating circumstances, I’ve had to wait until now. Based on the book series of the same name, The Hunger Games had the potential of being something as visually powerful and mentally jarring as Lord of the Flies. Instead, they decided to dilute it for the Dora The Explorer demographic. Only problem is, it’s still too troubling for the kiddies, and far too gentle for anyone over the age of 10.
While I disagree with many that this book / film is an English version of the Japanese book / film, Battle Royale; I do wish that they would have taken a page from the Japanese version. Make it daring, or poetic, or shocking. Instead, in order to placate soccer moms and interest groups, The Hunger Games languishes in mediocrity; Just good enough to be worth watching, but not nearly good enough for it to be memorable.
Jennifer Lawrence gave an admirable performance, and Stanley Tucci is one of my favourite supporting casts. But that's about it. And I suppose I should give credit to the direction of Gary Ross for moving the movie along fluidly because let's not forget, the actual "games" don't start until about the middle of the 140+ min movie.
On top of that, the side stories just felt entirely too contrived and there were just too many holes in the movie. I mean, aside from the wolves that appeared out of no where for no particular reason, there really was never any real danger to Ms. Lawrence's character.
But judging from the reception of this movie, it looks like the film adaptations for the next two books of this trilogy is just going to be more of the same.
~Cheers.
This movie’s been out a while, and I’ve been meaning to write put my critique out there. But due to extenuating circumstances, I’ve had to wait until now. Based on the book series of the same name, The Hunger Games had the potential of being something as visually powerful and mentally jarring as Lord of the Flies. Instead, they decided to dilute it for the Dora The Explorer demographic. Only problem is, it’s still too troubling for the kiddies, and far too gentle for anyone over the age of 10.
While I disagree with many that this book / film is an English version of the Japanese book / film, Battle Royale; I do wish that they would have taken a page from the Japanese version. Make it daring, or poetic, or shocking. Instead, in order to placate soccer moms and interest groups, The Hunger Games languishes in mediocrity; Just good enough to be worth watching, but not nearly good enough for it to be memorable.
Jennifer Lawrence gave an admirable performance, and Stanley Tucci is one of my favourite supporting casts. But that's about it. And I suppose I should give credit to the direction of Gary Ross for moving the movie along fluidly because let's not forget, the actual "games" don't start until about the middle of the 140+ min movie.
On top of that, the side stories just felt entirely too contrived and there were just too many holes in the movie. I mean, aside from the wolves that appeared out of no where for no particular reason, there really was never any real danger to Ms. Lawrence's character.
But judging from the reception of this movie, it looks like the film adaptations for the next two books of this trilogy is just going to be more of the same.
~Cheers.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Movie: 那些年 - "Those Bygone Years" (2011)
Rating: B-
I've never been to school in Asia, but from what I've heard / seen from friends and the media, 那些年 seems to give a pretty accurate depiction of the student life in Taiwan and I suppose fairly close to the student experience in Chinese Asia in general terms.
(Blogger's note: Sorry. This is the music video of the title song and not the Trailer)
This is a coming of age story of a group of friends going to school in Taiwan. I liked the fact that they didn't try to be cute, and tried to keep the story as realistic as possible; to a point where you could actually see that yeah...kids could quite possibly grow up like that. I also like that they didn't try to put a full cast of great looking kids out there, because let's face it, most people aren't good looking. HAHA. It really just seems like you're taking a glimpse into the lives of a group of very ordinary kids.
A friend of mine said that the depiction of the budding romance was a very accurate comparison to real life, I couldn't help but think back upon my own experiences back in school. Of all the people that I knew (not that I knew few or many), I only knew one person that spent their entire high school life trying to score a date with a girl. So while I understand that the movie was trying to focus on this one core group, the romantic relationship that underlined the group's dynamic seemed a little far fetched.
I don't know a single member of this cast, but the female lead really stood out for me. Watching her grow up and mature in front of the screen was a fantastic feat that left me extremely impressed with her performance. While the other members weren't nearly as noteworthy, I suppose that if we think of our own lives. How many of our lives would make for a good movie?
~Cheers.
I've never been to school in Asia, but from what I've heard / seen from friends and the media, 那些年 seems to give a pretty accurate depiction of the student life in Taiwan and I suppose fairly close to the student experience in Chinese Asia in general terms.
(Blogger's note: Sorry. This is the music video of the title song and not the Trailer)
This is a coming of age story of a group of friends going to school in Taiwan. I liked the fact that they didn't try to be cute, and tried to keep the story as realistic as possible; to a point where you could actually see that yeah...kids could quite possibly grow up like that. I also like that they didn't try to put a full cast of great looking kids out there, because let's face it, most people aren't good looking. HAHA. It really just seems like you're taking a glimpse into the lives of a group of very ordinary kids.
A friend of mine said that the depiction of the budding romance was a very accurate comparison to real life, I couldn't help but think back upon my own experiences back in school. Of all the people that I knew (not that I knew few or many), I only knew one person that spent their entire high school life trying to score a date with a girl. So while I understand that the movie was trying to focus on this one core group, the romantic relationship that underlined the group's dynamic seemed a little far fetched.
I don't know a single member of this cast, but the female lead really stood out for me. Watching her grow up and mature in front of the screen was a fantastic feat that left me extremely impressed with her performance. While the other members weren't nearly as noteworthy, I suppose that if we think of our own lives. How many of our lives would make for a good movie?
~Cheers.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Movie: The Hangover Part II (2011)
Rating: C
Talking with some friends after watching the movie, I dropped the score for The Hangover Part II from a B-, down to a C. While it was mildly entertaining, and it certainly had its moments of hilarity, from what they told me of the first one, this sequel is simply a lazy derivative of the first movie. If I were in to that, I'd probably go read myself a few more John Grisham novels (or watch the movies).
I just don't get Zach Galifianakis. I don't understand why anyone thinks he's funny and I don't understand why he's famous. It's like watching Jar Jar Binks but with different names. Yes, I do find him THAT annoying. Thankfully, this movie has Jamie Chung (she can be my ChiChi anyday...HAHAHA). There really wasn't a reason to bring her up, she's just cute enough to deserve a nod. =)~
The first rendition of The Hangover (2009) was original and innovative in concept; turning an alcohol imbibing, drug inducing hangover that forces the members of "The Wolfpack" to re-trace their steps to figure out what happened. But to follow the same formula all over again, that's just lazy. And even though I haven't watched the first one, The Hangover Part II was only mildly entertaining.
Set in Bangkok, The Hangover Part II seems more of a comedy noire than a comedy. While it has its moments, I found most of the jokes to be low brow, slapstick humour that simply plays on the stereotypes of Thailand. And while some of the footage was quite beautiful, it's pretty hard to mess up the naturally beautiful scenes of the country.
But how do you not watch a movie that features a smoking monkey?
~Cheers.
Talking with some friends after watching the movie, I dropped the score for The Hangover Part II from a B-, down to a C. While it was mildly entertaining, and it certainly had its moments of hilarity, from what they told me of the first one, this sequel is simply a lazy derivative of the first movie. If I were in to that, I'd probably go read myself a few more John Grisham novels (or watch the movies).
I just don't get Zach Galifianakis. I don't understand why anyone thinks he's funny and I don't understand why he's famous. It's like watching Jar Jar Binks but with different names. Yes, I do find him THAT annoying. Thankfully, this movie has Jamie Chung (she can be my ChiChi anyday...HAHAHA). There really wasn't a reason to bring her up, she's just cute enough to deserve a nod. =)~
The first rendition of The Hangover (2009) was original and innovative in concept; turning an alcohol imbibing, drug inducing hangover that forces the members of "The Wolfpack" to re-trace their steps to figure out what happened. But to follow the same formula all over again, that's just lazy. And even though I haven't watched the first one, The Hangover Part II was only mildly entertaining.
Set in Bangkok, The Hangover Part II seems more of a comedy noire than a comedy. While it has its moments, I found most of the jokes to be low brow, slapstick humour that simply plays on the stereotypes of Thailand. And while some of the footage was quite beautiful, it's pretty hard to mess up the naturally beautiful scenes of the country.
But how do you not watch a movie that features a smoking monkey?
~Cheers.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Movie: Pirates Of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides (2011)
Rating: C
Let's face it. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow is the ONLY reason why this franchise is still breathing. If you've followed the franchise, you'll have come to not expect a whole lot. Without expecting a whole lot, On Stranger Tides, is surprisingly not bad.
While Jack Sparrow is the only reason why this franchise still breathes life, we've seen too much of the character for him to be the primary and only focus of this movie. And while Keira Knightley and that elf from that other film (no, his name does not escape me) don't reprise their roles in this chapter, there are enough characters to keep Jack Sparrow interesting.
The movie is a little long, and some of the scenes seem like they were half-arsed together. But if you just sit back and enjoy the alcohol induced slurred verbage (verbal garblety goop) that finds its way out of Jack Sparrow's mouth and the off balanced fight scenes, you don't really notice that this movie was made to pad certain wallets.
And yes, fans of the franchise, stick around for after the credits.
~Cheers.
Let's face it. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow is the ONLY reason why this franchise is still breathing. If you've followed the franchise, you'll have come to not expect a whole lot. Without expecting a whole lot, On Stranger Tides, is surprisingly not bad.
While Jack Sparrow is the only reason why this franchise still breathes life, we've seen too much of the character for him to be the primary and only focus of this movie. And while Keira Knightley and that elf from that other film (no, his name does not escape me) don't reprise their roles in this chapter, there are enough characters to keep Jack Sparrow interesting.
The movie is a little long, and some of the scenes seem like they were half-arsed together. But if you just sit back and enjoy the alcohol induced slurred verbage (verbal garblety goop) that finds its way out of Jack Sparrow's mouth and the off balanced fight scenes, you don't really notice that this movie was made to pad certain wallets.
And yes, fans of the franchise, stick around for after the credits.
~Cheers.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Movie: Cleopatra (1963)
Rating: B.....and C-
I've always been a fan of the classics. In my case, it simply means that I've always WANTED to watch them. Unfortunately, never really found the right opportunity to watch them. But after the recent passing of Elizabeth Taylor, I decided that it was high time I watched one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, and a movie, that for the first time ever, gave an actress $1,000,000 in salary.
Critics have mostly bashed this movie, and quite honestly, I don't blame them. However, regardless of whatever the Academy was smoking, this film WAS nominated for Best Picture for the Oscars. As the trailer points out, Cleopatra is indeed a spectacle to watch. It is lavish and opulent, over the top and stunningly beautiful. It doesn't unfortunately, take away from the fact that this movie is 4, yes count'em.... FOUR HOURS LONG! It was long enough that it actually included an intermission!
Cleopatra is actually 2 movies in one. The first tells the story of Cleopatra's ambitious affair with Julius Caesar, played brilliantly by Rex Harrison.The script was witty, smart, and the movie itself was as ambitious as Cleopatra's plan to rule the world. The second, tells the story of Cleopatra's torrid affair with Marc Antony (Richard Burton). But I felt that this is where the movie ran out of steam. The chemistry between Taylor and Burton was obvious; heck, their affair off the screen (and eventual marriage.....twice...) became as talked about as their affair on screen! Directionless chatter and drivel, coupled with poorly orchestrated battle scenes made the 2nd half of the movie arduous to watch, and tedious to sit through.
While Cleopatra isn't required viewing, Elizabeth Taylor shines and shows why she nearly single handedly changed America's rating system for movies. And I can't see very many movies today that will invest money into such brilliant hubris and opulence.
~Cheers.
I've always been a fan of the classics. In my case, it simply means that I've always WANTED to watch them. Unfortunately, never really found the right opportunity to watch them. But after the recent passing of Elizabeth Taylor, I decided that it was high time I watched one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, and a movie, that for the first time ever, gave an actress $1,000,000 in salary.
Critics have mostly bashed this movie, and quite honestly, I don't blame them. However, regardless of whatever the Academy was smoking, this film WAS nominated for Best Picture for the Oscars. As the trailer points out, Cleopatra is indeed a spectacle to watch. It is lavish and opulent, over the top and stunningly beautiful. It doesn't unfortunately, take away from the fact that this movie is 4, yes count'em.... FOUR HOURS LONG! It was long enough that it actually included an intermission!
Cleopatra is actually 2 movies in one. The first tells the story of Cleopatra's ambitious affair with Julius Caesar, played brilliantly by Rex Harrison.The script was witty, smart, and the movie itself was as ambitious as Cleopatra's plan to rule the world. The second, tells the story of Cleopatra's torrid affair with Marc Antony (Richard Burton). But I felt that this is where the movie ran out of steam. The chemistry between Taylor and Burton was obvious; heck, their affair off the screen (and eventual marriage.....twice...) became as talked about as their affair on screen! Directionless chatter and drivel, coupled with poorly orchestrated battle scenes made the 2nd half of the movie arduous to watch, and tedious to sit through.
While Cleopatra isn't required viewing, Elizabeth Taylor shines and shows why she nearly single handedly changed America's rating system for movies. And I can't see very many movies today that will invest money into such brilliant hubris and opulence.
~Cheers.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Movie: The Town (2010)
Rating: B
I'm not generally a big fan of Ben Affleck. I don't particularly think he's a very good actor. So imagine how I felt about this movie when I realised his role behind the camera.
After watching the movie, I started to wonder if perhaps Mr. Affleck might want to make a permanent move behind the camera. After some pretty good reviews for Gone Baby Gone directorial debut, I wasn't sure if maybe it was beginner's luck. I think The Town solidifies his capabilities behind the camera. Oh, and who knew Blake Lively could actually act?!
Advertised as a heist film, this gritty picture displays some very human elements, allowing the audience to connect with the characters, making this a serious adult film in a genre that's generally just run and gun. A few slow spots in the middle and a supporting cast that was a little lack lustre are the only two real criticisms I have.
~Cheers.
I'm not generally a big fan of Ben Affleck. I don't particularly think he's a very good actor. So imagine how I felt about this movie when I realised his role behind the camera.
After watching the movie, I started to wonder if perhaps Mr. Affleck might want to make a permanent move behind the camera. After some pretty good reviews for Gone Baby Gone directorial debut, I wasn't sure if maybe it was beginner's luck. I think The Town solidifies his capabilities behind the camera. Oh, and who knew Blake Lively could actually act?!
Advertised as a heist film, this gritty picture displays some very human elements, allowing the audience to connect with the characters, making this a serious adult film in a genre that's generally just run and gun. A few slow spots in the middle and a supporting cast that was a little lack lustre are the only two real criticisms I have.
~Cheers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
