Since there's an onslought of big summer releases coming up in the next few months, I thought it'd be a good idea to start a thread for reactions to the various movies.
Each time you see a flick, post your mini-review or grade here!
~
Today, I saw:
Van Helsing
I've been looking forward to this one, as a fan of classic Universal monsters, and someone who enjoyed Stephen Sommers' Mummy movies. Even not taking it as seriously as some of the critics might have, I was really dissapointed with VH. It was basically non-stop action with virtually no character development, no story, and overall bad acting. Now, that wouldn't have been so bad if the action was enjoyable - but I found it be extremely repetitive and rather dull, save for a few cool scenes.
GRADE: C+ (6.5/10)
Troy
I wasn't so sure about this one, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big fan of long-running films, but even at close to 3 hrs, Troy had very good pacing and never became dull. The characters are well defined, and their conflicts and relationships I found to be very compelling. Along with this, the battle scenes were great - I was impressed with how real it all looked, I couldn't spot any specific CGI anywhere. It prooved to be not only an entertaining war epic, but also a movie that made you think about morality in battle.
GRADE: A (9/10)
The Summer Movie Thread
The Summer Movie Thread
Last edited by Jack on Mon May 17, 2004 10:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
Good idea for a thread, Jack! 
Let's see... the last film I saw was Van Helsing, so...
Van Helsing
(Note: Sorry about the length - I'd posted this at another forum already, so I just cut n' pasted it...
)
I went into this film knowing how bad it was. I'd wanted to see it for a long time, but after the critics and the fanboys on Ain't It Cool News absolutely blasted it, I then wanted to see it out of morbid curiosity. So a couple of my friends and I went to see it last Saturday.
And boy, was it bad! It was laughably bad throughout the whole picture, pretty much. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, cracking up at all the clichés, the orgy of CG effects and action scenes, the ridiculous and nonsensical story, the gigantic plot holes, the "twangy" background music, and the flat and/or hammy performances (like Dracula's "Shatner-like" overacting, or Kate Beckinsale's really bad accent). I mean, I guess it's as much as we can expect from the director of the Mummy films. Hehe...
And ya know, the movie almost seems to make fun of itself after a while - I could so see the Monty Python troupe circa the '70s doing a film like this - it was such a farce! What made it all the better was that it was supposed to be a serious flick!
I think the scene that made me - and several other people in the theatre - laugh the hardest was the very end, with Anna's face in the clouds - and the tear!! ROTFLMAO!!! Doesn't get better than that...
The pluses, though, were the critters. I loved the werewolves and Dracula's brides when they were all gargoyle-ish. Hehe... and a certain black werewolf at the end was very well-designed - me likey.
And the sidekick comic relief friar Carl (aka Faramir from Lord of the Rings) rox my sox. Ironically, he was probably the most serious thing in an otherwise incredibly silly movie. He reminds me a lot of Brother Gilbert from Dragonheart.
So my consensus: the actual quality factor of this film (if one were to take it seriously) is about a D. The sheer entertainment factor of VH rates through the roof - A++, in my book!
So go it see it with low expectations and a light heart, and you'll be quite entertained, says I.
Let's see... the last film I saw was Van Helsing, so...Van Helsing
(Note: Sorry about the length - I'd posted this at another forum already, so I just cut n' pasted it...
)I went into this film knowing how bad it was. I'd wanted to see it for a long time, but after the critics and the fanboys on Ain't It Cool News absolutely blasted it, I then wanted to see it out of morbid curiosity. So a couple of my friends and I went to see it last Saturday.
And boy, was it bad! It was laughably bad throughout the whole picture, pretty much. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, cracking up at all the clichés, the orgy of CG effects and action scenes, the ridiculous and nonsensical story, the gigantic plot holes, the "twangy" background music, and the flat and/or hammy performances (like Dracula's "Shatner-like" overacting, or Kate Beckinsale's really bad accent). I mean, I guess it's as much as we can expect from the director of the Mummy films. Hehe...
And ya know, the movie almost seems to make fun of itself after a while - I could so see the Monty Python troupe circa the '70s doing a film like this - it was such a farce! What made it all the better was that it was supposed to be a serious flick!
I think the scene that made me - and several other people in the theatre - laugh the hardest was the very end, with Anna's face in the clouds - and the tear!! ROTFLMAO!!! Doesn't get better than that...
The pluses, though, were the critters. I loved the werewolves and Dracula's brides when they were all gargoyle-ish. Hehe... and a certain black werewolf at the end was very well-designed - me likey.
And the sidekick comic relief friar Carl (aka Faramir from Lord of the Rings) rox my sox. Ironically, he was probably the most serious thing in an otherwise incredibly silly movie. He reminds me a lot of Brother Gilbert from Dragonheart.So my consensus: the actual quality factor of this film (if one were to take it seriously) is about a D. The sheer entertainment factor of VH rates through the roof - A++, in my book!
So go it see it with low expectations and a light heart, and you'll be quite entertained, says I.
Last edited by Paka on Sun May 16, 2004 10:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words: "Too late."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Ludwig Von Drake
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The only one that I have seen so far is Van Helsing and I was highly disapointed. It had not plot of character development but the backgroundws were excellent, even if it was just about all CGI. I especially like the one of two charachter developments tha they did and it was for Van Helsing. Also it was interesting that Stephen Somers went into the myths and asked question, why can't Dracula see his reflection in a mirror and why is he so helpless as a bat.
All in all the Mummy was a much better remake if you are interested in Dracula see the original with Bela Legosi.
All in all the Mummy was a much better remake if you are interested in Dracula see the original with Bela Legosi.
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jambo*rafiki
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Not sure if this qualifies as a summer release, but see it anyway . . .
Mean Girls
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen! I couldn't stop laughing, from my favorite line at the beginning ("And on the third day, God created tractors, so man could hunt the dinosaurs . . . and the ho-mo-sexuals" ) to my favorite line at the end (can't tell you, it might spoil the whole thing). Strangely enough, it was also one of the scariest. The fact that some girls, in some schools, manipulate each other like they did in this movie, is not something I like to think about. However, on to my review:
The script was well-written and fast-paced . . . maybe a little too fast paced at some parts, but that seemed unavoidable. Though the ending was a on the sappy side, the feel-good vibe about it was refreshing - after all, I had spent most of the movie hating the characters. Speaking of the characters, they were pure stereotypes, but somehow they had incredible depth. All I can say is that the actors and actresses were very talented and Tina Fey is a comic genius.
Anyway, go see this movie for laughs and perhaps a small bit of disbelieving stress - but mostly laughs. Grade: A-
Mean Girls
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen! I couldn't stop laughing, from my favorite line at the beginning ("And on the third day, God created tractors, so man could hunt the dinosaurs . . . and the ho-mo-sexuals"
) to my favorite line at the end (can't tell you, it might spoil the whole thing). Strangely enough, it was also one of the scariest. The fact that some girls, in some schools, manipulate each other like they did in this movie, is not something I like to think about. However, on to my review: The script was well-written and fast-paced . . . maybe a little too fast paced at some parts, but that seemed unavoidable. Though the ending was a on the sappy side, the feel-good vibe about it was refreshing - after all, I had spent most of the movie hating the characters. Speaking of the characters, they were pure stereotypes, but somehow they had incredible depth. All I can say is that the actors and actresses were very talented and Tina Fey is a comic genius.
Anyway, go see this movie for laughs and perhaps a small bit of disbelieving stress - but mostly laughs. Grade: A-
"The names Cruuuuuuush. Emphasis on the U. But you can call me Crush."
"Asante sana, squash banana, wewe nugu, mimi apana!"
SAVE 2D!!!!!!!!
"Asante sana, squash banana, wewe nugu, mimi apana!"
SAVE 2D!!!!!!!!
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umbreongirl
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Saw another one today...
Super Size Me
This is the now-notorious documentary about the physical effects that a healthy adult man (the filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock) suffers when he embarks on a 30-day McDonald's-only diet. This was released "wider" this week, and I caught it today at my local rundown indie theatre. I really liked it! I was afraid it might've been a bit "gimmicky" - but it was in fact very informative. It was both entertaining - the guy's got a wicked sense of humor - and really sobering. The facts presented on the U.S. obesity rate, and the way that such nasty eating habits are perpetuated by the mega-corporations, are a bit depressing. Spurlock tackles other subjects as well, like the quality and name-brands of the products served in school lunches. The pace of the film is nice and brisk, and even the "talking heads" are tolerable for fair stretches of time.
I'd give this film an A; it was a good "balance" of entertainment and education. Definitely recommended! Try to see if it's playing somewhere near you! It's only in 113 theateres right now, but I'm sure it'll expand (no pun intended!).
Super Size Me
This is the now-notorious documentary about the physical effects that a healthy adult man (the filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock) suffers when he embarks on a 30-day McDonald's-only diet. This was released "wider" this week, and I caught it today at my local rundown indie theatre.
I really liked it! I was afraid it might've been a bit "gimmicky" - but it was in fact very informative. It was both entertaining - the guy's got a wicked sense of humor - and really sobering. The facts presented on the U.S. obesity rate, and the way that such nasty eating habits are perpetuated by the mega-corporations, are a bit depressing. Spurlock tackles other subjects as well, like the quality and name-brands of the products served in school lunches. The pace of the film is nice and brisk, and even the "talking heads" are tolerable for fair stretches of time. I'd give this film an A; it was a good "balance" of entertainment and education. Definitely recommended! Try to see if it's playing somewhere near you! It's only in 113 theateres right now, but I'm sure it'll expand (no pun intended!).
Last edited by Paka on Mon May 17, 2004 9:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words: "Too late."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Troy
I went in knowing only the basics of the actual Troy myth/story/whatever and that's probably the way to go. If you're a huge fan of the Troy myth, or nit-picky about your ancient history, you should probably avoid this one or please spare the person next to you and resist the urge to start ranting!
The movie is, of course, hugely romanticised (Watch out for the 'looking out in the distance, wind blowing in my hair, sun shining on my tanned skin, I am having a deep thought' scenes), but the plot's not as bad as has been reported. I didn't really mind the 'historical' inaccuracies at all, bar the fact the whole war lasted for around two weeks as opposed to ten years. There are some solid performances (Peter O' Toole, Eric Bana), and the CG is seamless, although overdone in some parts.
Overall, quite enjoyable, alternating between an A and a B. The keywords here are 'inspired by'; remember, it's just a movie! And a 'Hollywood blockbuster/epic' at that. Oh, make sure you avoid the pack of girls who squeal everytime Orlando Bloom makes an appearance.
Note: I was not one of them.
I went in knowing only the basics of the actual Troy myth/story/whatever and that's probably the way to go. If you're a huge fan of the Troy myth, or nit-picky about your ancient history, you should probably avoid this one or please spare the person next to you and resist the urge to start ranting!
The movie is, of course, hugely romanticised (Watch out for the 'looking out in the distance, wind blowing in my hair, sun shining on my tanned skin, I am having a deep thought' scenes), but the plot's not as bad as has been reported. I didn't really mind the 'historical' inaccuracies at all, bar the fact the whole war lasted for around two weeks as opposed to ten years. There are some solid performances (Peter O' Toole, Eric Bana), and the CG is seamless, although overdone in some parts.
Overall, quite enjoyable, alternating between an A and a B. The keywords here are 'inspired by'; remember, it's just a movie! And a 'Hollywood blockbuster/epic' at that. Oh, make sure you avoid the pack of girls who squeal everytime Orlando Bloom makes an appearance.
Note: I was not one of them.
Last edited by michelle on Mon May 17, 2004 3:22 am, edited 2 times in total.
D o w n . t h e . r a b b i t . h o l e . . .
W h e r e . d o e s . i t . g o ?
W h e r e . d o e s . i t . g o ?
Oh, Paka, Paka, Paka. What are you doing?
This thead is for Summer films - high budget, high concept, low script blockbusters. You don't think that there's even room for an independent film in this discussion do you? Heaven forbid that film should be a documentary?
Go back to discussing Van Helsing. We'd all be happier. Richard Roxborugh's accent as Dracula just rocks doesn't it?
This thead is for Summer films - high budget, high concept, low script blockbusters. You don't think that there's even room for an independent film in this discussion do you? Heaven forbid that film should be a documentary?
Go back to discussing Van Helsing. We'd all be happier. Richard Roxborugh's accent as Dracula just rocks doesn't it?
Most of my Blu-ray collection some of my UK discs aren't on their database
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DisneyChris
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I saw Van Helsing last Tuesday, and I thought it was not as good as The Mummy films, but still quite entertaining and the CG effects were pretty amazing (well, maybe except the Frankenstein and Mr. Hyde).
Hugh Jackman, the Carl guy and the one who did Dracula all did OK jobs, but like the others, I hated Kate Beckinsale's accent.
Overall Movie Rating: B-
The other films I would like to watch this summer are: Troy, Shrek 2, Spider-Man 2 and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Hugh Jackman, the Carl guy and the one who did Dracula all did OK jobs, but like the others, I hated Kate Beckinsale's accent.
Overall Movie Rating: B-
The other films I would like to watch this summer are: Troy, Shrek 2, Spider-Man 2 and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
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lord-of-sith
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Reviews on movies you've seen this summer thus far
Shrek 2
This was the first movie I saw this summer and I was very impressed. The animators really worked hard and it shows. It is better than the original in most respects.9/10
Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban
This was a vast improvement from movies 1&2, not that they were bad. PoA improved where the others were weak. I think It's all because of the new director, Alfonso Cuaron. My only complaint is that it wasn't close enough to the book. 10/10
Garfield: The Movie
I have to say, anyone who's a fan of the books will not find the jokes too funny because of already reading them. The plot is straight from Toy Story. The original Garfield episode that this movie is based on is much of a better story than this. But Murray is wonderful as the voice of Garfield. 6/10
Spiderman 2
When most people talk about this movie, they talk about how the Visual Effects have improved so much. I actually found far away shots of characters like Spider-Man and Doctor Octapus climbing up walls, falling off buildings and what-not to look kind of like cartoons ( Really good cartoons though, don't get me wrong, you can just tell). But even that doesn't stop it from being a great movie. 10/10
Anchorman: the legend of Ron Burgindey
This is a movie in which some will like it, some will not. I found it very funny. (Will Ferrel and Steve Carrell in particular) It's one of those movies where just as your finished laughing from one joke, you instantly start laughing at another. You just have to have a certain cense of humor. 8/10
This was the first movie I saw this summer and I was very impressed. The animators really worked hard and it shows. It is better than the original in most respects.9/10
Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban
This was a vast improvement from movies 1&2, not that they were bad. PoA improved where the others were weak. I think It's all because of the new director, Alfonso Cuaron. My only complaint is that it wasn't close enough to the book. 10/10
Garfield: The Movie
I have to say, anyone who's a fan of the books will not find the jokes too funny because of already reading them. The plot is straight from Toy Story. The original Garfield episode that this movie is based on is much of a better story than this. But Murray is wonderful as the voice of Garfield. 6/10
Spiderman 2
When most people talk about this movie, they talk about how the Visual Effects have improved so much. I actually found far away shots of characters like Spider-Man and Doctor Octapus climbing up walls, falling off buildings and what-not to look kind of like cartoons ( Really good cartoons though, don't get me wrong, you can just tell). But even that doesn't stop it from being a great movie. 10/10
Anchorman: the legend of Ron Burgindey
This is a movie in which some will like it, some will not. I found it very funny. (Will Ferrel and Steve Carrell in particular) It's one of those movies where just as your finished laughing from one joke, you instantly start laughing at another. You just have to have a certain cense of humor. 8/10
Anchorman
Will Ferrell is a funny guy. I thought <i>Elf</i> was one of the best films of last year and it really showed off his comedic skills well, while being (mostly) focused and consistently entertaining. <i>Anchorman</i> isn't as sharp as that, but it aptly allows Ferrell and his co-stars to have fun with their situation. And though it's fueled by the jokes, it is driven by plot, a plot that elsewhere might have been uninteresting, but here works just fine.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
I liked the first two Harry Potter movies, but I always found the characters more interesting than the plots. This time around, the story has more aim and is more engaging. Which makes this my favorite of the three I think. I particularly liked the way they played with time a la <i>Back to the Future Part II</i>. From what I understand, the director took a lot of leeway in adapting the book, which would be frustrating, but then I haven't read the book.
Will Ferrell is a funny guy. I thought <i>Elf</i> was one of the best films of last year and it really showed off his comedic skills well, while being (mostly) focused and consistently entertaining. <i>Anchorman</i> isn't as sharp as that, but it aptly allows Ferrell and his co-stars to have fun with their situation. And though it's fueled by the jokes, it is driven by plot, a plot that elsewhere might have been uninteresting, but here works just fine.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
I liked the first two Harry Potter movies, but I always found the characters more interesting than the plots. This time around, the story has more aim and is more engaging. Which makes this my favorite of the three I think. I particularly liked the way they played with time a la <i>Back to the Future Part II</i>. From what I understand, the director took a lot of leeway in adapting the book, which would be frustrating, but then I haven't read the book.
"Fifteen years from now, when people are talking about 3-D, they will talk about the business before 'Monsters vs. Aliens' and the business after 'Monsters vs. Aliens.' It's the line in the sand." - Greg Foster, IMAX chairman and president
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TheZue
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I Robot
I'm a total sucker for these types of movies & Will Smith, so I really really enjoyed this. It was just an enjoyable summer popcorn movie. I do wonder how much Audi paid to have all of the cars in the future being Audis though lol. I will be buying this when it shows on DVD. 8/10
King Arthur
I really enjoyed this until the last five minutes when the plot finally converged with the familiar tale of King Arthur. It was an interesting take on what the legend with some great lines in it. It had some outstanding battle scenes as well, especially the part on the ice (don't go to the bathroom for that part ) Overall it was one of the weaker movies I've seen this summer though, the last five minutes were so familiar they almost seemed like a let down from the rest of the film. I may pick this up if it shows up cheaply in the previously viewed pile at Rogers. 7/10
Dodgeball
This was pretty darn funny. Typical Ben stiller playing the dumb guy from Zoolander; but mean. I love Vince Vaughn in comedies, and he was great in this one too. I'll probably pick this one up when it shows on DVD. 7.5/10
Spiderman
Obviously great, and most people have probably seen it by now so not a lot of reviewing is needed. Definately picking it up on DVD. 9/10
I'm a total sucker for these types of movies & Will Smith, so I really really enjoyed this. It was just an enjoyable summer popcorn movie. I do wonder how much Audi paid to have all of the cars in the future being Audis though lol. I will be buying this when it shows on DVD. 8/10
King Arthur
I really enjoyed this until the last five minutes when the plot finally converged with the familiar tale of King Arthur. It was an interesting take on what the legend with some great lines in it. It had some outstanding battle scenes as well, especially the part on the ice (don't go to the bathroom for that part
) Overall it was one of the weaker movies I've seen this summer though, the last five minutes were so familiar they almost seemed like a let down from the rest of the film. I may pick this up if it shows up cheaply in the previously viewed pile at Rogers. 7/10Dodgeball
This was pretty darn funny. Typical Ben stiller playing the dumb guy from Zoolander; but mean. I love Vince Vaughn in comedies, and he was great in this one too. I'll probably pick this one up when it shows on DVD. 7.5/10
Spiderman
Obviously great, and most people have probably seen it by now so not a lot of reviewing is needed. Definately picking it up on DVD. 9/10
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AwallaceUNC
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I, Robot - incredible, probably the best all-around from Will Smith
Spider-Man 2 - even better than the first, a grade-A film
Harry Potter 3 - best HP yet, though still slightly lacking in some areas. It gets an A overall, though.
Stepford Wives - Pretty good. It doesn't stack up to some other films this summer, but I don't think it claimed to. I'll buy it, though.
Shrek 2 - Hilarious, also better than the first. Humor is really its only key asset, though. At that, it excels, but doesn't merit the acclaim it receives.
-Aaron
Spider-Man 2 - even better than the first, a grade-A film
Harry Potter 3 - best HP yet, though still slightly lacking in some areas. It gets an A overall, though.
Stepford Wives - Pretty good. It doesn't stack up to some other films this summer, but I don't think it claimed to. I'll buy it, though.
Shrek 2 - Hilarious, also better than the first. Humor is really its only key asset, though. At that, it excels, but doesn't merit the acclaim it receives.
-Aaron
• Author of Hocus Pocus in Focus: The Thinking Fan's Guide to Disney's Halloween Classic
and The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom (Epcot coming soon)
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and The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom (Epcot coming soon)
• Host of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod, the longest-running Disney podcast
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Van Helsing ***
This was a fun little popcorn movie. Is it mindless? Sure, but I had fun at it. The film's biggest flaw is that it doesn't know how to breathe. Five minutes barely go by before another big CGI-filled action sequence occurs, which makes it tedious after a while. Still, it's better than many other mindless popcorn flicks of the type.
Troy ***1/2
I was quite impressed with this. Since I'm only vaguely familiar with The Iliad, the artistic license didn't bother me at all. I love how this film depicted the tragedies of war (unlike many other war films where they make it look fun). I also appreciated how the movie didn't take sides but presented flaws and attributes with both the Trojans and Greeks. Unlike Van Helsing, this film had a nice balance between action and dialogue. Overall, it's quite a good film.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ****
This was simply astounding. I absolutely love the first two, but their biggest shared flaw was that they weren't films as much as a series of (highly well-made) dramatizations of various book scenes. Alfonso Cuaron here discarded all subplots from the book that didn't serve the heart of the story and added his own touch so that fans of the book would still be surprised. Because of this, this ended up being the first Harry Potter movie that truly felt like cinema and by not following the book sequence by sequence, I didn't even notice what was missing until after the film was over. Not to mention I love how unlike simply cutting from shot to shot, Alfonso just lets the camera roll for long periods of time and likes to keep it flowing rather than just aiming and shooting in place. This is by far the best of the series.
Spider-Man 2 ****
I've loved the majority of the Marvel superhero films because unlike other action movies, the plot comes first and then action serves it, rather than vice versa. Spider-Man 2 is no exception. Just like with Daredevil (hold the snide comments, I loved that film), this movie shows just how hard commiting your life to being a superhero can really be. The action sequences are greatly improved over the first one's (which looked like something out of a Power Rangers film, albeit a high quality one). The subway scene is by far one of the most powerful action pieces ever put on film, and I love how the ending sets up for a sequel. This is the best of the Marvel adaptations in every way.
I, Robot ***
This was quite a surprise for me as I didn't expect to like it this much. I like Will Smith, but his choices in films don't tend to be the best. Thankfully, he picked a good film to star in which is his best, in my opinion. It had an intriguing plot line (like an action version of A.I., though I still like the latter more and feel it's grossly underrated) that, although somewhat predictable at times, still managed to keep interest. It's a very smart film with exciting action sequences.
This was a fun little popcorn movie. Is it mindless? Sure, but I had fun at it. The film's biggest flaw is that it doesn't know how to breathe. Five minutes barely go by before another big CGI-filled action sequence occurs, which makes it tedious after a while. Still, it's better than many other mindless popcorn flicks of the type.
Troy ***1/2
I was quite impressed with this. Since I'm only vaguely familiar with The Iliad, the artistic license didn't bother me at all. I love how this film depicted the tragedies of war (unlike many other war films where they make it look fun). I also appreciated how the movie didn't take sides but presented flaws and attributes with both the Trojans and Greeks. Unlike Van Helsing, this film had a nice balance between action and dialogue. Overall, it's quite a good film.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ****
This was simply astounding. I absolutely love the first two, but their biggest shared flaw was that they weren't films as much as a series of (highly well-made) dramatizations of various book scenes. Alfonso Cuaron here discarded all subplots from the book that didn't serve the heart of the story and added his own touch so that fans of the book would still be surprised. Because of this, this ended up being the first Harry Potter movie that truly felt like cinema and by not following the book sequence by sequence, I didn't even notice what was missing until after the film was over. Not to mention I love how unlike simply cutting from shot to shot, Alfonso just lets the camera roll for long periods of time and likes to keep it flowing rather than just aiming and shooting in place. This is by far the best of the series.
Spider-Man 2 ****
I've loved the majority of the Marvel superhero films because unlike other action movies, the plot comes first and then action serves it, rather than vice versa. Spider-Man 2 is no exception. Just like with Daredevil (hold the snide comments, I loved that film), this movie shows just how hard commiting your life to being a superhero can really be. The action sequences are greatly improved over the first one's (which looked like something out of a Power Rangers film, albeit a high quality one). The subway scene is by far one of the most powerful action pieces ever put on film, and I love how the ending sets up for a sequel. This is the best of the Marvel adaptations in every way.
I, Robot ***
This was quite a surprise for me as I didn't expect to like it this much. I like Will Smith, but his choices in films don't tend to be the best. Thankfully, he picked a good film to star in which is his best, in my opinion. It had an intriguing plot line (like an action version of A.I., though I still like the latter more and feel it's grossly underrated) that, although somewhat predictable at times, still managed to keep interest. It's a very smart film with exciting action sequences.
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TheZue
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- Location: British Columbia
Just saw Ancorman Last night:)
I thought it was good, but over rated. Steve Carrel's character was the best part of the whole thing. But the entire time I was watching it I kept expecting more because I had heard so many good things. The other thought I had throughout was that dodgeball was better; and it was the first thing my hubby said when we got out of the theatre. It's still worth seeing for Steve Carrel's character though. 7/10
I thought it was good, but over rated. Steve Carrel's character was the best part of the whole thing. But the entire time I was watching it I kept expecting more because I had heard so many good things. The other thought I had throughout was that dodgeball was better; and it was the first thing my hubby said when we got out of the theatre. It's still worth seeing for Steve Carrel's character though. 7/10
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MickeyMouseboy
- Platinum Edition
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 4:35 pm
- Location: ToonTown