Ben’s Review of 50/50
Once and a while you have to be willing to look outside of the box to find new and different ways of presenting a subject or type of movie. To do this a studio has to take a gamble on actors, directors, and even writers that are not the usually Hollywood fare. Enter Seth Rogen and his infamous writing partner Evan Goldberg, as well as a former writing partner Will Reiser, all three which met while writing for Sasha Baren Cohen on the Ali G show. Thus far Seth and Evan have brought us the teenage quest for alcohol epic, Super Bad, and the stoner-on-the-run buddy flick Pineapple Express. Both movies were met with mixed reviews and both have gone on to become cult classics. This time around, Rogen and company decided to take on subject matter that is a little less light hearted, cancer. This movie is loosely based on the real life events surrounding Will’s own battle with cancer. But can the Ali G gang take on a very serious subject matter in a manner that is light hearted but respectful of the subject matter?
50/50’s main character is Adam Lerner, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Adam resides in Seattle and lives with his aspiring artist girlfriend, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Adam along with his slacker buddy Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, work for Seattle Public Radio. One day while jogging, Adam notices he has lower back pain. Worried about the lower back pain, Adam goes to his doctor for a check-up where he is told that he has a rare form of cancer. Adam is extremely puzzled by this because, up to this point, he has lived a very clean and vice free lifestyle to the point that he does not drive because of the danger that activity imposes. Adam’s girlfriend somewhat reluctantly states that she is there for him. Kyle also tells Adam that he will be fine and tries to help Adam, and himself, use the diagnosis to pick up women. Adam also has to tell his mother, played by Anjelica Houston, who immediately wants to move in with Adam but is talked out of doing so by Adam with assurance that his girlfriend will care for him. Adam begins meeting with a therapist, played by Anna Kendrick, who is currently working on her doctorate and Adam discovers he is only her third patient. Along the way Adam meets other chemotherapy recipients who he becomes friendly with as they show him the tricks of how to deal with cancer. The story follows Adam as he endures the trauma of Chemotherapy and learns who his friends are really and who cannot deal with his situation. So, was this foray into the serious a worthwhile gamble for Rogen and company?
Movies like 50/50 need to be view by everyone. Anyone who has dealt with cancer, either as a patient or someone who has known someone with cancer, can relate. 50/50 treats this serious subject matter in a fresh, respectful, humorous, and not overly dramatic matter. This movie is real and does not feel the need to be gratuitously sappy or gruesome, as so many other movies dealing with cancer have been in the past. This movie feels real because you not only see how Adam deals with this situation but also how his friends and family personalize Adam’s cancer. The acting flows and the script is extremely smart because it is not filled with heavy dialogue but instead contains natural speak. All the characters fit very well including the rare Matt Frewer sighting (Mr. Frewer is a renowned comedy writer and also the creator and start of Max Headroom). If the academy really wants to prove that it is in touch and is looking at being more than Hollywood throw back dramafest, then it needs to give a movie this well done consideration.
I give 50/50 4.75 macaroons out of 5.
*Something Extra- Joseph Gordon Levitt was not the original star of this movie. James Mcavoy actually began this movie and then had to leave because of “family” issues. Levitt stepped in with only one days notice.
Elisa’s Review of 50/50
After a Summer with what seemed to be an impossible amount of comic-book movies and an unfortunate turn of events with the best-named movie ever—“Cowboys and Aliens,” it is nice to get back into a thinking and feeling movie. Even if that movie has a 50/50 chance you will cry before the film finishes.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars alongside Seth Rogen in this true-life story of a 27-year-old battling cancer, a horrible girlfriend, fear of driving and a crazy mother, played by Anjelica Houston. Filmed in Seattle, those familiar with the Emerald City will enjoy spotting some favorite neighborhoods and hangouts throughout the film.
Adam, played by Levitt, and Rogen’s Character Kyle work for Seattle Public Radio. Adam, is the responsible employee, conscious about being on time to work, recycles, and in the opening scene waits on an abandoned street for a crosswalk sign to change before jogging to the next block. Kyle is the best friend who picks him up from work, and is the loud jackass at work. Adam’s wanna-be artist girlfriend Rachel, is played by Dallas Bryce-Howard. From the minute she speaks, the audience gets the feel that something is not right about her, and no love for her character is ever formed—rightfully so.
A healthy 27-year-old, Leavitt goes to the doctor for a remedy to recent back pain, he attributes to jogging. Instead, he is coldly told he has a large tumor growing along his spinal column. With no driver’s license, or wife, Leavitt rides the bus home to tell the news to Rachel. Next, he reports to Kyle, and then his mother. Played perfectly by Angelica Houston, you wonder why isn’t she is more current films? Evidently, unlike Steve Martin, she saved her money from the 80’s.
Adam is not mad at the world, and takes on the business of chemotherapy and cancer survival. When his very cold Oncologist only speaks into a dictation machine and uses Latin terms, he suggests Adam visit with a psychologist. Adam meets Katherine, played by Anna Kendrick—or that chick from “Up in the Air” (the George Clooney movie about the recession and people losing jobs). Adam discovers he is Katherine’s third patient. Ever. Kind of-- She is finishing her doctorate thesis and ultimately, he will be part of her research piece.
The cancer tormenting Adam is not the villain in this movie. Instead, Rachel, the artist/girlfriend becomes the person everyone hates. She is three-hours late picking Adam up from Chemo. She stays in bed asleep as he runs to the toilet to throw-up. She is out late at gallery openings, as he waits for her, bald and asleep on the sofa.
Kyle, who hated Rachel before the audience did, catches her making out with another artist type. He races to Adam’s home, and waits for Rachel to come home. Then he pounces on her with the IPhone evidence of her cheating heart. It may be one of the funniest “you are cheating on your boyfriend who has cancer” moments of all-time.
While Adam’s cancer certainly is the reason for the film: The film is not about cancer. The film is about the relationships, old and new surrounding Adam. His over-bearing mother wants to move in; Kyle wanting to use the cancer as a way for him and Adam to meet ladies and get lucky. The friendship formed with two other guys at Chemo over Marijuana-laced-Macaroons. His frustration with the cancer and his developing realization that everything may not be okay.
I do not want to give away the ending. There are gasp-for-air moments when you think you know how it is going to end. Several times during the movies, whether it is watching Adam wait in the rain for the bus after a Chemo treatment, or you watch his Alzheimer father not recognize Adam as he sits in the hospital, the movie does make you realize that life is not fair.
Whether you ball your eyes out has nothing to do with whether Adam lives or dies. The most touching male-on-male friendship scene since Jonah Hill carries Michael Cera as they runaway from the police in Super Bad happens in Kyle’s bathroom as Adam finds a book about dealing with cancer. The pages are dog-eared and portions underlined. You realize Kyle is the great friend, who does more than provide Adam with medical grade marijuana.
On a political side, it is interesting the movie so easily discussed the use and delivery of medical marijuana, as if controversy on the topic did not exist. In comparison, the word insurance was never mentioned in the film. We have no idea whether Adam was provided covered after taking a leave of absence from Seattle Public Radio, if he was receiving medical coupons, or if his cancer treatment would leave him bankrupt.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Super 8
Ben’s Review of Super 8
JJ Abrams may very well be his generation’s Steven Speilberg. He was able to provide a fresh take on the Monster movie in Cloverfield and reboot the Star Trek franchise in a way that even non-Trekkie fans could enjoy. So obviously the next step would be to collaborate with Steven Spielberg to give his take on an alien movie. This is not only a good move for Abrams but, judging from the last Indian Jones movie, a great move for Spielberg. With quite a bit of mystery, Abrams backed by Spielberg, brings Super 8 to try and go 3 for 3 on the sci-fi front. But can Abrams pay homage to Spielberg without outright copying him?
Set in 1979 Ohio, Super 8 opens with a funeral for the main character, Joe (played by newcomer Joel Courtney), mother. Joe takes solace with his friends who are filming a zombie movie for the Cleveland amateur movie festival on a Super 8 film camera. Charles, Joe’s friend and director of the Zombie film (played by another newcomer Riley Griffith), reads that movies need more plot to stand out in film festivals. Charles decides to bring in a girl, Alice placed by Dakota Fanning sister Ella, to play the love interest for the zombie hunting lead character. Even though she is not old enough to drive, Alice takes her father’s car sneaks out at midnight with Charles, Joe and the rest of the gang to film a climatic good bye scene at a train station when an actual train comes by. Eager to catch the footage of the train, the kids set up and start filming when a pickup truck drives head first into the train causing a derailment. The kids narrowly escape the train derailment and agree not to speak out the incident. However, strange incidents start happening around town including people disappearing and all the dogs in town running away. Soon the military comes in to investigate and contain the train wreck. Joes father Jackson, played by Friday Night Lights Kyle Chandler, is a deputy police officer who is left in charge when the police chief goes missing. The military is not telling Jackson anything and more and more people go missing. Things really take a strange turn when kids develop the film from the train derailment and catch a glimpse of something very alarming. What is causing the disappearance? Do the dogs comeback? Does the mystery get solved and is worth the wait?
As you may have already heard, this movie has been billed as the new E.T. This movie is much more of homage to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, down to the setting and the time of the movie. This movie is set up for disaster because it revolves around mystery and not letting the public know much of anything before they see it. Additionally, the movie relies heavily on the acting ability of children which, if you have seen anything made by Disney in the past 40 years, you know sarcastic overacting scene stealing children can destroy a film. Fortunately, J.J. Abrams knows what he is doing. The movie is believable because the story is the focus. It has quite a bit of heart without beating you to death sappy scenes. The mystery is very cool and pays off. Additionally, the kids in this movie are funny, quirky, and, most importantly, do not over do it. They swear, goof on each other, and act like kids. The special effects and the actors move this story along. While this movie may not quite rise to the same level of Close Encounters, it is good and a lot of fun to watch.
This movie gets three and a half reeses peeces out of five.
* Something Extra- The next Star Trek script is done and filming is set to begin shooting later this year with J.J. Abrams at the helm.
Elisa’s Review of Super 8
Well, another science fiction movie has come and gone, and I am just thankful it was a movie that was not based on a comic book. JJ Abrams of Alias fame and the ability to make Star Trek tolerable collaborated with Steven Speilberg as director to produce a sci-fi version of “Stand by Me.”
The film is rotten with special effects: huge train derailment scene and about 10 monster-people chases too many. Sans the green screen, the heart of the movie centers around a group of guys who are just trying to get through the late 70’s in middle America. Joe, whose mother just died in a warehouse mis-hap is looking for structure and love from his Police Officer Father. He spends a lot of time at the “Leave-it-to-Beaver” home of his friend Charlie, who is fascinated with producing/directing/writing a Super 8 movie for the Super 8 festival.
Super 8 refers to a type of movie camera used at some point before camcorders arrived. Joe, Charlie and their buddies set about making a zombie movie with a love story. Needing a girl to play a love interest, they seek out Alice, played by Elle Dakota, sister to Dakota. Alice is somewhat of a loaner, drives her father’s car, even though she does not have a license, and has acting ability beyond basic zombie attack skills.
Setting up to film a scene at an abandoned train stop just out of town, the group is filming when an approaching train is derailed by a wild-driving truck racing down the tracks. Train cars go flying, explosions abound, track comes flying off, in the most unrealistic, crazy use of special effects I have ever, I have watched in the last two weeks.
After the train derailment, the Army moves into town and tries to quietly detain whatever was in the train. The audience knows it is something bad, because the Army guys do not smile and are not friendly to Joe, Charlie and his buddies. Curfews are imposed, buildings are locked down, and people are removed from their homes. Similar to the United States Government evacuation of White Bluffs in Eastern Washington during World War II, the town is decimated before the end.
Super 8 is a great date-night movie Monsters and special effects for him, and well-written story of friendship, love and growing up for her. Did I need to see this movie in a theater? Probably not. The special effects seemed over-kill and unnecessary to the actual story line. Although, it is refreshing to sit through a move with a story line. Could I have lived my life without watching this movie? Maybe. The themes of friendship, laughs, teenage angst, and child versus adult reminded me of so many movies I loved growing up, “Goonies,” “Stand by Me,” “Emperor of the Sun” and “E.T.” that I must think “Super 8” is a movie that will hold its own against green screen effects over time.
JJ Abrams may very well be his generation’s Steven Speilberg. He was able to provide a fresh take on the Monster movie in Cloverfield and reboot the Star Trek franchise in a way that even non-Trekkie fans could enjoy. So obviously the next step would be to collaborate with Steven Spielberg to give his take on an alien movie. This is not only a good move for Abrams but, judging from the last Indian Jones movie, a great move for Spielberg. With quite a bit of mystery, Abrams backed by Spielberg, brings Super 8 to try and go 3 for 3 on the sci-fi front. But can Abrams pay homage to Spielberg without outright copying him?
Set in 1979 Ohio, Super 8 opens with a funeral for the main character, Joe (played by newcomer Joel Courtney), mother. Joe takes solace with his friends who are filming a zombie movie for the Cleveland amateur movie festival on a Super 8 film camera. Charles, Joe’s friend and director of the Zombie film (played by another newcomer Riley Griffith), reads that movies need more plot to stand out in film festivals. Charles decides to bring in a girl, Alice placed by Dakota Fanning sister Ella, to play the love interest for the zombie hunting lead character. Even though she is not old enough to drive, Alice takes her father’s car sneaks out at midnight with Charles, Joe and the rest of the gang to film a climatic good bye scene at a train station when an actual train comes by. Eager to catch the footage of the train, the kids set up and start filming when a pickup truck drives head first into the train causing a derailment. The kids narrowly escape the train derailment and agree not to speak out the incident. However, strange incidents start happening around town including people disappearing and all the dogs in town running away. Soon the military comes in to investigate and contain the train wreck. Joes father Jackson, played by Friday Night Lights Kyle Chandler, is a deputy police officer who is left in charge when the police chief goes missing. The military is not telling Jackson anything and more and more people go missing. Things really take a strange turn when kids develop the film from the train derailment and catch a glimpse of something very alarming. What is causing the disappearance? Do the dogs comeback? Does the mystery get solved and is worth the wait?
As you may have already heard, this movie has been billed as the new E.T. This movie is much more of homage to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, down to the setting and the time of the movie. This movie is set up for disaster because it revolves around mystery and not letting the public know much of anything before they see it. Additionally, the movie relies heavily on the acting ability of children which, if you have seen anything made by Disney in the past 40 years, you know sarcastic overacting scene stealing children can destroy a film. Fortunately, J.J. Abrams knows what he is doing. The movie is believable because the story is the focus. It has quite a bit of heart without beating you to death sappy scenes. The mystery is very cool and pays off. Additionally, the kids in this movie are funny, quirky, and, most importantly, do not over do it. They swear, goof on each other, and act like kids. The special effects and the actors move this story along. While this movie may not quite rise to the same level of Close Encounters, it is good and a lot of fun to watch.
This movie gets three and a half reeses peeces out of five.
* Something Extra- The next Star Trek script is done and filming is set to begin shooting later this year with J.J. Abrams at the helm.
Elisa’s Review of Super 8
Well, another science fiction movie has come and gone, and I am just thankful it was a movie that was not based on a comic book. JJ Abrams of Alias fame and the ability to make Star Trek tolerable collaborated with Steven Speilberg as director to produce a sci-fi version of “Stand by Me.”
The film is rotten with special effects: huge train derailment scene and about 10 monster-people chases too many. Sans the green screen, the heart of the movie centers around a group of guys who are just trying to get through the late 70’s in middle America. Joe, whose mother just died in a warehouse mis-hap is looking for structure and love from his Police Officer Father. He spends a lot of time at the “Leave-it-to-Beaver” home of his friend Charlie, who is fascinated with producing/directing/writing a Super 8 movie for the Super 8 festival.
Super 8 refers to a type of movie camera used at some point before camcorders arrived. Joe, Charlie and their buddies set about making a zombie movie with a love story. Needing a girl to play a love interest, they seek out Alice, played by Elle Dakota, sister to Dakota. Alice is somewhat of a loaner, drives her father’s car, even though she does not have a license, and has acting ability beyond basic zombie attack skills.
Setting up to film a scene at an abandoned train stop just out of town, the group is filming when an approaching train is derailed by a wild-driving truck racing down the tracks. Train cars go flying, explosions abound, track comes flying off, in the most unrealistic, crazy use of special effects I have ever, I have watched in the last two weeks.
After the train derailment, the Army moves into town and tries to quietly detain whatever was in the train. The audience knows it is something bad, because the Army guys do not smile and are not friendly to Joe, Charlie and his buddies. Curfews are imposed, buildings are locked down, and people are removed from their homes. Similar to the United States Government evacuation of White Bluffs in Eastern Washington during World War II, the town is decimated before the end.
Super 8 is a great date-night movie Monsters and special effects for him, and well-written story of friendship, love and growing up for her. Did I need to see this movie in a theater? Probably not. The special effects seemed over-kill and unnecessary to the actual story line. Although, it is refreshing to sit through a move with a story line. Could I have lived my life without watching this movie? Maybe. The themes of friendship, laughs, teenage angst, and child versus adult reminded me of so many movies I loved growing up, “Goonies,” “Stand by Me,” “Emperor of the Sun” and “E.T.” that I must think “Super 8” is a movie that will hold its own against green screen effects over time.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Hangover II
Ben’s Review of Hangover II
If the first movie is good then why not try duplicating it again. If you bring back the exact same cast, director, and writer then you simply cannot lose. This was most likely the thinking behind the Hangover II. And why wouldn’t a movie studio think this? The original Hangover is the highest grossing rated R comedy of all time and the best selling comedy DVD of all time. This movie also jump started the movie careers of Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifinakis, and Ed Helms into hyper drive. With all of these accolades and a beloved cast, a sequel was merely academic. So a hilarious sequel is guaranteed right? Well….
The Hangover II begins with the revelation that everyone’s favorite Hooker marrying Dentist, Stu once again played by Ed Helms, is getting married in Thailand. Coincidentally, all of his friends from the Wolf Pac are invited, except for Alan, reprised by Zack Galifiinakis. Through some very tough convincing, Stu relents and invites Alan to the nuptials. So the gang goes to Thailand to marry off Stu. Stu, aware of the problems that can be caused by a bachelor party, refuses to partake in any pre-wedding festivities except for a beer with the guys on the beach and, of course, this is when everything goes wrong. The wolf pack wakes up in Bangkok with no recollection as to how they arrived there and must once again piece together the previous night’s activities and find the missing party member, this time Stu’s future brother in law. The three musketeers of debauchery once again have to check their pockets and rely on locals figure to learn the whereabouts of Stu’s brother-in-law. So is the Wolf Pac in Thailand a can’t miss premise?
(CAUTION SPOILERS FOLLOW) The original Hangover was a very original and well put together movie. It was truly hilarious because it had surprise after surprise which kept the audience riveted to their seats to see what would happen next. The problem is that the Hangover II does not offer anything new. It is literally the exact same premise and plot in everyway. Not only were almost all the gags the same but they occurred in the same order as the first movie. There were no real surprises just more of everything. The loan bright spot was a whole lot more Mr. Chow played by Ken Jeong The only real difference between the two movies is that the disturbing events that happen to the characters are truly disturbing to the point where they almost lose the humor.
I truly wanted to like this move but it came across as uninspired and just plain lazy. I give it two roofies out of five.
Elisa's Review of the Hangover II
"The Citizen Cane" of bachelor party movies touted "Rollingstone" magazine, in its review of the original "Hangover." When I meet people who have never watched the movie, I become so jealous that soon they are going to watch and experience each scene and laugh that full-body wet-their-pants laugh that only a first-time viewing provides. I can watch the same scenes, over and over on HBO--Is there anyone who doesn't want to experience Alan asking the clerk at Ceasar's "is there a phone bank in the hotel" for the first time again?
It was this built-up adoration for the antics Ed Helms, Zach Galifan...whatever, and Cooper Bradley, that provided the excitement for the sequel. Could these guys be as funny again? Could Sin City be replaced with Zen-City Bangkok? The answer, I am sad to report, is a solid, and loud, "NO."
It wasn't funny. I laughed in one part out of sheer exhaustion from holding in my cheer for 45 minutes. And, I am pretty sure what I laughed at was a complex penis joke, or a gay sex joke. It was a stretch. It was..not funny.
The studio, actors and writers cannot be blamed. Clearly, large wads of money were thrown at them to make this piece of cinema garbage. It is important to know two of the original writers, out of a team of three, did not participate in the sequel. Evidently, they were the clever and smart duo of the oringal threesome. They should receive an Oscar for "Best Decision Ever made."
The movie is so stagnant and boring, it seems as though the writers went scene-by-scene from the original outlining the movie. Or, it is possible they pulled up the original screen play and did a "Find/Replace" search finding "Las Vegas" and replacing it with "Bangkok." Finding "Tiger" and replacing with "monkey." Replacing "stripper" with "tranvestite hooker."
While the movie feels stagnant and boring, the plot is simultaneously rushed. There is no development as to when/where/how/why the boys are in Bangkok. There is no blury wake-up. It is a fast panic. Face Tatoo? Not that funny. They needed Liam Neason.
The story is canned and the laughs are cheap. Wait to rent it, HBO it, or watch the edited-for-TV version and save your tears. Hopefully, "The Hangover" franchise will not follow the four-peat sequels of another hilarious sleeper hit "Meatballs." There does not need to be a Zach Galifanik..whatever scene with Joan Rivers.
If the first movie is good then why not try duplicating it again. If you bring back the exact same cast, director, and writer then you simply cannot lose. This was most likely the thinking behind the Hangover II. And why wouldn’t a movie studio think this? The original Hangover is the highest grossing rated R comedy of all time and the best selling comedy DVD of all time. This movie also jump started the movie careers of Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifinakis, and Ed Helms into hyper drive. With all of these accolades and a beloved cast, a sequel was merely academic. So a hilarious sequel is guaranteed right? Well….
The Hangover II begins with the revelation that everyone’s favorite Hooker marrying Dentist, Stu once again played by Ed Helms, is getting married in Thailand. Coincidentally, all of his friends from the Wolf Pac are invited, except for Alan, reprised by Zack Galifiinakis. Through some very tough convincing, Stu relents and invites Alan to the nuptials. So the gang goes to Thailand to marry off Stu. Stu, aware of the problems that can be caused by a bachelor party, refuses to partake in any pre-wedding festivities except for a beer with the guys on the beach and, of course, this is when everything goes wrong. The wolf pack wakes up in Bangkok with no recollection as to how they arrived there and must once again piece together the previous night’s activities and find the missing party member, this time Stu’s future brother in law. The three musketeers of debauchery once again have to check their pockets and rely on locals figure to learn the whereabouts of Stu’s brother-in-law. So is the Wolf Pac in Thailand a can’t miss premise?
(CAUTION SPOILERS FOLLOW) The original Hangover was a very original and well put together movie. It was truly hilarious because it had surprise after surprise which kept the audience riveted to their seats to see what would happen next. The problem is that the Hangover II does not offer anything new. It is literally the exact same premise and plot in everyway. Not only were almost all the gags the same but they occurred in the same order as the first movie. There were no real surprises just more of everything. The loan bright spot was a whole lot more Mr. Chow played by Ken Jeong The only real difference between the two movies is that the disturbing events that happen to the characters are truly disturbing to the point where they almost lose the humor.
I truly wanted to like this move but it came across as uninspired and just plain lazy. I give it two roofies out of five.
Elisa's Review of the Hangover II
"The Citizen Cane" of bachelor party movies touted "Rollingstone" magazine, in its review of the original "Hangover." When I meet people who have never watched the movie, I become so jealous that soon they are going to watch and experience each scene and laugh that full-body wet-their-pants laugh that only a first-time viewing provides. I can watch the same scenes, over and over on HBO--Is there anyone who doesn't want to experience Alan asking the clerk at Ceasar's "is there a phone bank in the hotel" for the first time again?
It was this built-up adoration for the antics Ed Helms, Zach Galifan...whatever, and Cooper Bradley, that provided the excitement for the sequel. Could these guys be as funny again? Could Sin City be replaced with Zen-City Bangkok? The answer, I am sad to report, is a solid, and loud, "NO."
It wasn't funny. I laughed in one part out of sheer exhaustion from holding in my cheer for 45 minutes. And, I am pretty sure what I laughed at was a complex penis joke, or a gay sex joke. It was a stretch. It was..not funny.
The studio, actors and writers cannot be blamed. Clearly, large wads of money were thrown at them to make this piece of cinema garbage. It is important to know two of the original writers, out of a team of three, did not participate in the sequel. Evidently, they were the clever and smart duo of the oringal threesome. They should receive an Oscar for "Best Decision Ever made."
The movie is so stagnant and boring, it seems as though the writers went scene-by-scene from the original outlining the movie. Or, it is possible they pulled up the original screen play and did a "Find/Replace" search finding "Las Vegas" and replacing it with "Bangkok." Finding "Tiger" and replacing with "monkey." Replacing "stripper" with "tranvestite hooker."
While the movie feels stagnant and boring, the plot is simultaneously rushed. There is no development as to when/where/how/why the boys are in Bangkok. There is no blury wake-up. It is a fast panic. Face Tatoo? Not that funny. They needed Liam Neason.
The story is canned and the laughs are cheap. Wait to rent it, HBO it, or watch the edited-for-TV version and save your tears. Hopefully, "The Hangover" franchise will not follow the four-peat sequels of another hilarious sleeper hit "Meatballs." There does not need to be a Zach Galifanik..whatever scene with Joan Rivers.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
"THOR"
Ben’s Review of Thor
It’s summer movie time and starting off this season of 3D, popcorn based, quadrophonic, cinematic, enormity is Thor. This ode to Val Halla stars relatively unknown Chris Hemsworth as Thor the arrogant but soon to be humbled God of Thunder, Anthony Hopkins as Odin King of the Gods, Natalie Portman (this year’s winner for best actress in a porno/weirdass ballet film) as Thor’s love interest Jane, a foppy british guy as Loci Thor’s strange brother, Stellan Skarsgaard as an underutilized actor, and that snotty girl from the 40 Year Old Virgin as Natalie Portman’s side kick. Mix this cast of characters with Thor’s loyal army composed of three other actors and you have very well rounded cast… for a popcorn movie.
The movie opens with Jane and her intern investigating an atmospheric disturbance in the New Mexico desert. Upon investigation, they run over Thor, but how did he get there? Flashback to Thor about to named king of wherever he is from by his father King Odin. However, before Thor can receive the crown, the ice people try to break in to steal an ancient relic that is also the source of the ice peoples’ power. Thor wants vengeance for this attempted break in but his father tells him to calm down. Thor’s brother Loci also tries to calm him down however, Thor being Thor, decides to attack the ice people anyway. After battling to a draw, King Odin takes Thor and Loki back to his kingdom and banishes Thor for his arrogance to the one place where he cannot cause trouble, Earth. Unfortunately, Thor’s banishment was part of an evil plot to take over the kingdom. Can Thor get home? Is the kingdom doomed? Are the parallels between this movie and He-Man as apparent to everyone else?
This movie has a very troublesome start in that it appears to be heading the way of Dungeons and Dragons or the Last Airbender where there is way too much to know about Thor’s home world and the magic and fantasy that goes along with it. But the movie very quickly delves into a somewhat believeable explanation as to how Thor’s world intersects with Earth. More importantly, this movie does not dumb down the action and never becomes goofy. Because of the fanciful nature of the movie, it does not rise to the level of the Dark Knight however not every superhero movie needs to be. This movie is well acted, very well paced, and most importantly, you do not need to know anything about the comic to follow the story. It is on the same level as the original Ironman and the most recent Star Trek.
I give this movie three and a half Val Hallas out of five.
*Something extra- Chris Hemsworth earned this role for making a 5 minute appearance in Star Trek and Captain Kirk’s father.
Elisa's Review of "Thor."
Clearly, “Thor” was not my movie selection. We take turns. I agreed to see “Thor” for two reasons: Ben would have to agree to see a chick-flick movie of my choice; and I was secretely hoping “Thor” was the sequel to the classic 80's movie, “Adventures in Babysitting.”
Ten minutes into the movie, I realized Elizabeth Shue was not reinventing her career in this Marvel comic movie. Also, I thought I made a huge misjudgment in agreeing to sit through ANOTHER comic book movie, as most chic-flick movies are not interesting enough to be a trade for the misery I was suffering. However, I settled down and actually enjoyed the movie.
Ladies, this is a comic book movie that is tolerable. The title character, Thor is the son of a famous Nordic God with an evil brother. Thor is set to inherit the kingdom his father reigns over, but instead, is banned to Earth as punishment. On Earth, he meets Natalie Portman’s character who is some type of graduate student studying astronomy or night-time tornados. Side note—Natalie Portman is MUCH better in her role as the graduate student then she was in the soft-porn and HIGHLY overrated “Black Swan.”
Predictably, Thor and Portman’s character have some type of weirdo comic-book character/human attraction and he ends up fighting to help her graduate student cause against the government. Then he gets to go back to his Nordic planet.
The story and movie is well-presented. The scenes of the Nordic land and Earth alternate and presented in an interesting and logical pattern. Thor is played by an Australian actor who resembles the character “Smith” from “Sex and the City” fame. Anthony Hopkins acts the role of the Nordic god very well. Rene Russo does a nice job in a very few scenes in the role of Thor’s mother—sustaining my belief that she blew through her “Lethal Weapon” money and lost the rest of her cash in the Mel Gibson pyramid scheme.
It’s summer movie time and starting off this season of 3D, popcorn based, quadrophonic, cinematic, enormity is Thor. This ode to Val Halla stars relatively unknown Chris Hemsworth as Thor the arrogant but soon to be humbled God of Thunder, Anthony Hopkins as Odin King of the Gods, Natalie Portman (this year’s winner for best actress in a porno/weirdass ballet film) as Thor’s love interest Jane, a foppy british guy as Loci Thor’s strange brother, Stellan Skarsgaard as an underutilized actor, and that snotty girl from the 40 Year Old Virgin as Natalie Portman’s side kick. Mix this cast of characters with Thor’s loyal army composed of three other actors and you have very well rounded cast… for a popcorn movie.
The movie opens with Jane and her intern investigating an atmospheric disturbance in the New Mexico desert. Upon investigation, they run over Thor, but how did he get there? Flashback to Thor about to named king of wherever he is from by his father King Odin. However, before Thor can receive the crown, the ice people try to break in to steal an ancient relic that is also the source of the ice peoples’ power. Thor wants vengeance for this attempted break in but his father tells him to calm down. Thor’s brother Loci also tries to calm him down however, Thor being Thor, decides to attack the ice people anyway. After battling to a draw, King Odin takes Thor and Loki back to his kingdom and banishes Thor for his arrogance to the one place where he cannot cause trouble, Earth. Unfortunately, Thor’s banishment was part of an evil plot to take over the kingdom. Can Thor get home? Is the kingdom doomed? Are the parallels between this movie and He-Man as apparent to everyone else?
This movie has a very troublesome start in that it appears to be heading the way of Dungeons and Dragons or the Last Airbender where there is way too much to know about Thor’s home world and the magic and fantasy that goes along with it. But the movie very quickly delves into a somewhat believeable explanation as to how Thor’s world intersects with Earth. More importantly, this movie does not dumb down the action and never becomes goofy. Because of the fanciful nature of the movie, it does not rise to the level of the Dark Knight however not every superhero movie needs to be. This movie is well acted, very well paced, and most importantly, you do not need to know anything about the comic to follow the story. It is on the same level as the original Ironman and the most recent Star Trek.
I give this movie three and a half Val Hallas out of five.
*Something extra- Chris Hemsworth earned this role for making a 5 minute appearance in Star Trek and Captain Kirk’s father.
Elisa's Review of "Thor."
Clearly, “Thor” was not my movie selection. We take turns. I agreed to see “Thor” for two reasons: Ben would have to agree to see a chick-flick movie of my choice; and I was secretely hoping “Thor” was the sequel to the classic 80's movie, “Adventures in Babysitting.”
Ten minutes into the movie, I realized Elizabeth Shue was not reinventing her career in this Marvel comic movie. Also, I thought I made a huge misjudgment in agreeing to sit through ANOTHER comic book movie, as most chic-flick movies are not interesting enough to be a trade for the misery I was suffering. However, I settled down and actually enjoyed the movie.
Ladies, this is a comic book movie that is tolerable. The title character, Thor is the son of a famous Nordic God with an evil brother. Thor is set to inherit the kingdom his father reigns over, but instead, is banned to Earth as punishment. On Earth, he meets Natalie Portman’s character who is some type of graduate student studying astronomy or night-time tornados. Side note—Natalie Portman is MUCH better in her role as the graduate student then she was in the soft-porn and HIGHLY overrated “Black Swan.”
Predictably, Thor and Portman’s character have some type of weirdo comic-book character/human attraction and he ends up fighting to help her graduate student cause against the government. Then he gets to go back to his Nordic planet.
The story and movie is well-presented. The scenes of the Nordic land and Earth alternate and presented in an interesting and logical pattern. Thor is played by an Australian actor who resembles the character “Smith” from “Sex and the City” fame. Anthony Hopkins acts the role of the Nordic god very well. Rene Russo does a nice job in a very few scenes in the role of Thor’s mother—sustaining my belief that she blew through her “Lethal Weapon” money and lost the rest of her cash in the Mel Gibson pyramid scheme.
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