The Wolverine trailer is here!

So...it took a long time for them to get a trailer out for this movie, but it's finally here. Enjoy!

Review: The Croods

For its first post-Paramount-parent animated feature, Dreamworks made a family film revolving around a family of cavemen.  They are really getting better at storytelling, but still have a long way to go to produce anything as perfect as most of the Pixar films. 

My expectations were pretty low before the reviews starting coming in, which only mildly improved them.  In the end I was impressed, but there were some major problems with it.

THE BAD
The first act was utterly intolerable, with the exception of the quality of the animation, which I will go into further down.  It was hard to look past Nicolas Cage's voice or how unlikable his character is caricatured as.  The first act's message is that all change is bad and that the family should live in constant fear. And then you are told again. And again.  And again. And again.  At one point I wanted to whisper to the person next to me, "I wonder if they think change is bad," in the same way that Dot Matrix in Spaceballs replies to Princess Vespa's tirade of "I'm glad! Glad, glad, glad, glad!" with "I wonder if she's glad?" I felt as if the message was figuratively beat into the audiences' skulls with a club.  I have sympathy for the filmmakers who probably just wanted the story to move along rather than take the time to craft it subtly.  Unfortunately, this hastiness was more annoying than helpful.

THE GOOD
The quality of the animation was so brilliant that I found myself questioning whether some of it was actually animation.  It is the best CG animation I've ever seen, and they do a remarkable job showcasing it.  Christy Lemire (AP's film critic) said that it reminded her of Avatar, which isn't a bad comparison.  This film should be watched for the animation alone.

As soon as the first act is over, the film finds its groove.  It's not a perfect groove, but it works.  The timing is much better and the movie is much less cliche. 

The voice acting is pretty good, although when compared to Disney or Pixar films, it sucks.  Emma Stone was fantastic and so was Ryan Reynolds.

The climax sequence is very touching, especially for a father such as myself.  I'll admit that more than one tear was shed by yours truly.  The moral of the story is still slightly muddled, mostly because I found that my interpretation was very different from many reviewers.   

CONCLUSION
Ultimately I enjoyed this movie.  There were some pretty substantial problems with it, but in the end it is a positive addition to this year's slate of movies.  3.5/5 Disco Balls. 

PARENTS GUIDE
Although this movie has some scary moments, it is very safe for children.  It's very funny for both parents and children. 

Star Trek Into Darkness International Trailer has arrived!

Here's the international trailer for arguably the most anticipated film of 2013.  Let me know what you think (with the exception of the Alice Eve's underwear scene; it's best if you keep that to yourself).

Review: The Host

As a representative member of the male half of our species, I can't be blamed for not liking any of the Twilight films.  I could go into why that is, but I'm certain you've heard it before.  Yet, I do indeed respect its box office accumulations.  I haven't done the math, but I'm pretty that the saga has made enough money to feed several small countries.

Because of my natural distaste for Stephanie Meyer's previous films/novels, I was understandably wary of The Host.  My dear mother swore up and down that I would enjoy the book even though I despised Ms. Meyer's previous endeavors.  So, in honor of her, I went into it with an open mind.  I was happily surprised by the outcome.  

SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS

In a dystopian future when an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world. 

REVIEW

I have a lot of respect for Andrew Niccol (Gattaca,Truman Show, In Time), who adapted the novel into the film's screenplay and directed it.  But, I must admit that the first 20 minutes or so is the clumsiest filmmaking he's ever done.  When I told this to my mother, she said the book was that way too.  So, it's possible that he was given certain constraints in how to adapt it instead of changing it around a little bit to make it not so awkward.  The early romance stuff was epicly sappy.  

Yet, despite its rocky start, I was hooked at about the thirty minute mark.  And it only got better as the film went along.  The character development was so strong and the depth of the characters so firm that I found myself forgetting that this was the same author who brought us the books that must not be named.  The point where it started getting good was about the moment that the story stopped taking itself so seriously.  There was some seriously clever writing and those moments were executed masterfully.  

Saiore Ronan (Melanie) has a place among Jennifer Lawrence and Anna Kendrick as the most promising young actresses of our day.  Her performance is rock solid and I really look forward to her future endeavors.  The other performances are great, with the exception of her younger brother.  It felt like Anikan Skywalker all over again. 

I am usually pretty hard on films' soundtracks, but this one was really good.  The score was memorable and moving, and I am looking forward to listening to it again when it's available. 

The film really causes us to rethink many of our assumptions about Utopian ideals and what we as a human race would be willing to do to keep our free will, which is probably the reason that Hollywood's resident deep thinker, Mr. Niccol, took on the project.  I was subtly moved at the end.  

CONCLUSION

The question that most fans of the book will be asking is whether it stays true to the material, and to that I unfortunately can't answer reliably.  However, as I described the film to my mother, she seemed to think that it was quite faithful.  

This movie has a very different feel than probably any other piece of cinema you've seen.  It was disconcerting, while still refreshing.  I really liked it and hope that it does better at the box office than I am cynically predicting (it comes out the same weekend as GI JOE, which is bound to take a lot of its steam).  

4/5 Stars

PARENTS GUIDE

The film was actually pretty violent, with quite a few graphic killings.  Lots of blood that is definitely not suitable for pre-teens. There were a couple sensual make-out scenes, but no nudity.  

Review: Burt Wonderstone

It has been a long time since Steve Carell has done a decent movie.  I think the same can be said for Jim Carrey. Alas, it was never meant for them to do movies together.  They did Bruce Almighty, but Carell was more of a supporting character.  Now, Warner Bros. has decided to do a movie about Las Vegas magicians AND have two of the funniest men alive star in it.  Which begs the inevitable question: What could go wrong?  It turns out more than I thought possible.

This movie was actually pretty decently marketed, yet it is bombing at the box office.  WB can't catch a break this year!  Jack the Giant Slayer was slain at the box office, badly.  It's a good thing they have the next Hobbit movie coming out, otherwise they would be in for a rough year.  They are also releasing Man of Steel, the new Superman movie, which will probably do really well.  They are probably very sad that both the Batman AND Harry Potter franchises are done.

THE GOOD
The actual tricks that they do in the movie were fun to watch.  They are well done and give the audience a sense of awe.

Steve Buschemi is good.  He is a lot more believable than Carell or Carrey.  And Alan Arkin steals every scene he is.  Arkin makes the movie half-way watchable.  Also, the lovely Olivia Wilde is great as always.

THE BAD
There are so many clever ideas in here.  However, they are poorly executed.  Steve Carell's character is so unlikable that when there is finally some closure for him, it doesn't feel that great.  The same thing with Carrey.  I really blame the directing for the bad performances.  Both actors can deliver, but were obviously directed to be lifeless.

CONCLUSION
To go along with the cliche, this movie is anything but incredible.  It is so poorly put together and clumsily executed that you shouldn't even spend Redbox money on it.  Even if it makes it to Netflix, don't waste your time.  So unfortunate.  It could've been great.  1.5/5 Disco Balls.

TV Review: Scandal

Kerry Washington is beautiful.  She's also a decent actress.  And who doesn't want to see more of Desmond from LOST (Henry Ian Cusick)?  Throw these two into a Washington DC, politics-based drama and what could go wrong?  I'll tell you: A LOT.

I was told to watch this series by a colleague whom I respect, in particular their taste in cinema.  And it seems to win both ratings-wise and critically.  So, on Saturday I decided to try out my new ROKU 3 and its new 'headphone-in-remote' functionality to finally watch ABC's +Scandal in order to not disturb my napping children. I watched the Pilot and the second episode of the first season.  Here are my thoughts.

THE GOOD
Of all the actors, Henry Ian Cusick was the best, with a close second to Katie Lowes as the outsider meant to give the audience someone to relate to.  (Fun Fact: Katie Lowes was the voice of Candlehead in Wreck-it Ralph) 

THE BAD
The writer of this show has some SERIOUS Aaron Sorkin envy, and she should probably have that looked at before it festers.  The dialogue tries to be snappy, but never works quite right.  The characters are over-the-top and borderline annoying.  Ultimately, this show thinks it's smarter than it is.  It feels like this show belongs on Fox, not ABC, which usually houses much better drama.

CONCLUSION
I apologize if I have offended you by saying how awful this show is.  In the end I'd rather watch The Newsroom (which is the smuggest of all television shows right now) than this, which isn't a compliment.  2/5 Disco Balls.

#12: The Incredibles

God bless Brad Bird.  Most people don't even know the name, but you've most certainly loved his work.  He works include The Fox and the Hound, The Simpsons (he is credited for directing the first appearance of Sideshow Bob, the best Simpsons character of all time), The Iron Giant, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Ratatouille  and most importantly The Incredibles.  I will argue with anyone that will listen that next to Steven Spielberg, Mr. Bird is the greatest storyteller in Hollywood right now.

The first time I was introduced to The Incredibles was on a date while in college at BYU.  This girl (we will call her A. Menlove, or maybe Amy M.) raved about it, and I, wanting to impress her, decided to take her to a showing of it.  The last Pixar film I had seen was Finding Nemo, which I was sinfully unfond of.  I was pleasantly surprised by Incredibles, not only for its superhero aspects, but also for its family values.  As my movie tastes have matured, I have fallen even more in love with this film.  

REVIEW

There is so much to like in this movie, I'm really not sure where to begin.  Like most Pixar movies, every scene is perfectly pristine, working on every level.  I'm constantly amazed at how these guys run such a tight ship.

The voice acting is spectacular.  I have to remind myself who those actors really are, because I'm constantly lost in their performances.  I can safely say that this is Samuel L. Jackson's BEST ROLE TO DATE as Frozone.

The music is among the best Michael Giacchino has done, and is probably the Pixar soundtrack (although Up gives it a run for its money).

The story works so well and despite it being about superheroes, is really easy to relate to.  The family chemistry is so real.  It teaches timeless lessons about staying together through the rough times.

TRIVIA

• Edna Mole (the superhero costume designer) is voiced by the director, Brad Bird. 
• Was originally supposed to be called 'The Invincibles.' 
• In order to give Dash a realistic out-of-breath voice, Brad Bird made Spencer Fox run laps around the studio. 
• When Edna gives Helen the homing device for the first time in the laboratory, the GPS zooms into the San Francisco area, where the Pixar Animation Studios is located (Emeryville, California) and the old studio building in Point Richmond. 
• Edna, the costume lady, is based on Edith Head, who worked as a studio costume designer on hundreds of movies over more than fifty years. 
• Brad Bird was listening to Public Radio International and heard Sarah Vowell, a frequent contributor to the PRI program "This American Life". He felt her voice was perfect for Violet even though she had never acted before. To convince her, Pixar animators animated one of Vowell's segments from "This American Life" and sent it to her. 
• The movie went through 3 different composers, finally settling on Michael G.  Michael Kaman (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) was first in line, but unfortunately died during pre-production.  Then they went with John Barry (James Bond movies) and he ended up doing several demos before leaving.  

CONCLUSION
My confession is that this is my favorite (gasp) superhero movie.  It is the most polished, most relatable, and most fun.  If you haven't watched it, it is very important to do so.  Your life may depend on it. 

My Review of Oz, The Great and Powerful

Kudos to Disney and Sam Raimi.  They have successfully scammed us with a movie about a scammer. In the end, it's likely that the movie will make upwards of $80 Million. Looks like they finally learned their lesson from John Carter, which was a better movie but bombed largely in part to incompetent marketing.  If there were movie marketing awards, Disney would take the prize this year.

For the record, I have never really 'liked' a Sam Raimi film.  His most famous films were the original Spider-man trilogy, which I thought were despicable.  He never takes the characters seriously enough to get me to care for them.  He lets the details slide that make a fantastical scenario believable, which is why I consider him among the most overrated directors in our day.  Unfortunately, America doesn't seem to agree with me.  They flock to his films like the Salmon of Capistrano.   

THE GOOD
The movie is very beautiful to look at.  The scenery is a spectacle and the costumes are great.  And with the exception of the green one who must not be named, the three witches are just beautiful.  Mila Kunis is the only thing that makes the first 1/3 of the movie bearable.

The last 30 minutes or so were very well done.  It wrapped things up in a really fun and epic way.

THE BAD
Looks aside, everyone besides Rachel Weisz was miscast, in particular James Franco.  He did well enough, but even if Sam Raimi weren't the director, he is still not believable in that type of character.  With the exceptions of Glinda and Evanora, I never felt invested in any of the characters.  It is worth noting that the lead was offered to both Robert Downey Jr. AND Johnny Depp, both of which turned it down.  Also, Blake Lively was originally offered the role of Glinda, which I think would have been better.

The green wicked witch was so awful.  That's all I have to say about that.

It's so strange how often the movie jumps between camp and sincerity.  The end sequence was the only part I was able to take seriously.

CONCLUSION
Once again, I find myself in the minority of the general movie going audience: most folks seem to be liking it, whereas I was thoroughly disappointed and confused.  There's a strong chance that you will like this movie, especially if you appreciated the Spider-man movies.  2/5 Stars.