The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by killowertz

It's nice seeing such movies as Avatar, Star Trek, any of the Matrix movies, and Inception on the list.

As for my own list, it would take a while for me to figure that out completely.

no it isn't

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I guess the main reason I do it is to hopefully introduce people to things they haven't seen.

Any glaring omissions?

Things you agree with?

What would your own list look like?

here's something that just came to mind: no Terminator films? i expected at least The Terminator or T2: Judgment Day to make the list somewhere. and you didn't even list it in close calls... and that franchise is definitely sci-fi... unless you count it towards action / adventure or something? or do you just not like the franchise / those films that much?

not saying they'd be high on my list (and probably only T2 would make the list) but somewhere in there it would be on there

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by killowertz

You will likely have succeeded with that at some point as I will likely check out at least a few of the movies on your list that I haven't seen.

I already mentioned Serenity as being a movie that I would put on my own list, but I can understand it being left off as well. I would also have at least one Star Wars movie on the list, but wouldn't know which one until I watch them all again when the Complete Saga gets released on Blu-ray in September.

It's nice seeing such movies as Avatar, Star Trek, any of the Matrix movies, and Inception on the list.

As for my own list, it would take a while for me to figure that out completely.

I need to see Serenity again, and all of Firefly. I remember liking it, but it was a while ago.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

here's something that just came to mind: no Terminator films? i expected at least The Terminator or T2: Judgment Day to make the list somewhere. and you didn't even list it in close calls... and that franchise is definitely sci-fi... unless you count it towards action / adventure or something? or do you just not like the franchise / those films that much?

not saying they'd be high on my list (and probably only T2 would make the list) but somewhere in there it would be on there

I own T2 and T4. T2 is the best in the franchise. Arnie can't act though and I didn't seriously consider it. Lots of action though.

[iam1bearcat]

Triangle

94 minutes

Year: 2009
Director: Christopher Smith
Writer: Christopher Smith
Starring: Melissa George, Michael Dorman, Henry Nixon, Rachael Carpani & Liam Hemsworth

no review really needs to be given. anyone who's monitored this thread over the last year or so knows full well how much a certain few of us love this film. and a few of us can attest to being devoured by it time and time again. there's only a freaking 39-page thread devoted to figuring out the wild mysteries of Triangle. and many of us have spent hours on end debating and philosophizing (yes, philosophizing ) about it. and for the love of god, a handful of us have our location set as "Club Loop"! needless to say, some of us were more than hypnotized by this beast.

if there's something you must know going in to try Triangle the first time, here it is...

don't read anything about it.

oh, and also...

it's not a horror movie.

i know it looks like one, but it definitely isn't. it's much smarter and much more intriguing than a horror film. i personally find it to be pure genius and every time i thought i had a clue or puzzle piece put in place, that damn Christopher Smith smacked me in my mouth and tricked me. what a prick!

yeah, the acting may not be the greatest, but i had absolutely no qualms about it. and the fact that i have gotten friends to watch it and then we've talked about it at great length is really something awesome. haven't really had something like that happen since LOST supplied dozens of moments of "WTF was that?" brilliance.

the film also is terrific for replay value. it's definitely a film that demands numerous viewings to appreciate and understand, and even then, as many of us can state, we still may not know anything more than we did after the first viewing. which is to say... we know nothing! but for a lot of us, we were blown away by the structure and pacing and twists and turns. it raises a lot of questions and curious moments. it's not a one trick pony. and the best part is that there appears to be no wrong answer to the film. with some detailing and effort, almost any theory can hold water (hehe. get it? they were on a boat! )

highly recommended

rent it. watch it. just watch it. don't think about it. just let it sink in to you. then, go back, and think about it. then watch it again. then grab a kleenex so the blood from your nose doesn't stain anything (since the film will likely drive you mad with it's genius) and watch it again and again. and then read the colossal thread we have here (somewhere...) and then watch it again. and then? go sailing

PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4.5/5

The Film: 5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I own T2 and T4. T2 is the best in the franchise. Arnie can't act though and I didn't seriously consider it. Lots of action though.

completely understandable

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

no it isn't

Did I ask for your opinion?

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I need to see Serenity again, and all of Firefly. I remember liking it, but it was a while ago.

Slacker...

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

She plays Dale's boss. Dale is engaged. And she threatens to blackmail him with some "evidence" of his cheating said fiance, so that's why he wants her dead. It makes sense

Of course, only because, you know, he "cares" about his future wife and all.
If that was me in his position? I'd have forgotten my fiance even existed in about 5 minutes!

I didn't see this earlier because you posted it just before mine

I GUESS that makes sense...

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Threatens what? To expose him if he doesnt boink her?

Pay the ransom FOOL!

Originally Posted by Steve46

I would rank them:

3
4
?
?
?
?
7.1

For me it's

6 (4.5), 3 (4.5), 5 (4.5)

7.1 (3.75...mostly because it feels incomplete without the second part. Will reevaluate when part 2 hits blu)

4 (3.5 up until

[Show spoiler]the graveyard

...4.5 after...4.0 overall, but below 7.1)

2 (2/5)

1 (2/5)

Need to rewatch the top row to make certain my order, but I'm pretty sure 6 is #1.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Triangle

[Show spoiler]94 minutes

Year: 2009
Director: Christopher Smith
Writer: Christopher Smith
Starring: Melissa George, Michael Dorman, Henry Nixon, Rachael Carpani & Liam Hemsworth

no review really needs to be given. anyone who's monitored this thread over the last year or so knows full well how much a certain few of us love this film. and a few of us can attest to being devoured by it time and time again. there's only a freaking 39-page thread devoted to figuring out the wild mysteries of Triangle. and many of us have spent hours on end debating and philosophizing (yes, philosophizing ) about it. and for the love of god, a handful of us have our location set as "Club Loop"! needless to say, some of us were more than hypnotized by this beast.

if there's something you must know going in to try Triangle the first time, here it is...

don't read anything about it.

oh, and also...

it's not a horror movie.

i know it looks like one, but it definitely isn't. it's much smarter and much more intriguing than a horror film. i personally find it to be pure genius and every time i thought i had a clue or puzzle piece put in place, that damn Christopher Smith smacked me in my mouth and tricked me. what a prick!

yeah, the acting may not be the greatest, but i had absolutely no qualms about it. and the fact that i have gotten friends to watch it and then we've talked about it at great length is really something awesome. haven't really had something like that happen since LOST supplied dozens of moments of "WTF was that?" brilliance.

the film also is terrific for replay value. it's definitely a film that demands numerous viewings to appreciate and understand, and even then, as many of us can state, we still may not know anything more than we did after the first viewing. which is to say... we know nothing! but for a lot of us, we were blown away by the structure and pacing and twists and turns. it raises a lot of questions and curious moments. it's not a one trick pony. and the best part is that there appears to be no wrong answer to the film. with some detailing and effort, almost any theory can hold water (hehe. get it? they were on a boat! )

highly recommended

rent it. watch it. just watch it. don't think about it. just let it sink in to you. then, go back, and think about it. then watch it again. then grab a kleenex so the blood from your nose doesn't stain anything (since the film will likely drive you mad with it's genius) and watch it again and again. and then read the colossal thread we have here (somewhere...) and then watch it again. and then? go sailing

PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4.5/5

The Film: 5/5

IT'S BACK!!!!

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by tanujdua

Ah, I know what you're on about now in both films/books! But the Goblet of Fire problems you mention I've never really thought about! You're also the first person who I know to bring this up! (Though maybe the other people I've spoke to just don't think about what they've read?!). In the end I've lived and thoroughly enjoyed the series despite this so it's not a very big deal for me.

I suppose the Half-Blood Prince's twist is more of a twist when if I hadn't remembered it when you mentioned it! But I suppose you're right. I can't remember what my feelings were about the 6th book but I think I enjoyed some of the one's before it more (and definitely the one after).

and LOL. . I may have just learnt to block out any potential problems the books/films may have .

Watch them all this week leading up to the last one

Originally Posted by tanujdua

Interesting! I really best get my ass into gear and watch the 3rd one! It's so high on everyone's lists (for the most part!).

Originally Posted by Steve46

I like the story in 1 and 2. It was great seeing the world on the screen for the first time. But the kids couldn't really act at that point.

The director of 3 turned it into a much darker series, rather than relying on the cuteness factor. He directed Children of Men too.

I like all 7 films.

I agree, Steve is spot on, the weakest link in the original two films are the kids, they're not awful, just passable. Tom Felton is mustache twirling evil in the first two, all he does is snarl and speak in the sharp voice where say POTTER or DUMBLEDORE. In the 3rd one they really go all out to equal the slightly more emotionally powered part of the book and really portray it through screen, it's also got the best storyline out of them all and a fantastic final 45 minutes

I also hope you enjoy Rango as much as I did Steve

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest movie seen on the TV: “Gulliver’s Travels,” 2010.

Having never read the original stories or even seen any of the older movie adaptations, I was intrigued to see what manner of fantasy this film would provide. It seems like material that’s never really been given a proper chance on film, and even now, it still is.

This rendition of “Gulliver’s Travels” is quite low-brow. It does have a lighthearted spirit and sense of fantastic whimsy. It’s also loaded up with some crude humor, plenty of slapstick and silly dialogue, lots of pop culture references, and a standard rom-com formula. And with so much modern special effects being employed, the movie overall stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the “Night at the Museum” movies, at best.

The story is fine and dandy; as the character fumbles around Lilliput, there is a strong underlying rom-com element that might either entice or sicken you. But what really makes the film stand out are the strong morals regarding deception and being yourself, which also ties into the idea of being a big man in a small world. Such a theme is especially relevant in today’s globalized society, and perhaps the pop culture references help reinforce that. One thing is certain; it is light and fluffy stuff.

The film has okay photography and editing. Most of it obviously works to make the main character gargantuan, and to reinforce the 3-D element; it could be regarded as very gimmicky. Acting is okay; Jack Black plays his usual self, for better or for worse. Writing is okay, but never exceptional. Production value shows some fine sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is okay at best.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 3/5)

Recommendation: This would be good for families, fans of light comedies, or rom-com fans. Fantasy fans might find it okay too. But for the serious audience…nah.




Great, now I'm going to have the image of a bunch of little people going "BOOSH!" stuck in my head all day long...

[lDlisturb3d]

Just watched 2001 again

Even though this isnt one of my favorites there really something special about it. Its like Stanley was reaching for something that wasnt there and made it real. I dont know how to describe it but im starting to like the movie. Its still a bit too slow paced for me but i'll never get rid of it.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Just watched 2001 again

Even though this isnt one of my favorites there really something special about it. Its like Stanley was reaching for something that wasnt there and made it real. I dont know how to describe it but im starting to like the movie. Its still a bit too slow paced for me but i'll never get rid of it.

It probably took me five viewings over 20 years to fully appreciate it

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: “13 Assassins.”

Coming from Takashi Miike, a name I’ve come to recognize, I went into this expecting more of the crazy psycho flair we were all blessed with in “Ichi the Killer.” I was quite surprised to see that “13 Assassins” is incredibly tame in comparison; it’s more like a throwback to the samurai flicks of the 80s (like “Swords of Vengeance,” or Akira Kurosawa’s later works). The first half of the movie is a slow-burning dialogue-fest, where all of the characters sit around and discuss things. After the formalities, the last half of the film is devoted to an all-out rampage, where swords are a’ flying and blood is spraying everywhere and everybody’s screaming and everything’s nuts!

The story’s a little drawn-out, but mostly solid. It’s populated with a decent cast of characters, all of whom bring up some striking issues regarding the samurai code, honor, and life in general. At times it’s drop-dead serious and other times it’s amusing, making for a rather complete experience.

The film has solid photography and editing, with a few shots that stand out, but I was hoping for something more distinctive. Acting and writing seem okay. Production value is great, showcasing lots of great sets, props, and costumes. Music is okay, as I recall.

I suppose I was expecting something more wild with this, like “Shinobi” or something, rather than a drama. I’m sure that if I was in the right mood, this will probably grow on me more. But today, I just wasn’t feeling it; the first half felt really slow and dull, and by the time the second half came around I wasn’t paying that close attention anymore.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 3/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

The Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near perfect!

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

IT'S BACK!!!!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Triangle

[Show spoiler]94 minutes

Year: 2009
Director: Christopher Smith
Writer: Christopher Smith
Starring: Melissa George, Michael Dorman, Henry Nixon, Rachael Carpani & Liam Hemsworth

no review really needs to be given. anyone who's monitored this thread over the last year or so knows full well how much a certain few of us love this film. and a few of us can attest to being devoured by it time and time again. there's only a freaking 39-page thread devoted to figuring out the wild mysteries of Triangle. and many of us have spent hours on end debating and philosophizing (yes, philosophizing ) about it. and for the love of god, a handful of us have our location set as "Club Loop"! needless to say, some of us were more than hypnotized by this beast.

if there's something you must know going in to try Triangle the first time, here it is...

don't read anything about it.

oh, and also...

it's not a horror movie.

i know it looks like one, but it definitely isn't. it's much smarter and much more intriguing than a horror film. i personally find it to be pure genius and every time i thought i had a clue or puzzle piece put in place, that damn Christopher Smith smacked me in my mouth and tricked me. what a prick!

yeah, the acting may not be the greatest, but i had absolutely no qualms about it. and the fact that i have gotten friends to watch it and then we've talked about it at great length is really something awesome. haven't really had something like that happen since LOST supplied dozens of moments of "WTF was that?" brilliance.

the film also is terrific for replay value. it's definitely a film that demands numerous viewings to appreciate and understand, and even then, as many of us can state, we still may not know anything more than we did after the first viewing. which is to say... we know nothing! but for a lot of us, we were blown away by the structure and pacing and twists and turns. it raises a lot of questions and curious moments. it's not a one trick pony. and the best part is that there appears to be no wrong answer to the film. with some detailing and effort, almost any theory can hold water (hehe. get it? they were on a boat! )

highly recommended

rent it. watch it. just watch it. don't think about it. just let it sink in to you. then, go back, and think about it. then watch it again. then grab a kleenex so the blood from your nose doesn't stain anything (since the film will likely drive you mad with it's genius) and watch it again and again. and then read the colossal thread we have here (somewhere...) and then watch it again. and then? go sailing

PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4.5/5

The Film: 5/5

[Show spoiler]

[iam1bearcat]

Sex Drive [R-rated Version]

103 minutes

Year: 2008
Director: Sean Anders
Writers: Sean Anders & John Morris
Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Clark Duke, Amanda Crew, James Marsden & Seth Green

one of my personal favorite comedies that not a lot of people seem to like or know about. which is understandable. are there better comedies that have more memorable moments? yes. of course. but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of Sex Drive. and for some weird reason, it stands out above the crowd of most sexually perverted comedies.

maybe it has something to do with a giant doughnut costume...?

there are some very crude, sick, gross jokes and dick and fart joke humor. but it's not as bad as a lot of other "comedies". it's fun, breezy, full of wonderful dialogue and some pretty neat characters and many great cameos and other oddities.

Clark Duke steals the show as Lance and Amanda Crew pulls off the almost impossible task of being cute to "super cute" while still getting laughs, doing some ridiculous things other actresses would probably scoff at and not being massively annoying. like i said, almost impossible to pull that task off.

dozens of big laughs and humorous moments. nothing felt forced or out of place. for as bizarre as some scenarios are, all of them worked for me and made me laugh. not a film to be eating or drinking during unless you want it all over your couch / floor when you get a serious case of the funnies ("you look like a Mexican butthole" )

on sale at Best Buy for $9.99 which was very glad to see and jumped at with ZERO hesitation. glad to finally have this bad boy a part of my collection

PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

The Film: 4.5/5

[tanujdua]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Sex Drive [R-rated Version]

103 minutes

Year: 2008
Director: Sean Anders
Writers: Sean Anders & John Morris
Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Clark Duke, Amanda Crew, James Marsden & Seth Green

[Show spoiler]

one of my personal favorite comedies that not a lot of people seem to like or know about. which is understandable. are there better comedies that have more memorable moments? yes. of course. but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of Sex Drive. and for some weird reason, it stands out above the crowd of most sexually perverted comedies.

maybe it has something to do with a giant doughnut costume...?

there are some very crude, sick, gross jokes and dick and fart joke humor. but it's not as bad as a lot of other "comedies". it's fun, breezy, full of wonderful dialogue and some pretty neat characters and many great cameos and other oddities.

Clark Duke steals the show as Lance and Amanda Crew pulls off the almost impossible task of being cute to "super cute" while still getting laughs, doing some ridiculous things other actresses would probably scoff at and not being massively annoying. like i said, almost impossible to pull that task off.

dozens of big laughs and humorous moments. nothing felt forced or out of place. for as bizarre as some scenarios are, all of them worked for me and made me laugh. not a film to be eating or drinking during unless you want it all over your couch / floor when you get a serious case of the funnies ("you look like a Mexican butthole" )

on sale at Best Buy for $9.99 which was very glad to see and jumped at with ZERO hesitation. glad to finally have this bad boy a part of my collection

PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

The Film: 4.5/5

I love this film! Thanks for reminding me about it .
I just bought it for £4.27 from Amazon .
Not sure how different the UK edition is to the US one though.

[P@t_Mtl]

The Warrior's Way
USA 2010
Directed by Sngmoo Lee
With Jang Dong Gun, Geoffrey Rush, Kate Bosworth
Format: Blu-ray

If you enjoy movies of the type of 300 or Sin City then you should enjoy this one as well. Mostly done in front of green screens, it's action pack and very bloody. An expert assasin refuse to carry out the murder of the one final member of a clan, a little baby girl. Instead he run's away with the young baby and is now the target of his own clan for refusing to carry out the mission. The twist is that the ninja end's up in the American far west and you have swords and guns as he help a town face off against some corrupted soldiers. This movie was actually fun and I did enjoyed it a lot. It's not a masterpiece but it's one where you can just sit back and enjoy the action and the blood, so to speak. I would say have it as a rental if you can, it's a fun ride.

[Steve46]

Today's blog entry:

Rango (animation, comedy, adventure)
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Starring the voices of Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Bill Nighy and Ned Beatty

Paramount Pictures | 2011 | 112 min | Rated PG | Released Jul 15, 2011



Video:
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1

Audio:
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles:
English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Discs:
50GB Blu-ray Disc
DVD copy (with digital copy)

The Film 4/5

The Blu-ray includes the 107-minute theatrical version and a 112-minute extended version.

Rango (Depp) is an aquatic chameleon who is trying to discover his purpose in life. He lives alone in a tank until the car it is being transported in hits a bump and gives him his freedom in the desert. His journey begins when he discovers an armadillo and is told to visit the nearby town of Dirt if he wants to find water. He's given a ride by Beans (Fisher), who owns land in the valley and drops him off in town.

Rango begins the movie as a liar who is unsure of his capabilities, until dumb luck elevates him in the eyes of the locals and he starts to believe in himself. He represents hope as the townspeople struggle to find the water they need to survive.

The first part of the story is not particularly encouraging. It moves at a frantic pace and initially relies on characters being hurt, and belch or fart jokes for comic relief. But things eventually settle down and the story starts to work. It references many movies from the Western genre, including True Grit and High Noon. Some scenes pay tribute to other movies such as Star Wars.

The story is simple, but the setting and design of the characters is extremely detailed. There's also a wealth of voice talent in the supporting cast, including Ray Winstone, Harry Dean Stanton, Abigail Breslin and Timothy Olyphant, as well as the main cast.

The dialogue isn't typical and a lot of it won't be easily understood by children. The characters mention chromosome pools, paradigm shifts and aquifers. Rango, in particular, is very articulate. It's quite refreshing to see this kind of thing in an animated movie. Maybe some of the kids will ask their parents to explain terms they don't understand. Even though some of the dialogue is complex, the story is easy to follow.

The movie is a mix of fast-paced action, dumb jokes, clever jokes, battle scenes and quiet moments in which Rango contemplates his existence. There are problems to be solved, misunderstandings and traditional themes of good versus evil. One of my favorite elements is the use of a mariachi band, composed of four owls, documenting Rango's tale through the use of various songs.

I won't reveal any more of the plot, but I found Rango to be an enjoyable ride. The first 30 minutes had me worried because of the pacing and the dumb jokes, but things improve significantly in the last hour. I often have problems adjusting to the style of North American animation after seeing one of Hayao Miyazaki's films, and I viewed Spirited Away a few days ago. Once I accepted that Rango was a totally different style; I started to enjoy it more. It's not perfect, but it's well worth your time.

Video Quality 5/5
If you've ever seen a Pixar movie on Blu-ray, you'll have an idea what to expect from Rango. I couldn't detect a single fault. Colors are striking and detail is exceptional. All of the backgrounds seem properly finished and add depth to the image. When you see Rango's face at the start of the movie, it looks like he's in the room with you. Clothing, skin, scenery and water are all displayed perfectly. This is a presentation that shows off the Blu-ray format wonderfully. Nobody will be disappointed with the look of the movie.

Audio Quality 5/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track doesn't disappoint either. There's a lot going on throughout the movie and the lossless audio handles everything well. Some of the battle scenes are particularly loud, while other scenes rely on music for maximum effect. The rear speakers are used frequently and I didn't detect any faults in the mix. The image will dazzle you, but you'll be happy with the sound too.

Special Features 4/5

The additional features are all presented in full HD.

Audio Commentary (Extended version only) with Director, Gore Verbinski; Head of Story James Ward Byrkit; Production Designer Mark "Crash" McCreery; Animation Director Hal Hickel; and Visual Effects Supervisor Tim Alexander.

Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History (48:52) - A two-part feature consisting of The Stage is Set and Now we Ride. Learn about how the movie was made and see the evolution of the characters.

Deleted Scenes (8:27) - A brief look at 10 additional scenes which will seem very familiar if you watched the extended version of the movie.

Real Creatures of Dirt (22:15) - Showing real desert creatures such as snakes, scorpions, tarantulas and armadillos.

Storyboard Reel Picture-in-Picture (theatrical version only)

A Field Trip to Dirt - An interactive digital model which allows you to ride through the town and look around.

Theatrical Trailer (2:27)

Credits

Previews

DVD Copy (digital copy on disc)

Rango is a fun way to spend almost two hours. Although some of the dialogue is complex, the movie is suitable for the whole family and has something for everyone. The blend of action and humor works well overall and the animals make interesting and memorable characters. The Blu-ray is just about perfect and Rango immediately ranks among the best presentations the format has to offer.

Overall score 4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The Warrior's Way
USA 2010
Directed by Sngmoo Lee
With Jang Dong Gun, Geoffrey Rush, Kate Bosworth
Format: Blu-ray

[Show spoiler]
If you enjoy movies of the type of 300 or Sin City then you should enjoy this one as well. Mostly done in front of green screens, it's action pack and very bloody. An expert assasin refuse to carry out the murder of the one final member of a clan, a little baby girl. Instead he run's away with the young baby and is now the target of his own clan for refusing to carry out the mission. The twist is that the ninja end's up in the American far west and you have swords and guns as he help a town face off against some corrupted soldiers. This movie was actually fun and I did enjoyed it a lot. It's not a masterpiece but it's one where you can just sit back and enjoy the action and the blood, so to speak. I would say have it as a rental if you can, it's a fun ride.

Thanks for the review; I saw it in the store and wondered about it. Might have to give it a rent!

Originally Posted by Steve46

Today's blog entry:

Rango (animation, comedy, adventure)
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Starring the voices of Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Bill Nighy and Ned Beatty

[Show spoiler]
Paramount Pictures | 2011 | 112 min | Rated PG | Released Jul 15, 2011



Video:
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1

Audio:
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles:
English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Discs:
50GB Blu-ray Disc
DVD copy (with digital copy)

The Film 4/5

The Blu-ray includes the 107-minute theatrical version and a 112-minute extended version.

Rango (Depp) is an aquatic chameleon who is trying to discover his purpose in life. He lives alone in a tank until the car it is being transported in hits a bump and gives him his freedom in the desert. His journey begins when he discovers an armadillo and is told to visit the nearby town of Dirt if he wants to find water. He's given a ride by Beans (Fisher), who owns land in the valley and drops him off in town.

Rango begins the movie as a liar who is unsure of his capabilities, until dumb luck elevates him in the eyes of the locals and he starts to believe in himself. He represents hope as the townspeople struggle to find the water they need to survive.

The first part of the story is not particularly encouraging. It moves at a frantic pace and initially relies on characters being hurt, and belch or fart jokes for comic relief. But things eventually settle down and the story starts to work. It references many movies from the Western genre, including True Grit and High Noon. Some scenes pay tribute to other movies such as Star Wars.

The story is simple, but the setting and design of the characters is extremely detailed. There's also a wealth of voice talent in the supporting cast, including Ray Winstone, Harry Dean Stanton, Abigail Breslin and Timothy Olyphant, as well as the main cast.

The dialogue isn't typical and a lot of it won't be easily understood by children. The characters mention chromosome pools, paradigm shifts and aquifers. Rango, in particular, is very articulate. It's quite refreshing to see this kind of thing in an animated movie. Maybe some of the kids will ask their parents to explain terms they don't understand. Even though some of the dialogue is complex, the story is easy to follow.

The movie is a mix of fast-paced action, dumb jokes, clever jokes, battle scenes and quiet moments in which Rango contemplates his existence. There are problems to be solved, misunderstandings and traditional themes of good versus evil. One of my favorite elements is the use of a mariachi band, composed of four owls, documenting Rango's tale through the use of various songs.

I won't reveal any more of the plot, but I found Rango to be an enjoyable ride. The first 30 minutes had me worried because of the pacing and the dumb jokes, but things improve significantly in the last hour. I often have problems adjusting to the style of North American animation after seeing one of Hayao Miyazaki's films, and I viewed Spirited Away a few days ago. Once I accepted that Rango was a totally different style; I started to enjoy it more. It's not perfect, but it's well worth your time.

Video Quality 5/5
If you've ever seen a Pixar movie on Blu-ray, you'll have an idea what to expect from Rango. I couldn't detect a single fault. Colors are striking and detail is exceptional. All of the backgrounds seem properly finished and add depth to the image. When you see Rango's face at the start of the movie, it looks like he's in the room with you. Clothing, skin, scenery and water are all displayed perfectly. This is a presentation that shows off the Blu-ray format wonderfully. Nobody will be disappointed with the look of the movie.

Audio Quality 5/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track doesn't disappoint either. There's a lot going on throughout the movie and the lossless audio handles everything well. Some of the battle scenes are particularly loud, while other scenes rely on music for maximum effect. The rear speakers are used frequently and I didn't detect any faults in the mix. The image will dazzle you, but you'll be happy with the sound too.

Special Features 4/5

The additional features are all presented in full HD.

Audio Commentary (Extended version only) with Director, Gore Verbinski; Head of Story James Ward Byrkit; Production Designer Mark "Crash" McCreery; Animation Director Hal Hickel; and Visual Effects Supervisor Tim Alexander.

Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History (48:52) - A two-part feature consisting of The Stage is Set and Now we Ride. Learn about how the movie was made and see the evolution of the characters.

Deleted Scenes (8:27) - A brief look at 10 additional scenes which will seem very familiar if you watched the extended version of the movie.

Real Creatures of Dirt (22:15) - Showing real desert creatures such as snakes, scorpions, tarantulas and armadillos.

Storyboard Reel Picture-in-Picture (theatrical version only)

A Field Trip to Dirt - An interactive digital model which allows you to ride through the town and look around.

Theatrical Trailer (2:27)

Credits

Previews

DVD Copy (digital copy on disc)

Rango is a fun way to spend almost two hours. Although some of the dialogue is complex, the movie is suitable for the whole family and has something for everyone. The blend of action and humor works well overall and the animals make interesting and memorable characters. The Blu-ray is just about perfect and Rango immediately ranks among the best presentations the format has to offer.

Overall score 4.5/5

I didn't think I was that interested, but since it's only $15 on BB and Amazon, and since it has so many rave reviews, I decided to blind-order a copy.