The Movie Review and Discussion Thread - Page 1737 - Blu-ray Forum

Al_The_Strange · 02-21-2014, 03:18 AM

The Lego Movie

Legos have always been my favorite toy. In fact, they still are. For as long as they've been around, it makes me wonder what took so long for somebody to make an official Lego movie.

Then again, what kind of movie could possibly be made out of these silly little construction blocks? The biggest fear going into this movie is that it could have just been 90 minutes of senseless fluff. Even kids thought this would be stupid.

Fortunately, the film overall proves to be quite sharp and clever for audiences of all ages. It breezes by at a brisk pace, loaded with fast-paced comedy and visually-striking action. Even during the film's most grim and dramatic parts (of which there are a few), the tone remains light, but without being too overbearing or sappy. The comedy keeps everything consistently fun and endearing, thanks to a ton of great random lines, sight gags, pop culture jokes, and some self-parody.

What really makes this film work, however, is the substance. You'd think it'd be easy to write this film off as a mere marketing tool to sell more Legos (and it's probably working), but even then, The Lego Movie takes care to use Legos as the medium, more than a mere product to shove down our throats. With Legos as the film's primary canvas, the film immediately whisks us through a universe of colorful building blocks, complete with literal worldbuilding and mythos. The story treads on familiar ground; the characters inhabit familiar archetypes (I especially couldn't help but to draw comparisons between Emmit and Neo from The Matrix; the wizard might as well fulfill the same role as Morpheus, and Wild Styles is much like Trinity), and the plot is molded in a formulaic epic-journey structure. What really makes this film brilliant, however, is the meta-fiction dynamic that becomes apparent as it goes on; it's a dynamic that made films like Cool World and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? novel, but The Lego Movie takes it a step further by tying in the story and themes together with (at least seemingly) earnest and heartfelt intentions.

At it's core, The Lego Movie emphasizes creativity as the theme. It is the basis of the story's conflict, it is the focus of the characters, and it is the idea that resounds through the script. The film firmly declares that we are all special individuals, all capable of creating new, imaginative, unique things. Legos have always been a toy to nurture that creativity, and The Lego Movie is a celebration of the creative spirit. It is a theme that's not only inspiring for children, but also for the inner child. I believe this film supports one fundamental truth I've always believed in: it is more powerful to create than to destroy.

This film is animated very distinctively with CGI that convincingly looks like stop-motion animation. It is all very colorful, well-rendered, well-textured, and has good-looking lighting. Movements are made to be a bit stiff on purpose, and it achieves the perfect effect of looking like a home-made feature. Voice-acting is great, and the script is pretty sharp. This production does a great job of replicating thousands and thousands of Lego pieces on-screen to create big imaginative worlds. Music can be strangely catchy too.

The Lego Movie is to movies that LittleBigPlanet is to video games; they both have a seminal home-made look and charm, but with a firm focus on creativity and individual expression. Legos have been an endearing medium of creativity for years, and chances are that they'll remain on toystore shelves for more years to come. Even if this movie is merely a marketing tool, it is a well-made one with a lot of heart and spirit. I think the movie - and the toy - is quality entertainment for anybody young and old.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

--------------------

Feeling rather nostalgic and inspired, I managed to dig up this old picture of myself with my favorite toys. It's possible that the film has struck a chord with my inner child, but I don't think that's ever been a bad thing.

[Show spoiler]

thecolddick · 02-21-2014, 04:05 AM

This chick is giving away a nice Superman box set.

Spirit Zero · 02-21-2014, 05:38 AM

Soldier (1998)

Back before Kurt was a bit too old he starred in the odd kick ass flick like this...oh yes this is indeed kick ass. A mindless soulless drone-like soldier who kills without question and its set in the future! how can that not be kick ass...*ahem*.

So in the near future humans breed soldiers by taking them at birth and basically transforming them into hardened killers that obey without question with brutal military schooling, they only know the military way. Then along comes a smarmy greasy Colonel with a bunch of even better genetically engineered soldiers who were created from hand picked DNA to give maximum results in every human sense. Russell and his men are replaced and brushed aside.

At its core this film is basically a revenge action thriller, but it does try for a warmer touch throughout. Russell's character 'Todd' is a merciless killer but after he is abandoned and left for dead on a garbage planet by his superiors he must learn to survive on his own. That is until he finds a human colony of scavengers who crashed on the planet years before. He is taken in and this is where the softer side comes in as the scavengers try to break his robotic military programming and make him more human again.

This whole element isn't too bad and shows a good attempt at character building. We do get to see Todd slowly coming around as he is immersed in a more family orientated society. There are the obligatory ups and downs along the way and Todd has reoccurring nightmares which does feel rather cliched but I guess its what you'd expect. It is good to see Todd becoming close with a young couples little boy, we never really get too much emotion from Todd, he barely says much for the entire film accept for yes Sir, no Sir and nods. I did find myself enjoying the simple story arch for Todd and the young family that take care of him, its basic sure but it works.

Of course all that is filler simply for the big revenge action showdown at the end where Todd gets his chance to kill all the enhanced soldiers and their Colonel. Todd grows attached to the scavengers in his own way only so you feel more emotion when he must protect them in a whopping sci-fi shoot out. That shoot out being the main focus of the film and it doesn't disappoint if you ask me, its like 'Commando' on another planet with Russell taking down faceless futuristic soldiers with big guns, big knives and a few neck snaps.

The one thing I find odd is why the Colonel and his soldiers do this 'security sweep' on this garbage planet. The planet seems to be known as a massive dumping ground for scrap with no known life on it, intelligent life anyway. So why on earth would they need to do a security sweep of it?? especially with all those huge armoured vehicles!. Well because the director needed a way to get the bad guys on the planet surface so Todd could kill them all that's why. Its just a shame that plot direction is so stupid.

The film certainly looks slick considering it was made in 98. The planet looks pretty cool harsh and desolate, nice models, nice matte work, sets are decent and futuristic weapons/equipment look solid and authentic. I did get a feeling the film needed or wanted to be grander though, personally I wanted to see more of the planet, the military, it all felt a bit compressed and revolved around one area the entire time (the scavenger camp got a wee bit boring).

I like the small Easter eggs though. The film was suppose to be set within the same universe as 'Blade Runner' (a sequel on the side) and there is a nod to that with the 'Battle at Tannhauser Gate' on Todd's service record. Plus Todd appears to have been decorated with the 'Plissken Patch'.

I liked Russell's performance here, he comes across surprisingly well as a terminator-esque killbot and the lack of dialog also works surprisingly well. Visually the film is pleasing to the eye for any sci-fi buffs, the action is well directed and it is very satisfying to see Todd get his own back on Isaac's shitty Colonel character and his lackeys. The final battle between Russell and his uber opponent Jason Scott Lee is cliched much like the rest of the film and felt like a typical JCVD fight sequence really. All in all I think Lee's character could have been left out really as he seemed too much of a daft predictable comicbook type bad guy. Overall this is definitely a guilty pleasure action film, you know its dumb but its also a good gritty ride.

7/10

Al_The_Strange · 02-21-2014, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spirit Zero

Soldier (1998)

[Show spoiler]
Back before Kurt was a bit too old he starred in the odd kick ass flick like this...oh yes this is indeed kick ass. A mindless soulless drone-like soldier who kills without question and its set in the future! how can that not be kick ass...*ahem*.

So in the near future humans breed soldiers by taking them at birth and basically transforming them into hardened killers that obey without question with brutal military schooling, they only know the military way. Then along comes a smarmy greasy Colonel with a bunch of even better genetically engineered soldiers who were created from hand picked DNA to give maximum results in every human sense. Russell and his men are replaced and brushed aside.

At its core this film is basically a revenge action thriller, but it does try for a warmer touch throughout. Russell's character 'Todd' is a merciless killer but after he is abandoned and left for dead on a garbage planet by his superiors he must learn to survive on his own. That is until he finds a human colony of scavengers who crashed on the planet years before. He is taken in and this is where the softer side comes in as the scavengers try to break his robotic military programming and make him more human again.

This whole element isn't too bad and shows a good attempt at character building. We do get to see Todd slowly coming around as he is immersed in a more family orientated society. There are the obligatory ups and downs along the way and Todd has reoccurring nightmares which does feel rather cliched but I guess its what you'd expect. It is good to see Todd becoming close with a young couples little boy, we never really get too much emotion from Todd, he barely says much for the entire film accept for yes Sir, no Sir and nods. I did find myself enjoying the simple story arch for Todd and the young family that take care of him, its basic sure but it works.

Of course all that is filler simply for the big revenge action showdown at the end where Todd gets his chance to kill all the enhanced soldiers and their Colonel. Todd grows attached to the scavengers in his own way only so you feel more emotion when he must protect them in a whopping sci-fi shoot out. That shoot out being the main focus of the film and it doesn't disappoint if you ask me, its like 'Commando' on another planet with Russell taking down faceless futuristic soldiers with big guns, big knives and a few neck snaps.

The one thing I find odd is why the Colonel and his soldiers do this 'security sweep' on this garbage planet. The planet seems to be known as a massive dumping ground for scrap with no known life on it, intelligent life anyway. So why on earth would they need to do a security sweep of it?? especially with all those huge armoured vehicles!. Well because the director needed a way to get the bad guys on the planet surface so Todd could kill them all that's why. Its just a shame that plot direction is so stupid.

The film certainly looks slick considering it was made in 98. The planet looks pretty cool harsh and desolate, nice models, nice matte work, sets are decent and futuristic weapons/equipment look solid and authentic. I did get a feeling the film needed or wanted to be grander though, personally I wanted to see more of the planet, the military, it all felt a bit compressed and revolved around one area the entire time (the scavenger camp got a wee bit boring).

I like the small Easter eggs though. The film was suppose to be set within the same universe as 'Blade Runner' (a sequel on the side) and there is a nod to that with the 'Battle at Tannhauser Gate' on Todd's service record. Plus Todd appears to have been decorated with the 'Plissken Patch'.

I liked Russell's performance here, he comes across surprisingly well as a terminator-esque killbot and the lack of dialog also works surprisingly well. Visually the film is pleasing to the eye for any sci-fi buffs, the action is well directed and it is very satisfying to see Todd get his own back on Isaac's shitty Colonel character and his lackeys. The final battle between Russell and his uber opponent Jason Scott Lee is cliched much like the rest of the film and felt like a typical JCVD fight sequence really. All in all I think Lee's character could have been left out really as he seemed too much of a daft predictable comicbook type bad guy. Overall this is definitely a guilty pleasure action film, you know its dumb but its also a good gritty ride.

7/10

I always thought this was a fairly cool flick. Probably one of the better (maybe even most underrated) films by Paul WS Anderson.

Speaking of which, I have Pompeii on the radar next. Won't be expecting much, but I find Paul's films enjoyable enough.

Spirit Zero · 02-21-2014, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I always thought this was a fairly cool flick. Probably one of the better (maybe even most underrated) films by Paul WS Anderson.

Speaking of which, I have Pompeii on the radar next. Won't be expecting much, but I find Paul's films enjoyable enough.

You know I completely forgot Anderson directed this haha!

SquidPuppet · 02-21-2014, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I blind bought Pan's Labyrinth about a week ago when Amazon matched Walmart's $8.96 price, so hopefully I agree with the masses. I've been wanting to see it for a long time.

Never?........

You'll dig it. It's even better than the hype.

KilloWertz · 02-22-2014, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Never?........

You'll dig it. It's even better than the hype.

It wouldn't be a blind buy if I had seen it...

I have a feeling you'll be right. I really don't see any reason why I wouldn't.

Walts Ghost · 02-23-2014, 01:30 AM

'Live Free or Die Hard' Review

Quote:

"You know what you get for being a hero? Nothin'. You get shot at."

It's amazing how well 'Live Free or Die Hard' turned out, considering all the obstacles and behind the scenes drama it faced. A film that the studio tried to get off the ground for years, throwing out various scripts, unsure how to move forward. Changing the film rating they wanted halfway through production. Script changes day of shooting. Basically, a nightmare of a production, by all accounts. But at the end of the day, 'Live Free or Die Hard' actually lives up to its title, and actually comes off as the strongest sequel of the franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film find Bruce Willis' John McClane, returning to action once more, against a cyberterrorist bent on making the nation buckle at its knees. With a hacker, Matt Farrell (Justin Long), and a gun at his side, McClane steps out to stop the villain, as well as repair his relationship with his estranged daughter, Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).

Bruce Willis does what he does best here, returning to the role of John McClane for the fourth time. He seems to be really happy to be back in the role, playing the tired, hard on his luck cop, who can't seem to do right by his family. Justin Long is quite good as the reluctant sidekick, Matt, who wants nothing more than to not be a part of this. Forced into a position he doesn't want to be in, he's just so much fun to watch, and he plays off Willis well. Timothy Olyphant is the film's villain, Thomas Gabriel, and while he's not the series' most memorable villain, he's still fun to watch, especially in the final act of the film. Gabriel is not a physical match for John, but he's cunning, smart, and tech savvy, which makes him so interesting. There's points where Olyphant is almost just chewing up the scenery in hammy fashion, but it really doesn't take away from the film. Of course, the 'Die Hard' franchise isn't complete without an extra McClane family member, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead taking over the duties as McClane's daughter Lucy. She's so good, as Lucy, bringing a lot of attitude to the character, mirroring her on screen father, as well as a bit of the sadly absent, Bonnie Bedelia, her character's mother. She was a perfect fit for the series, and makes this entry even better.

Many people only know of Len Wiseman from his first two films in the 'Underworld' series, starring Kate Beckinsale. From the outside, he might seem like a weird choice, but one thing that his first series proved, was he could handle action well, and it shows in spades here. Wiseman's direction is spot on, and he crafts a really stellar film, considering all the hoops he was jumping through to make it. The movie has some really fantastic set pieces, with the car tunnel chase, as well as the fight in the freezer room, being two of the standouts. It's just too bad his R-rated version didn't get to be seen through to the end, because it would have made this already good film great. While the PG-13 doesn't hinder the film much, it is weird having an edited down John McClane, who doesn't swear like a sailor, especially considering the situations he's stuck in. But even without that, the action is a lot of fun, well staged, and Willis makes McClane feel familiar, without the swearing or not. The editing is a bit jarring though, because so much ADR was used, trying to change dialogue after the fact, cutting the rating down, or changing the way the lines and story are done. This really isn't Wiseman's fault, but the fault of a studio that just wasn't sure what it was doing with this franchise. As 'A Good Day to Die Hard' would prove, it's not the rating that makes the film, but the story it's telling. That right there is why 'Live Free' is a much better, because the story it wants to tell is interesting and fun.

While 'Live Free or Die Hard' isn't perfect, it's actually a really solid film, easily standing as the second best film in the series. Wiseman was a great choice to handle the series, making an interesting fourth chapter in the series. Willis, Long, and Winstead are all a joy to watch together, bringing the McClane sage to new heights. It's just too bad that the studio interfered so much, because if the film had been left alone from the beginning, it most certainly would have turned out much better. While the frustration over the rating is understandable, it's not something that ultimately hurts the film horribly. It's just a sad inconvenience, showing just how petty studios can be about ratings, and how to make the most money. Thankfully, the film overcomes all these hurdles, to give audiences one of the best action films of the 2000s, and a great entry in the 'Die Hard' franchise.

Letterboxd

Walts Ghost · 02-23-2014, 03:32 AM

'Speed' Review

Quote:

"Pop quiz, hotshot. There's a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do?"

After the success of 'Die Hard', it seemed like a lot of action films wanted to use the formula of confined spaces or areas, against all odds, going up against the truly worst villains. 'Speed' was one of such films, starring Keanu Reeves as Jack Traven, a cop who is stuck in a game of cat and mouse with a man named Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper). Traven ends up stuck on a bus that has to stay above 50 miles per hour, or it'll kill everyone on board. As ridiculous as it sounds, the film is actually incredibly fun, and much better than that silly logline would suggest. Packed to the brim with wonderful character actors such as Jeff Daniels, Joe Morton, and Alan Ruck, and co-starring the wonderful Sandra Bullock, the film is a true jewel of the 1990's action cinema.

Keanu Reeves is great as Jack Traven, a role that actually works to the best of what seems to be a rather limited acting range. Reeves is an actor I always enjoy, but he's basically been playing the same role for some time now, for better or worse. It's easily one of the more fun performances of his career, his everyman attitude fitting perfectly. Sandra Bullock is wonderful as Annie, the woman who is stuck in the middle of this sadistic game that Payne has crafted. She and Reeves are wonderful together, sharing a lot chemistry, making the film that much better. The way they work actually elevates the film to higher standards than it ever would have gotten without them. But it's really Dennis Hopper who steals the film as Howard Payne, the man behind the chaos. He's so much fun to watch, it's impossible not to love him, even if he is the villain. Hopper is an actor who always brought everything he had to a role, making his characters truly memorable, and this one is no different. His psychotic grin is haunting, and you fully believe in all the pain he's willing to cause people. The cast is rounded out by the likes of some great character actors, the most memorable coming from Jeff Daniels and Joe Morton, both of who film fans will recognize from many films. The cast is what really takes this movie over generic action thriller, and makes it that much better.

Jan de Bont, who was a first time director at the time, does an excellent job here. He was a cinematographer before this, which gave him experience in shooting action, which definitely came in handy here. The film is just so well put together, and de Bont seems so naturally fit behind the camera. The action is fast, thrilling, and at times pulse pounding, all thanks to de Bont's wonderful work. But what's also important is that he actually works very well his actors, getting wonderful performances from everyone in the film across the board. Again, if it wasn't for these actors, the film wouldn't be nearly as memorable, but they make you love and care for these characters, and without that, the film just wouldn't work.

'Speed' is a lightning in a bottle movie. It rises well above and beyond what could be a standard action film, and becomes something else entirely: memorable. The whole film is just action packed, thrilling, and a damn great time, cheese and all. The cast is excellent, with Reeves giving one of his career best performances, with Hopper and Bullock stealing their respective scenes as well. This is one of the best action films of the 1990's, and deserves its rightful place in the pantheon of action films altogether. Easily one of the most enjoyable rides you'll have.

Letterboxd Review

Al_The_Strange · 02-23-2014, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

'Speed' Review

Letterboxd Review

Speed's always fun.

Learned some years ago of a Japanese film called Bullet Train, which had the exact same premise. I'm not sure if it's a direct inspiration for Speed or not, but between the two, I think Speed is funner to watch.

Lepidopterous · 02-24-2014, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Speed's always fun.

Learned some years ago of a Japanese film called Bullet Train, which had the exact same premise. I'm not sure if it's a direct inspiration for Speed or not, but between the two, I think Speed is funner to watch.

I will try to check this out.

Al_The_Strange · 02-24-2014, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I will try to check this out.

I remember it being a bit long, but still fairly interesting. It's from the 70s. I got it as part of a Sonny Chiba box set.

Spirit Zero · 02-27-2014, 06:26 AM

Time Bandits (1981)

Is Terry Gilliam riding on the coattails of Monty Python with this film? his cast does include a few Python members in small cameos and the films direction is most definitely bizarre. Not only that but the film looks and sounds like a Python sketch in various places much like 'Jabberwocky' did. Not complaining just pointing it out, love the film title though and those lovely looking opening credits.

The first film in Gilliam's off the wall dream-like fantasy film trilogy where the plot basically revolves around escaping reality through imagination...or a dream. In this surreal adventure a young boy is zapped through time with the help of a bunch of dwarfs. This little team go around pinching loot trying to get rich with the aid of a map that shows them time holes to jump through time. On their tail is an evil sorcerer who wants the map for evil purposes and the maps owner the 'Supreme Being' (God?).

The film starts off in a very simple manner that is quite enjoyable. Its very similar to the later Bill and Ted franchise as we jump to the Napoleonic Wars and meet Napoleon, then to England meeting up with Robin Hood and then to Greece meeting King Agamemnon. These few segments are good fun showcasing the films main big name cameos such as a rather dull Connery as Agamemnon, a very good Ian Holm as the height obsessed Napoleon and the brilliant Cleese as a rather stiff upper lipped Robin Hood and his cutthroat band of merry men. The Robin Hood sequence is easily the best with Cleese donning a daft over sized green Hood hat and typical cliched Hood attire. He looks utterly ridiculous in his pantomime garb where as in contrast his men are a bunch of dirty filthy violent scum. The other funny angle is the fact Cleese speaks quite normally in his aloof aristocratic manner and his men don't, they are just your standard commoner oiks.

Once we are introduced to the villainous 'Evil' (that's his name) who wants the map things kinda nose dive in my opinion. The dwarf team stop time jumping and instead go on the run from Evil but end up in Evil's realm and things just become all too weird. There are some nice moments that are typically Gilliam in visual style and idea, the galleon perched on top of the underwater giants head is a good one. No real clue what the hell was going on there, why the galleon is stuck to this giants head (it appeared to be his hat), why the giant was under the sea and who or what was in that little cottage before the giant crushed it??. Looked like some kind of elephant alien person, quirky little moment but totally off the wall, they just get killed then?.

The entire final sequence where the dwarfs and little boy fight against Evil is just a mess really. This sorcerer is obviously pretty invincible yet the dwarfs conjure up all these pointless character from various time periods to fight him. I know its a young persons film but this battle is really quite hokey. Then in the end we meet the Supreme Being who turns out to be (or at least in human form) an elderly man in a suit who can't really act too well, nice concept though.

I think the main thing that I disliked in this film was the little boy in the main role. This is an old film sure and the kid actor didn't have to be a great actor I admit but damn he's fudging annoying. His soft weedy whiny voice just grates the whole time and fails to give his character any impact at all, he always begs and pleads like a baby but you can hardly hear him half the time because he's so quiet...and wet. Am I being harsh? maybe, but this kid ruins the film, should of used a girl. The squad of dwarves are the films main hook really...much like 'Willow'. None of them are particularly good actors but they are amusing and they do add to the fantasy charm. Seeing them all dressed up in their nifty warrior-like bandit outfits is kinda cool, clearly Gilliam (or someone) had this idea and knew they had to make a film around it.

The film is essentially a kids flick, an imaginative adventure for young boys who like to play war, knights, cowboys etc...In that sense the film does its job and delivers a highly imaginative yarn no doubt. As an adult watching now the film doesn't quite hit the mark for me anymore, I guess the thrill has been left behind with age coupled with the fact the film doesn't really look very good anymore. It has dated quite badly in all honesty and the effects can be a bit dodgy. Like I said the first half set in the few time periods is good but after that it gets a bit rough around the edges. The very end feels too open ended also, definitely needed a more conclusive finish.

In the end the film is a fun little ride with some nice visual ideas, but I can't help but feel without those few Python cameos this film wouldn't be half as much fun. You could say its only worth watching for the John Cleese sequence really...but that's just me.

5.5/10

James125 · 02-27-2014, 03:33 PM

Thanks for watching!

Spirit Zero · 02-28-2014, 12:55 AM

Team America: World Police (2004)

The films title says it all really, a sharp satirical play on the fact that the rest of the globe kinda thinks the US wants to police the world. Business as usual for the South Park creators as they present this biting mockery of a comedy that does one of two things...homage the use of marionettes whilst also taking the piss, and literately taking the piss out of American foreign policy.

The whole film is a complete send up of your bog standard action flick porn, all the obligatory cliches and stereotypes packed into a smart satire of American politics that naturally revolves around the Middle East. Its all very straight forward, a team of super anti-terrorist soldiers (ala Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible') do battle with terrorist threats on a daily basis. During one mission they get captured and must be rescued by the newbie of the team who is unsure of himself, that's virtually it.

The first thing that is so funny about this film is the fact its all been created with puppets, yes puppets, just like Thunderbirds. Puppet action heroes doing everything your regular cookie cutter Hollywood action flick does. The film has the visual style of a cool kids show combined with a kids toy line. All the main vehicles of Team America are slick hi-tech super awesome looking power models emblazoned with a red white and blue paint job to nail the Stars n Stripes motif home. The team are decked out in natty SWAT-like uniforms with shades headsets and of course lots of big guns, whilst their base is a typical Bond-esque setup within Mount Rushmore with lots of flashy tech stuff, a big intelligent talking computer and their very own Nick Fury/Professor X type leader. All the bad guys look exactly as you would expect from a satirizing angle of Middle Eastern terrorists, lots of facial hair and rags. Oh and you can see the strings attached to the puppets too further enhancing the laughs.

Despite the film looking like a toy merchandise wet dream it is of course a full on adult adventure. This is the amazingly amusing thing about it all, its children's puppets swearing, having rampant sex and being killed in gruesome ways. Just as South Park is funny because its a naughty cartoon this works on the same level. The violence and visual obscenities are created at a puppet level so its never really shocking because its all being done with puppets and its simply more acceptable. A puppet being blown apart or eaten alive by sharks doesn't really shock because we all know its a children's toy, had it been live action it would be pretty horrific.

The other main funny bone tickler is the quite brutal mockery of famous stars, Middle Eastern folk, world leaders and of course the action genre. In between all the hyper action flick mockery various real actors get ripped on pretty well along with the Screen Actors Guild which has been hilariously renamed the Film Actors Guild. I loved the ultra liberal portrayal of this celebrity group, the way they are all made out to be enemies of Team America because they want peace and unity with the Middle East. They blame Team America for unnecessary killings, destruction, racism etc...and are blind to Kim Jong-il's plans...oh and the fact almost all of them get killed horribly. Talking of Kim Jong, what a way to go down in movie history! via Trey Parker's gut busting rendition (piss taking) in that completely racist voice he does so well, fantastic!.

It is completely brilliant how Team America go into missions destroying anything and everything in their path to take down one or two terrorists. The way they blow up half of Cairo and its ancient treasures, Paris with its landmarks and are completely oblivious to the ruin because in the end they got their intended targets, so its all good. Collateral damage at its finest Hoorah!!!.

Even though the film can't escape its South Park routes, because its all Trey and Stone, that doesn't hinder it. Yeah all the voices are familiar, the satire isn't exactly new, 'Derkaderkastan' or the term 'Derka' has popped up in various South Park episodes I believe as speech for Africans and Middle Eastern folk, all foreign people simply speak the same kind of gibberish much like they do in certain South Park episodes, there are the odd risque musical numbers etc...At the same time there are some really edgy moments that seem truly un-PC but its so funny. When Gary infiltrates the terrorist headquarters at the start the puppet has a simple bath towel on his head! then inside the terrorist bar its all made out like the Mos Eisley cantina from 'A New Hope', simple but totally effective.

This film is so darn accurate in its analysis of US foreign policies and left wing activism I'm amazed it managed to surface. It virtually mocks everything about America and it all holds up to this day, I imagine it must make some Americans cringe. Next to that the action genre is an easy target but its still skewed perfectly here, right down to the last cheesy cliche. Funny thing is the film also looks terrific and really is a genuine homage to the use of marionettes. Everything looks so rich in detail its actually a shame the content will inevitably upset many in Hollywood, meaning the craftsman involved probably won't get the recognition they deserve, that's irony for you.

8/10

Al_The_Strange · 02-28-2014, 03:41 AM

Pompeii

The last few films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson have been universally-hated, so I was skeptical about him directing a historical epic. His telling of the Pompeii disaster definitely emphasizes spectacle over substance, but I actually expected a lot worse than this.

If nothing else, I enjoyed the film. There are quite a few gladiatorial fights and battles in the film's first half, which are pretty well-staged and just fun to watch. Then, when Mt. Vesuvius inevitably erupts, the mass destruction fills up the screen and provides a somber backdrop for even more outrageous action scenes. It gets pretty ridiculous, maybe even too much for more serious-minded viewers, but even during the melodrama in between, the film rarely dragged for me.

However, the film's story leaves something to be desired. The opening scenes, which lay out the Celt's backstory, seems to mirror the origins of Conan the Barbarian exactly. The dude's progression through gladiatorial combat is a story that's been covered well enough in films like Gladiator and Spartacus. As I've seen other viewers mention, the actual love story is pretty much the same situation as Titanic. And, just like Titanic, we all know how the story of Pompeii will end. There's nothing terribly original or groundbreaking in this story.

On its own merits, the story gets the job done though. It expends the bare minimum to establish a cast of one-dimensional characters (including an incredibly unreasonable villain) playing through a formulaic plotline. I'm not entirely certain as to how historically accurate the film is; I have seen the Pompeii ruins some years ago, and what I saw on film regarding the street-level views, the amphitheater, the shops, the homes, all generally looked the part. I imagine more informed viewers could nitpick a lot about the film's portrayal of geography, politics, historical background, and culture. With my own knowledge of Roman history, however, I didn't notice that much really wrong. At the very least, as the volcanic eruption went on and on, it became more and more unbelievable that these characters could run around, dodging flaming rocks and debris, and jumping over countless chasms that suddenly appear, without dying.

This film is made with some solid photography. In fact, I was pretty impressed by some of the imagery; I thought the film's opening shots, showing figures coated in ash with Clinton Shorter's music score and Pliny the Younger's words, is decently invoking. Editing is good, although a few of the fights might have been cut a little too fast. Acting is nothing to scream about; Kit Harington is a pretty average tough guy here. I was enjoying the performances of Emily Browning, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Kiefer Sutherland. Writing is simplistic and cliched. This production uses some really great-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are good-but-not-great. The music score is really good, and might be the best thing about the film.

It's a story that's been done before, full of cliches and flat characters, and it's historic accuracy is questionable. However, it is an entertaining thrill ride, and the film has its earnest moments. You might enjoy this film if you just want to see some big-scale effects and swordplay; if you're looking for something deeper, you might be disappointed.

3.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Average | Film: Pretty Good)

Recommendation: Rental.

Spirit Zero · 02-28-2014, 04:37 AM

Dragonslayer (1981)

Yep back in 1981 Disney were in cahoots with Paramount and the result was this quite dark film. I mean how much more badass could this idea be?! a sorcerers apprentice must come to grips with his powers, learn his trade and save the land from a 400 year old dragon whilst trying to fend off a pesky knight of the realm. Basically its just an excuse for some dragon battling in a time honoured Tolkien way.

I haven't seen this film since I was a little kiddie, long before the days of knowing what The Lord of the Rings was anyway. First impressions are how Tolkien-like the visuals actually are. It was all filmed in the wilderness of Wales and the Isle of Skye and it really looks tremendous. The sweeping lush valleys, the green woodlands, the rocky mountainous dragons lair, wide misty lakes and typically traditional old fashioned dank medieval castles. It all looks so damn good visually it doesn't actually look like Wales or the Isle of Skye, it looks too nice!. Some sequences could of been cut out of Ridley Scotts 'Legend', it has that fairy fantasy vibe at times, you half expect some Elves or Dwarf warriors to turn up.

Admittedly for a kick ass title like this the film takes it time in delivering some dragon slaying. Most of the time we see the rather odd choice of hero in Peter MacNicol arguing with the King, arguing with the Kings main knight who wears a silly helmet, looking perplexed, attempting magic, getting locked up and finding out that a young boy is actually a young woman. How in the hell he couldn't see this I don't know. The plot about the King holding a lottery that chooses young girls to be sacrificed to the dragon to appease it is pure fairytale stuff (this is why that one woman disguises herself as a bloke). The Princess finds out her father the King has rigged it so she never gets chosen, so she bravely opts to get sacrificed. Somehow the King can't stop this decision even though he's King so its up to MacNicol to save her.

Really the whole crux of the film is the last half where MacNicol must fight the dragon with his big dragon slaying spear, his magic shiny ring which he got from his sorcerer Master and dragon scale shield. Its the effects that make this film stand up and get counted, for the time the effects were mind blowing and they ain't half bad now. A classical mix of stop motion, puppets, large scale puppets, bluescreen and some matte paintings bring the dragon to life. I can't deny the visuals do get a bit creaky as the film progresses through to the big confrontation. Bluescreen becomes very obvious, especially against the stop motion dragon, the flying sequences are a bit iffy looking and the stop motion isn't quite as good as I remembered. Its the puppets and large scale dragon heads that take your breathe away, some really nice detail and great fire breathing effects...even if the dragon design is a bit standard and unadventurous.

The other thing that hit me was the level of shock factor in this film. We do see poor old Ian McDiarmid get incinerated up close, we do see the Princess get half eaten by baby dragon puppets, one has its mouthful with her foot!, there is a haunting sequence where a young girl gets torched alive (you hear her screams) and we do see someone getting run through with a spear. In short there is a reasonable amount of blood on show here! I was surprised.

Its quite a slow film with a lot of character building which is a tad dull but it works. The whole plot to kill the dragon does seem pretty convoluted really, they're messing around with magic rings, spells, resurrection blah blah blah when all you wanna see is MacNicol hack at the dragon with a large sharp weapon. End of the day they kill it with a remotely detonated old sorcerer via the magic ring it seems, kinda made me think why we had to go through everything just to do that. But I guess the old sorcerer had to die to come back as a magical explosive old sorcerer resurrected from the dragons fiery underground lake...whatever.

The film appears to be your bog standard fantasy film where the hero must save the Princess from the dragon, but it isn't, the Princess gets eaten!. The plot also feels a bit heavy at times, a bit bloated with magic when really you just wanna see a bit more kickassery, I guess in this day and age a remake would give you that for sure. I can't moan about the plot as it is well done and offers more than just hack n slash, the characters are all pretty good really which isn't expected. This is a fantasy so you half expect high levels of flaming grilled cheese but no, everyone plays it straight and it works well, I especially liked the portrayal and look of 'King Casiodorus'.

So no this isn't entirely a silly childish fairytale story, far from it. The visuals may trick you into thinking this at times but its quite a bleak film mostly. For me I just wanted to watch it again for the dragon sequences, there I said it, I'm sure most would be the same truth be told. In that sense the film doesn't disappoint, despite its age the film offers some great draconem action, and yes I did feel sorry for the dragon when its babies got slain by the hero pfft! screw you hero!.

6.5/10

SilentDawn · 03-01-2014, 08:58 PM

My ramblings and thoughts on the magnificent It's Such a Beautiful Day by Don Hertzfeldt.

Foggy · 03-01-2014, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentDawn

My ramblings and thoughts on the magnificent It's Such a Beautiful Day by Don Hertzfeldt.

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!!

SilentDawn · 03-01-2014, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foggy

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!!

It's so incredible!

02-21-2014, 05:38 AM	#34723
Spirit Zero Banned Member since:Oct 2013 Location:UK Blu-ray collection:58 DVD collection:54	*Soldier (1998)* Back before Kurt was a bit too old he starred in the odd kick ass flick like this...oh yes this is indeed kick ass. A mindless soulless drone-like soldier who kills without question and its set in the future! how can that not be kick ass...ahem. So in the near future humans breed soldiers by taking them at birth and basically transforming them into hardened killers that obey without question with brutal military schooling, they only know the military way. Then along comes a smarmy greasy Colonel with a bunch of even better genetically engineered soldiers who were created from hand picked DNA to give maximum results in every human sense. Russell and his men are replaced and brushed aside. At its core this film is basically a revenge action thriller, but it does try for a warmer touch throughout. Russell's character 'Todd' is a merciless killer but after he is abandoned and left for dead on a garbage planet by his superiors he must learn to survive on his own. That is until he finds a human colony of scavengers who crashed on the planet years before. He is taken in and this is where the softer side comes in as the scavengers try to break his robotic military programming and make him more human again. This whole element isn't too bad and shows a good attempt at character building. We do get to see Todd slowly coming around as he is immersed in a more family orientated society. There are the obligatory ups and downs along the way and Todd has reoccurring nightmares which does feel rather cliched but I guess its what you'd expect. It is good to see Todd becoming close with a young couples little boy, we never really get too much emotion from Todd, he barely says much for the entire film accept for yes Sir, no Sir and nods. I did find myself enjoying the simple story arch for Todd and the young family that take care of him, its basic sure but it works. Of course all that is filler simply for the big revenge action showdown at the end where Todd gets his chance to kill all the enhanced soldiers and their Colonel. Todd grows attached to the scavengers in his own way only so you feel more emotion when he must protect them in a whopping sci-fi shoot out. That shoot out being the main focus of the film and it doesn't disappoint if you ask me, its like 'Commando' on another planet with Russell taking down faceless futuristic soldiers with big guns, big knives and a few neck snaps. The one thing I find odd is why the Colonel and his soldiers do this 'security sweep' on this garbage planet. The planet seems to be known as a massive dumping ground for scrap with no known life on it, intelligent life anyway. So why on earth would they need to do a security sweep of it?? especially with all those huge armoured vehicles!. Well because the director needed a way to get the bad guys on the planet surface so Todd could kill them all that's why. Its just a shame that plot direction is so stupid. The film certainly looks slick considering it was made in 98. The planet looks pretty cool harsh and desolate, nice models, nice matte work, sets are decent and futuristic weapons/equipment look solid and authentic. I did get a feeling the film needed or wanted to be grander though, personally I wanted to see more of the planet, the military, it all felt a bit compressed and revolved around one area the entire time (the scavenger camp got a wee bit boring). I like the small Easter eggs though. The film was suppose to be set within the same universe as 'Blade Runner' (a sequel on the side) and there is a nod to that with the 'Battle at Tannhauser Gate' on Todd's service record. Plus Todd appears to have been decorated with the 'Plissken Patch'. I liked Russell's performance here, he comes across surprisingly well as a terminator-esque killbot and the lack of dialog also works surprisingly well. Visually the film is pleasing to the eye for any sci-fi buffs, the action is well directed and it is very satisfying to see Todd get his own back on Isaac's shitty Colonel character and his lackeys. The final battle between Russell and his uber opponent Jason Scott Lee is cliched much like the rest of the film and felt like a typical JCVD fight sequence really. All in all I think Lee's character could have been left out really as he seemed too much of a daft predictable comicbook type bad guy. Overall this is definitely a guilty pleasure action film, you know its dumb but its also a good gritty ride. 7/10 Last edited by Spirit Zero; 02-21-2014 at 06:34 AM.

02-28-2014, 12:55 AM	#34735
Spirit Zero Banned Member since:Oct 2013 Location:UK Blu-ray collection:58 DVD collection:54	*Team America: World Police (2004)* The films title says it all really, a sharp satirical play on the fact that the rest of the globe kinda thinks the US wants to police the world. Business as usual for the South Park creators as they present this biting mockery of a comedy that does one of two things...homage the use of marionettes whilst also taking the piss, and literately taking the piss out of American foreign policy. The whole film is a complete send up of your bog standard action flick porn, all the obligatory cliches and stereotypes packed into a smart satire of American politics that naturally revolves around the Middle East. Its all very straight forward, a team of super anti-terrorist soldiers (ala Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible') do battle with terrorist threats on a daily basis. During one mission they get captured and must be rescued by the newbie of the team who is unsure of himself, that's virtually it. The first thing that is so funny about this film is the fact its all been created with puppets, yes puppets, just like Thunderbirds. Puppet action heroes doing everything your regular cookie cutter Hollywood action flick does. The film has the visual style of a cool kids show combined with a kids toy line. All the main vehicles of Team America are slick hi-tech super awesome looking power models emblazoned with a red white and blue paint job to nail the Stars n Stripes motif home. The team are decked out in natty SWAT-like uniforms with shades headsets and of course lots of big guns, whilst their base is a typical Bond-esque setup within Mount Rushmore with lots of flashy tech stuff, a big intelligent talking computer and their very own Nick Fury/Professor X type leader. All the bad guys look exactly as you would expect from a satirizing angle of Middle Eastern terrorists, lots of facial hair and rags. Oh and you can see the strings attached to the puppets too further enhancing the laughs. Despite the film looking like a toy merchandise wet dream it is of course a full on adult adventure. This is the amazingly amusing thing about it all, its children's puppets swearing, having rampant sex and being killed in gruesome ways. Just as South Park is funny because its a naughty cartoon this works on the same level. The violence and visual obscenities are created at a puppet level so its never really shocking because its all being done with puppets and its simply more acceptable. A puppet being blown apart or eaten alive by sharks doesn't really shock because we all know its a children's toy, had it been live action it would be pretty horrific. The other main funny bone tickler is the quite brutal mockery of famous stars, Middle Eastern folk, world leaders and of course the action genre. In between all the hyper action flick mockery various real actors get ripped on pretty well along with the Screen Actors Guild which has been hilariously renamed the Film Actors Guild. I loved the ultra liberal portrayal of this celebrity group, the way they are all made out to be enemies of Team America because they want peace and unity with the Middle East. They blame Team America for unnecessary killings, destruction, racism etc...and are blind to Kim Jong-il's plans...oh and the fact almost all of them get killed horribly. Talking of Kim Jong, what a way to go down in movie history! via Trey Parker's gut busting rendition (piss taking) in that completely racist voice he does so well, fantastic!. It is completely brilliant how Team America go into missions destroying anything and everything in their path to take down one or two terrorists. The way they blow up half of Cairo and its ancient treasures, Paris with its landmarks and are completely oblivious to the ruin because in the end they got their intended targets, so its all good. Collateral damage at its finest Hoorah!!!. Even though the film can't escape its South Park routes, because its all Trey and Stone, that doesn't hinder it. Yeah all the voices are familiar, the satire isn't exactly new, 'Derkaderkastan' or the term 'Derka' has popped up in various South Park episodes I believe as speech for Africans and Middle Eastern folk, all foreign people simply speak the same kind of gibberish much like they do in certain South Park episodes, there are the odd risque musical numbers etc...At the same time there are some really edgy moments that seem truly un-PC but its so funny. When Gary infiltrates the terrorist headquarters at the start the puppet has a simple bath towel on his head! then inside the terrorist bar its all made out like the Mos Eisley cantina from 'A New Hope', simple but totally effective. This film is so darn accurate in its analysis of US foreign policies and left wing activism I'm amazed it managed to surface. It virtually mocks everything about America and it all holds up to this day, I imagine it must make some Americans cringe. Next to that the action genre is an easy target but its still skewed perfectly here, right down to the last cheesy cliche. Funny thing is the film also looks terrific and really is a genuine homage to the use of marionettes. Everything looks so rich in detail its actually a shame the content will inevitably upset many in Hollywood, meaning the craftsman involved probably won't get the recognition they deserve, that's irony for you. 8/10 Last edited by Spirit Zero; 02-28-2014 at 01:02 AM.

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02-21-2014, 03:18 AM	#34721
Al_The_Strange Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Apr 2009 Location:Out there...past them trees... Home Theater Gallery:126 4K collection:1143 Blu-ray collection:4960 DVD collection:530 Digital collection:1013 Blu-ray reviews: 132 Trading Score:32	The Lego Movie Legos have always been my favorite toy. In fact, they still are. For as long as they've been around, it makes me wonder what took so long for somebody to make an official Lego movie. Then again, what kind of movie could possibly be made out of these silly little construction blocks? The biggest fear going into this movie is that it could have just been 90 minutes of senseless fluff. Even kids thought this would be stupid. Fortunately, the film overall proves to be quite sharp and clever for audiences of all ages. It breezes by at a brisk pace, loaded with fast-paced comedy and visually-striking action. Even during the film's most grim and dramatic parts (of which there are a few), the tone remains light, but without being too overbearing or sappy. The comedy keeps everything consistently fun and endearing, thanks to a ton of great random lines, sight gags, pop culture jokes, and some self-parody. What really makes this film work, however, is the substance. You'd think it'd be easy to write this film off as a mere marketing tool to sell more Legos (and it's probably working), but even then, The Lego Movie takes care to use Legos as the medium, more than a mere product to shove down our throats. With Legos as the film's primary canvas, the film immediately whisks us through a universe of colorful building blocks, complete with literal worldbuilding and mythos. The story treads on familiar ground; the characters inhabit familiar archetypes (I especially couldn't help but to draw comparisons between Emmit and Neo from The Matrix; the wizard might as well fulfill the same role as Morpheus, and Wild Styles is much like Trinity), and the plot is molded in a formulaic epic-journey structure. What really makes this film brilliant, however, is the meta-fiction dynamic that becomes apparent as it goes on; it's a dynamic that made films like Cool World and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? novel, but The Lego Movie takes it a step further by tying in the story and themes together with (at least seemingly) earnest and heartfelt intentions. At it's core, The Lego Movie emphasizes creativity as the theme. It is the basis of the story's conflict, it is the focus of the characters, and it is the idea that resounds through the script. The film firmly declares that we are all special individuals, all capable of creating new, imaginative, unique things. Legos have always been a toy to nurture that creativity, and The Lego Movie is a celebration of the creative spirit. It is a theme that's not only inspiring for children, but also for the inner child. I believe this film supports one fundamental truth I've always believed in: it is more powerful to create than to destroy. This film is animated very distinctively with CGI that convincingly looks like stop-motion animation. It is all very colorful, well-rendered, well-textured, and has good-looking lighting. Movements are made to be a bit stiff on purpose, and it achieves the perfect effect of looking like a home-made feature. Voice-acting is great, and the script is pretty sharp. This production does a great job of replicating thousands and thousands of Lego pieces on-screen to create big imaginative worlds. Music can be strangely catchy too. The Lego Movie is to movies that LittleBigPlanet is to video games; they both have a seminal home-made look and charm, but with a firm focus on creativity and individual expression. Legos have been an endearing medium of creativity for years, and chances are that they'll remain on toystore shelves for more years to come. Even if this movie is merely a marketing tool, it is a well-made one with a lot of heart and spirit. I think the movie - and the toy - is quality entertainment for anybody young and old. 4.5/5 (Entertainment: Perfect \| Story: Good \| Film: Very Good) Recommendation: Sure, why not? -------------------- Feeling rather nostalgic and inspired, I managed to dig up this old picture of myself with my favorite toys. It's possible that the film has struck a chord with my inner child, but I don't think that's ever been a bad thing. [Show spoiler]

02-27-2014, 06:26 AM	#34733
Spirit Zero Banned Member since:Oct 2013 Location:UK Blu-ray collection:58 DVD collection:54	*Time Bandits (1981)* Is Terry Gilliam riding on the coattails of Monty Python with this film? his cast does include a few Python members in small cameos and the films direction is most definitely bizarre. Not only that but the film looks and sounds like a Python sketch in various places much like 'Jabberwocky' did. Not complaining just pointing it out, love the film title though and those lovely looking opening credits. The first film in Gilliam's off the wall dream-like fantasy film trilogy where the plot basically revolves around escaping reality through imagination...or a dream. In this surreal adventure a young boy is zapped through time with the help of a bunch of dwarfs. This little team go around pinching loot trying to get rich with the aid of a map that shows them time holes to jump through time. On their tail is an evil sorcerer who wants the map for evil purposes and the maps owner the 'Supreme Being' (God?). The film starts off in a very simple manner that is quite enjoyable. Its very similar to the later Bill and Ted franchise as we jump to the Napoleonic Wars and meet Napoleon, then to England meeting up with Robin Hood and then to Greece meeting King Agamemnon. These few segments are good fun showcasing the films main big name cameos such as a rather dull Connery as Agamemnon, a very good Ian Holm as the height obsessed Napoleon and the brilliant Cleese as a rather stiff upper lipped Robin Hood and his cutthroat band of merry men. The Robin Hood sequence is easily the best with Cleese donning a daft over sized green Hood hat and typical cliched Hood attire. He looks utterly ridiculous in his pantomime garb where as in contrast his men are a bunch of dirty filthy violent scum. The other funny angle is the fact Cleese speaks quite normally in his aloof aristocratic manner and his men don't, they are just your standard commoner oiks. Once we are introduced to the villainous 'Evil' (that's his name) who wants the map things kinda nose dive in my opinion. The dwarf team stop time jumping and instead go on the run from Evil but end up in Evil's realm and things just become all too weird. There are some nice moments that are typically Gilliam in visual style and idea, the galleon perched on top of the underwater giants head is a good one. No real clue what the hell was going on there, why the galleon is stuck to this giants head (it appeared to be his hat), why the giant was under the sea and who or what was in that little cottage before the giant crushed it??. Looked like some kind of elephant alien person, quirky little moment but totally off the wall, they just get killed then?. The entire final sequence where the dwarfs and little boy fight against Evil is just a mess really. This sorcerer is obviously pretty invincible yet the dwarfs conjure up all these pointless character from various time periods to fight him. I know its a young persons film but this battle is really quite hokey. Then in the end we meet the Supreme Being who turns out to be (or at least in human form) an elderly man in a suit who can't really act too well, nice concept though. I think the main thing that I disliked in this film was the little boy in the main role. This is an old film sure and the kid actor didn't have to be a great actor I admit but damn he's fudging annoying. His soft weedy whiny voice just grates the whole time and fails to give his character any impact at all, he always begs and pleads like a baby but you can hardly hear him half the time because he's so quiet...and wet. Am I being harsh? maybe, but this kid ruins the film, should of used a girl. The squad of dwarves are the films main hook really...much like 'Willow'. None of them are particularly good actors but they are amusing and they do add to the fantasy charm. Seeing them all dressed up in their nifty warrior-like bandit outfits is kinda cool, clearly Gilliam (or someone) had this idea and knew they had to make a film around it. The film is essentially a kids flick, an imaginative adventure for young boys who like to play war, knights, cowboys etc...In that sense the film does its job and delivers a highly imaginative yarn no doubt. As an adult watching now the film doesn't quite hit the mark for me anymore, I guess the thrill has been left behind with age coupled with the fact the film doesn't really look very good anymore. It has dated quite badly in all honesty and the effects can be a bit dodgy. Like I said the first half set in the few time periods is good but after that it gets a bit rough around the edges. The very end feels too open ended also, definitely needed a more conclusive finish. In the end the film is a fun little ride with some nice visual ideas, but I can't help but feel without those few Python cameos this film wouldn't be half as much fun. You could say its only worth watching for the John Cleese sequence really...but that's just me. 5.5/10

02-28-2014, 03:41 AM	#34736
Al_The_Strange Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Apr 2009 Location:Out there...past them trees... Home Theater Gallery:126 4K collection:1143 Blu-ray collection:4960 DVD collection:530 Digital collection:1013 Blu-ray reviews: 132 Trading Score:32	Pompeii The last few films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson have been universally-hated, so I was skeptical about him directing a historical epic. His telling of the Pompeii disaster definitely emphasizes spectacle over substance, but I actually expected a lot worse than this. If nothing else, I enjoyed the film. There are quite a few gladiatorial fights and battles in the film's first half, which are pretty well-staged and just fun to watch. Then, when Mt. Vesuvius inevitably erupts, the mass destruction fills up the screen and provides a somber backdrop for even more outrageous action scenes. It gets pretty ridiculous, maybe even too much for more serious-minded viewers, but even during the melodrama in between, the film rarely dragged for me. However, the film's story leaves something to be desired. The opening scenes, which lay out the Celt's backstory, seems to mirror the origins of Conan the Barbarian exactly. The dude's progression through gladiatorial combat is a story that's been covered well enough in films like Gladiator and Spartacus. As I've seen other viewers mention, the actual love story is pretty much the same situation as Titanic. And, just like Titanic, we all know how the story of Pompeii will end. There's nothing terribly original or groundbreaking in this story. On its own merits, the story gets the job done though. It expends the bare minimum to establish a cast of one-dimensional characters (including an incredibly unreasonable villain) playing through a formulaic plotline. I'm not entirely certain as to how historically accurate the film is; I have seen the Pompeii ruins some years ago, and what I saw on film regarding the street-level views, the amphitheater, the shops, the homes, all generally looked the part. I imagine more informed viewers could nitpick a lot about the film's portrayal of geography, politics, historical background, and culture. With my own knowledge of Roman history, however, I didn't notice that much really wrong. At the very least, as the volcanic eruption went on and on, it became more and more unbelievable that these characters could run around, dodging flaming rocks and debris, and jumping over countless chasms that suddenly appear, without dying. This film is made with some solid photography. In fact, I was pretty impressed by some of the imagery; I thought the film's opening shots, showing figures coated in ash with Clinton Shorter's music score and Pliny the Younger's words, is decently invoking. Editing is good, although a few of the fights might have been cut a little too fast. Acting is nothing to scream about; Kit Harington is a pretty average tough guy here. I was enjoying the performances of Emily Browning, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Kiefer Sutherland. Writing is simplistic and cliched. This production uses some really great-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are good-but-not-great. The music score is really good, and might be the best thing about the film. It's a story that's been done before, full of cliches and flat characters, and it's historic accuracy is questionable. However, it is an entertaining thrill ride, and the film has its earnest moments. You might enjoy this film if you just want to see some big-scale effects and swordplay; if you're looking for something deeper, you might be disappointed. 3.5/5 (Entertainment: Good \| Story: Average \| Film: Pretty Good) Recommendation: Rental.

03-01-2014, 08:58 PM	#34738
SilentDawn Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Isla Nublar Blu-ray collection:400 DVD collection:58 Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:1	My ramblings and thoughts on the magnificent It's Such a Beautiful Day by Don Hertzfeldt.

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