Posts Tagged ‘film’

Watching Star Trek Into Darkness was my first experience of 3D cinema.

On the whole, I’m not totally sold on the idea. Comfort-wise, it was fine. It was uncomfortable at first, but that was probably because I was expecting it to be and once I settled into the movie, it was fine.

I found the 3D pretty tacky though. It reminded me of pop up books where there are just certain things that pop up – one character would be further forward than another but everything else still felt rather 2D. I also didn’t like the way they would constantly only have one character in focus at a time.

A few of the effects worked quite well though, I think I probably ducked a few times when things came flying out the screen. It was good, but I can’t say I was amazed.

Obviously the new Star Trek films completely ruin everything with their inaccurate depiction of events (you know, when they really happened in the original films). But that being said, I did rather enjoy the new movie.

I imagine there will be spoilers before the end of this article.

I had no problems accepting Benedict Cumberbatch. I struggle with Doctor Whos in other things, but for some reason he isn’t set in my mind as Sherlock. Or maybe I was so distracted thinking about how he looks almost identical to Keanu Reeves playing Neo in The Matrix. That was annoying.

I was also very close to jumping up and screaming “KHAN!!!!!!!!!!” at the appropriate point.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the British girl, who seemed more like she had been added to bring another pair of tits than a deep and meaningful character and it was a bit shallow at times – Admiral Marcus was a bit too much of a stereotypical evil villain.

Ultimately though, any film with a tribble in is going to warm your heart.

On Tuesday we had our second Movie Goer’s Guide to Life & Death at A-Soc. It was basically a load of clips from American Beauty and while I found some of the analysis dubious I certainly enjoyed seeing the clips again very much enjoyable. Smile – you’re at Mr Smiley’s!

The plot: A cure is found for mutants but it doesn’t go down well. Magneto begins to raise an army while Xavier tries to prevent all out war.

The good: Captain Picard and Gandalf in the first minute of the movie – what more could you ask for? Some shockers too.

The bad: There isn’t really anything wrong with this movie. But then it’s not the most amazing movie ever either.

Conclusion: It’s a fun movie, if you like X-Men then you will certainly enjoy this. As comic book franchise movies go, this is a very good one.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 6.5 out of 10.

The plot: Simple water boy Bobby turns out to be an amazing football player and is drafted in to the college team as their star player though lacking in social skills or knowledge of the real world.

The good: Lots of cool people in it – Adam Sandler, Henry Winkler (you don’t get any cooler than The Fonze) and Fairuza Balk (much better known as Nancy from The Craft).

The bad: It’s not laugh out loud funny.

Conclusion: Another solid Adam Sandler comedy, it’s basically Happy Gilmore but with a different sport to the honest.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 6.8 out of 10.

The plot: A portrayal of the changes kids go through when they hit the teenage years as Tracey’s relationship with her mother is tested as she decents into the crazyness of high school popularity seeking, boys, drugs and sex.

The good: It hits some key points and makes you feel good inside that you weren’t that bad.

The bad: It was fair criticism made when the film was released that some of the scenes are just gratuitous.

Conclusion: Very, very good film though a bit heavy if you are not into your deep dramas. It’s a fairly low budget movie so it will appeal to film geeks more though don’t let that stop you watching it, it’s far from a purely indie appeal.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 8.5 out of 10.

The plot: JB goes to Hollywood to make it as a famous rock star. When he gets there he meets a man named Kyle Gass who agrees to teach him the way of rock and roll. They team up in order to steal the pick of destiny which transforms average musicians into rock gods.

The good: Tenacious D music, Jack Black rules, it’s funny.

The bad: Maybe a little low-brow, could have done with a few jokes that were a bit cleverer.

Conclusion: Fun movie, go see it.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 7.1 out of 10.

The plot: John Bennett is your average guy – he works at a car rental company, has a small apartment and enjoys getting stoned with his real life teddy bear that magically came to life after he wished for it to when he was a child. Unfortunately, his bromance with Ted is starting to get in the way of his relationship with girlfriend Lori.

The good: Has some funny moments, plus Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis are always welcome additions. Good ending. Features Sam Jones, the star of Flash Gordon.

The bad: Doesn’t have as many funny moments as you would like. Could have been more Mila Kunis.

Conclusion: It was always going to be a big challenge when Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane announced he was making a movie, because we were all expecting great things. As it is, we got something reasonably funny, but I was hoping for better.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 5.8 out of 10.

The plot: South Korean president Kim Jong Il plots to kill all of the world leaders in a huge terrorist attack only one group can stop them – Team America: World Police. From Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the guys behind South Park.

The good: Very funny, has some good social commentary.

The bad: Racist, low-brow humour, contains the over-obvious messages South Park does, generally just offensive.

Conclusion: If you are easily offended then stay well away from this. If you think South Park is funny then watch it. If your somewhere in the middle, it’s misable but don’t go out of your way to avoid it.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 6.7 out of 10.

The plot: Tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg and how he founded Facebook.

The good: The geeks will love it, it’s a fascinating insight into the story of Facebook, even if it may not be in any way accurate.

The bad: Despite its reviewer’s claims of wide appeal, I’m not so sure how true that will hold.

Conclusion: It’s a film done well if you have interest in the subject, otherwise give it a miss.

Rating

Reviewed by Greg. I gave this movie a 5.7 out of 10.