I love a good duster, and I may have a small man crush on Christian Bale (seriously when is the last time the guy made a bad movie?) So I may be a little biased but I really enjoyed this movie. The story is strong, the performances are great, and the visuals are amazing. The only complaint I can make is that they had to use an Aussie and a Welshman to make a solid American western but that’s it.
The cast: As previously mentioned Christian Bale hasn’t made a bad movie in years, the guy could star in a remake of Deuce Bigalow and I’d still watch it. In 3:10 Yuma he plays Dan Evans a down on his luck rancher who agrees to guard a captured fugitive so he can earn money to pay off his farm. The fugitive is played to perfection by Russell Crowe. Crowe expertly blends charm and ruthlessness into the character to make it one of his best performances to date. The supporting cast is great and includes big names such as Peter Fonda, and Gretchen Mol, but the scene stealer here is Ben Foster. As Charlie Prince Foster plays a convincingly vicious killer, and provides a real heavy bad guy to drive the story.
The film itself is a near perfect blend of the older western style mixed with more modern action scenes, which come together to create a compelling film. Moral ambiguity has been a staple in Westerns from early on, and is used expertly here as the viewer is torn between rooting for charismatic outlaw, or the simple rancher trying to provide for his family. From beginning to end it’s a fun ride full of rich charaters and great performances.
Run Time: 122 minutes
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kill Bill
Volume 1
One thing you have to respect about Tarantino, is that he is willing to push the envelope, and Kill Bill certainly does that. Volume 1 is as close to wall to wall violence as you can get, without dropping dialogue all together. As with all of Tarantino’s films the two part Kill bill is rich with homage (pronounced theft), but if you’re a fan of his movies, or just love a good action movie, Kill Bill is worth watching.
The Cast: Uma Thurman Stars as The Bride, and gives an excellent performance in not only the character scenes but she really surprises in the lengthy and intricate action scenes. Uma really carries the film, with Lucy Liu and Vivica A. Fox also putting in good performances but their roles are small. David Carradine is never actually seen in Volume one, but his impact on the scenes he is in can be felt throughout, although that may have more to do with the writing than the acting in this case.
The dialogue is always what stands out for me in a Tarantino film, but what we get here is wall-to-wall action, with tons of over the top action and buckets of blood spilled. While more plot development would have been nice, Kill Bill Volume 1 is still fun to watch. The film is visually stunning from beginning to end, even with the gratuitous amounts of blood spattering about. The inclusion of animated sequences helps the film achieve a certain refreshing style.
If you like Tarantino, or are just a fan of action movies check out both Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Run Time: 111 minutes
Volume: 2
The second half of what was originally one uber long action film, Kill Bill: Volume 2 picks up right where Volume 1 left off. The second installment though includes a little more dialogue and character development than the first chapter, and dialogue is where Tarantino films really shines.
The Cast: Uma Thurman continues strong in the second half, and considering it was shot as one long movie that just makes sense. Luckily the second half also allows for other actors to step up and carry some of the load. Michael Madsen seems to do some of his best work for Tarantino, just look at Reservoir Dogs. Madsen’s turn in Kill Bill is no different as he plays the role with an understated strength that manages to dominate his scenes without trying. Daryl Hannah also delivers a strong performance. David Carradine fit the role, but really as an actor the guy only has one speed. Had the part not been written specifically for him, it wouldn’t have worked.
As expected Volume 2 is just a continuation of the first part, only in my view it is the superior story, or at least it is the half that actually tells the story. The fight scenes are still over the top (in a way that suits the film) but this time with the Brides interaction with Bud, Elle Drive, Pai Mei, and especially Bill you see more of the characters, and are able to connect with them better, which makes the film that much more interesting that Volume 1.
Run Time: 136 Minutes
One thing you have to respect about Tarantino, is that he is willing to push the envelope, and Kill Bill certainly does that. Volume 1 is as close to wall to wall violence as you can get, without dropping dialogue all together. As with all of Tarantino’s films the two part Kill bill is rich with homage (pronounced theft), but if you’re a fan of his movies, or just love a good action movie, Kill Bill is worth watching.
The Cast: Uma Thurman Stars as The Bride, and gives an excellent performance in not only the character scenes but she really surprises in the lengthy and intricate action scenes. Uma really carries the film, with Lucy Liu and Vivica A. Fox also putting in good performances but their roles are small. David Carradine is never actually seen in Volume one, but his impact on the scenes he is in can be felt throughout, although that may have more to do with the writing than the acting in this case.
The dialogue is always what stands out for me in a Tarantino film, but what we get here is wall-to-wall action, with tons of over the top action and buckets of blood spilled. While more plot development would have been nice, Kill Bill Volume 1 is still fun to watch. The film is visually stunning from beginning to end, even with the gratuitous amounts of blood spattering about. The inclusion of animated sequences helps the film achieve a certain refreshing style.
If you like Tarantino, or are just a fan of action movies check out both Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Run Time: 111 minutes
Volume: 2
The second half of what was originally one uber long action film, Kill Bill: Volume 2 picks up right where Volume 1 left off. The second installment though includes a little more dialogue and character development than the first chapter, and dialogue is where Tarantino films really shines.
The Cast: Uma Thurman continues strong in the second half, and considering it was shot as one long movie that just makes sense. Luckily the second half also allows for other actors to step up and carry some of the load. Michael Madsen seems to do some of his best work for Tarantino, just look at Reservoir Dogs. Madsen’s turn in Kill Bill is no different as he plays the role with an understated strength that manages to dominate his scenes without trying. Daryl Hannah also delivers a strong performance. David Carradine fit the role, but really as an actor the guy only has one speed. Had the part not been written specifically for him, it wouldn’t have worked.
As expected Volume 2 is just a continuation of the first part, only in my view it is the superior story, or at least it is the half that actually tells the story. The fight scenes are still over the top (in a way that suits the film) but this time with the Brides interaction with Bud, Elle Drive, Pai Mei, and especially Bill you see more of the characters, and are able to connect with them better, which makes the film that much more interesting that Volume 1.
Run Time: 136 Minutes
Hard Candy
This movie is not for everyone, the subject matter is pretty dark, and there is one scene that will make any man cringe. For the most part the story takes place in 1 location, with only 2 characters, on the surface you wouldn’t expect much but when you look at what the film makers and cast were able to accomplish its pretty impressive.
The Cast: A pre-Juno Ellen Page stars in and steals the film as a 14 year old girl who meets a thirty something photographer online and ends up back at his house. Patrick Wilson is the other half of the cast, and gives an excellent performance to the point that even though you know you should hate him you find yourself sympathizing with him at times. Sandra Oh is in it too… for all of 30 seconds.
Working on a budget of less than $1 million the filmmakers managed to produce a thoroughly engrossing film, expertly shot, with a vibrant colour scheme, which contrast perfectly the dark nature of the material. The cast as was mentioned deliver career making performances, and the story is engrossing and well paced. If I had to pick one thing to complain about it would be that a few line of dialogue come across as being somewhat cheesy, but that’s covered by the talent and dedication of the actors.
Hard Candy is defiantly recommended viewing, but with a disclaimer that I don’t guarantee you’ll like it due to the subject matter.
Run Rime: 104 Minutes
The Cast: A pre-Juno Ellen Page stars in and steals the film as a 14 year old girl who meets a thirty something photographer online and ends up back at his house. Patrick Wilson is the other half of the cast, and gives an excellent performance to the point that even though you know you should hate him you find yourself sympathizing with him at times. Sandra Oh is in it too… for all of 30 seconds.
Working on a budget of less than $1 million the filmmakers managed to produce a thoroughly engrossing film, expertly shot, with a vibrant colour scheme, which contrast perfectly the dark nature of the material. The cast as was mentioned deliver career making performances, and the story is engrossing and well paced. If I had to pick one thing to complain about it would be that a few line of dialogue come across as being somewhat cheesy, but that’s covered by the talent and dedication of the actors.
Hard Candy is defiantly recommended viewing, but with a disclaimer that I don’t guarantee you’ll like it due to the subject matter.
Run Rime: 104 Minutes
Dedication
First and foremost my pet peeve is movies about writers, not that I have anything against writers (it’s kind of what I do) but it seems very self absorbed for a writer to write a movie about writing and how hard it is, it’s like having to hear the clerk at Starbucks complain while they make your coffee only you have to spend 2 hours with this cup of coffee. That being said Dedication is more about the character than his profession, so that’s a step in the right direction.
The Cast: Billy Crudup stars as an eccentric children’s book author with some severe social issues. Crudup is a versatile and talented actor, and can really blend into his roles, and is at his best in this film when his character is at its most manic. Mandy Moore (you’re an adult now change your name to Amanda Moore) is good at playing this type of hard luck sympathetic role, she delivers a solid performance. Tom Wilkinson also delivers a good performance, showing a softer side than he has in his other recent work but with just as much talent shining through.
Dedication is well paced, and offers interesting main characters; however the supporting characters are almost nonexistent. From beginning to end the Dedication is a by the numbers romantic comedy highlighted more by the stars than the story itself. The film also features some stylized visual effects that just felt out of place in a romantic comedy. Over all if you’re planning on seeing in I’d suggest renting it, if you haven’t heard of it and don’t care for any of the actors in it, I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way to see it,
Runtime: 96 minutes
The Cast: Billy Crudup stars as an eccentric children’s book author with some severe social issues. Crudup is a versatile and talented actor, and can really blend into his roles, and is at his best in this film when his character is at its most manic. Mandy Moore (you’re an adult now change your name to Amanda Moore) is good at playing this type of hard luck sympathetic role, she delivers a solid performance. Tom Wilkinson also delivers a good performance, showing a softer side than he has in his other recent work but with just as much talent shining through.
Dedication is well paced, and offers interesting main characters; however the supporting characters are almost nonexistent. From beginning to end the Dedication is a by the numbers romantic comedy highlighted more by the stars than the story itself. The film also features some stylized visual effects that just felt out of place in a romantic comedy. Over all if you’re planning on seeing in I’d suggest renting it, if you haven’t heard of it and don’t care for any of the actors in it, I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way to see it,
Runtime: 96 minutes
21
On the surface, if you just pitch it as a movie about college kids counting cards to make money at blackjack, it’s not that appealing. But, when you sell it as Academy award winner Kevin Spacey leading a bright young cast as they try to beat the odds in Vegas, it’s a little more interesting. Sadly having watched the movie it’s a little closer to the first pitch.
The Cast: Kevin Spacey may have been the top liner in this but his screen time is somewhat limited, and unlike his role in Seven where he had very little time on screen and still managed to steal the show his character here is somewhat forgettable. Jim Sturgess is a relative newcomer to starring roles but does little to truly stand out in this film. His performance is solid, but does not truly stand out in any way. Kate Bosworth rounds out the main characters, in the obligatory love interest role, and in many ways that’s pretty much all the character was there for.
The stand out for me was in a supporting role was Aaron Yoo, he was consistently the most entertaining person on screen, even with little dialogue.
Based on a true story, 21 had potential, and with actors like Kevin Spacey, Lawrence Fishburne, and Kate Bosworth it is possible my expectations were high going in. but the bottom line is the film was not great. The characters seemed flat leaving you with no one really to root for. Despite a fairly successful attempt to create a visually appealing film (the Vegas scenes feel like Vegas and the Boston ones feel like Boston) the film seems longer than it should have been and has trouble keeping an interesting pace throughout.
Runtime: 123 minutes
The Cast: Kevin Spacey may have been the top liner in this but his screen time is somewhat limited, and unlike his role in Seven where he had very little time on screen and still managed to steal the show his character here is somewhat forgettable. Jim Sturgess is a relative newcomer to starring roles but does little to truly stand out in this film. His performance is solid, but does not truly stand out in any way. Kate Bosworth rounds out the main characters, in the obligatory love interest role, and in many ways that’s pretty much all the character was there for.
The stand out for me was in a supporting role was Aaron Yoo, he was consistently the most entertaining person on screen, even with little dialogue.
Based on a true story, 21 had potential, and with actors like Kevin Spacey, Lawrence Fishburne, and Kate Bosworth it is possible my expectations were high going in. but the bottom line is the film was not great. The characters seemed flat leaving you with no one really to root for. Despite a fairly successful attempt to create a visually appealing film (the Vegas scenes feel like Vegas and the Boston ones feel like Boston) the film seems longer than it should have been and has trouble keeping an interesting pace throughout.
Runtime: 123 minutes
Iron Man
To me Iron Man has always been the Marvel version of Batman. A billionaire industrialist who makes himself a fancy suit and sets about defending the world, when comparing this summer’s film adaptations of both Batman and Iron Man that’s where the similarities end. As opposed to the dark crime drama The Dark Knight offered, Iron Man was a fun ride blending action and humor in to one of the better comic book adaptations we’ve seen.
The Cast: Robert Downey Jr. is perfect as Tony Stark he blends the characters cocky bravado nicely with humor and self awareness. Terence Howard plays the supporting role well, although I did find myself wishing his character had more to do, perhaps in the sequel. Gwyneth Paltrow, had a tough assignment going in, having to not only share most of her scenes with Robert Downey Jr. but going in as the subordinate character as well. But she does it well and falls seamlessly into the role of Pepper Potts. Jeff Bridges rounds out the top line cast with his role as Obadiah Stane. Bridges turn as a super villain is surprisingly well suited for him considering some of his past roles as the everyman hero (The Big Lebowski, Arlington Road).
From beginning to end the film keeps an excellent pace, with the script blending action, humor and character development. In fact the whole movie is well acted well directed, the effects are spectacular, it’s just plain fun to watch, making it hard to find anything to complain about defiantly worth checking out.
Special features: Included on the DVD are a handful of deleted and extended scenes, which are worth checking out, as well as the standard behind the scenes look at the making of some of the special effects seen in the film.
Runtime: 126 minutes
The Cast: Robert Downey Jr. is perfect as Tony Stark he blends the characters cocky bravado nicely with humor and self awareness. Terence Howard plays the supporting role well, although I did find myself wishing his character had more to do, perhaps in the sequel. Gwyneth Paltrow, had a tough assignment going in, having to not only share most of her scenes with Robert Downey Jr. but going in as the subordinate character as well. But she does it well and falls seamlessly into the role of Pepper Potts. Jeff Bridges rounds out the top line cast with his role as Obadiah Stane. Bridges turn as a super villain is surprisingly well suited for him considering some of his past roles as the everyman hero (The Big Lebowski, Arlington Road).
From beginning to end the film keeps an excellent pace, with the script blending action, humor and character development. In fact the whole movie is well acted well directed, the effects are spectacular, it’s just plain fun to watch, making it hard to find anything to complain about defiantly worth checking out.
Special features: Included on the DVD are a handful of deleted and extended scenes, which are worth checking out, as well as the standard behind the scenes look at the making of some of the special effects seen in the film.
Runtime: 126 minutes
The Incredible Hulk
I’ve never really been a big fan of the Hulk simply because I don’t count him as being a “super-hero”. It’s not the super part I’m arguing it’s the hero part, really the guy just gets really mad and breaks stuff, very rarely does he actually help anyone, that being said I did enjoy the movie.
The cast was great, Edward Norton is usually very dependable onscreen, and brought a sympathetic confidence to the role of Bruce Banner.
Liv Tyler as always looks great, but I did find she sort of whispered her way through the role (speak up girl).
Tim Roth was great as well, but then he’s like Norton and seems to always be dependable.
William hurt rounds out the top line cast and as a seasoned veteran he brings confidence to every role he plays.
I liked that they were able to reboot the franchise and still show the back story without doing a long drawn out origin story again, you get all the information you need in the first few minutes and then you get right to the movie. Once the back story is out of the way the movie blends action scenes with humor and plot which keep a good pace from beginning to end. As for the ending the climactic battle is well done with great special effects and as much believability as you can expect from a movie about an 8 foot 1500lb monster with super strength. As for the wrap up scenes, that hint at other movies to come, they’re novel the first time around but don’t really ad much if you were to watch it again. I would have liked it better as a scene at the end of the credits, but what can you do.
Bottom line it’s a good pick for a nice relaxing movie night, not too heavy on drama and you really don’t need to think too much, but for comic fans there are enough little things throughout that if you want to go through and pick it a part you can still have some fun.
Runtime: 114
The cast was great, Edward Norton is usually very dependable onscreen, and brought a sympathetic confidence to the role of Bruce Banner.
Liv Tyler as always looks great, but I did find she sort of whispered her way through the role (speak up girl).
Tim Roth was great as well, but then he’s like Norton and seems to always be dependable.
William hurt rounds out the top line cast and as a seasoned veteran he brings confidence to every role he plays.
I liked that they were able to reboot the franchise and still show the back story without doing a long drawn out origin story again, you get all the information you need in the first few minutes and then you get right to the movie. Once the back story is out of the way the movie blends action scenes with humor and plot which keep a good pace from beginning to end. As for the ending the climactic battle is well done with great special effects and as much believability as you can expect from a movie about an 8 foot 1500lb monster with super strength. As for the wrap up scenes, that hint at other movies to come, they’re novel the first time around but don’t really ad much if you were to watch it again. I would have liked it better as a scene at the end of the credits, but what can you do.
Bottom line it’s a good pick for a nice relaxing movie night, not too heavy on drama and you really don’t need to think too much, but for comic fans there are enough little things throughout that if you want to go through and pick it a part you can still have some fun.
Runtime: 114
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