Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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Movie Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

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On February 24, 2020

In Movies, Reviews

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Directed By: Marielle Heller
Starring:  Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys
Release Date: November 22, 2019

My Rating: [rating=5]

I know this movie isn’t exactly a recent release; last November in fact. However a movie about someone as iconic as Mr Rogers cannot go without commenting. The man defined an entire generation; my generation. The trailer for this film had me choked up with nostalgia and Tom Hanks seemed like the perfect cast.

And he was! However, this movie isn’t actually about Fred Rogers, its about the man writing a profile on Mr. Rogers; Lloyd Vogel. This movie is a true story.

It’s Not About Fred

As I mentioned, this movie isn’t actually about Mr. Rogers. Lloyd Vogel is the character name that represents the actual writer, Tom Junod. Lloyd has a reputation for writing rather scathing exposes for Esquire magazine. He also has a very hostile relationship with is father (for reasons that are explained in the movie). When he is given an assignment to write a profile on Mr. Rogers, his perspective is completely changed. It’s all thanks to Mr. Rogers.

This movie is so amazing and very respectful to Mr. Rogers. It reinforces that Mr. Rogers is the same person on and off the screen. Every time there is a location change, a scaled down model of the location is used (just like they did in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood). That is easily one of the best features of the film. After reading some of the trivia about this film (which I often do for lots of movies) one of the interesting facts I read is that the studio spent a lot of time (and money) getting the film as accurate as possible.

The writers said the film took so long to be made because they worked with the estate tirelessly to ensure the accuracy of the film. They were given access to the archives to ensure it was “right”. – IMDB

“Such a Good Feeling”

I especially like the scene where Mr. Rogers is on the subway and the whole subway car sings “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”; I would have joined in the chorus had I been there too. This movie will leave you with “such a good feeling” by the end. By the way, if you have Amazon Prime, you can watch old episodes of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood; my daughter has already watched a few. If you grew up with this man in your living room, you need to see this film!

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick

 

Movie Review: Avengers Endgame

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On April 28, 2019

In Geek Canon, Geek Culture, Marvel, Movies, Reviews

Avengers Endgame

Avengers: Endgame

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo

My Rating: [rating=5]

Despite the looming “Superhero Burnout“, this movie is crushing it at the box office. It is already breaking the same records The Force Awakens broke four years ago. I fully expect this film to continue to break records set by Star Wars, including top grossing movie of all time in the domestic box office. Honestly, I’m glad it’s a Marvel movie too.

In the spirit of the #DontSpoilTheEndgame trend, this is a SPOILER FREE movie review, however if you have not seen Infinity War yet, then consider this your **spoiler alert**!! It is impossible to talk about this movie without talking about the events of the previous film.

Half of the living things in the universe, including half the Avengers, are gone; wiped out with a single snap. Thanos has vanished to bask in the balance he has created. Meanwhile the remaining Avengers are trying to piece the world back together and move on. However “moving on” will not be something they are willing to do, especially when Scott Lang shows up with an idea.

Biggs’ Review

This is a pretty amazing movie, though I do have one particular complaint, which I will get to shortly. This movie has quite a few epic moments, one of which I know many fans have been waiting for since Age of Ultron. I will not say what that is so as to remain spoiler free but I think you will know it when you see it, and deem it “worthy”. This movie is quite the finale for the Avengers Initiative. One of my favorite parts happens during and end credit montage. This is not a spoiler. The signatures of Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner are shown as if to signify the signing of their magnum opus. This is such a fitting tribute.

Is This The Best Movie I’ve Seen?

No, not by a long shot. In all fairness I almost gave this movie 4 stars. There is a particular plot mechanic that is rarely done well and Bruce Banner’s rationale is pretty insufficient, in my opinion. There is also a “passing of the torch” moment which does not particularly coincide with canon (at least from what I’ve read); however, it is still pretty cool. Be that as it may, the way in which they wrap up the story’s of a few of the character’s is brilliant and well done … and emotional. After the movie ended, my first instinct was not to see it again; at least not right away. The main reason being the 3 hour run time. Actually I feel more inclined to watch all the other movies again!

This movie is a magnum opus and truly a fitting end of the past 11 years and 21 movies. The feeling I had leaving this movie will probably be much the same feeling I will have leaving The Rise of Skywalker. A sense of emotional finality; these are characters that not just defined our lives, but a generation. Watching these events come to an end feels akin to a graduation or major life milestone. The events and the people of the years prior make up the journey we all had to take. Sometimes the end is hard because we endured so much to get here, but we grew along the way. We form bonds and relationships with people, real or fictional. It’s the journey that’s worth celebrating at the end but it’s also what makes it difficult. After all, part of the journey is the end.

#ThankYouAvengers

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick

 

Movie Review: Captain Marvel

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On March 18, 2019

In Geek Culture, Marvel, Movies, Reviews

Captain Marvel

Directed By: Anna Boden
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson

A Kree by the name of Vers (Brie Larson) crashes on Earth, circa 1995. She is hunting Skrull who are seeking technology the Kree do not want them to have. Assisting her on her mission is SHIELD agent Nick Fury. During her search she also has flashbacks that seem to be from a previous life. Are these flashbacks key to defeating the Skrull and/or helping her find out who she really is?

Biggs’ Review

I really enjoyed this movie. I can’t say if it’s the witty writing or the homage to the 90’s that I found truly entertaining. The flashbacks to Blockbuster Video and Alta Vista were especially memorable. This movie ties into all the other films so nicely (and not just the specific Avengers movies). It is also entertaining to see a young Nick Fury and a young, newly recruited, Phil Coulson in action. I hope Clark Gregg is comfortable with being typecast because he’s going to be Phil Coulson for the rest of his days.

In fact one of the fun things to do during this film is to spot the easter eggs, especially if you are a child of the 90s. However, it isn’t just the 1990 cultural references. There are also little bits of minutiae from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as the other MCU movies.

The SHIELD Inconsistency and Stan Lee

Perhaps the one issue I found to be inconsistent in the film is the use of the S.H.I.E.L.D. acronym. The events of this movie takes place in 1995, which is 13 years prior to Iron Man. When Coulson introduces himself in Iron Man he always recites the entire name of SHIELD. There are even jokes about “working on the name”. However throughout the entire Captain Marvel movie they always call themselves SHIELD. So either Coulson is being a smart ass in Iron Man or its a missed inconsistency. If anyone knows of another explanation which I have not yet found, please comment.

If you haven’t heard by now, Captain Marvel is the first Marvel movie to be released after Stan Lee’s death. Which means his cameo in this film is also the last cameo he will ever do (and its an excellent cameo, especially if you’ve seen Mallrats). To honor Stan Lee and his work, the Marvel Studios sequence at the beginning of the movie has been changed to be all of Stan Lee’s cameos. What a truly fantastic homage and I hope that is a permanent change (including the “Thank You Stan” at the end).

Female Empowerment

I am, by no means, a feminist. However, despite my presumed political leanings, I do support gender equality. Therefore I think this movie makes huge strides in support of gender equality. It is the first solo-female lead in the MCU universe. It is written exclusively by women. The soundtrack, which is very good, is composed by Pinar Toprak who is the first female to compose an MCU movie. In fact I really wanted my daughter to see this movie because its exclusively about a female super hero. The best part is, the movie never tries to make that point. There are no subtle undertones or subliminal messages and nothing is constantly shoved in your face. All of the female empowerment associated with this film is tucked away in the trivia. /end slightly political editorial.

Final comment: this is an excellent addition to the MCU collection of movies, definitely worth seeing in the theater, despite the lurking “super hero burn out”.

/cheers

film real

“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.” 
– Stanley Kubrick

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon 3

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On February 23, 2019

In Movies, Reviews

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Directed By: Dean DeBlois
Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Kit Harrington

My Rating: [rating=5]

If you have kids then you know that when they are young and they latch onto something, you’ll groan at the mention of its very name. If it weren’t for my daughter I probably never wouldn’t have watched any of the How to Train Your Dragon movies. When she latched on to these movies, I actually didn’t mind. The depth of the world is immersive and suddenly you find yourself talking about the lore and characters. Despite watching all the different series, several times at her request, I actually became a fan. So much so that I, too, wanted to see this movie.

A new threat has emerged, Grimmel the Grisly. He isn’t just after the dragons, he specifically hunts Nightfurys and he’s after the last of them. He has threatened all of Berk to get his hands on Toothless and, as the new chief, Hiccup must protect them. Finding the dragon’s hidden world is their only hope to survive Grimmel’s fixation. 

Biggs Review

It’s a great conclusion to an epic series. It has some heartfelt moments and it wraps everything up neatly. One of the things I noticed is the “camera work”. I realize that’s a bit of an abstract observation since animated films can’t really have “camera angles” like a live action film. However, they seemed to try to create the illusion of live camera angles, even shaking the camera a bit in a couple of scenes. John Powell (also known for composing the sound track for Solo) continues his amazing work on the soundtrack; I never realized how much I enjoy the soundtrack. 

This is one of those series where you hate to see it end but you knew it has to at some point. If you enjoy the other movies, and the series, then I think you need to see how it all wraps up. The story and character progression makes sense as well as the ending. Also, if you haven’t watched any of the series, you need to check them out.

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.” 
– Stanley Kubrick

 

Movie Review: The Grinch

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On November 26, 2018

In Movies, Reviews

The Grinch

Directed By: Scott Mosier, Yarrow Cheney
Starring:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Pharrell Williams

My Rating: [rating=3]

I’m not really sure why there has to be another retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The only thing I found appealing was the voice acting of Benedict Cumberbatch. If I didn’t have a 4-year-old that loves the Grinch I probably wouldn’t have spent the time (or money) to see this movie in the theater. With that said, this is my movie review of The Grinch.

I don’t think I need to provide a synopsis of the movie. You should know the story of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. This version of the classic story maintains the essence that Boris Karloff brought to life 52 years ago. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant, as usual, and Max is just as lovable.

Modern Twist, Missing Text

I only heard “You’re A Mean One, Mr Grinch” once, and it was very brief. Also, it has a modern, hip hop twist to it that doesn’t match the essence of the story. The Grinch is not some gangster so it was just inappropriate. In the 1966 version you hear that song during the entire heist. The song is fundamental to the entire movie. It’s disappointing that its missing from a majority of the film.

Pharrell Williams is the narrator for this version, and he does a decent job. I just wish they kept all of the original text. Near the beginning of the movie you hear a lot of the original text, and they added some of their own. About half way through, it’s all new text and little to none of the original text. They keep with the Dr. Seuss prose but it begins to feel less like the beloved Grinch movie.

Overall it’s better than the Jim Carrey version of the movie. My daughter enjoyed it, which is all that matters, but I wouldn’t pay to see it again.

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick

 

Movie Review: Incredibles 2

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On June 17, 2018

In Movies, Reviews

Incredibles 2Incredibles 2

Directed By: Brad Bird
Starring:  Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson

My Rating: [rating=4]

It’s been 14 years since the last Incredibles movie. During the 14 years, animated movie fans have been clamoring, relentless for the sequel. Disney/Pixar finally gave in to the cacophony. I don’t know why it took over a decade to produce a sequel. I understand animation takes quite a bit of work, but perhaps it was the challenge of bringing the entire cast back.

Whatever the case may be, they pick up exactly where the last movie ended. The family of heroes work together, in a group storming sort of way, to thwart Underminer. An ambitious mogul sees the value super heroes bring to society after defeating Underminer. He recruits Elastigirl to help him show the world that Super Heroes should not be illegal, while Mr. Incredible has to play Mr. Mom. Of course, a new nefarious and enigmatic villain appears, The Screenslaver, which puts these plans, and all super heroes, in jeopardy.

Biggs Review

I really enjoyed this movie. I love the fact that it literally begins where the last one ends. It’s almost as if the past 14 years never happened, which is probably Pixar’s intention. I love the role reversal of Elastigirl moonlighting as a covert super hero, even listening to police scanners, just like her husband in the first movie. I felt like the movie was slow at times, particularly during the time when Elastigirl is just beginning her “new job”. They tried to balance it out with Mr. Incredible dealing with Jack-Jack getting his powers; while it was funny I don’t think it was successful. Perhaps they should have introduced “The Screenslaver” a bit earlier, to liven up the plot sooner.

As with all Pixar movies, this movie is not without its Easter Eggs. Of course John Ratzenberger is in the film, reprising the role of Underminer. A Pixar movie is not complete without their good luck charm. I feel like there is some homage paid to Tony Stark/Iron Man. Deavor explains that one of the houses he owns he acquired from an “eccentric billionaire” that wanted to be able to “come and go without notice”. If you have seen all the Iron Man movies, you may notice that the living room has a striking resemblance to the one in Tony Stark’s house.

I’d say, if you’ve got the time, go see it (after you’ve seen the Solo movie). Take your kids, my 4-year-old enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s worth the extra fees for 3D or BigD, a simple digital viewing is the more worthwhile, economic choice.

/cheers

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick

 

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