A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Movies Page 31 of 32

Very Sparkly

I am probably going to have my man can revoked but I watched the first Twilight movie on Monday. My wife wanted to watch them because of all the hype so I told her that I would watch them with her.

I am somewhat of a fan of vampire lore. I love the True Blood series. So I do have a few expectations when it comes to vampire lore. I think the first movie was alright, not quite as bad as I expected but there are two things that do bother me about the “alternative interpretation” to some of the vampire lore.

I know everyone has already mocked the Twilight movies about vampires sparkling. I’m sure Stephanie Meyer was just romanticizing the vampire lore to tell her love story but nearly every other vampire story will depict a vampire bursting into flames when they come in contact with sunlight. Vampires also do not have a reflection, and the climatic scene in Twilight takes place in a ballet studio and all the vampires have reflections in the mirrors. I think these two are some pretty core vampire lore, much like pointed ears on elves. While I can let the reflection thing slide, I’m having a hard time letting go of the sparkles.

So, while I’m definitely not a fan of sparkling vampires, so far I don’t think its a terrible movie. I told her I would watch the remainder the movies with her so I am interested to see how things transpire. The reviews I have been hearing about the one currently in theaters is that its much darker. Perhaps we will see the true brutality of vampires.

Movie Review: Thor

[rating: 3]

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Sir Anthony Hopkins

Synopsis: Thor , the Norse god of thunder, is headstrong and powerful, but he is also arrogant and a war monger. After leading an assault against his father’s wishes and causing a rift in a truce, Thor is cast out of Azgard. While in exile, Odin falls ill and Loki becomes king of Azgard but his jealously of Thor threatens Azgard and the 9 realms.

Biggs’ Review: In my opinion you can’t be too harsh on movies that are based off of a popular comic. The harshest reviews will come from the fans of the comic books so its crucial that the movie follow the expected storyline as accurately as possible. This not only applies to the plot but casting as well.

Initially I felt like the casting seemed appropriate but as I got into the movie I felt like even Sir Anthony Hopkins seemed to lack his usual flair. I think Chris Hemsworth failed to make any emotional connection with the audience. I felt like I was spending most of the movie trying to root for him instead of rooting for him throughout the film.

I feel like the one actor that played their role well was Natalie Portman. I honestly really enjoyed her in this movie. She played the nerdy, brilliant physicist very well. She has come a long way from the frightened little girl living in the apartment next to a professional killer.

Ok, so its not the best of the Avenger’s movies so far, but its not the worst. If you are any fan of comic books and you are at all excited about the Avenger’s movie, I would make sure you watch this film even if its just once.

I hope you enjoy the show.
Cheers!

Movie Review: The King’s Speech

[rating:5]

Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush

Synopsis: Grace and elegance are required characteristics for any King of England and that was no exception for King George VI. Unfortunately King George VI, who was most famously known as Prince Albert, suffered from a debilitating stammer. This is the story of his rise to the throne and the man that helped him to deliver one of the most important speech’s in England’s history.

Biggs’ Review: This movie won the four of the top five major awards at the Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth) and Best Original Screenplay and it deserved every one of them. Colin Firth was fantastic as Prince Alber/King George VI; there were even times when I forgot that it was Colin Firth. You don’t have to be an English historian and this isn’t a high-brow film.

If you are looking for a film that has some humor, some inspiration and a story of personal triumph, I would definitely recommend The King’s Speech.

I hope you find this movie as enjoyable as I did.

Also, if you found this review helpful or you have suggestions on how I can make movie reviews more helpful, please leave a comment and let me know.

I hope you enjoy the show.
Cheers!

Movie Review: The Social Network

[rating:4]

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake

Synopsis: The Social Network is a movie about Mark Zuckerberg and how he started the social phenomenon known as Facebook. The story is told as flashbacks during Zuckerberg’s two depositions, each where he is being sued by one of his co-founders (and ex-friend) and by two gentlemen who hired him to develop a similar website for Havard students.

Biggs’ Review: The first thing I want to do is dispel any impressions people have about Zuckerberg’s behavior. It was not sensationalized, a lot of brilliant people, especially computer people, really are that crass. I was completely unfamiliar with how Facebook became a phenomenon or where it got its start. I really enjoyed this movie. I actually found it to be inspiring though I know I would never have an idea that would erupt into a phenomenon like Mark Zuckerberg did with Facebook.

I find that this is a movie I would probably watch again and I would recommend it to others and I think others in the computer industry would have an increased interest in the film. For example in the beginning of the movie Mark narrates how he hacked the various facebook databases for the other Harvard residences.

I hope you find this movie as enjoyable as I did.

Also, if you found this review helpful or you have suggestions on how I can make movie reviews more helpful, please leave a comment and let me know.

Cheers!

Movie Review: Iron Man 2

[rating: 4]

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle

A new villain has emerged who has created a suit similar to Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit, using an arcane reactor he created himself in his basement. There seems to be a link between the villain’s father and Tony; that you will have to find out for yourself. Don Cheadle is in this film to take on the role of Rhodey, Stark’s military friend, who ultimately becomes War Machine. Let the battle of good vs. evil ensue.

I don’t want to talk too much about the other subtexts contained within the plot for those that have not seen the movie. If you are a fan of the Iron Man character and The Avengers comic series I would highly suggest this movie. I think the first Iron Man had more whit but I disagree with the other critics (shocker, I know) in that this movie was still worth the price of admission. I still really enjoyed it and honestly I’m glad the director picked up Don Cheadle to play the role of Rhodey; I think Cheadle is too often overlooked and underrated.

For those of you that are really into these movies and the talk of an Avengers movie, I would highly suggest that you stay in the theater until after the credits have finished. I hope you enjoy the film

Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland (3D)

[rating:4]

I think a summary of the plot of this movie is moot. If you are not aware of the story of Alice in Wonderland then you have been living under a rock for 30 years. This movie was directed by Tim Burton so that alone should give you an idea of the mood this movie will have but also the attention to detail and caliber of acting the movie will contain.

I will admit I wasn’t sure right away if I wanted to see this film but a good friend of mine saw it before me and recommended we see it and see it in 3D. I’m glad I took his advice though I don’t know if I would go so far as to spend the extra $4 per ticket for 3D. Yes, the 3D was neat but I don’t think it added a lot to the film. I think the film would be just as unique and just as entertaining in regular 2D.

Johnny Depp was his usual odd and gifted self playing the Mad Hatter but I think the actor I enjoyed the most was Helena Botham Carter as the Red Queen. She was very entertaining. I don’t mean to undermine Depp’s acting in this film by that statement though, he still put on an excellent performance. All the actors, I felt, lived up to the standard one would expect from Tim Burton.

It is also my opinion to be cautious if you bring children to see this movie. It is dark and the Jabberwocky is pretty sinister not to mention the graphic method as to which Alice slays the Jabberwocky might be a bit much for younger children. However, the interaction between the Cheshire Cat and the March Hare is  pretty humorous and might be appealing to a some young audiences.

If you have the time I would recommend this film though I would save your money if you have a choice between 2D and 3D unless you are a big fan of the 3D effect. I hope you enjoy the film.

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