Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Movie Reviews Page 8 of 9

Movie Review: The Hobbit (Part I)

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On April 22, 2013

In Movies, Reviews

film_reelMy [rating: 3]

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen

Synopsis: Based on the actual first book of the Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins’ fateful journey that took him across Middle Earth with a band of misplaced dwarves to retake The Lonely Mountain. This is the journey that explains how the One Ring came into Bilbo’s possession. The One Ring, that changed the face of Middle Earth 60 years later.

Biggs’ Review: I didn’t venture out into the theaters to see this movie mainly because I couldn’t fathom how Peter Jackson managed to turn one book into three movies. I suspected (and still do) that he is just trying to squeeze out every last dime he can from The Lord of the Rings franchise. Be that as it may, I am glad that I got around to seeing The Hobbit. Overall, it was still a pretty good movie. I did feel like it didn’t quite have the same “epic” quality the other movies had. Granted it could be that its been close to 20 years since I have read the book.

The music, as always, was fantastic, which is what I have always enjoyed about the movie versions of this franchise. Obviously, the books are always better so I would recommend reading the book if you haven’t already. I’m not sure if I will actually buy this movie (or movies when the final two are available) but I’d say its worth checking out if you want something LOTR-esque.

Movie Review: The Dark Knight Rises

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On July 21, 2012

In General Cogitation, Movies, Reviews

[rating: 5]

Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman

Synopsis: It has been 8 years since Batman took the blame for Harvey Dent’s evil indiscretions and in that time nobody has seen or heard from Batman or Bruce Wayne. Now a new evil emerges connected to Bruce Wayne’s past, Bane. Now Batman must learn to accept the past tragedies and save Gotham once again but he isn’t alone as some new allies come to his aid.

Biggs’ Review:The previous Batman franchise began degrading after the second film, when Tim Burton was no longer involved with the movie and Michael Keaton was no longer Batman. This was the stigma Christopher Nolan had to overcome. The fact that this film kept the same director and the same actors for all three films already puts it ahead of its predecessors.

I would say that The Dark Knight (the second film) is the best movie of the franchise but this movie definitely comes in second place. I thought Tom Hardy was incredible as Bane. Just as Heath Ledger, you hardly knew it was Tom Hardy but Heath Ledger’s Joker is still far more legendary. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also incredible. I really liked him in this movie and his character’s story takes on an unexpected twist at the end. In fact the end of the movie leaves a few options open for a spin off or two. Christopher Nolan does a great job of wrapping up his Dark Knight trilogy. I think one of the best things about this movie, its not in 3D!

Movie Review: Thor

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On May 30, 2011

In Movies, Reviews

[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

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On May 3, 2011

In Movies, Reviews

[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

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On March 10, 2011

In Movies, Reviews

[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: Inception

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On August 16, 2010

In Movies, Reviews

[rating:4.5]

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe

The first time I saw the television trailer for Inception I remember thinking that this movie looked a little too bizarre for me; or too bizarre to pay to see it in the theater at the minimum. Then it started getting excellent reviews, then my co-workers were talking about, and my friends were talking about it. So I decided that I needed to see it (yes, I succumbed to peer pressure).

I have to admit, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed it more then I thought I would. I will also admit, for a long time I was not Leo’s biggest fan but recently I’ve been re-evaluating that and this movie definitely bodes in his favor. Yes, the movie does have its moments where its a little bizarre but the majority of the plot takes place in the dream world and when has the dream world ever been normal. I think the acting in this movie was superb; I’m really starting to become a fan of Ellen Page and I think this is Ken Watanabe’s best role since The Last Samurai.

Here is my advice if you are thinking about seeing this movie. You must be willing to accept certain logic defying concepts because this is a dream world, its an adventure into the human subconscious. The human mind is designed to defy the impossible and contemplate the improbable. The second thing, and probably most important in order to get the most out of this film, pay attention. The movie is a little “high-brow” and its a mind-bender, if you are not paying attention and listening to a majority of what is being said you will become lost and the sequences will become meaningless and confusing.

If, what I have said, intrigues you and you take into consideration my advice, then I would definitely recommend spending the money to catch this one in the theaters.

I hope you enjoy the show.

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