Immortals (2011)

One man must rise against an unstoppable army, lead
his people and become Immortal...

This is loosely based off the stories of Theseus as
he goes on a quest to find the Epirus Bow and stop the
Evil King Hyperion. I wanted to see this becasue
the trailers looked very cool and I'm a fan of all the
Greek Mythology. Now this was quite the film all the action
and effect shots were amazing. The fights and the action were

very quick and brutal. This movie for one doesn't
pull any punches. Its uncompromising, Unflinching, vicious,
bloody and basically gory. Some scenes might make
you want to turn your head and wince, namely
the "Ball Busting" scene.

There are exploding heads and bodies in slow motion! Even though the
slow motion fights were very impressive they are extremely graphic
and...in 3D! with blood splashing towards you.
Speaking of 3D it was pretty good effect especially in the fast and
slow paced fights and yes there was even nudity..Nudity in 3D!

I would all so like to say I liked the production design as well as the
costumes they were excellently done. I loved all the various masks
Hyperion and his army wore. The Designs were all Unique and interesting
especially the one for "the Minotaur" Even though the production
design was very good they didn't do alot on a big scale it seemed that this
all tood place in the same general area. There was some Interesting landscapes
but not much. I think alot of the production went into the fine details.

One of the things That I thought really sold the movie was the music .
The Sound Track for this was incredible! The acting wasn't bad either
Mickey Rourke does a great villain and the guy soon to be the
New Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) was very good as well I would have to say
I believed in this anger and this reasons for rising up. as for Freida Pinto
she did well also especially in one key scene, you'll probably know the one
I'm talking about...

As for the story I felt it was kind of loose it reminded me of things like
Gladiator and the Scorpion King. The whole film seemed like it was a cross
between 300 and Clash of the Titans (2010). One of the major problems I had
with it was the depiction of the Gods to me they didn't seem very God like..
I for some reason expected something more I felt the Gods in movies like
Percy Jackson and Clash of the Titans (2010) were better compared to the ones
in this, but in the end..

If you are looking for some deep hysterical epic this is not that. If your looking for
something driven by pure action and visual effects then I think this is the one for you.

Real Steel (2011)

First off the main reason I went to see this
is becasue I like robots. and this has plenty of them!
and I would have to say that they make this movie
drip with cool but this movie is not only cool but it
is heart felt as well the human aspect is just as important
as the flashy robots duking it out.
the story is basically about this down and out
boxer (played by Hugh Jackman) who is trying to make
a living with a broken down old robot on the fringes of
the Sport. Then he finds out that the mother of this son has
passed away and he is the sole guardian of the young
boy (played by Dakota Goyo). he makes a deal with his
sister in law's husband to take the boy for the summer
while they go on vacation, as well as some money for signing the kid over to them.
both father and son are not thrilled to be together
but they try to make the best of it.
During a scrounging mission for parts in a junk yard
for parts they come across a broken down old robot named Atom
and take him back were they are staying at and have him fixed
up by Jackman's mechanic/roommate/childhood friend/Love interest
Bailey Tallet (played by Evangeline Lilly) the robot Atom
comes off as something special, something worth keeping and
the father and son go on the road and fight there way up
the ladder to an actually main event title shot for the
robot boxing league and along the way the boy learns more
and more about his father and the two bond over this shared
experience and Jackman's character learns that there is more important
things in life then money.

Now I know the story seems somewhat simplistic and it is
true, while watching this I leaned over to my friend that
went with me and said "I know where this is going, I know what
is going to happen" and sure enough I was right.
Now even with that I can't say it took way from the movie
at all. because the old saying goes "its not the destination
that matters its the journey" and I thought going from the
opening to the end credits was a very nice journey.
I would have to say that the movie itself was well crafted
it was excellently written as well as acted. I felt this
was a very powerful movie aside from all the robot action
which of course was expertly done and overly exciting
the Robots and the robot effects were jaw droppingly good.
but the human element was well handled. this wasn't
a movie that was all about the flashy robots but actually
had emotion and a very human feel to it.

Around the end of the movie was this really touching moment
where the boy gets to see how great this father was as a boxer
while he uses Atoms "Shadow Mode" (The robot mimics what the
control person does) and Evangeline Lilly character
gets to see him pretty much "fight one last fight"
that moment is so emotionally charged you want to jump up and
cheer.

Also talking about emotion I thought at many times the
robot Atom was developing a personality, as if he was becoming
alive with thought and feeling all its own..
There was a scene were Atom is sitting on a table and his
body is a bit slumped forward but its head is tilted towards
a full length mirror and it looks like it is looking at itself
as it is looking at its own reflection.
I thought for sure at that moment that the eyes would flash
or blink or it would say something or move in someway that
would show you that it had a spark of life.
It didn't of course but it makes you think that it did.

In the end this film was very good from start to finish
and alot of people were saying that it was just like
"Rocky but with Robots" and I would have to say that
the comparison is pretty correct, that is how I would
describe it its this generation's "Rocky" but that
aside this movie was amazing and I would have to say that
it is a must see.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Now I wanted to see this due to its prequelness
How did it become a Planet of the Apes?
it all apparently started with a brilliant young scientist played
by James Franco who is the leading expert in all things
to do with the brain as he works to solve and cure the mystery's
of Alzheimer's disease. What he is doing is very noble and
come from the heart because he wants to save his father
(played by John Lithgow) from the crippling disease.

He Develops a cure which seems to work on a Ape which
has been dubbed "Bright Eyes" but after and tragedy
in the lab they loose the ape, but Franco is left
with a small baby ape who is the new born son
of "Bright Eyes" Franco's character brings the
baby ape home to his ill fathers delight and
the two of them name the small chimp Caesar.

They soon find out how special this lil chimp
is as the experimental drug has been passed on
from mother to son and as Caesar's intelligences
grow the two men begin to raise his as a human child.

As Caesar becomes more intelligent by the day
and proves how much of a miracle the drug is
Franco's character uses it on his father which
in turn reverses the effect of Alzheimer's
for a short time.

After a incident with a neighbor involving
Caesar and his growing curiosity Faranco's
character along with his new Girlfriend and
veterinarian Caroline Aranha (played by Freida Pinto)
come to the decision that it is not right to
keep Caesar cooped up in the house and decided
to take him to a local national park and
show Caesar the beauty of the world and
and what it is like to be...free.

But sadly not everything goes so smoothly
as Caesar begins to question his place in
"Man's World" as well as the
treatments no longer having any effect
on Franco's father and after a second
incident with a neighbor Caesar
is taken from everything he has know
and is put in a Animal shelter.

Caesar quickly becomes displeased with humanity
and feels as though Franco's character has turned
his back on him even though he does do everything
he can to bring him home. Caesar rises to the
head of the other apes and starts a revolt while at
the same time franco tries to fix his
miracle cure with disastrous results...

First off I though this was an amazing movie.
it is truly one of the best of the year.
I liked how they included things such as lines and
saying from the original films. The acting
on this was no less then perfect. I really enjoyed
the performances from everyone especially
Andy Serkis who truly brought the ape of
Caesar to life. The writing was very good and
there was some "monkey business" going on
as in some jokes by the CG Apes.
But I would have to say the effects were
breathtaking and showed true emotion in their
presentation and animation.

Now I did want to say that the neighbor guy was a
real jerk. I felt that he was a total hot head in
both instances with Caesar. The first
one where he was going to hit him with the bat was
in my view uncalled for.
Also for the second with the car was as well he should
know that the old man (John Lithgow) was not well and
has Alzheimer's and that is no reason to be a jerk to him
Also true having Alzheimer's is not excuse either but still
the guy next door could have been a little more understanding.
As for Caesar attacking him well Caesar was protecting
his "family" from someone who was being overly aggressive
and yes that is no excuse either but still
I think the guy next door brought it upon himself.

Also the young guy at the animal sanctuary I believe he got what
he deserved as well. he was the greatest example of being a jerk.
If you want respect from the animals you have to show them respect.
that is why Caesar didn't want the other young guy hurt becasue he
didn't do anything to the apes unlike the one that was spraying
them with the hose and using the cattle prods on them.

Now even though this movie had a good story and I enjoyed
it, it does leave mw with a lot of questions..
mainly how does this fit into either version of "Planet of the Apes"?
it doesn't seem to line up with either the Charlton Heston version
or the Tim Burton version featuring Mark Wahlberg.

Both take place in the future where both Heston and Wahlberg
are space explores who get sucked into a lets say
"Time Anomaly" which shoots them into a even further future
where earth is apparently ruled by a society of super
intelligent talk apes.
But then again this movie take place in present day...
How does this fit into the already established continuity?
Personally I thought this in a way synced up with
the Tim Burton version best due to the ending of that film.
and I was told there was a scene in after the initial credits
so I thought you would see the main ape from Burton's appear in the
POD and changing the past leading to the end of Burton's version but
that didn't happen instead you get a somewhat explanation on how
the human population declines, but that still doesn't explain
how the intelligent apes from San Fransisco get to places like
Australia and Japan? Also how do you get back to the first
film? Where astronauts crash on "the planet of the Apes"?
If your really paying attention there is new footage on a
TV in the background about the first maned mission to Mars and then
in a following scene you see a Newspaper headline saying the
shuttle has been lost in space. Which you could say is an
explanation and how this links up but I feel that it is so off
to the side and "blink and you'll miss it" that is feels more like
they are just covering their ass story wise then anything else.

But other then that is this an amazing movie and is worth seeing
it has a good story, some nice action and amazing effects. you shouldn't
be dis a pointed.

Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

Now the title alone screams watch me!
So I had to, I thought the concept of this was
very interesting and different and I wanted to
see how this all worked out.

Now I have said to people many times that
I'm not a big fan of westerns probably because
they were pretty much before my time. Now I have
watched plenty of westerns but they just never clicked
with me, I'm a child of Star Wars and like my
"space stories" as the older generation calls them.
I'm more Buzz Lightyear then Sheriff Woody.
Now I seen some interesting movies
similar to this so it is not a totally new idea but still
as I said interesting and different.

As for the movie itself I thought it was pretty good, I felt it became
better as it moved along and you had the chance to learn more about
the characters and the situation. I felt that it focused on
pretty much i would say classic character archetypes.
but that is not a bad thing.

Also at the first of the movie I felt the dialog and acting was very
stiff and what what staticey but the movie looses this as it progresses.
There was some slight "action movie" humor that gave me a chuckle.

Overall I thought the acting was pretty good I thought it was a
bit funny watching Harrison Ford as a villain around the first of the film.
he seemed to really play it up, but I did like alot of the moments he shared
with Daniel Craig. I also like the performance by Olivia Wilde (Quorra from
Tron: Legacy) she is somewhat mysterious and you don't find out her true
purpose until the middle of the movie.

Like I said there was some nice humor, one of the best jokes is when the
characters find out what the aliens want and Ford's Characters reaction
to it is very funny. Speaking of aliens I did like the creature designs
in this I thought it was very cool and liked the look of the creatures
I would have to say I was impressed by them they had a nice design
and I did thing the "chest arms" that they had were a very cool idea.

I also liked the designs of the little ships or "scout ships"
that would snatch up the people I thought those had a very unique look.
The visual effects, the stunts and the action were all nicely done.
Even the music was very good.

I have to say I enjoyed the film and if your looking for something
fun, entertaining with a little different concept then give this a try.

Conan the Barbarian 2011

By Crom its Conan!

Yes I went to see the new Conan movie
Now Conan has had quite a history in the
entertainment industry much like the history
of Tarzan and Sherlock Homes
Now I'm not going to delve into that history
being that it would take probably to long and
involve plenty of copy and pasting here
Also we are not talking about "the literary History"
of the character but this post is on this movie itself if
you wish to know all there is
to know about Conan you can read it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conan_the_Barbarian

Now on ward to this movie.. I have enjoyed the original films
which started Arnold they were exciting and fun and at times
really funny and featured such scenes as Arnold as Conan punching
out a Camel (LOL) and they were great for being PG-13

Now with this new Conan comes the brutality of the heavy R-rating
and I do think that benefits this movie alot were you can have the
brutality of the extra violence and yes this film is especially violent..
probably a bit more then I think I thought it would be.

Now I know alot of people have been throwing alot of negativity at
this film and I can't say I share that view. I personally
rather enjoyed it.. Now true I am not the biggest Conan
fan I never read any of the original stories or the comics or
anything really.. My main and only exposure to the character
was through the original Arnold movies.

Now with that in mind and sure this was not "King Conan"
the film that was repeatedly promised for many years but
I thought this was a pretty good movie. True it wasn't the greatest
movie of the summer by far but it was a very enjoyable film.

I felt in away it it fleshed out
the younger character more. More of his childhood
Also the opening sequence was good and the narration by
Morgan Freeman didn't hurt. but like I said I though
it put alot of effort into the character's younger years
and somewhat drove home the idea that this boy born of war
was special and would go on to become a king.

I thought the times he spent with his father
(played by Ron Perlman who was great in this)
were very important and the scene around the first
where young Conan takes on and takes out the group
of "Wild Men" set the movie up for what he will become.

I felt the loss of his people especially his father
gave him a greater sense of purpose and made him a
more powerful character.

As for the person play Conan Jason Momoa (of Stargate: Atlantis
fame) did a really good job as this character I enjoyed
him as Conan he seemed to fit this part very well
and was comfortable in this role and did not seem
awkward or out of place.
I felt he had a great comradely with the other
male characters and could feel that chemistry between him
and Rachel Nichols (Tamara)

Also I though Stephen Lang who played the main villain
Khalar Zym did a excellent job of that as well he
played a good some what arrogant villain confident in
his own skills and ability which would lead to his
own down fall I also have to say I liked the
double bladed sword he had that could be detached
and do various combinations with.
Also there was a point in the film where it seems
to be allude that he may or may not have been having
a incestuous relationship with his daughter Marique
(played by Rose McGowan) who had a very interesting look.

Speaking of interesting looks there were of course
plenty of beautiful women in this as well and some
very nice T&A I might add (LOL)

as for the rest of the film I thought the music
was fitting and the action as I mentioned before
was sometimes graphic and intense there were times
where I would have to say "Ugh.." or "Oh, that doesn't
look good.." when a henchmen/warrior was dispatched.
but the action was very good some nice stunts and
and sword fighting and brawls.

The visual effects were pretty good also I liked
the "finger in the noise" scene that was some what cool
and I did like the effect for the I guess you would call
them "Sand Zombies" they were an interesting character
but the one thing I was kind of disappointed about
I thought for some reason there was a Dragon in this?
but there wasn't, I wonder where I gotten that Idea?

There was also a few humorous parts in the film
such as the scene with the catapult and the interactions
with Conan and Tamara they played off well with each other.

But in the end it had great production design and
some nice scenery shots which were very good
it was a pretty classic and fun action/adventure movie
and if people try to look beyond that to see something
with a greater deeper meaning then they are going to be
disappointed this is not Shakespeare, Its not going to
win the Oscar for best screen play or best picture
this Is Conan: The Barbarian.
and I would have to say I did enjoy it.

Colombiana 2011

I had a More detailed review of Colombiana but
sadly I can't seem to find the Text Document that it was
typed up in... but anyway I hope this is good enough:

I would have to say I really enjoyed this film I seen
the few trailers that were shown and I thought
that it might be a good movie and I wasn't wrong.
The story basically follows the character of
Cataleya (played by Zoe Saldana who played Neytiri
from Avatar) it starts out as she is a little
girl and her father is working undercover for the
US government, and he is found out and
he and his wife are killed but Cataleya escapes and makes her way to the US embassy
and from there to the US to live with her Uncle who is actually a high level Hitman.

With revenge in her heart and mind, re reluctantly trains her to become an
assassin for hire known as "Colombiana", when she is older she starts picking off
various people in hopes that the people who killed her family surface, which they
eventually do and she begins to take them out one by one until she gets up to the
head boss.

Like I said this was a really good movie, I enjoy and support the female
action heroes. I find they at times can be just as good if not better
then a movie staring a Male lead. I liked the various scenes
where you can see her struggling to lead a "normal"
while at the same time persuading this job of killing
people for money. It was very interesting to see the conflict
between her having a day to day life and her job.

I also thought that the acting was very well done as well
as alot of the action and stunt work, was pretty impressive
especially the whole sequence in the police station.
I thought that was pretty cool.

In the end I thought this was a very good action movie
and also a really good revenge story as well it was some what
classic in a way but it didn't feel like it was, it felt like a whole
new concept.

If I were to sum this movie up and relate it to something
I would say it was similar to The Punisher (2004)
being that it had almost the similar themes.
but like i said I thought it was really well done and was a very good watch.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

I was overly excited to see this I couldn't wait and
I would have to say it was worth the wait! this movie
in one word is spectacular!
ok i can't use just one..it was uplifting and in
a away inspirational.
Inspiration as in one man can make a difference and
that being a true hero doesn't come from fancy powers or
flashy weapons but it comes from with in.. it comes from the
heart.

I would have to say I loved how this film started
and where it quickly started to go..
It is excellent in its execution, It take place during
World War II and follows the story of Steve Rodgers
and how he became Captain America
as he tries and fails to enlist in the army but is deemed unfit for military service
due to his size and medical problems and is turned down but gets invited to
take part in the secret Super Solider Project.
And becomes the only person who successfully does survives the procedure
of the ill fated program and with his new found strength goes on to fight
the Nazis and The Villainous Hydra lead by the Evilly Ruthless Red Skull.

I felt this was a perfect adaption of Captain America
It couldn't have been any better!
I liked how they used the "Original costume"
in the the USO sequences and those sequences
alone were very funny and somewhat showed how
he became know as "Captain America"

I have to also say I like how they handled The Red Skull
also the Make-up and effects were truly amazing
and Hugo Weaving's portrayal of the character was perfect!
He was truly the Red Skull in look and fell I was very pleased!

I was somewhat concerned about Chris Evans as Steve Rodgers
but after seeing him in action I would have to say my
worries melted away he was perfect for this part.

I also loved the nods of bucky (soon to be Winter Soldier)
played by Sebastian Stan)
and the punching of Hitler in the Jaw during the USO show was just like
the actual first issue. (which they do show in the film)
I also liked how they showed how he received this
actual suit and shield and the motorcycle.

I even like how they worked in "the Howling commandos"
but there was no cameo shot of Hugh Jackman.. becasue
Captain America did Meet Wolverine in World War II (lol)

Like I said about Evans and Weaving the acting and portrayals
in this film where really genuine and heartfelt especially
from Dr. Abraham Erskine (played by Stanley Tucci)
as well as Tommy Lee Jones who plays
Colonel Chester Phillips

The visual effects, the stunts, music, the writing
and simply the action itself were all very impressive
and were crafted with such heart that this movie
wins on so many levels.
there truly was not a moment in this film
where I was not smiling.
I can't say enough about this one
it has humor, laughs, emotion, hard hitting action
and heart.. Hats off to you Marvel
I can't wait until next summer where it all comes together..

and speaking of which, don't forget to watch after the
credits for a glimpse of what this is all leading up to.

Also this poster is just so amazingly good I had to share it

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

again for the third time we follow the war of the
Autobots and the Decepticons. In what many are
saying is the last film of the series.
I went to see this and of course in 3D (OoOoOoO...!)
I would have to say I did quite enjoy this, I thought it
was truly a spectacular film and was pretty much happy
with all of it. They open with Optimus Prime telling a story
much like in the previous films and from this sequence you
can tell the visuals will be spectacular
and tie in the moon landing into this vast but very
engaging film. After that bit of explanation we find our
hero Sam living with a new lady. I'm not sure if I like
her more then Megan Fox..
this Rosie Huntington-Whiteley I think she does a very good
job I do like her especially her accent. Although you would have to get use to her
being she was only in the one movie were Fox was in the first two. but I would have to
say I did feel this Rosie Huntington-Whiteley did seem to have a little more chemistry
with Shia LaBeouf though.
Anyway, you can feel Sam Witwicky's frustration at the first of the film where
he is having a hard time adjusting to just being a regular guy again, and getting a job after
he saved the world twice in fact, but as Optimus Prime
said in the second one (Revenge of the Fallen) "fate rarely calls upon us at a
moment of our choosing." and is pulled back into the world of excitement.

I would have to say that the over all plot of the film itself is more in tune with the
actual show there is even a two part story in the original Generation 1 (G1) animated series
that is very similar to this. I also like that they brought more of the fan favorite things
into the films such as Optimus Prime's trailer, The cyclopic Decepticon Shockwave
and the winged Lazerbeak. it was also great to see Soundwave in his robot form.
Also Leonard Nimoy as the voice of Sentinel Prime was very well cast and for those
who don't know this isn't his first time as a Transformer he also voiced Galvatron in
the 1986 Animated movie. There were some nice moments with Sentinel and Optimus
and when Sentinel's "deception" comes to light I was thinking to myself "you don't deserve
the title of Prime"

Also yes what would Transformers be will out some great humor, the jokes
were of course very well crafted and I would have to say witty and they do invoke
some nice laughs out of you two of the most odd characters were the wacky
Jerry Wang (played by Ken Jeong) and sams boss Bruce Brazos (played by John Malkovich) .
also the Charlotte Mearing or just Mearing as she is know in the film
(played by Frances McDormand) came off as a bit hateful but she does have
some humor in here as well and we can't forget Shia who is always funny in these
and with the awkward moments with Sam's parents (played by Kevin Dunn and Julie White ).
I also think this film was nicely shot with great cinematography, with many beautiful shots
and I do think brilliant directing. I know alot of people crap all over Michael Bay and I don't
see why?

He makes movies that are fun and exciting, movies that people can enjoy and
which are pure escapist entertainment becasue isn't that why we go to the movies to escape?
this isn't a documentary and you have to say that they take it as serious as they can
I mean how serious can you take a story about giant robots from outer space who are locked
in a brutal civil war? I mean come on! I think Bay was the perfect person to handle these
films, becasue that is what you want to see, robots fighting, and Laser beams and gun fights
and explosions becasue that is what you had in your imagination when you were a kid on the
living room floor playing with the toys.

This just brings that to life on the screen and does it ever! the action was amazing
spectacular! there were some awe inspiring stunt work and practical effects in this that
only heightened the visual effects experience. The visual effects them self were amazing.
I find with each new film the transformations seem to become more complex looking and
more detailed,

So do the Transformers themselves I find that the 3D characters are more detailed then
the originals from the 2007 or even the 2009 movie. I also think that the facial animations for
say Optimus Prime have become more human and expressiveness where you can see and
notice suttle things that ad to the over all I guess you would say "performance" of the CG
created character and that makes them more believable.

All in all I felt this film was truly amazing, with its nice score and music usage
to its excellent writing with very good heroic lines and cheeky humor.
To the impressive practical stunts and visual effects, to the feeding of the fans of
The Transformers and giving them exactly what they want.
To finally the continuing story of finding your
place in this world and the Universe at large.
This film in my opinion is a must see and is a true Summer Movie spectacular.

Green Lantern (2011)

"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power... Green Lantern's light!"

Now this one was talked about for meany years
and there was some pretty stupid Ideas out there
like Jack Black in the lead role..
but thankfully none of them came to pass.

Just like Iron Man I would have to say I always
knew that this one would be made but I was more
of a not if but when will it be made.
and it looks like now is the time, Now is the time
for Green Lantern to shine and shine it did!

Personally I thought this was a very well done and put together film for
it first outing tackling the origin story and they did hit all the key point
and there was some good explanation in there for people who would not
be familiar with the story of Green Lantern.

The story in my view was pretty simple but some what classic in away
This hot shot guy is chosen and given a great responsibility, He faulters
and succumb to some self doubt about who he is and his abilities after
becoming a small fish in a big pond, but in the end rises to the occasion
and saves all life and earns his place with his new found strength.

I felt there was some nice acting in here but it has to get rolling.
At first I didn't like Blake Lively (Carol Ferris) I felt she was kind
of stiff at the start when we first meet her but as the film goes on
she shakes some of that stiffness off and does become likeable.

As for Ryan Reynolds I never pictured him as Hal Jordan I always seen
him as more as Barry Allen aka the Flash then Green Lantern but I would
have to say he did do pretty good in this role and I did like him as Hal and
he did look the part.

Peter Sarsgaard (Hector Hammond) as well as Mark Strong's Sinestro
were impressive as well. Hammond's pain and suffering is very well
done in he sells me completely on the torment he is feeling
even thought his origin Differs from his Comic Book origins slightly,
he was in my view well portrayed.
As for Strong's Sinestro he is very well played and portrayed just the
way I would think he would be as a respectable member of the Green Lantern Corps,
who is dedicated to his duty with benevolent intentions to defeat Parallax.
After facing defeat from the Monster he Implores the Guardians to construct
a yellow ring to fend off the Parallax creature but when it not needed
it is put away. but..it is not forgotten especially by Sinestro and
with in his hands it leads to his fall from grace.

Now I didn't want to jump right into this right away but I must say
The visuals on this film were amazing, but surprisingly I didn't find
it was over loaded with visuals and CG sure there was alot you couldn't do in
this film with out it, but I felt the effects were either story or scene driven.
I did feel that it wasn't "flashy" for the sake of being "Flashy"
feel it didn't come off as that.

Now speaking from a purely fan point of view the visual effects did kind
of hinder the rest of the movie just a touch becasue like I said from
a fan and design point of view I could care less about what was happening
on Earth I wanted to see more of the crazy creatures
and more of the aliens and all that stuff I wanted to see everything
up close an in amazing detail, All of Oa and all the members of the Core.
and the film is trying to tell you a story and all you are thinking is
go back and show me more of this and that, so it does hinder
it in that way.

Because the design of this film as well as the visual effects were
I hate to use this term "out of this world" but they truly were.
Personally I loved Hal's suit alot of people complained about it
but I thought it was impressive especially when it was "alive"
and the energy is flowing off it or coursing about it.

I thought that was an very good effect it gave it more weight
and made it feel more like it was alien technology.
Also the looks for familiar characters such as the Guardians and
Tomar-Re, Kilowog were very well done I was very impressed
and one of the things I was looking forward to was Kilowog
calling someone a "Poozer" (which means "useless rookie")
and when he did I was happy at that and it did make me smile

Also there was a bit of nice humor in this and a few nice jokes
but there was more action and battles with some slick effects
then comedy. but in the end I enjoyed the movie it was
fun and exciting and pretty much how I seen Green Lantern in
my head so that is all good for me.

Also Watch after the credits, for a bit of a tease.

X-Men: First Class (2011)

Now I'm going to be the first to say that I went
to see all 4 previous "X-Men" films
I remember going to see the very first "X-Men"
opening night in 2000 and I have seen
all of them since and I have enjoyed each and everyone.

I don't have any complaints about them at all.
They were very good and I'll always
think they were good. I have also enjoy
the X-Men for many years in every media
be it comics, animation, video games or the movies.

I would have to say I was kind of concerned
about this whole "First Class" thing at the very start and whated to see how it
played out. After viewing the movie I would have to say those doubts were
greatly unfounded. This movie is excilent.

It is a Origin story of how "the X-Men" came to be. It starts off brilliantly with the
scene in the concentration camp much like the first did. There was alot of talk about
giving Magneto his own film, but I thought that would be unwarranted being this servers
the purpose. I like How they followed both Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto and Charles Xavier
separately right up until they met becasue both of them had there own story and unique
perspective on life and the people around them.

Also you get to see pretty much everything, The from the creation of Cerebro
to the blackbird, to How Magneto gets his helmet, to How the characters get
their superhero/villain names, why Mystique sides with Magneto, to the accident
that cripples Charles and the mistake Hank McCoy makes that turns him into "The Beast"

The movie covers so much ground but it doesn't seem to move fast it doesn't rush
things, this move gives everything it wants to say and do time to say it and do it.
also this film is not only a superhero film but some what of a period piece
being that it takes place in the 1960's (when the first issue of The Uncanny X-Men came out)
and uses the back drop of the Cuban Missile Crisis as a back drop to help propel the story.

But at its core this movie was a story about two friends of different points of view
and what they built together and the events that would that would break this friendship
and set off one of the greatest feuds and rivalries in all of comic book history...

Now with that said I would like to say this film was truly amazing the script
was impressive all the characters were pretty much as you see them in the books
the writing was amazing just the conversations of Erik and Charles were making me
smile so much. there was great dialog in this at times it can be very funny,
as they hint about what the future will hold. Also some very humorous scenes
such as the appearance of Wolverine.
I was kind of leery about him being in it, but then again my fears were put
to rest and the scene was very funny. I would have to say it was akin to the appearance
of Arnold in The Expendable. This is long before his appearance in X-Men and he is still
suffering the effect of loosing his memory at the end of "Origins" you just seem him of a
minute and he has one line and its funny.

Alone with the excellent writing was the excellent acting.. I loved everyone in their
part especially James McAvoy as Charles Xavier and more importantly
Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto. This guy was Magneto he owned
that part as a young Erik Lehnsherr and just exuded power and evil when he finally
embraced it. I thought he did an amazing job as one of the most Baddest
Bad Guys of all time.

Also lets not forget Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw. I have to mention him to be part of the
6 degrees of Kevin bacon, LOL! Now he was a good villain in this but then again
he is good in pretty much everything and was excellent in setting up the man
that would be come Magneto.

The Visual effects were of course spectacular, they refined Mystique's transformation.
and the "Teleporting" effect As well as I thought Emma Frost's Diamond form was very cool. I thought the Beast make-up was very well done, as well as things like Banshee's scream and Darwin's "survival skills"
I was just amazingly impressed with this whole movie from the costume design, to sets
to the comic and fan references like The hellfire club. I can't say anything bad about
it at all. This is one of the best movies this year.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Once again we hit the high seas with the world's
greatest pirate Captain Jack Sparrow! on his
next and some what solo adventure.

But will this new and 4th installment of the
once powerful franchise sail claim waters
or be a total shipwreck?

Personally I thought is was a very well done
film and you get what you pay for that is
Johnny Depp being all weird and odd as the
lovable and death defying Captain Jack.

The movie starts as usual with Jack in a
bit of a scrape in which he get out of with his signature style.
and he is off on his quest to find the Fountain of Youth which he started
at the end of the 3rd film.

Now you can tell that there is a laps in time in this film between the
two films (the 3rd and 4th) Personally I know there would be a 4th it
was just a matter of when. They don't say how much time has passed
but I think it is a realistic amount between the two films.
it has been 4 years since the end of the 3rd film so I would
think it would be about that story wise as well.

Also back again are some of the original cast like the loyal Mr. Gibbs
and Jack's rival Barbossa and also another appearance by
Keith Richards as Jack father Captain Teague.
I don't think they could have one of these movies with out some
of these characters. And as for the inclusion of the most famous
pirate of all not including Jack is Black Beard as the main villain
I didn't find he was as cool or as interesting as Davey Jones
but he was an excellent villain, ruthless and pure evil but
with a certain flair which made him very likeable and
enjoyable as a character.

Now as for the story I have no real complaints. It was
a quest to the ends of the earth and a race against time that's
what makes these movies good. there is always movement
always something new and something to see.

I would also have to say the scenery was impressive
plenty of sweeping and location shots. These movies are always
good for this like that as well as production design.
The writing was good as well and there were plenty
of nice tongue in cheek jokes in there that will give you
a chuckle or a laugh.

The music was the same as the others although there was
ar times a bit of a difference in it though.
and finally I have to say the stunts where of course
impressive to say the least but that is a given with this series.
You are eager to see what crazy thing/escape or daring do
jack will pull off next.

Effects wise it wasn't over the top like the previous films
The effects were I thought all were very subtle and somewhat
more realistic. There were not giant women made out of crabs,
maelstroms, skeleton crews or beards made out of tentacles.
But there were some very nice visual effects. I thought the Mermaids
were very well done and looked amazing. The whole "Mermaid battle"
was both a bit frighting and awesome at the same time.
They truly impressively done.
I also thought the Death of Black Beard and his "skeletonizing"
reminded me of the face melting in Raiders of the lost Ark
but is was very cool. Although I did expect more from the
Zombies, but they looked pretty good either way.

I must say I did like this movie and true I did miss Will's seriousness
playing of Jack's craziness but it was ok and I enjoyed it anyway
Now if you felt burned by the 3rd but still loved the series give this
a watch it is more a kin to the first with plenty of silliness and fun.

Also there is another bit of wackiness after the credits with
Jack and Gibbs.

Battle Los Angeles (2011)

I wanted to see this being the trailers looked amazing
it just gave enough away to make you interested.
Now I have to say that this movie does deliver on the wow effect.
I would have to say that is is a worth follow up to ID4.
I think it could be an actual sequel to ID4 if it wanted to be.
Being that the aliens in that were amassing for a
ground assault and I always heard that any Sequel
to ID4 would feature a ground assault.

Anyway this movie I would have to say was better then
Skyline which came out last year. Even though they are
similar Battle Los Angeles had a better story, a better
build up to the alien attack and I felt the story for
Battle Los Angeles was more fleshed out and
had more detail also Battle Los Angeles had one thing that Skyline didn't
and that was an Explanation.

They actually gave reasons for the alines being on Earth they didn't just
show up and start tearing up the place. True you an argue Skyline was
from the "Average Joe" perspective and Battle Los Angeles is not.
But still they could have thrown in some reason.
I just felt Battle Los Angeles left no lingering question and it
actually has a conclusion unlike Skyline which just stopped.
But as for Battle Los Angeles the music was fitting the action was
explosive (pun intended) The acting was impressive especially
from Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez.
The film even had moments of great drama and a slight bit of humor
in the beginning.
The visual effects were impressive and I also like the production
design, The creatures do remind me of the ones from ID4 and their
technology seems even Terminatorish but that is ok.
I thought as a whole the film itself was very good and I did
enjoy it greatly. I felt the camera work was very raw at times and
put you right in the action.
This movie is truely a edge of your seat thrill ride that I was
very happy to take a trip on.

Sucker Punch! (2011)

Hmmm...How to talk about Sucker Punch?
its an oddly interesting movie but where do I
start? maybe at the beginning? sounds good!

First off I have to say I liked the opening logos in
the s curtans that was a classy touch I really liked that.
Now after the it has a quick start there isn't
anything spoken its all done with music which was
really cool all the music in this is pretty good it has an
amazing soundtrack but the music
fits everything as in what the characters are doing.

Now back to the start I liked the way the opening title
was displayed in the rain.
now I thought the story in the beginning was kinda wonky
like they were in the asylum then Bang they were
dancing girls in some club? I was wondering if I missed something or what?

Now I wrapped my mind around it quick becasue I thought maybe the music in the female
doctors treatments hypnotized or created this mass artificial world of the dance club..or
this was just the way that the character "Baby Doll" used to escape what was happening
to her in the asylum, but then that doesn't explain the action sequences...

I felt Sucker Punch was a movie similar to the likes of the Matrix and Inception where
it is all a dream with in a dream.. Also it has alot of Alice in Wonderland type of Ideas in
it and brings forth the "are you the dreamer of merely part of someone elses dream" type
of questions.

Now much like the music the action in this was purely amazing! as where the
visual effects I would have to say that this was pretty much a live action anime
as far as the action and effects go.
Also the action sequences had everything you could ever want.
Hot girls kicking ass, shooting guns, doing sword fights and Kung - Fu
Nazi Robot Zombies (yeah you hear me!) Dragons, Mechanized Robot Battle suits,
Giant Demon Samurai and pretty much anything else you could thing of...

Now personally I would have to say that is was like I said an oddly interesting movie
it is one of those movies where you like certain parts of it but not others
I felt that the action/adventure scenes were more interesting then the rest of
the film... Also this movie is a bit confusing becasue it seems to be taking place
in 3 different locations which are the Asylum, the Dance club and the "Dream scape"
where all the action happens when the character of "Baby Doll" dances
and speaking of which I don't fully understand the purpose of the dancing...
its one of the odd things about the film where she dances and everyone is transported
to this "Dream scape" This movie is one of those movies where the lines between reality
and fantasy blur. It seems to have an odd message about standing up for yourself and also
comes with some what of a bitter sweet ending..

I would have to say that it is a pretty Decent and some what
enjoyably fun movie but I also think it needs repeat viewings to truly
understand it.

I am Number 4 (2011)

I remember seeing a few trailers and promo material
for this and thought it would be interesting and then I
actually heard some people saying that it was pretty good.

Now I have to agree with them, I myself thought it
was very good the story is as follows:

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

While watching it it felt very Superman or "Smallvilleish"
(probably due to the fact the screenplay was written by
Alfred Gough,Miles Millar)
where as in the guy was the last of his kind, he world
was destroyed and he is a Alien who wants to just be human..

Now don't get me wrong the movie being similar to Smallville
is not a bad thing being that I am or should I say was a
fan of the show, but it did remind me of it in that way
that it was very low key for a "Superhero/Sci-fi" movie.
Where its focused more on the story and the characters rather then
the powers and the epic battles. Don't get me wrong this film for all its
steady pace does have some actually spectacular stunts and action
as well as some very slick special effects, I liked how the main villains
the Mogadorian or "Mogs" looked but in a way they reminded me of the
"Kromagg " from the series "Sliders" also the giant lizard creatures
near the end were very cool I did like their design.
I also liked how the powers were used in this they aren't showy but
very good and fit in well with the rest of the film.

I thought the direction and the editing were very well done the writing
had a few cheesy lines but it is hardly noticeable
some might think the story was predictable but I didn't feel that
way. I also thought the acting was well done and they conveyed
great emotion in their parts. The explanation of what is going on
and why was good it didn't leave me with any questions.
All in all I enjoyed this one and wouldn't mind seeing the story continue.

GAMER (2009)

This was a movie that had an interesting idea
as well as an interesting opening.

The film is where people almost have this
"Matrix like world set up" were video games
are played with real people as in people on the
outside of the game area control the people
on the inside of the control area.

They have this Playstation Home/Sims type of
set up which is called "Society" where you control
an actual person much like you would an avatar in the
Sims or PS Home.

Now even though that was apart of the story and world
of this film it focused more on the First Person shooter
aspect with games like Modern Warfare and Call of Duty
Now i would have to say that it does a good job of
capturing the "in game environment" with slow motion
scenes at points and the action as well as movement
of the characters including the NPC's (Non Playable
characters) for you not in the know.
Now the story revolves around Gerard Butler's character
has he is convicted of a crime and sentenced to the
"Game grind" so to speak and if he wins so many times
he will be set free and reunited with his family
and with the help of his "User" as well as others
such as Ludacris who comes off as a second rate
Morpheus.

The film in general reminded me of things like
the Running Man and The Condemned they share
that same Idea Where the "I-cons" as they are
called in this film are put in to some life or
death game situation where they must fight
their way out and the winner gets their freedom
but in this film the "players" are controlled
by an outside force in almost like a Xbox Kinect
type of set up.

I also found that the camera work and the
editing were a bit off it was alot of fast
cuts, zooms, pans and crazy popping visuals.
Alot of the movies action tries to be
stylized but I found it failed and just
ends up giving you whiplash.

Now some of the other action that wasn't all crazy
was pretty good and there was some actiony humor as well
one of the scenes that I found funny was the
interrogation one about the Sandwiches.

this movie also had I thought alot of famous faces
and of course it did have some nudity as well.
but as always if you watch this just for that then
your going to be let down.

Also some other things that were not good was I felt
the thing about the huge naked fat guy controlling the
sex woman in the "society" game was a bit cliche...

Also the dance sequence around the end of the movie was
a bit odd.. also How does puking in the gas tank of a
truck make it go?
anyway the movie was an ok action film but
in a way it seems like you see it all before when
it comes to things like the story.

Faster 2010

The Rock is back in action! *que Heavy metal guitar riff*

The first thing I noticed about this film was the opening logos
(yes the logos again) the first one was CBS Films and I was
thinking CBS Films? CBS as in the TV Channel??

Anyway after thinking about that I would have to say
this movie lived up to its name it was pretty fast. Your basic
story is just this: The Rock who's character is just called The
Driver (that is one think I liked about this was the main character's
names are more like titles The Driver, The Cop, The Killer..)
and his brother were bank robbers and they end up getting screwed
over by someone and it results in the Rock's brother getting killed.
After he gets out of Prison for the bank robbery's He goes on a mission to hunt
down the people who screwed him over and killed his brother.
The story is simple as that.

You end up finding out all the back story though flashback and there is 2 second subplots
from the main story involving as I mention above The Cop and The Killer. As the movie
rolls on you find out all the little details like the importance of the One Dollar Bills
(you have to watch to understand it). As for the movie itself it was quite good it was a good
revenge movie, The one man alone against the world to avenge a wrong done to him or
someone close to him. It reminded me of stuff like Walking Tall or Get Carter
(The Stallone version, I never the original) It has some very nice action as well as
some great car chases.
No real stunts I found it was pretty down and gritty not alot of Flash.
The music was pretty good also it was also very dramatic and Emotional at times I thought
it was a very well rounded and enjoyable watch.

Salt (2010)

I had wanted to see this for a while it did look good from the various
trailers and TV spots I seen so I wanted to give it a chance.
and I finally did. I would have to say the opening scene was a bit crazy
but you quickly move past it and I would have to say I did like
the opening title it was pretty cool.

Now this film is some what of an action/ spy thriller
that has plenty of twists and turns. through out the
back story you find out that Russia had created a program
to turn out the ultimate spy (who turns out to be Angelina Jolie)
in kinda of a "Reverse Captain America" type of way
now that might not be an accurate way of putting it but that is
what came to my mind when I thought about it.
Now with this super spy they plan to trigger a
series of events that will probably bring about World War 3
as Salt (Jolie) races against time to to figure out this
mystery and prove her innocence.

This also stars Liev Schreiber (who I always refer to as Cotton Weary, lol)
and he seems to have nice chemistry with Jolie in this film when
they share a scene together. which was pretty cool.

Now I felt there was some predictable things in this film
while watching it. I was thinking "such and such is going to do this"
and they did. I'm not going to tell you which scenes I found predictable
I just want you to enjoy this film.

Now like I said this was very action packed and it does have some great
action in it some nice fights and stunts such as Jolie scaling the
apartment building and descending the elevator shaft as well as
the jumping from vehicle to vehicle on the free way.
that was all pretty cool. I also think she can pretty much still
kick plenty of ass.

this also had some nice make-up effects the part where she was
dressed and made to look like a man was pretty impressive.

I also didn't see the twist coming near the end.
which was pretty good. this also had some nice music to it as well

One thing that bugged me while watching this was in the initial
chase scene I was wondering "what does she have on her feet" while
she was running through the city and it seemed like she was wearing
some heeled boots? I would think if you were going to be running
for your life you would have something less strenuous on your feet
something like sneakers but I guess not. also I thought she would
cut her hair at some point after or before she dyed it.. they would be looking
for someone with her hair length and then it wouldn't be whipping all over the
place but I guess that's just me..

anyway this was a pretty good movie like I said it had some nice
action and a good story that does keep you interested.