Puss in Boots (2011)

I remember there was talk about making a
solo Puss movie since the release of Shrek 3..?
and it finally arrived. I wanted to see it
becasue the character of Puss was such a
great character in the Shrek films I wanted to see
how he would be on his own.

Now I have to say it wasn't a bad movie
Antonio Banderas is truly the one who brings this
character to life. The films was superbly voiced by
Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis who of
course play the character of Humpty Dumpty
and yes they continue with the fairy tales featuring the
above mentioned Humpty as well as Jack & Jill, little boy Blue
and the Bean stock complete with Golden Goose.

There wasn't alot of music in this like there is in Shrek.
There was some but in but it was very low key. Also it did
of course have some humor and odd funny moments such as the
"Dance Battle" and the action was very good, you did get to see
Puss flying all around and doing alot of Jack Sparrow style
stunts and sword fights.

As for the story I think this was meant to be possibly what happened
before he met Shrek. You see this "Origin Story" and he goes on
an adventure that makes him the famous/notorious character seen in
Shrek 2. All in all this wasn't a bad movie it was fun and exciting,
but I don't think it was as good as the Shrek Films but it is still worth
a watch if you liked them.

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.

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.

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.

Paul (2011)

First off I love these guys! (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost)
Every movie they put out is always so heart felt and
genuine and always so very much fun. All their movies
are extremely funny with out being or trying to be funny.
They are true masters and are very good at what they do.
and this movie is of course no exception.

I seen the trailers and this this could be and
interesting movie and decided to check it out .
The house at the very first
(and which they return to later on) was very familiar I
can't place it but it was.
At its core this movie is a buddy picture about 2 friends who
are sci-fi fans who go on a little adventure that becomes
one of the greatest adventures of their lives and end up meeting a new friend who is
literately out of this world.
Now i have to say there is not alot of action in this but when
thre is it is pretty good but the main draw of this movie would have
to be the visual effects that brings "Paul" to life.

Now first off when I first seen Paul in the trailers I said to
myself that is pretty much the same as the character
"Rodger" from American Dad and you have to agree that
there are some similarities between the two especially
when he was dressed up as the "little cowboy"
but that is another discussion for another time.
As for Paul I would have to say that I was very impressed.

The animation is so flawlessly perfect the lips sync,
every movement, twitch, eye blink, everything.
He is a truly perfect creation that you actually think is actually in the
frame If he wasn't voice by Seth Rogen (who does a brilliant job)
and voiced by some unknown in the same capacity you would think
Paul was Real as in a real living breathing being.

Other then the mind blowing effects.
The writing is top notch its witty and sharp the
humor just rolls out with such fluidness.
There is no gag set up or joke setup it is all very natural
and very funny. especially all the references to
things like Star Wars and Spielberg movies among many
others Sci-fi and fantasy films and TV shows those alone
will give you a great laugh.

Not only is this movie funny but there are plenty of heart felt
moments as these friends travel on there adventure to help someone
get back to where they belong.
In short Paul is a humorous tale about friendship
even if your friend happens to be a rude somewhat crude, foul mouthed
alien and also one of the best movies I've seen this year.

Rango (2011)

Well what can I truly say about Rango?

I'm not much of a fan of Westerns which I
would say Rango is in away. But ever since
I seen the very first Trailer I had to to see this
movie. Now what a movie it was all I can say is
wow!

From the very humor us opening to the action
packed end this movie wins! but in all honesty
the movie is truly something.
The animation and the effects are in fact breathing
taking.
The emotion and movements and every little twitch
and jerk from the character is unbelievably life like.
The voicing action is perfect you can truly feel that
these are the creatures voices especially Johnny Depp he
breathes so much life into the character of Rango is amazing.

The Environmental effects and animation were like nothing
you seen before . Its all so real. From the splinters of
wood, to Dust and Sand I was truly amazed!

Now just the animation but everything was pretty much perfect,
from set design to props all the models down to the tiniest detail was
expertly done.
The music fit the picture perfectly. The lighting was awesome and
the script was out of this world the writing was witty and funny the jokes
were hitting every time Especially the scene where Rango meets
"The Spirit of the West" and who that actully is was just funny
in itself.
I also can't say that any of the dialog was out of
place or didn't seem to fit. The action also was fast and amazing
this movie like I said was pretty much perfect.

You should see this movie and I think personally this will win
Best Animated next year and if it doesn't there is something wrong!

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.