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.

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.

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.

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.

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.