Do you remember that gag your friends used to play about "running through a forest"? The one where they'd flail their hands around in front of your face until "you run into a tree" and then they'd bopped you on the head. Well, I just spent just under 2 hours in a film where I felt like I was just being played with before running head first into NOTHING. I know that 3D is supposed to be the IN thing because it's "so cool", but I'm sick of having to feel like I can't see straight when I'm paying upwards of $18+ per 3D film. And now, with the 24% increase in ticket rates I'm sorry to say, that it is becoming less and less likely that I would willingly go to another 3D film.
This weekend we are being hit with the Clash of the Titans in 3D and but, I have to tell you, I have never felt so confused while watching such a simple story line. This remake to the 1981 classic has so much happening on screen that I felt like I walked out of the theater cross-eyed. With the combination of 3D, visual effects, complicated battle sequences, and the outrageous number of monsters constantly flying at the screen I could barely keep track of what was happening. The picture looked like one big blur and about half way through the film I forfeited the 3D glasses and chanced watching the film without their aid and discovered, it really made no difference in the viewing and interpretation of what was happen and to who.
Clash of the Titans was cram packed with so much action that it did not leave time for much else. The story even left me scratching my head as there was no introduction to any of the character other than Perseus, Zeus or Hades. Regardless of how much I love Ralph Fiennes, I found his portrayal of Hades almost too “Darth Vader” like and the only thing that would have completely thrown the film would have been Perseus, I am your father" line spouted by Zeus. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Zeus was strong, and "shiny", which reminded me of the sparkling vampires. There was just too much going on in front of me (and I don’t mean those sitting in front of me) that I could not help but be distracted. The film, although action packed which normally what I'm looking for in a film, this one left me wanting a stop button with no repeat, since I couldn’t bear to see it again.
For me, Clash of the Titans is an adventure ride I'd rather they had stopped the ride so I could have gotten off. This film was a definite unnecessary remake to a classic that may be out dated but a much more enjoyable film to watch. I rate this 3D a epic fail. Maybe an attempt at the 2D version will allow me to rate the film. With the jumpy camera and unfocused picture, motion sickness is the only thing that I can register as the film achievement. So barf to Clash of the Titans and please don’t regurgitate it and make it into a 4D film next go around.
Traveling during the holidays is always an activity that I dread. The long lines, the screaming children, the hungry children, the fighting couples, the obstinate teens. And then once you are on the plane, train and/or automobile you find yourself stuck next to the crying baby sitting in front of a child throwing a temper tantrum who finds it entertaining to repeatedly kick the back of your seat. Yes we have all had the luxury of traveling "in style", giving dirty looks to those with their rewards cards who get to jump the line, with their business or first class status. Yes, we give them the evil eye as they walk past us without a care in the world because they will be the ones riding comfortably to their destination. Well, we may start looking at those people a little differently now. Up in the Air is a film that rides a thin line between comedy and drama. It is an adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel of the same name, but tells the story of Ryan Bingham in a slightly different aspect. In the film George Clooney play his usual "swave guy" in the film, however he works for a company that fires people so there is a bit of a love hate relationship that is felt for his character. Watching him play "the lonely man" is also a slightly new thing. Now granted there is a love interest for him, but the twists and turns that he must go through in this discovery may actually shock you by the end of the film. Playing along side Clooney is the beautiful Vera Farmiga who's quick wit will have you laughing over the use of double entendres during her conversations regarding elite statuses with Clooney's character. Anna Kendrick, who most will know from the Twilight Saga, plays the young co-worker Natalie Keener. Many may not know that she comes from a background on Broadway, including even being one of the youngest nominated for a Tony Award, which I believe has given her a leg up in the acting world. She easily gave Clooney a run for his money when they were on screen together because I was never able to take my eyes off the young actress. Having only really seen her in the Twilight films, I wasn't sure how she was going to hold up, but damn was she impressive. Up in the Air keeps you grounded in what is happening today. Updating the 2001 novel to fit in with the economic world we are currently facing and some times making the film feel rather depressing because only recently did we, being that you or someone you know, who recently was let go from their job. Amidst the lay-offs we get humor and "real life people". We get to watch them as they go through the normal ups and downs of life. We also see things that some of us are blind to noticing. But in the end the film has true spirit. It touches us in the same way that our friends and family do, reminding us that if times get tough we do have someone there that can help us make it through.
So if you want to brave the skies above check out the film. George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are fun to watch on screen, and the bit part played by comedic actor Jason Bateman will only add to the fun of this film. Also be on the look out for cameo appearances by Zach Galifianakis and Sam Elliott. So go redeem some of your sky miles and check out this film.
The long awaited James Cameron film Avatar hit theaters this past weekend. While opening weekend raked in an estimated $77 million in domestic ticket sales and an additional $159 million in ticket sales in 106 countries overseas -- excluding Japan and China who are still to come. This weekend Avatar did reach the #9 spot for All Time Worldwide Opening Records and the #2 spot for Top December Opening Weekend Records. However, some reports have come in saying that the blizzard that hit the east coast caused ticket sales to take a hit, but my Saturday experience at the theater proved otherwise.
I remember being bombarded by phone calls last week with several people asking me if it was worth going to see Avatar in theaters. I had heard mixed reviews regarding the film, with people commenting that it will be strictly eye candy with no substance in storyline and I felt compelled to share what I had heard. Even as I received a handful of calls on opening day from my father asking if it was something that he would understand, I still felt the need to share the mixed feelings I had quickly developed over the weeks leading up to its release. I was surprised that later in the day I had a voicemail waiting for me, practically screaming at me, that I had to go see the film this weekend. My father, who is of the older movie go-er generation, does not see eye to eye with me when it comes to movies as he is interested in the more intellectual and "family fun" style of films where as I enjoy blood, guts and insane amounts of action. To hear that he thought the movie was "awesome" and actually ended up using the word about a dozen times in a conversation that followed, I felt compelled to go out this opening weekend to see if it was really as good as he though. So Saturday morning, making plans with my movie date for the evening, I purchased tickets online to avoid at least one line and then ventured out into the first blizzard of the season.
Arriving at the theater 45 minutes before showtime, I stood in line feeling like a complete film geek, excited just to see what the film would look like since I had little expectations for there being a good storyline. My date for the evening seemed less than excited, standing in line in a bit of a stooper and neutral to everything that was going on. After finding seats in what was a much smaller screen that I was expecting the trailer began to roll. Unfortunately none of the trailers really stuck out, but once advised to put on our 3D glasses I sat in aw and awaiting what was about to happen.
With a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, I never once felt a lull or dramatic drop in the pace of the film. It held and captivated my attention for the entire screening and watching in 'RealD' you truly do get an experience unlike any other. I have watched plenty of other 3D shows and films with the classic red and blue glasses that give you such a horrible headache you seriously wonder why you ever bother to watch anything in 3D, but the translucent RealD glasses give you the 3rd dimension without the pain. From the opening scene straight through to the end, I fought the urge to reach out and "touch" the beautiful world of Pandora that James Cameron introduced us to. The world of Pandora is a beautiful place both in theory, vision and story, and no matter how fantastic the fantasy level became everything remained grounded in reality. From the space crafts the humans use travel in to the alien planet, to the military vehicles and weapons, to the plants, creatures and people of Pandora each element hints are reality. Nothing strayed too far from the line of what "could be".
As for the story, I was surprised by the level of depth it held. It was not your basic sci-fi/fantasy story, and it left me considering what under lying statements Mr. Cameron was making about our current standing globally. The story was thought provoking and left me thinking about social and political commentary that could be picked up and hinted at in some aspect or another. The film is visually out of this world, and the story will hold your attention for the entire running time. By the time you are ready to walk out of the theater, you will not feel like you have been sitting through a 3 hr film, unless you just downed a large coke.
If you are an Aliens fan, see if you catch the homage James Camera slips in. See if you can find the "Titanic moment". This film is a must see over the winter break. Even if you do not enjoy the story, I guarentee that you will not be disappointed by the visual effects. Although, as my movie date said, the Na'vi's skin may be a little distracting. But all in all the film is worth the sitting time. You will love Sam Worthington's performance, both in flesh and CGI. You will enjoy the grace and beauty of Zoe Saldana as her dance background adds to the Na'vi. Her movements are truly those of a trained ballerina and it made watching her leaping through the trees and during battle that much more amazing. The Na'vi, in their looks, movements, beliefs, and soul truly are amazing characters. Even the wonderful Sigourney Weaver will amaze you with the heart and soul of her character. Michelle Rodriguez players her typical "badass" self. She is just as much a fighter as she is in every other role she has played and it's fun to watch her keeping up with the "big boys" when it comes to a gun fight. Stephen Lang is that guy you will recognize but may not recall his name at the end of the film, but his performance as Colonel Miles Quaritch is everything you could ever want. And Joel Moore just makes you love him even more with each character he plays in his blooming career.
So if you want a film that will pull you right into the story and picture, go check out Avatar.
Over the last few years Hollywood has produced a number of films that I like to call "soundtracks to life". The teen generation recently had Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. Some people may not agree with me on this, but I feel that Adventureland was homage to classics of the 70s, and this weekend we get the wild adveture that Pirate Radio takes the audience on. It's a picture that brings laughs from start to finish.
Pirate Radio tells the story of a group of renegade radio DJs who filled the airwaves with rock and roll and their attempts to "fight the man" from a ship in the North Sea during the 1960s, using illegal radio to give the people of Britain such obscene sounds as The Beatles, The Who, The Grateful Dead, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and many many others. The only thing funner than the story itself is the soundtrack that will make any audience want to jam along to the tunes.
From the opening to the end credits, I had to remind myself that I was in a theater so I would not start singing along with the great music. The cast of character and their own individual stories breathes another level of story telling through the musical selections that you hear throughout the film. And with the star studded cast of Philip Semore Hoffman, Bill Nighly, Kenneth Branagh, and several other wonderfully casting actors who I would rather save the surprise for you to find out who they are playing this film with leave you smiling. So if you are a lover of music, lived through the 60s, or are just looking for a good time at the theater, I promise you this film is not to be missed. You may just feel the urge to stop at the music shop and pick up the soundtrack on the way home. I just wish that they journey could have lasted longer than it did, however I know that the dvd release will have tons of additional footage worth the wait and possibly a lengthier directors cut of the film. One can only hope.
So come join the pirates on the open seas of the radio airwaves and let the sounds of rock n' roll bring you some joy this weekend.
What does it mean to be a believer? The Fourth Kind poses the question, "do you believe in abduction theories". Many of the people that I sat in a theater for the running time of 1 hour and 38 minutes would most likely say no they were not believers. Some may hesitate before answering, and maybe a few would be willing to actually entertain the idea for a few minutes before shaking their heads in disbelief. Truthfully I'm not going to say that I am a believer, but I don't know if I can say for certain that I'm a disbeliever. Truth is if I saw what appeared to look like a UFO right now I'd probably wonder what type of hoax the "Balloon Boy's" father was up to now, but I went into the film with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
The Fourth Kind is an unusual film that mixes the reality of a psychologist's study tapes and audio recordings with over dramatized footage, using Hollywood stars to portray various "characters" in the film. But this film does not pretend to be anything other than exactly what it is. The opening scene of the film is Milla Jovovich standing before a camera making a statement that every scene in the film is supported by archived footage of events that took place in Nome, Alaska in October 2000. Then again at the end Milla and director Olatunde Osunsanmi restate that we have to make a decision on our own as to whether we believe or not, and that the film is to simply bring to light actual documented footage and audio clips of events that took place in 2000.
The unusual collaboration gives the film a unique choice in editing and offers you a side by side comparison of some of the events. Even with the addition of Hollywood mixed with archived footage I will confess that I did jump during sections of the film. I did question some of the footage, but I had to keep in mind that when watching a film like The Fourth Kind you must allow yourself to have a suspension of disbelief. You have to allow yourself to forget about the limits of reality and "the real world" and allow your brain to wonder into the world of disbelief. I have heard that many people could not believe anything that took place during the film. They laughed during the "encounter" footage, and I even heard one person walk out of the theater say "with you being an aspiring filmmaker I cannot believe that you thought that film was any good." Now that was he only comment I laughed at during my entire time at the theater.
The Fourth Kind is a film that simply asks you to take an hour out of your day to simply experience any other person's experiences. Accept them for what they are, or are not. Then to make a decision as to whether or not you can believe what you just witnessed. If you can allow yourself to let your mind wonder, ingest, and then decide you may just walk out of the theater with something to talk about and maybe even a film you enjoyed, rather than feeling as through you wasted your time and money.
Now trust me, this film is not for everyone. If you do not have any doubts in your mind that abduction theories absolutely positively do not exist, than I may suggest you try for a different film this weekend. But if you are looking for something a little different than the typical Hollywood style film, and you accept the film for what it is and nothing more, than I would say this just might be he film for you.
So, are you willing to give yourself and this film the opportunity to share with you one persons experiences so you can decide for yourself?
