Robert Downey Jr how you break my heart. Not even my love for you can save me from the pains in which you inflicted upon me during Due Date. Not even my love for the obseenly odd Zach Galifianakis spared me a pain that could only rival that of child birth. OK, that is probably a bit of a stretch, but I think you get what I am trying to say.
In true Todd Phillips (director) style, this film fits right in with Old School and The Hangover. Although not as good as The Hangover, Due Date has a handful of scenes that are so over the top you aren't sure if you want to run from the theater or laugh. Zach Galifianakis stays true to himself and leaves you just as uncomfortable as ever watching his outragous character torment the poor expecting father (Downey Jr). Even though I stuck it out throug the entire film, at times seriously wishing I hadn't, I will say that the only thing I wish it had included was a Mr. Chow. THAT would have keep me wanting more.
Due Date is a poor attempt of keeping The Hangover fans hungry for more as we wait for the follow-up film to be released. Yes it will force you to laugh, but you will not feel good about yourself for laughing when you walk out. If given a choice between Due Date and Megamind (which also opens this Friday), sadly I would go with the animated family film, and save the vulger obsenity that is Due Date until it is released on DVD. I'm sorry Robert, but do us all a favor and keep to your wonderful role as Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes, I would much rather watch you kick ass than get your ass handed to you on a platter.
There is something about comic book movies that just gets my heart pumping. Most likely is it the geek within that is so excited to experience a character come to life and blast off the pages that I have become so used to seeing them appear on. Iron Man 2 however was not one of those films.
In 2008 I stood in line for 6 hours, waiting with baited breathe for Iron Man. I practically ran to the theater opening day just to see the rockin' film. Marvel Studios unveiled a smash hit and put them on the page as a force to be reckoned with in the world of comic films. I was so excited when the first Iron Man 2 trailer hit the cyber world. The hard hitting, action packed trailer had me bouncing in my chair as I could not wait to see the film. I am saddened to say, that Iron Man broke my heart.
This sequel only lives up to the sad reputation that many of the sequels that have come before have earned as not being as good as the original film. Iron Man 2 is a let down as we are stuck suffering through just under 2 hours of an "emo" Iron Man. It takes almost 3/4 of the film before there is any action that comes close to the standards of the sequences seen in the first film. There was little introduction as to who the new players are that if you do not have prior knowledge of the Iron Man characters and stories, some movie goers may forget who the players are and what side they are batting for. But even more than that, I was disappointed that the fight scenes shown of Black Widow (Scarlotte Johansson) and Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) are so quick that they were almost insignificant. For there be so little action throughout the entire film, I at least expected these characters to have more than one, or at least a slightly longer fight sequence to show just how badass these characters are.
Mickey Rourke is one of those actors that just oozes with talent and I love watching him on the big screen. I was so happy to see him playing along side Robert Downey Jr, but the initial introduction during the drag race scene was such a let down that I did not find Whiplash as a character all that believable as far as comic book characters go. And I do not just say that because he is actually a mixture of characters from the comic book. Even Scarlotte Johansson as Black Widow was less effective due to her short amount of screen time. With all of the characters and the increasing number of villians making an appearance all I got out of the action flick was a whiny Tony Stark moping around for the first hour of the film. And making me wait to the last 30 minutes for an actual fight in true Iron Man style is just so wrong. I expected more from you Tony. I expected more from you Marvel Studios. I wanted Iron Man to rock just as hard as the 2008 flick, and you did not give me that.
Iron Man 2 might entertain you. It may leave a slightly sweeter taste in your mouth than it did for me. But in my opinion, the trailer gave away all the highlights from the film and left you with nothing more than scraps on the table. I wish my feelings for this film were the complete opposite, but I am stuck with a feeling of unease as I think as to whether or not I would pay to see this film again. I am still in limbo on the decision as my dad asks me what film we should go see this week. I am tempted to suggest going to Kick-Ass for yet another round, but still wander if just maybe a second chance will change my mind on Iron Man 2. Currently I am stuck. I rate Iron Man 2 a 2 out of 5. So best of luck in your pickings this weekend.
Several years ago my brother introduced me to the films of Guy Ritchie. Fun stories, insane amounts of gun fire and some serious profanity. I remember getting my first taste of Jason Statham and not being able to contain my excitement when a fight was about to break out on screen and he was in the scene. Sherlock Holmes brings elements of past Ritchie films and incorporates the style with a classic Holmes story. And just as I yelled for blood during his previous movies, I did the same watching Holmes kick some serious amounts of ass.
I will be honest - I've never read a Holmes story, and if you're lucky I might be able to confess to reading one mystery story ever in my life. So going into the film I was at a bit of a loss when it came to what I expected. I knew he was an intelligent man, and looked forward to the witty comments and banter that the trailer so wonderfully teased, but aside from that the only reference point I had was Disney's The Great Mouse Detective, as I remember once being told that was what it was modeled after. Yes, you can go ahead and laugh. I'm quite shocked that I even remember the film from so long ago. But as the theater lights dimmed and the opening credits began to roll, I sat on the edge of my seat following the beautifully shot opening sequence as we were introduced to Holmes on the run.
Sherlock Holmes is a fun holiday release that will appeal to the family. It brings just enough action to the table to keep the suspense in motion throughout the entire film. The cinematography brought "classic London" to life. Downey Jr. and Law strolled down the streets of London in the later 19th century and the setting gave us the classic background with a new twist. Taking us to the top of the Tower Bridge during its construction during the final scenes of the film. Being a period piece with a story basis that is pretty well known, Ritchie gave us an entertaining story with some amazing fighting. Who knew Sherlock Holmes was such a badass...
The casting choices for Holmes and Watson was perfect. The witty banter played so well between Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. that it came together seemlessly and effortlessly. It seems that's with each role Downey Jr. takes on, the stronger he becomes and his expansive talent as an actor is brought out into the light. Their comedic timing played so well that between action scenes, I could not take my eyes off the screen because I wanted to see what stupid thing Holmes would be doing next that would irritate Watson. Rachelle McAdams was as lovely as ever in the role of Irene Adler. The costume design for her character put her in beautiful dresses that even I was jealous of, and I am not a fan of dresses. Mark Strong gave a good performance as Lord Blackwood. SPOILER ALERT: I felt that the trailers gave him a much stronger appearance and I feel that out of the entire film the only thing I felt that was lacking was the evilness and devious planning behind the "bad guy". Maybe it was just the subtle hints dropped towards what could be a second film and the next villain began to over power the villain we were watching, but I just wished that he had a little more something to him.
But all in all Sherlock Holmes is a fun holiday release. It will keep the action lover happy, the mystery lover at bay, the romantic feeling slightly giddy, and the movie fan walking out of the theater with a smile on their face. Beware of the unconscious bulldog and strong women in the film. Once you've seen this film you will look at Rachelle McAdams with a new found respect for her acting and overall skills and talents. I for one never would have pictured her in a physical fight, but after watching her throw down, I for sure would not want to have to go up against her in a hand to hand fight.
