SANCTUM -- Review

Caving seems like a cool thing in theory, but in practice I'm sure it's not all that cool (except for those special few that do it professionally).  The element of surprise and the vast unknown is terrifying enough above ground and I'm not sure I would want to put myself out there somewhere in the deep blue sea, especially if it has never been "explored" before. 

Sanctum is an adventure thriller that will keep you entertained (so long as you go in armed with a bottle of pain killers).  The setting and sets are beautiful and amazing but the cinematography is a little less than desirable.  With the framing of several scenes giving the 3D a bit of an amature feel by leaving large blobs covering entire corners which throws off the coposition and eventually has your eyes screaming in pain because they couldn't quite tell what they should be focusing on.  Keep in mind this IS NOT a James Cameron film.  He neither directed nor wrote any aspect of this film.  He is nothing more than one of the many executive producers and a BIG NAME to bring in the crowds.  Sanctum was actually co-written by first time writers John Garvin and Andrew Wight (who are actual divers which adds to the diving element of the story) and it was directed by Australian director Alister Grierson (Kokoda).

If you are seriously looking to check out Sanctum I highly recommend that you avoid the 3D screenings like the pleague.  Not only is there nothing that truly deems 3D as a necessity (sorry to disappoint but nothing comes flying at you, there are no explosions and nothing comes straight at the screen).   The story will be just as good (if not better because you can follow it) in 2D.  You will still be able to see the almost unrecognizable cast (mostly Austrailian talent and obscure actors that might soon have larger roles after this film) going through the stressful situation that is forced upon them as their one way out because unaccessible and they must go in search for a new way out through an unknown path.  The sets created are amazing and you will enjoy them for what they are, but there is no need to pay the extra money to see a little extra depth in what we already know is a HUGE cave. 

For all of the pain that the 3D created for me, I will say that the film itself had some very good elements to it as well.  The adventure of cave diving and the stress it puts on those participating in the extreme sport is definitely felt by the audience.  The cast does a great job of making you feel what they are going through (I only wish that Mr Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) had not been casted as Carl because he was the weakest of all the characters).  Sanctum even gives you a few chair squirming scenes that left me turning my eyes away from the screen.  I would say tht if you are looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat, Sanctum will give you that.  It is a film to see in theater as it has some amazing visuals of the world beneth the surface, but if you are looking to beat the weather or just enjoy a movie look for theaters not showing it in 3D. 

I give Sanctum a 3.5 out of 5... but Sanctum 3D a 1 out of 5.  If only the world would get off its 3D kick, then we could all be happy.  **Here's hoping**

Hannah's Top 10 From 2010

As a new year quickly approaches I feel that the best way to close out this year is by posting my top 10 movies of 2010.  I know that there are plenty of lists out there compiled by contributors from Entertainment Weekly, Time, and any other source you choose to pick from, but for some reason none of those lists shave satisfied my own preferences by any stretch of the imagination.  Time Magazine's Top 10 list that seemed to lean to the political spectrum, and yet the majority of the films on their list had limited releases so few people had the opportunity to see them.  Entertainment Weekly's critic, Owen Gleiberman published a list that included a several films that I couldn't even finish.  I did find JoBlo.com's Top 10 list to be one of the few that actually included films that truly deserved recognition.  I know that several of the films I have picked might not make most people's lists let alone receive the recognition they deserve from any of the award circuits, however there is something about each one of them that has made them my go to films of the year.   Each has left a last impression on me unlike many of the films that have recently received nominations from Critic's Choice/People's Choice/SAG Awards.  With the award season quickly approaching I feel since many of my picks for the year will not receive proper recognition I must do my part...

So in honor of 2010, here is my pick for the Top 10 Movies of 2010.


1. The Social Network
2. Black Swan
3. The King's Speech
4. Kick-Ass
5. Toy Story 3
6. How to Train Your Dragon
7. Mao's Last Dancer
8. Restrepo
9. The Fighter
10. She's Out of My League



Additional favorites:  Tangled, Book of Eli, Creation, My Name is Khan, Green Zone, Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played with Fire, Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, A Nightmare on Elm St, Holy Rollers, Despicable Me, Inception, Let Me In

The Tourist -- Review

What would you do if the beautiful Angelina Jolie approached you "randomly" on a train while you are in a foreign country? Probably double check to make sure it wasn't the Octo-Mom trying for another 15 minutes of fame for playing out a scene from Jolie's last flick. The Tourist is one of those films you wish you hadn't seem no matter how many reasons there were telling you to go. Yes it looked like it had potential of being something great. Yes it is a collaboration between some of the hottest stars in Hollywood. Yes you even would have believed that it could have been great. Unfortunately it turned out to be almost as disappointing as Skyline.

The Tourist should have been "the next big thing" and comparable to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, but other than the premise of the film (and a dance shared between our characters) there is very little that even came close. I wanted there to be passion, action and heavy gun fire. I wanted to see Depp give us some serious action. I wanted Jolie to be the action star we all thought she was. But none of that came. I don't know if it is age catching up (however if The Expenibles can pull it off so should Jolie and Depp) or if parenthood has just tripped them up a bit now that both leads are between big flicks. Even the amazing Paul Bettany (Legion and Creation)was a surprising bore.

The Tourist felt almost like a gentle nod to the classic Bond films. You know, the ones that today's film go-ers would fall asleep during (present party included while attempting to watch Goldfinger). Yes they are classics and nothing can touch them, but they are classics for a reason and should be left alone. When we are given something like The Tourist we have certain expectations. We want what could have been the perfect blend of Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Salt. Instead we were given the grandparent of those films it moved at such a slow pace I almost thought time itself had slowed. Had I not been sitting in the middle of the theater I would have walked out in the hopes that I could use the remained of the night to actually get something (anything) accomplished.

Aside from the tease the film gives us with a quick glimpse of Rufus Sewell (Dark City), who should have been someone to the story but in fact left us confused and unsatisfied, there should have been something left for viewers to walk away from the film feeling.  But it left me with nothing but an empty hole.  The Tourist is a weak attempt at a "spy vs spy" film regardless of the talent and A-list names that have been dragged into leading roles.  For this being the first time (and at this rate - hopefully the only time) we get to see Jolie and Depp together on the big screen it was as big a let down as Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.  I have never before said that a Jolie or Depp film has been bad or lacking, but I will scream it from the top of the Empire State Building if I have to.  You all have let down a great admirer of your work, and I am truly sorry to have wasted my time with you on this journey.  Please spare us the next time you plan to work together as I would much rather watch you kick ass individually than be disappointed like this again.

I give The Tourist a 1.5 out of 5.

Skyline -- Review

There is something about films that just suck the life right out of you.  No I do not mean that because I went to an 11pm screening, I mean it literally sucked the life out of me.  The monster child of Colin and Greg Strause takes all that was great about Independence Day, Cloverfield, and District 9 and gives you a crack baby called Skyline.  I'm sure they will make their money many times over since this film was shot on the "measly" budget of $1m, but that does not mean that it should.

I mean, remember those films you and your friends made back in high school, or even those college projects your significant other made you watch before they submitted it for a grade because they wanted "an honest opinion" on it?  Well now imagine one of "those" projects with a $1m budget... Doesn't make it much better, does it?  Just because you have that kinda dough to play with does not give you the right to make us movie goers suffer through a 92 minute film just because you got bored while in between projects.  Keep to what your good at and leave the story telling to the "professionals". 

Skyline not only has a half-ass story being told by someone who can't tell which end is up, but there is ultimately NO POINT!  It's like a kid who loves Legos was just let loose in Lego World and builds some of the most intricate pieces of abstract sculptures that are amazing to look at, but when placed in a row (which he calls a "series") does nothing but jumble the pictures into an "artful mess".  That is Skyline.  The visual effects are out of this world, but the "art school" cinematography and dramatized slow-motion sequences (along with laughable dialog) take away from what really could have been something.  There were glimpses of moments where the story could have taken a turn, but fell right down the sewer. 

From brain eating aliens, to action that didn't really make sense, to the cheapest actors imaginable as your main characters (most likely friends of Colin and Greg who thought the idea might have been cool for all of 3 seconds), all the way to an ending that only Disney could have dreamed up.  It was one disappointment after another, until the suspense built up so much I jumped at NOTHING which not only sent the poor guy suffering next to men into a fit of giggles but I had to apologize for how lame I felt for that slip of thinking that they finally may have done something right. 

Unfortunately Skyline is a less than desirable flick for this weekend.  I would suggest saving it for when you're home with your gamin' buddies, just finished some serious fragging, and looking for something to watch while killing your "sudden munchie craving".  Maybe then something will be interpreted out of the film.

I give Skyline a 2 out of 5 for effort.  But guys... About that sequel you teased to at the end...How about let's NOT and say we did.  Just a thought.

Amazing Video by David Crowder Band

Yahoo posted this as a top story and I have to say that the video is quite amazing.  I remember playing on the lite-brite, but the amount of work that had to go into creating what you are about it see is unbelievable.  Definitely worth checking out!  This is one music video that shows true creativity.

Morning Glory -- REVIEW

Morning Glory is a love story from the production world dedicated to the city of New York.  It shows all of the things that those of us who eat, breath, and sleep production deal with every time we are on set. The things that make us "production" or the things that tear us down. Set in one of the production capitals, Morning Glory tells story with a girls dream and desire to make it in the morning news world.  New York eventually becomes the main character of Morning Glory and the things that us production workers notice on a daily basis when we are lucky enough to work those odd hours and experience the magic of the final scene of the film for ourselves. 

I became so wrapped up in the cinematography and shot choices that I cared less for what was happening in the story.  The film is truly a love story for the city of New York, made and told by those that know it best.  Those that have walked the streets in the wee hours calling out "we're losing light" as the sun comes up. Those of us who find the magic of what the Brooklyn Bridge really shows us if we can walk along with a camera to catch all of its glory.  Those of us who see the hustle and bustle of the New York workers rushing past a gorgeous building in slow motion. Yes I am getting carried away, but the film speaks for itself.  It is a series of beautiful images placed in-between cheesy dialog and 30 minutes of insults.  But it is not until a kindred spirit takes our cell phones away, closes it in the fridge and forces us to finally take a breath and see the city for what it is do we really understand. 

Morning Glory pulls together a great cast but the city outshines them by leaps and bounds.  I wish I could say that the film is what kept me watching, but it was the heart and soul of the film that kept me glued to my seat.  If you are or have ever worked in production I highly recommend going to see Morning Glory.  If you know or have/are dated/dating someone from the "biz" I say you should go (and take that person with you) because it will make you understand why we do what we do - even though it drives us mad, (and sometimes you as well) since we never put our blackberry away.

I give Morning Glory a 4 out of 5, and hope to one day find a kindred spirit who will stash my phone the fridge but still let me be the mad production member that I am.

Due Date -- REVIEW

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. 

I give Due Date a 2 out of 5.