Movie Review: Wonder Woman (2017)

I am not exactly sure that I am going to have anything new to offer to the discourse on this film other than what has already been said. With that said, I guess I could start in the usual, controversial, fashion and say “Finally! DC has a good film in their new cinematic universe.” Wonder Woman is a legitimate excellent film, worlds ahead of Man of Steel, Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad. It is not perfect, but it is a truly entertaining film with good performances, a more focused story, It just works. It appears they weren’t trying to hard to make it large or overly complicated. It all feels organic more than planned. This is a good thing.

Movie Review: The Lure

There are some movies that as soon as you see the trailer you know you have to see it. It is the feeling I get when I see a trailer for, say, a new Star Wars movie or like when I saw the preview for John Wick: Chapter 2. Well, that feeling welled up inside of me when I saw a trailer for The Lure. Now, I am sure many of you look at that title as if I were typing in a foreign language. That’s all right, sometimes I feel that way as I am typing. The Lure is the English title for Corki Dancingu, a Polish genre mashup that is definitely a unique experience. Granted, I did not love it as much as I thought I would based on the trailer, but I think it may grow on me with more viewings.

Movie Review: Star Wars - The Force Awakens

It is finally here. Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been in theaters nationwide for barely 24-hours and it is already decimating box office records. I know the movie has its detractors, those who never got the fuss over the franchise, or just those who have grown tired of the marketing blitz. I get it. Really, I do. There are things that got insane hype and whatnot from various sectors that I don’t get. Honestly, I am not sure how to explain it without some serious research into the film’s history, which I am not likely to do right now. Just know that I get it. I love the Star Wars films and can even defend the prequels (the Holiday Special is another story). This new entry is one that gets it.

Movie Review: The Age of Adaline

Who says a horror loving guy like me can't enjoy a romantic film? It is certainly possible to cross those barriers, a good movie is a good movie, and movies affect different folks in different ways. If I sound a touch defensive, I just might be because I love film in all it's forms. This is not to say I love all movies. In any case, I saw a early screening of The Age of Adaline and while it is not perfect by any stretch, large portions of it were very effective and I can honestly say I quite enjoyed it.

Movie Review; Seventh Son

Today is born the seventh one, Born of woman the seventh son, And he in turn of a seventh son, He has the power to heal, He has the gift of the second sight, He is the chosen one, So it shall be written, So it shall be done, Seventh son of a seventh son, Seventh son of a seventh son, Seventh son of a seventh son, Seventh son of a seventh son. Oh, wait, what? This isn't an Iron Maiden concert? That explains why Julianne Moore is here. It is a shame, I suspect that a concert would have been more fun. I guess I really should say something about this big medieval fantasy tale of knights, swords, witches and monsters. Hey, that sounds like fun.

Movie Review: Norwegian Ninja

Do you ever watch a movie and wonder just what the hell you are watching? I had that feeling last night. It was a movie I had never heard of before, but had somehow found its way into my Netflix queue. To be honest, the only reason I was even watching it was because it was about to expire. I am sorta, kinda, maybe glad I did. I enjoyed the movie, but it seriously had my head shaking as I tried to wrap my head around the abject absurdity that was dancing across my television screen. The movie is called Norwegian Ninja. It has nothing to do with ninjas. Fortunately, it does have something to do with Norway.

Movie Review: Birdman: or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

It seems that anytime we get to see Michael Keaton on the big scree, it is a treat. I did not always think that. Frankly, there was a lot of time when I really didn't give Keaton much thought at all. Still, over the years I have found his screen presence to be fascinating. The man is quirky, talented, and knows how to be his character. Even when he appears for a few scant minutes in the barely mediocre Need for Speed is a treat. Even White Noise sees Keaton working some magic. While it seems he is rarely on the big screen, he has been working steadily for the better part of four decades. Birdman may be one of his best performances.

Movie Review: Horns

On the same night I was to see Dear White People, which got turned into Before I Go to Sleep due to a broken projector, I was slated to take in Horns. Fortunately, that projector was working and, somewhat surprisingly, I found I was the only interested in seeing it at a 10:30 on a Wednesday night. Go figure. It has been awhile since I had a private screening. Anyway, this was the movie I think I was more interested in seeing anyway, even though I knew very little about it. All I knew was that it starred Daniel Radcliffe, who has been somewhat impressive post-Harry Potter (The Woman in Black was really quite good), and that Radcliffe would sport a set of devilish horns. Frankly, that is all I really needed to know.

Movie Review: The Boxtrolls

I have to admit, when I went in to see The Boxtrolls, I had no idea what I was in for. Despite the fact that I was really looking forward to it, I had no idea what it was about. Still, Laika, the production company behind the film, has been on quite the roll. They have two features prior to this and they have both been fantastic (those being Coraline and ParaNorman), so with that track record it is kind of like an early Pixar release. Between the gorgeous stop motion animation and their ability to tell tales that appeal to all ages while not pandering to their target audience, there was every reason to believe this would be a success.

Movie Review: Ru lai shen zhang (1982)

As I stumbled from the theater into the early hours of the night, I was stunned, dumbfounded, confused, and delighted. Reeling from the events that had just been witnessed by mine own eyes. Not in recent memory do I recall being privy to such an excursion into fantasy-fu as this. Swirling colors, blinding lights, costumed dragon things, acid spitting tumors, spinning knives and more intricate familial relations than you can shake a sword at. This movie is like nothing I have been ever asked to comprehend before. I am sure I will cross paths with it or its kind again, I can only hope that I am a little more prepared for it then. Of course, there is no way I could have been prepared for this.

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2

This year, aside from The LEGO Movie (of course), has been a little lackluster when it comes to animation. For that matter, 2013 was not exactly a high point for feature animated films either, and no, I don't care how much money Frozen made, it was really not that great. So, it is with great happiness that I am able to report that How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a winner and the second best animated feature of 2014 (so far, we still have The Boxtrolls to hope for). This sequel surpasses its original and delivers action, heart, and some fantastic fantasy visuals which are truly are gorgeous.

Movie Review: Maleficent

Coming on the heels of Alice in Wonderland (the Burton one), Oz: The Great and Powerful, and Snow White and the Huntsman (never bothered with Mirror, Mirror), I found it difficult to muster all that much enthusiasm for Maleficent. Now, I am sure there are ways to have made those other movies, you know, good, and I am sure there is a way to tell a fascinating story about Maleficent. The problem is that none of this has actually been done. Maleficent is just the latest debacle in this revisionist fairy tale cycle. While there may not have been that many movies, yet, let's hope that it either comes to an end or someone with a solid idea steps up and gets the job done.

Movie Review: 300 - Rise of an Empire

Seven years ago Zack Snyder brought Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300, to the big screen dripping int style and intensity. It was a movie that shows how myths and legends begin, how war stories can be turned into propaganda and blown up into gigantic proportions. It was a massive, testosterone driven tale of macho posturing, fighting, with the purpose of defending a way of life, sticking without you believe in and opposing tyranny. It was also a silly slice of overwrought fighting on a digital back lot. Now we are faced with a sort of sequel/prequel hybrid that tells of what was going on in the rest of Greece as Xerxes was marching his men on Greece.

Sci Fi Invasion: Hundra

Sometimes I have to wonder what they were thinking with some of the choices for the Sci Fi Invasion box set. I mean, yes, I am expecting a lot of bad movies, but some of them barely qualify as science fiction. Of course, I realize they are padding put the movie total with whatever public domain titles they come across that could possibly be considered as part of the genre. For example, the last film, Hundra, is not a science fiction movie, but a sword and sandal Conan the Barbarian rip off.

Movie Review: 47 Ronin (2013)

The much delayed Japanese epic 47 Ronin has finally arrived in theaters and it has displeased the critics. Now, this does not automatically mean it is a bad movie, but it certainly doesn't help. Well, I went and saw it for myself and found myself not so much conflicted as merely entertained. There are things to like about this movie, but it also feels somewhat incomplete, unexplained, and decidedly not meant for everyone. Still, it is a mediocre experience that never quite pulls itself together.

Movie Review: The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug

I don't really want to spend that much time on it, but I feel I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to reflect on The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. As you may recall, I was not exactly a fan of An Unexpected Journey. While this middle chapter is definitely a step up from the first, it is not enough to win me over. In a way, that is a bit of a shame as it seems likely this will not do as well box office-wise, as it seems I wasn't the only one unenthusiastic over the first. While this did not win me over, it probably deserves a little better fate than that. On the other hand, perhaps this is a sign not to try and make further Middle Earth tales. One can hope.

Movie Review: Oz, the Great and Powerful

Considering how bright, colorful, and broad the Oz universe is, I find it surprising that we have not had more attempts to create films in its playground. I cannot say that I have done a lot of research, but since the 1939 classic feature was released there have been but three features that use L. Frank Baum's books as a basis, The Wiz, Return to Oz, and Oz, the Great and Powerful. I know there has been at least one televised take with the mini-series Tin Man. I guess all I am really getting at here is that this is a great playground with plenty of room for ideas and interpretations to play in and I wish this new movie was just a bit better.

Movie Review: Hansel & Gretel - Witch Hunters

Originally slated for release nearly a year ago, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters was delayed in order to do a post conversion to 3D (which is actually pretty decent). It would not surprise me if there were reshoots or other types of tweaking during that time. Whatever the entire truth behind the delay may be, I strongly suspect the studio just had no confidence in the movie. While the concept makes sense for a movie, it does not exactly scream out to be a box office success.

Blu-ray Review: Tai Chi Zero

Billed as steampunk kung fu, Tai Chi Zero looks to shake up the standard martial arts flick by spicing up some of the visual style in a genre mash up. Unfortunately, while the movie proves to be modestly entertaining, the idea of bringing the steampunk aesthetic to the world of martial arts fails to truly come together. Tai Chi Zero is a tale of style over substance. Style wins, but it is not for a lack of trying. Director Stephen Fung (House of Fury) throws everything but the kitchen sink at the screen.

Movie Review: The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey (HFR)

I have always been more Star Wars than Lord of he Rings, my reading habits growing up leaned more towards Asimov and King than Tolkien and Goodkind. With that said, The Lord of the Rings trilogy was an amazing cinematic experience. It was a massive undertaking that revealed itself masterfully on the big screen. Following its success questions arose of whether director Peter Jackson would return to the franchise for The Hobbit. Well, after years of wrangling, it has finally arrived on the screen. Was it worth the wait?