If you have read any number of my posts before, you'll know that I am a sucker for animation—hand drawn in particular. However, when it comes to computer animation, I am definitely a Pixar fangirl. Ever since Toy Story, I have been smitten by the creativity and execution of the company's films. With the exception of Cars 2, I have not missed a single one of their creations. You can imagine how excited I was that Brave was in the works. I followed the teasers, trailers, and images from blog to blog until this past weekend when it finally premiered.
Needless to say, Brave does not disappoint. It strays from the traditional princess storyline by giving Merida, our fire-haired protagonist, a tough personality. The animation is phenomenal (I watched it in regular vision) and the music was so poignant and appropriate.
To be honest, I already know that I am biased by this film, so it's unfair for me to give it a grade. Instead, I will blatantly suggest that you and your family and your neighbors' kids go see Brave. Already seen it? Let me know what you thought.
There is something undeniably clever about pitting Abraham Lincoln as a vampire hunter. Is it his honest nature, his tall hat, his impressive beard? Have those qualities always been hiding a secret greater than what Dexterhas happening in Miami? Well, that's how it should have been, but this film really dumbed down the storyline of Seth Grahame-Smith's enjoyable novel of the same name. Because this review will be rife with spoilers, I would suggest steering clear of the jump if you wanted to be surprised at the theater. Otherwise, hit the jump and we can continue.
After seeing the first preview for Salmon Fishing on the Yemen, I thought that it sounded interesting. I planned to see it last week, but ended up missing it. Last night, I realized that it would be leaving theaters, so I made a hasty trip to the local AMC and watched it. Needless to say, while a thoughtful and sweet movie, it certainly missed the mark. Read more using the link below due to spoilers.
Although this is delayed, I think that The Hunger Games deserves a film review here on NewfoundJoye. I read the entire trilogy just before the film was announced, so I had plenty of time to imagine what the film would be like. Unlike most book-to-film ventures, this franchise benefits from the big screen. It was written for film in a way. The best way to watch a televised event of children fighting to the death is for you to be able to see it. Either way, I'm going to be spoiling this film, so if you have not yet gotten around to seeing it, stay away from the jump.
I've been very devoted to watching each Pirates of the Caribbean installation in theaters. This latest (and final) offering from the Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (POTC 4), left me feeling a bit sad and disappointed. Hit the jump for the full review (spoilers follow).
It's been a while since I've been to the movies and I was very excited to see Rango—we're talking Johnny Depp and cartoons? Well, my excitement was short-lived, but let's just get right into the skinny, shall we?
If you look at the movies that will be released this year (and next year), you will see that several of them are the "film-version" of this book or this old cartoon. I'm getting a little tired of these kinds of movies. It is the new trend that has taken the comic book/superhero movie to the next level. If you look at many of the books on the bestseller list or reminisce about the golden age of cartoons, you will discover that many of them have movies in the works.
Don't get me wrong. I don't hate the film industry for making movies based upon books. This often sparks debates and discussions about the book and the film. However, I'm starting to think that people are losing their imaginations. There are many well-executed "fresh" films that don't rely on a previous author's or artist's creation. I think that newer ideas often challenge the actors more as well. They have to bring a character to life and don't get compared to a descriptive character in a book or even worse, a cartoon!
Yet it seems that whenever a book or cartoon is really good, it will inevitably become a movie. This leads to mistakes like The Last Airbender that disappoint avid followers of the original show because the movie pales in comparison. It ruins some films if they do not choose to follow the book in certain places (like the stark difference in the ending of My Sister's Keeper, which makes the film fizzle where the book riled you up into discussion). Childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo that already had multiple TV movies become live-action films that pit the lovable (but annoying) Scrappy-Doo as the villain. Now the Smurfs and Yogi Bear might be next to join the list of box-office duds.
Like I said before, many film-versions of previous works are very successful. There are some genres (like fairy tales) that are ripe for visual interpretation—Cinderella, is one that I think of that has been remade into very different films (like Disney's Cinderella versus Ever After). Other classics like 1984 and The Giver benefit from the film versions because they allow people to interpret very great works all over again.
I suppose that the point of my rant is that while film-versions of existing works are often visually rich and allow you another media to enjoy a favorite book/show, there is something wonderful about a movie that is perhaps inspired by something, but essentially a fresh idea. People will say that "there is nothing new under the sun," but when you take the time to create something of your own, no matter how much it might resemble something else, it is yours. I hope that filmmakers consider that as they go to the drawing board and start brainstorming their newest masterpieces.
So, if you have read my blog for a while, you will already know that I am a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender(Avatar), a cartoon that recently finished its run on Nickelodeon. You can imagine that I was extremely excited to see the live-action film in theaters this past weekend. However, I hate to say it, but I was quite disappointed by the film. Hit the jump for the full review.
I was very excited about Disney • Pixar's latest release. If you are unaware, Pixar is a 3D animation studio known for coming out with one film at least every year or so. However, over ten years ago, Toy Story was the movie that started it all. A few years later, Pixar brought Andy's toys back to life for Toy Story 2. Now, Toy Story 3 debuted over this past weekend and it was just as well-executed as I could have hoped. I've got a grade below and the full review (with spoilers) after the jump.
The joys of the sequel. Iron Man 2 premiered this past weekend raking in $133.6 million surpassing the debut of the original. For many, it's the excitement of watching one of their favorite characters revisited in live action that drove them to the theater. For others, it was just to see the pretty people—and there were some attractive actors and actresses in this sequel. I don't want to spoil the film for anyone who hasn't seen it, so please hit the jump for the full review.
I try my best to keep up with the happenings of movies that I want to watch in theaters. I will probably be supportive of Disney by watching Tangled (previously Rapunzel) in theaters this fall. A short teaser was released a few months ago, so I've posted it below for your viewing pleasure.
This review is slightly overdue. I was very excited to watch this film—in theaters—and it did not disappoint. Usually, I need a jump so I don't give anything away, but there is no need this time. The Losers has action, explosions, gunfights and a little bit of romance, so if this is your kind of film, head over to your local theater and watch it on the big screen. The acting was excellent, the cinematography was on point and the story was really good.
I did not read the comic books, so I am not certain how true the film is to it, but I really enjoyed The Losers regardless. I know this has turned into a recommendation and not a review, but hey!—check out my grade!
Before I even begin this review, I have to be completely frank with you. First, I am not a fan of Tyler Perry's works. I don't like the plays, I can't stand Madea and I do not watch all of his movies regularly. I did enjoy The Family That Preys. Second, I did not like the original film Why Did I Get Married? in the first place. However, my friend really wanted to see this movie, so I stopped by the theater with really low expectations. I had not seen the previews, but I saw the print ads. I was expecting something sentimental and maybe uplifting. For the full review, please hit the jump. The grade is below so as not to give away any spoilers.
Have you ever noticed that some films become part of your everyday life? You pull out a quote from it while you are in conversation with friends. You think back to a scene from it when something similar happens in real life? Usually, I have found that this occurs mostly with classic films, but Fantastic Mr. Fox is a welcome exception.
I have not read the book by Roald Dahl, but I am a fan of many of his other works (i.e.Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Following in the fashion of others that have depicted Dahl's novels, the style in which the movie is presented is unique and perfect for telling the story. I am a fan of stop-motion animation and it allowed for plenty of interesting visuals throughout the whole film.
I recommend that you buy this film. However, if you are not a fan of personal video libraries, stop by your local video rental store or add it to your queue on Netflix. Fantastic Mr. Fox will not disappoint.
I honestly don't think I have been this excited to see a movie in a while. I have been looking forward to Alice in Wonderland since I saw the first preview. However, I might have been a little too excited. While promising, Alice in Wonderland was nowhere near as good as it could have been. I hate to say it, but it definitely fell short which is strange for a Tim Burton film. To keep the spoilers to a minimum, the full review is after the jump.
A while back, I spoke about Disney's film Rapunzel. I believed it would debut in December, but I checked imdb and it is scheduled to release in November during Thanksgiving weekend—similar to The Princess and the Frog, I'm assuming. If you hit the jump, you'll see a few more concept images. I think that Rapunzel will have some spunk, so I'm looking forward to it. All images are property of Disney
According to imdb, the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installment will release next year in May. I'm so looking forward to it. It will lose the whole Bloom/Knightley romance (which is good, they wrapped that up at the end of At World's End). However, it will introduce some new blood. Hopefully in Blackbeard (as he has been mentioned)! Which pirate would make a better addition? Even more important, who would play him? The anticipation kills me.
Yesterday, I graced my local movie theatre with a visit to watch The Book of Eli. I honestly was expecting something action-packed and possibly controversial. Instead, I was completely and utterly disappointed. Although this film had lots of potential, it failed to deliver. It raises more questions than it answers—and not in a "you can debate this at work or over drinks" kind of way either. I think a few more months could have made this better, even a few screenings. Regardless, I don't want to give away the movie for those who are planning on seeing it, so hit the jump for my rant or just check out my grade and move along.
