Some quick and dirty movie reviews
I've managed to see quite a few movies this past month, particularly this week, so I may as well pass along my thoughts:
I Am Legend
I understand this deviates from the book considerably, but the movie certainly stands well on its own. Suspenseful and sorrowful. Also, it's always nice when someone remembers Will Smith can actually act instead of just portraying the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by another name.
The Golden Compass
A lackluster adaptation of an excellent book. Not a bad film, but certainly quite disappointing when one considers what could have been. Scenes are pretty much just jammed together in order to fit within the running time, and the dreaded literary shortcut of expository dialogue is utilized far too often. But, hey, it features polar bears beating the crap out of each other, so it's got that going for it.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
You can safely expect more of what was delivered in the first movie. Sure, the plot's completely preposterous, but everything else is executed well enough that it's entertaining all the same. Just keep eating your popcorn and enjoy the ride.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Within the first few minutes of this movie, a young boy takes a facehugger to the face. So, yeah, they aren't pulling too many punches - this one is appropriately grisly and merciless. While still not up to par with either Aliens or Predator, it is nonetheless a notable step up in quality from the previous film.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
This one only loses points for excessive and gratuitous singing. Yes, I realize it is indeed a musical, but my limited exposure to such did not have me expecting quite this high a ratio of sung to spoken dialog. Other than that, this film is superb. If you are squeamish, however, then perhaps you should avoid the movie about a guy who slits throats. Bonus: Helena Bonham Carter all tarted up like a Victorian goth. Yummy.
Juno
Although squarely aimed at the hipster crowd, that doesn't in the least bit detract from it being a damn good movie. Plenty of wry humor with some naturally poignant moments. Just go see it already.
I Am Legend
I understand this deviates from the book considerably, but the movie certainly stands well on its own. Suspenseful and sorrowful. Also, it's always nice when someone remembers Will Smith can actually act instead of just portraying the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by another name.
The Golden Compass
A lackluster adaptation of an excellent book. Not a bad film, but certainly quite disappointing when one considers what could have been. Scenes are pretty much just jammed together in order to fit within the running time, and the dreaded literary shortcut of expository dialogue is utilized far too often. But, hey, it features polar bears beating the crap out of each other, so it's got that going for it.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
You can safely expect more of what was delivered in the first movie. Sure, the plot's completely preposterous, but everything else is executed well enough that it's entertaining all the same. Just keep eating your popcorn and enjoy the ride.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Within the first few minutes of this movie, a young boy takes a facehugger to the face. So, yeah, they aren't pulling too many punches - this one is appropriately grisly and merciless. While still not up to par with either Aliens or Predator, it is nonetheless a notable step up in quality from the previous film.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
This one only loses points for excessive and gratuitous singing. Yes, I realize it is indeed a musical, but my limited exposure to such did not have me expecting quite this high a ratio of sung to spoken dialog. Other than that, this film is superb. If you are squeamish, however, then perhaps you should avoid the movie about a guy who slits throats. Bonus: Helena Bonham Carter all tarted up like a Victorian goth. Yummy.
Juno
Although squarely aimed at the hipster crowd, that doesn't in the least bit detract from it being a damn good movie. Plenty of wry humor with some naturally poignant moments. Just go see it already.