Two Films
This weekend, I've seen two films... I'd love to write a contrast between them, but it's a little difficult as... they were both shit!
I guess if there is a difference between them, it'd be the fact that I enjoyed one of them despite it being rubbish... so let me start with the 'good'.
Fantastic Four
I tried to go into this film with an open mind. I've seen some bad reviews on it and I admit to having never been a fan of the source material. On the plus side, I'm a fan of both Julian McMahon and Michael Chiklis. I won't bore you with the story details, they're pretty well kown already (even if the story doesn't match the orignal 'origins' story.
What was good: Julian McMahon... I can see a useful career ahead of him in film (as long as he picks his roles carefully)... although I don't think he'd make a very good James Bond, despite his charisma. Jessica Alba... looked great :-) and Chris Evans (the other one), who also displayed a reasonable amount of charm, despite playing a twat. Finally, it was kinda fun (which I guess counts for quite a lot).
What was bad: The story.... written by a 7 year old (probably), you really don't need a degree (or even consciousness) to watch this film. The ending.. this film kind of runs out of steam at the end and to be honest, the climactic battle just isn't very exciting. Also, it was corny as hell and a tad embarrasing, which I guess could be expected given the source material. Chiklis was a bit wasted, but probably the best character in the film.
The other film
Mr & Mrs Smith
This film truly sucked. It took a while for anything to happen and in that time, Angeline and Brad just looked bored (perhaps their characters are MEANT to be bored) even when they are doing exciting(tm) stuff. This is another problem, it's not very exciting! The 'plot' is about as weak as Fantastic Fours, except it probably makes less sense! Vince Vaughn DOES have a decent supporting role, but is ultimately wasted. I think my biggest problem with the film (as aside from crap acting, dull plot, lack of excitement and shit script) is the ending... I've heard stories it was re-written and re-shot... and it bloody shows!
Spoiler to follow
I say 'spoiler' but it's hard to spoil this shit. They join forces to combat the (un-named) agencies who they both work for, who have put hits on both of them for the reason that 'it's embarrasing for competing agencies to have members who are married to each other'. This culminates in a big shoot out (naturally, a pretty dull one)with Brad and Angeline Vs a bunch of SAS wannabies... who all die... then.... it just stops! There's a final 'gag' about them being in marriage guidance and having sex lots (barely seen). They don't explain how they got round the hit put on them, or how they're surviving, or even what happened to the big bad who set them up! There's not actually a 'bad guy' (tm) in the film.... and it's REALLY crying out for one... one is hinted at, as Angelina's boss is never seen and all 'mysterious'... but nothing happens! This is probably the worst film ending since Jurasic Park 3 (which is still in my top 5 shittest films of all time).
In conclusion... watch FF if there's nothing better on TV... and don't even bother getting Mr & Mrs Shit on DVD, unless they actually put a decent ending on it.
I guess if there is a difference between them, it'd be the fact that I enjoyed one of them despite it being rubbish... so let me start with the 'good'.
Fantastic Four
I tried to go into this film with an open mind. I've seen some bad reviews on it and I admit to having never been a fan of the source material. On the plus side, I'm a fan of both Julian McMahon and Michael Chiklis. I won't bore you with the story details, they're pretty well kown already (even if the story doesn't match the orignal 'origins' story.
What was good: Julian McMahon... I can see a useful career ahead of him in film (as long as he picks his roles carefully)... although I don't think he'd make a very good James Bond, despite his charisma. Jessica Alba... looked great :-) and Chris Evans (the other one), who also displayed a reasonable amount of charm, despite playing a twat. Finally, it was kinda fun (which I guess counts for quite a lot).
What was bad: The story.... written by a 7 year old (probably), you really don't need a degree (or even consciousness) to watch this film. The ending.. this film kind of runs out of steam at the end and to be honest, the climactic battle just isn't very exciting. Also, it was corny as hell and a tad embarrasing, which I guess could be expected given the source material. Chiklis was a bit wasted, but probably the best character in the film.
The other film
Mr & Mrs Smith
This film truly sucked. It took a while for anything to happen and in that time, Angeline and Brad just looked bored (perhaps their characters are MEANT to be bored) even when they are doing exciting(tm) stuff. This is another problem, it's not very exciting! The 'plot' is about as weak as Fantastic Fours, except it probably makes less sense! Vince Vaughn DOES have a decent supporting role, but is ultimately wasted. I think my biggest problem with the film (as aside from crap acting, dull plot, lack of excitement and shit script) is the ending... I've heard stories it was re-written and re-shot... and it bloody shows!
Spoiler to follow
I say 'spoiler' but it's hard to spoil this shit. They join forces to combat the (un-named) agencies who they both work for, who have put hits on both of them for the reason that 'it's embarrasing for competing agencies to have members who are married to each other'. This culminates in a big shoot out (naturally, a pretty dull one)with Brad and Angeline Vs a bunch of SAS wannabies... who all die... then.... it just stops! There's a final 'gag' about them being in marriage guidance and having sex lots (barely seen). They don't explain how they got round the hit put on them, or how they're surviving, or even what happened to the big bad who set them up! There's not actually a 'bad guy' (tm) in the film.... and it's REALLY crying out for one... one is hinted at, as Angelina's boss is never seen and all 'mysterious'... but nothing happens! This is probably the worst film ending since Jurasic Park 3 (which is still in my top 5 shittest films of all time).
In conclusion... watch FF if there's nothing better on TV... and don't even bother getting Mr & Mrs Shit on DVD, unless they actually put a decent ending on it.