One shall stand and one shall fall
26.) Ninja Checkmate (Aka The Mystery of Chess Boxing)(3.5 DVD) -This re-release of the classic wuxian tale has some major differences in editing in comparison to the bootleg tape I bought from some african guy about ten years ago. (Has it really been that long? God I feel old.) The edits made the story almost incomprehensible but it doesn't really matter. Any movie whose first line of dialogue is DIE! shouldn't really be watched for plot. The martial arts sequences are pretty amazing considering the movie is almost thirty years old and actually get better as the film goes on. I have heard that Tarrantino is going to release a kung fu movie in mandarin that will be dubbed into english for the sequel to grindhouse and I guarantee this movie will be the template.
27.) Transformers (2007) -(I give it 4.5 stars but my inner 10 year old gives it 37 stars Theater)
Things from your childhood will always be cool as long as you look at them through the eyes of your inner 10 year old. That being said this movie is a must see even if you aren't a fan of Transformers. The action sequences are top notch and the cgi is so smooth you forget you are watching computer generated images. The addition of the original voice of Optimus Prime from the cartoon series adds an extra layer of dorky goodness as well as lines from the amazing (and way ahead of its time) animated movie. There was a little too much emphasis on the human side of the conflict which made the movie lag and some of the comedy fell flat but overall it was really enjoyable. It actually reminded me of the old Godzilla flicks where you are wondering why an hour is spent on a group of scientist instead of Godzilla trampling a city while fighting another rubber suit monster. I am hoping they fix that problem in the sequels.
On an unrelated note: For those who don't know I moved away from my much beloved Spanish Harlem all the way uptown to the wastes of Central Harlem. Although I have come to the conclusion that the neighborhood sucks, the one perk I have (besides my own bathroom) is rooftop access. I had ignored it until a few weeks ago when some friends drunkenly suggested we hang out up there. The beautiful weather along with a perfect view of Yankee stadium is making my stay there a lot more enjoyable. So much so that I am trying to make it a weekly thing while the weather is nice. All it takes to turn a dirty uneven rooftop into an awesome hangout spot is a blanket, a case of beer some herbal life enhancers and good music. Goes to show you how it is all about the little things.
27.) Transformers (2007) -(I give it 4.5 stars but my inner 10 year old gives it 37 stars Theater)
Things from your childhood will always be cool as long as you look at them through the eyes of your inner 10 year old. That being said this movie is a must see even if you aren't a fan of Transformers. The action sequences are top notch and the cgi is so smooth you forget you are watching computer generated images. The addition of the original voice of Optimus Prime from the cartoon series adds an extra layer of dorky goodness as well as lines from the amazing (and way ahead of its time) animated movie. There was a little too much emphasis on the human side of the conflict which made the movie lag and some of the comedy fell flat but overall it was really enjoyable. It actually reminded me of the old Godzilla flicks where you are wondering why an hour is spent on a group of scientist instead of Godzilla trampling a city while fighting another rubber suit monster. I am hoping they fix that problem in the sequels.
On an unrelated note: For those who don't know I moved away from my much beloved Spanish Harlem all the way uptown to the wastes of Central Harlem. Although I have come to the conclusion that the neighborhood sucks, the one perk I have (besides my own bathroom) is rooftop access. I had ignored it until a few weeks ago when some friends drunkenly suggested we hang out up there. The beautiful weather along with a perfect view of Yankee stadium is making my stay there a lot more enjoyable. So much so that I am trying to make it a weekly thing while the weather is nice. All it takes to turn a dirty uneven rooftop into an awesome hangout spot is a blanket, a case of beer some herbal life enhancers and good music. Goes to show you how it is all about the little things.