Mini-reviews From Angie B.
I've been sickly and sans computer for the past week, so I've been (re)watching a lot of films -- and thought, what the hell, might as well review a couple of 'em. But as I don't have the time/energy to write up my usual in-depth opinions/takes, I figured mini-reviews would be the best bet.
AMERICAN OUTLAWS
(2001)
Starring: Colin Farrell, Scott Caan, Ali Larter, Gabriel Macht.
Directed by: Les Mayfield.
Rated: PG-13
Summary: After the railroad burns down their farms and tries to hang their friends, Jesse James and his friends, newly returned home from the Civil War, vow to harass the railroad men responsible and turn outlaw to avenge their town.
The history buff in me should be appalled by the historical inaccuracies and the way the film makers turned Jesse James into a Robin Hood/action-hero-of-the-people -- but the part of me that loves cheesy, fun, popcorn films can't really blame them for the heroic white-washing. When you've got an ensemble cast that includes pretties like Ali Larter, Gabriel Macht, and Scott Caan combined with the romantic, adventurous setting of the rugged West -- with its cowboys and Injuns and outlaws -- I can't look away.
The action sequences are good, the core group of outlaw characters are interesting and goofy, and there's some slapstick comedy and exciting derring-do. And a requisite love story between Jesse James (Farrell) and Zerelda "Zee" Mimms (Larter) -- which mainly reminds me that the old timey pioneers had a colourful way with names that we seem to have lost today. There's plenty of over-the-topness with HUGE explosions and Jesse's final shoot-em-up escape is just a tad bit far-fetched. Still, it's an overall enjoyable movie.
On a scale of 1 to 10: American Outlaws rides off with a 6.
(Sidenote: WHY aren't there any exciting westerns anymore? The last one I can think of was Open Range -- which, coincidentally, is the only film I can enjoy Kevin Costner in -- and that was back in 2003. I miss seeing westerns on the big screen, man.)
SPEED RACER
(2008)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox.
Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers.
Rated: PG.
Summary: Speed Racer has always wanted to be a racecar driver -- it's practically in his blood. When he realizes that the world's biggest race tournaments have been fixed for years by crooked businessmen, he teams up with the mysterious Racer X and vows to strike back, protect his family, and win the Grand Prix in the name of the little guy.
Okay, so it's not a great movie. There are definitely some cringe-worthy jokes and lines, and I do fast-forward through some scenes. But this is a fun movie. The colours, sets, costumes, and cartoony feel (only appropriate considering the source material), make this a feast for the eyes. A lot of the cast isn't too hard on the eyes, either -- Emile Hirsch (and his fancy hair) is super cute as Speed; I've always felt Christina Ricci was a real-life anime character, and she was incredibly adorable with Trixie's bob and colourful clothes; and MMMMMMmmmmmh, Rain....
I also love the plethora of interesting accents and character designs, and the three big races (Thunderhead, Casa Cristo, and the Grand Prix) are super fun and exciting; this movie does not fail in the pretty action department. The editing is interesting, and truly makes the movie feel like a comic book in motion, and separates it from most action films/adaptations. Superb music thanks to the ever grand Michael Giacchino, and the supporting cast is enjoyable -- from John Goodman (perfectly cast as Pops) to Susan Sarandon (SUCH a Mom) and the plethora of interestingly-accented race announcers.
Overall, this is an enjoyable way to kill a couple of hours and dazzle the senses -- even if it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd hoped after rewatching the trailer a bajillion times in 2008.
On a scale of 1 to 10: Speed Racer burns a hella lot of rubber to win a solid 7 by the finish.
THE HOST (GWOEMUL)
(2006)
Starring: Khang-ho Song, Doona Bae, Ah-sung Ko.
Directed by: Joon-ho Bong.
Rated: R.
Summary: Due to some irresponsible dumping of hazardous chemicals into the Han River, a mutated squid creature starts to run amok in Seoul, snatching a young teenage girl whose family vows to rescue her and stop the creature.
There's a lot going on in this Korean creature feature -- issues of pollution, viral scars, government ineptitude and cover-ups, and familial strains and dynamics. I can appreciate everything this film tries to do and say, but it feels a bit too disjointed and surrel to all come together coherently and work for me. The pace also seemed a bit too slow for a monster flcik -- though maybe that's because Korean films are slower paced than ours, and I'm simply ignorant of this (this is the first Korean film I've ever seen)?
The creature is absolutely original looking and properly thrilling, and the last fifteen minutes are satisfying and action-packed -- followed by a rather sweet and subdued little epilogue -- but I did check the clock several times and even fast-forward through a couple of scenes.
On a scale of 1 to 10: The Host snatches a 6 before diving into the murky river.
AMERICAN OUTLAWS
(2001)
Starring: Colin Farrell, Scott Caan, Ali Larter, Gabriel Macht.
Directed by: Les Mayfield.
Rated: PG-13
Summary: After the railroad burns down their farms and tries to hang their friends, Jesse James and his friends, newly returned home from the Civil War, vow to harass the railroad men responsible and turn outlaw to avenge their town.
The history buff in me should be appalled by the historical inaccuracies and the way the film makers turned Jesse James into a Robin Hood/action-hero-of-the-people -- but the part of me that loves cheesy, fun, popcorn films can't really blame them for the heroic white-washing. When you've got an ensemble cast that includes pretties like Ali Larter, Gabriel Macht, and Scott Caan combined with the romantic, adventurous setting of the rugged West -- with its cowboys and Injuns and outlaws -- I can't look away.
The action sequences are good, the core group of outlaw characters are interesting and goofy, and there's some slapstick comedy and exciting derring-do. And a requisite love story between Jesse James (Farrell) and Zerelda "Zee" Mimms (Larter) -- which mainly reminds me that the old timey pioneers had a colourful way with names that we seem to have lost today. There's plenty of over-the-topness with HUGE explosions and Jesse's final shoot-em-up escape is just a tad bit far-fetched. Still, it's an overall enjoyable movie.
On a scale of 1 to 10: American Outlaws rides off with a 6.
(Sidenote: WHY aren't there any exciting westerns anymore? The last one I can think of was Open Range -- which, coincidentally, is the only film I can enjoy Kevin Costner in -- and that was back in 2003. I miss seeing westerns on the big screen, man.)
Click to view SPEED RACER
(2008)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox.
Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers.
Rated: PG.
Summary: Speed Racer has always wanted to be a racecar driver -- it's practically in his blood. When he realizes that the world's biggest race tournaments have been fixed for years by crooked businessmen, he teams up with the mysterious Racer X and vows to strike back, protect his family, and win the Grand Prix in the name of the little guy.
Okay, so it's not a great movie. There are definitely some cringe-worthy jokes and lines, and I do fast-forward through some scenes. But this is a fun movie. The colours, sets, costumes, and cartoony feel (only appropriate considering the source material), make this a feast for the eyes. A lot of the cast isn't too hard on the eyes, either -- Emile Hirsch (and his fancy hair) is super cute as Speed; I've always felt Christina Ricci was a real-life anime character, and she was incredibly adorable with Trixie's bob and colourful clothes; and MMMMMMmmmmmh, Rain....
I also love the plethora of interesting accents and character designs, and the three big races (Thunderhead, Casa Cristo, and the Grand Prix) are super fun and exciting; this movie does not fail in the pretty action department. The editing is interesting, and truly makes the movie feel like a comic book in motion, and separates it from most action films/adaptations. Superb music thanks to the ever grand Michael Giacchino, and the supporting cast is enjoyable -- from John Goodman (perfectly cast as Pops) to Susan Sarandon (SUCH a Mom) and the plethora of interestingly-accented race announcers.
Overall, this is an enjoyable way to kill a couple of hours and dazzle the senses -- even if it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd hoped after rewatching the trailer a bajillion times in 2008.
On a scale of 1 to 10: Speed Racer burns a hella lot of rubber to win a solid 7 by the finish.
THE HOST (GWOEMUL)
(2006)
Starring: Khang-ho Song, Doona Bae, Ah-sung Ko.
Directed by: Joon-ho Bong.
Rated: R.
Summary: Due to some irresponsible dumping of hazardous chemicals into the Han River, a mutated squid creature starts to run amok in Seoul, snatching a young teenage girl whose family vows to rescue her and stop the creature.
There's a lot going on in this Korean creature feature -- issues of pollution, viral scars, government ineptitude and cover-ups, and familial strains and dynamics. I can appreciate everything this film tries to do and say, but it feels a bit too disjointed and surrel to all come together coherently and work for me. The pace also seemed a bit too slow for a monster flcik -- though maybe that's because Korean films are slower paced than ours, and I'm simply ignorant of this (this is the first Korean film I've ever seen)?
The creature is absolutely original looking and properly thrilling, and the last fifteen minutes are satisfying and action-packed -- followed by a rather sweet and subdued little epilogue -- but I did check the clock several times and even fast-forward through a couple of scenes.
On a scale of 1 to 10: The Host snatches a 6 before diving into the murky river.