Unknown (It's a movie, yes)
NOTE: After some constructive criticism, I've changed the review style slightly. "The Facts" are now definitely spoiler free (as in, nothing that isn't revealed in the trailer will be revealed) and not behind a cut, while "Thoughts and Opinions" is now labeled as "SPOILERS" as well. Just to keep everyone who didn't read my "must read" post happy. Also, all reviews will be better than the Rango review. It was rushed. Also, titles of movies are links to the trailers.
Unknown
Score: B+
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre: Action, Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Voices: Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diana Kruger
Suggested mood/setting to be in: Somewhat energetic, not too high of an attention span.
Summary: Liam Neeson follows up "Taken" with another action-y role that will be sure to keep you entertained. Unknown will give you a fun and easy to follow mystery action flick that will make you ready to kick some ass when you get out of the cinema.
The Facts:
During a trip to Berlin to speak at a BioTech conference, Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) is involved in a car accident that leaves him in a coma for a few days. Upon awakening, he discovers that his wife Liz (January Jones) doesn't recognize him and that there is another person who claims to be Martin Harris and is living his life. Neeson's character then embarks on a quest to find the driver of the taxi involved in the accident (Diane Kruger) and to reclaim his identity. Along the way he discovers what he has forgotten and his identity, but not everything he discovers is particularly pleasant.
Thoughts and Opnions (SPOILERS AHEAD)
This movie was fun. There, I said it. Fun. It was action and entertaining without obnoxious cussing and sex. If you're looking for Taken-ish Liam Neeson, then you'll be both disappointed and satisfied. Neeson isn't quite as brutal and kick-ass in this film for the vast majority of it, but he does get the job done by the end.
Acting
There's little critical critique I can make on this film. The acting was, well, it was an action film. The acting isn't exactly the most important part. Neeson does do a good job with the character, though. The supporting actors are also bearable. The only one I didn't particularly care for was January Jones because it felt like you knew she was acting. It didn't feel real enough for me. But oh well.
Directing/Cinematography
Again, there's not much to say here. It was an action film. It was well shot for what it was. It's not Christopher Nolan action amazing, but it's a solid job. I, personally, thought the car chase scene was well shot.
Plot
Plot. Oh, plot. Plot and action movies aren't exactly best friends. And really, who needs a sophisticated plot when you have awesome car chases and the like? The plot for this one is easily followed. Odds are, you'll guess the twists before they happen. Still, the twists do make it more exciting and entertaining even if they are somewhat predictable. There are a few plot holes, like any film, but they're negligible. Just remember to try and think out of the box with some of the scenes. Like when he forgets the briefcase at the beginning, try not to dwell on the fact that it was extremely stupid and would've never happened for real. Just go with it.
Sound/Music
The sound and music weren't too memorable. At times, the soundtrack felt a little too epic for the scene...and not in the way that then makes the scene more epic. The sound editing was well done, though. I thought the fight scenes at the end were superbly edited with regards to sound.
Well, that's another short and sweet review for you. Hope this one was more satisfying than poor Rango. I promise to put more time and effort into all reviews from now on.
Why it got the grade: I gave this film a B+ because it was a fun action film to watch. I find Liam Neeson to be one of the most enjoyable and easy to watch actors out there. I adore Taken for that very reason. While it won't be up for any awards and isn't the most memorable, it is still fun and enjoyable and that's what a movie should be.
Next film up for review: Drive Angry 3D
I also (finally) saw True Grit today. I hadn't made it a priority because I dislike Westerns, didn't like the John Wayne original and just couldn't be bothered, but am glad I saw it. I won't be reviewing it, though, as it has been done to death by now.
Unknown
Score: B+
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre: Action, Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Voices: Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diana Kruger
Suggested mood/setting to be in: Somewhat energetic, not too high of an attention span.
Summary: Liam Neeson follows up "Taken" with another action-y role that will be sure to keep you entertained. Unknown will give you a fun and easy to follow mystery action flick that will make you ready to kick some ass when you get out of the cinema.
The Facts:
During a trip to Berlin to speak at a BioTech conference, Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) is involved in a car accident that leaves him in a coma for a few days. Upon awakening, he discovers that his wife Liz (January Jones) doesn't recognize him and that there is another person who claims to be Martin Harris and is living his life. Neeson's character then embarks on a quest to find the driver of the taxi involved in the accident (Diane Kruger) and to reclaim his identity. Along the way he discovers what he has forgotten and his identity, but not everything he discovers is particularly pleasant.
Thoughts and Opnions (SPOILERS AHEAD)
This movie was fun. There, I said it. Fun. It was action and entertaining without obnoxious cussing and sex. If you're looking for Taken-ish Liam Neeson, then you'll be both disappointed and satisfied. Neeson isn't quite as brutal and kick-ass in this film for the vast majority of it, but he does get the job done by the end.
Acting
There's little critical critique I can make on this film. The acting was, well, it was an action film. The acting isn't exactly the most important part. Neeson does do a good job with the character, though. The supporting actors are also bearable. The only one I didn't particularly care for was January Jones because it felt like you knew she was acting. It didn't feel real enough for me. But oh well.
Directing/Cinematography
Again, there's not much to say here. It was an action film. It was well shot for what it was. It's not Christopher Nolan action amazing, but it's a solid job. I, personally, thought the car chase scene was well shot.
Plot
Plot. Oh, plot. Plot and action movies aren't exactly best friends. And really, who needs a sophisticated plot when you have awesome car chases and the like? The plot for this one is easily followed. Odds are, you'll guess the twists before they happen. Still, the twists do make it more exciting and entertaining even if they are somewhat predictable. There are a few plot holes, like any film, but they're negligible. Just remember to try and think out of the box with some of the scenes. Like when he forgets the briefcase at the beginning, try not to dwell on the fact that it was extremely stupid and would've never happened for real. Just go with it.
Sound/Music
The sound and music weren't too memorable. At times, the soundtrack felt a little too epic for the scene...and not in the way that then makes the scene more epic. The sound editing was well done, though. I thought the fight scenes at the end were superbly edited with regards to sound.
Well, that's another short and sweet review for you. Hope this one was more satisfying than poor Rango. I promise to put more time and effort into all reviews from now on.
Why it got the grade: I gave this film a B+ because it was a fun action film to watch. I find Liam Neeson to be one of the most enjoyable and easy to watch actors out there. I adore Taken for that very reason. While it won't be up for any awards and isn't the most memorable, it is still fun and enjoyable and that's what a movie should be.
Next film up for review: Drive Angry 3D
I also (finally) saw True Grit today. I hadn't made it a priority because I dislike Westerns, didn't like the John Wayne original and just couldn't be bothered, but am glad I saw it. I won't be reviewing it, though, as it has been done to death by now.