I love the look and feel of The Incredibles, but I think the film stumbles with its thematic parts.  The idea that the supers aren't allowed to exercise their special abilities out of jealousy doesn't follow from the film's backstory, where we see people complaining about Mr. Incredible's use of excessive force (or his basic heroism, in the case of ( Read more... )

I recently rewatched Alien 3 for the first time since its premiere in 1992.  I even watched the special addition, which fixes at least one narrative hole.  I still don't like the film.  Two reasons:

1. It reinterprets the previous story arc.
2. It's far more a horror film than a sci-fi film.

( Spoiler-filled explanation... )

Last week, lurid_dreaming (Jessica) and I watched the 2012 version of Total Recall. It prompted a discussion of genre and varying emphasis on communications channels...all centered around the three-breasted hooker.

( Details within. )

A few more thoughts on Trek:

( Spoiler-filled details behind the cut. )

Monday evening's storm knocked out the power in my entire apartment complex. Repairs were estimated to take all night. I didn't want to just sit in the dark, so I went to the movies. Although I hadn't wanted to spend full price on it, I chose J.J. Abram's Star TrekI'm glad I did. It was a strangely centering experience. I don't understand why ( Read more... )

I saw Watchmen this weekend. In IMAX. With friends.

I thought it was an impressive translation from (adaptation of?) the original. I was very moved by several scenes. I was depressed by the overall story.

The details of my opinion are muddled. I may get around to working them out so they are reportable....

I have watched Repo: The Genetic OperaAnd I still don't know what to think ( Read more... )

Okay, so Disney is releasing a new Witch Mountain film (a property from my childhood)...starring the Rock???

Despite considerable initial skepticism, I think the preview looks interesting.

Just watched Gattaca for the first time. Interesting film. I identified more with the losers than the winners.

See, I'm not convinced that the drive to succeed (exemplified by Ethan Hawke's Vincent) is just a matter of choice. I see it as more of an inborn thing, perhaps something that *can* be genetically engineered. Which would ironically ( Read more... )

...I stayed up FAR too late this morning. Since it is now slightly before noon, and I have just stumbled out of bed, this means I did not get nearly enough sleep. And I have an 8-am doctor's appointment tomorrow. Not sure if that makes it really dumb, or not a bad idea to screw up my sleeping schedule.

I was reading Jim Butcher's Dead Beat, a ( Read more... )