Long Time No See - Here are some movie reviews for ya !!
Over the past three days- it was Movie Catch-Up Weekend. The theme- Action Adventure/ Vampires - (yeah, I know, it seems out of character for me.
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAODINARY GENTLEMEN : (2003)
tagline- Prepare For The Extraordinary...
In an alternate Victorian Age world, a group of famous contemporary fantasy, SF and adventure characters team up on a secret mission. Renowned adventurer Allan Quatermain leads a team of extraordinary figures with legendary powers to battle the technological terror of a madman known as "The Fantom." This "League" comprises seafarer/inventor Captain Nemo, vampiress Mina Harker, an invisible man named Rodney Skinner, American secret service agent Tom Sawyer, the ageless and invincible Dorian Gray, and the dangerous split personality of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. This film comes out of the gate interesting and just keeps coming after that. Dispite the rash of negative reviews the film got, I liked and recommend it to those solid in their faith. The film does contain it's moments of gore but is mainly marked by it's intense storytelling. Note: If you are not familiar with the characters in the film it may make this one more interesting. Allan Quartermain, Captain Nemo and Tom Sawyer seem greatly out of place in the film since they don't have any supernatural powers and oddly the film points out that Nemo worships the god of the dead? Dispite this the film is outstanding concerning it's effects, we feel sorry for Dr. Jekyll and actually care about Mina Harker the vampiress in the film. Quatermain is certainly likable as well which really makes you want this team to win. The villan "The Fantom" turns out to be largely disappointing because he is a mad-scientist that comes up with futuristic weapons he wishes to sell to the highest bidder during a world war he creates. What isn't disappointing is the final battle scene and the adventure that is this film. If you are looking for some old tales with new twists, you have come to the right place. Rating 4 out of 7. Not for the kids. This film is misunderstood and over complicated by many. Afterall - just the cast would suggest that we shouldn't be subjecting this film to scientific reason or common sense.
Movie Catch-Up Weekend Movie Number 2. The theme- Action Adventure/ Vampires -
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW: (2004)
tagline- Join The Resistance...
Set in New York City circa 1939, the film centers on a reporter who notices that the world's scientists are disappearing. Teamed with a skilled pilot and an adventurous colleague, it's up to her to thwart the plans of a mad scientist bent on destoying the current world and creating a new one. The problem is that at the end of the film we find out- okay well I guess I won't give it away. Anyway dispite the dazzling backgrounds the film style just doesn't seem credible enough to stay interesting. What is interesting is all the different kinds of robots and flying machines in the film. Angelina Jolie's breif appearence in the film almost saves it but nothing could overcome the brilliantly bad acting of Jude Law (Joe "Sky Captain" Sullivan) and Gwyneth Paltrow ( Polly Perkins). While the film does have a decent paced storyline, the thought of one villian creating such a massive robotic army seems just a bit much. By the way- if you see any films that have both Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow at the same time- run for your lives. If you have to pay to see this movie you have already blown it. I do give a nod to the extra effort put into the special effects which makes it one of the few films able to overtake the actors them selves to give it a hint of entertainment value. I give this one a 2 out of 7 rating. Note: Almost no bad language, sci-fi violence but nothing in comparison to what you might see on regular TV just watching previews for other movies.
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The obscure rating system I use-
7 out of 7 = This film is a must see- do not wait- get in your car right now even if you have to borrow money.
6 out of 7 = This film is a need to see asap- do not let this film be out more than a week before you check it out.
5 out of 7 = This film is a knee jerk reaction to your friends begging you to see it right away. You won't be disappointed.
4 out of 7 = Great film but you can wait to see it. This film is possibly still worthy of your DVD collection.
3 out of 7 = Good movie, but it won't be remembered for any awards and you will find yourself saying- "you know- so and so was in it."
2 out of 7 = You regret you saw it, but if you are intellectually honest you will admit it had at least 1 redeeming quality.
1 out of 7 = This is the movie you never saw. This is the movie that you were forced to see in a hostage situation. This is the movie you ought to be able to sue people over being dumb enough to make.