So, I just finished watching The Adjustment Bureau. It wasn't what I was expecting at all. Why does Matt Damon take some of these interesting roles? I just don't get it.
The movie was fine. Actually, I thought parts of the movie were boring, and I kept waiting for a real action scene. It didn't really happen. At least not for me. I guess you could say that they were going for an Inception type of movie. However, the movie wasn't as smart or as visually striking.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the movie was about free will and fate and the "The Adjustment Bureau" helping make sure things keep to the "plan." It was an interesting take on free will and commentary on society. I just don't care about movies making statements, or maybe I should restate that to say, I don't like a movie more because it is trying to make a "statement."
Anyway, the movie was well acted and the plot itself was quite intriguing, I just got bored with the delivery of it. I was expecting more from it, and hoped that the end of the movie gave us a peek into the future to see what became of it. But it didn't. In the end, I would say it was an average movie.
I am glad I got this movie via Netflix and didn't go to the movie theater; however, I didn't think it was a waste of time either.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Avalon High
Did I just watch a Disney Channel Movie? Yes, I did. The other night I was chilling with my boys while my wife was out with her girl friends. We were scanning the instant queue of Netflix and came across this movie, so we put it on.
So, why am I posting about this movie? Well, when I started this blog, I told myself I would blog about any movie that I watched, and so that is what I am doing.
Anyway, the plot surrounds the reincarnation of King Arthur and his court, and fighting off his enemy in today's time. The acting was Disney Channel quality; some of it was good while some of it was not as good. The plot was good enough for the intended audience.
As I began watching the movie, to my surprise the actor playing the father in the film was Don Lake. He is one of my favorite comedic actors. His facial expressions are hilarious. That alone made the movie more enjoyable.
Taking into consideration why this movie was made and who it was made for, I thought it fit the bill. My boys enjoyed the movies, and so it was great quality time with them.
So, why am I posting about this movie? Well, when I started this blog, I told myself I would blog about any movie that I watched, and so that is what I am doing.
Anyway, the plot surrounds the reincarnation of King Arthur and his court, and fighting off his enemy in today's time. The acting was Disney Channel quality; some of it was good while some of it was not as good. The plot was good enough for the intended audience.
As I began watching the movie, to my surprise the actor playing the father in the film was Don Lake. He is one of my favorite comedic actors. His facial expressions are hilarious. That alone made the movie more enjoyable.
Taking into consideration why this movie was made and who it was made for, I thought it fit the bill. My boys enjoyed the movies, and so it was great quality time with them.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2
Tonight, Angela and I went to see the final chapter of the Harry Potter movies. It has been a while since I read the Harry Potter books, so even though I knew what was generally going to happen, I was still able to enjoy the movie with some expectations.
I felt the movie did a very good job portraying Harry Potter and the rest of the characters. I am not a Harry Potter fanatic, so I cannot say how much the movie departed from the book, but from what I remembered in the book, I thought the movie, with the time allotted for the movie, they did a fantastic job staying with the story and covering all the major points.
The movie was available in 3D, but I saw it in 2D. I could tell the parts where the 3D would have added a dimension to the film; however, I didn't think it was critical. I don't think it would be worth the extra money for 3D. Well, unless you are a huge Harry Potter fan, then you probably need to watch it in IMAX and 3D, but chances are you have already done that anyway.
I didn't think the movie was excellent. I thought it was a very good conclusion to the series. It was an enjoyable time with my wife.
So, what is my recommendation? If you have watched the other movies, you need to see the finale for closure. If you haven't watched the movies yet, then I would wait until it comes out on DVD and watch the series in order. Overall, it is a good story, and the films have done a good job covering all the books.
I felt the movie did a very good job portraying Harry Potter and the rest of the characters. I am not a Harry Potter fanatic, so I cannot say how much the movie departed from the book, but from what I remembered in the book, I thought the movie, with the time allotted for the movie, they did a fantastic job staying with the story and covering all the major points.
The movie was available in 3D, but I saw it in 2D. I could tell the parts where the 3D would have added a dimension to the film; however, I didn't think it was critical. I don't think it would be worth the extra money for 3D. Well, unless you are a huge Harry Potter fan, then you probably need to watch it in IMAX and 3D, but chances are you have already done that anyway.
I didn't think the movie was excellent. I thought it was a very good conclusion to the series. It was an enjoyable time with my wife.
So, what is my recommendation? If you have watched the other movies, you need to see the finale for closure. If you haven't watched the movies yet, then I would wait until it comes out on DVD and watch the series in order. Overall, it is a good story, and the films have done a good job covering all the books.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Killers
So, I just watched Killers again. I saw it first in the theaters with my wife, and I enjoyed it, so I decided to watch it again on Netflix. I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I was pretty much laughing on and off during the whole movie. Maybe it was the mood I was in, but just plain enjoyed the movie.
The movie has some pretty recognizable actors in it: Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, and Catherine O'Hara. They all did a great job. Catherine was hilarious as the always semi-drunk mother. Tom Selleck was the over protective father. I think Tom Selleck is becoming one of my favorite actors.
Anyway, the premise of the movie wasn't that realistic, but then again that doesn't bother me, I don't watch movies for realism. I could see how it would bother some people though, as the wife (Katherine Heigl) finds our her husband is a former spy/hitman and basically takes it in stride when their life starts falling apart. But if she just went catatonic or left him, that would ruin the movie, so what can you do?
So, why did I like this movie? The one liners. Every so often, one of the main characters would say something that was funny, and I would start laughing. It allowed me to really enjoy the movie. So, I would probably want to watch it again.
The movie has some pretty recognizable actors in it: Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, and Catherine O'Hara. They all did a great job. Catherine was hilarious as the always semi-drunk mother. Tom Selleck was the over protective father. I think Tom Selleck is becoming one of my favorite actors.
Anyway, the premise of the movie wasn't that realistic, but then again that doesn't bother me, I don't watch movies for realism. I could see how it would bother some people though, as the wife (Katherine Heigl) finds our her husband is a former spy/hitman and basically takes it in stride when their life starts falling apart. But if she just went catatonic or left him, that would ruin the movie, so what can you do?
So, why did I like this movie? The one liners. Every so often, one of the main characters would say something that was funny, and I would start laughing. It allowed me to really enjoy the movie. So, I would probably want to watch it again.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I am Number Four
I was quite interested in seeing what this movie was all about after I watched the trailer earlier this year. I didn't hear a lot of positive buzz about the movie after it was released, although I didn't hear anything real negative either. Well, tonight I got to watch it and find out for myself.
It was a fun, predictable movie. A good movie to rent on DVD, which is what I did. If I saw the movie in the theaters, I wouldn't have felt cheated, but I am glad I waited. I did enjoy it for what it was. An action movie with some scifi in it.
Some parts seemed a bit slow, and I wanted to know more about the powers the aliens had, but I just don't think there was enough time. The final battle scene of the movie was a lot of fun, but I think I would have enjoyed the ending being a little longer.
The basic plot is that a planet was destroyed by another alien race who came to earth to hunt down the remaining 9 inhabitants who escaped to earth. 3 of the 9 have already been killed, and now they are coming after #4. #4, although he knows he is an alien, is just learning he has some powers, falls in love, and is the typical rebellious teenager with a dog. He then has to fight the bad guys in the end and save the day. He gets by with a little help from his friends. Oh, and don't worry, the dog was OK in the end.
Tangental thought unrelated to the movie: I get annoyed in action/disaster movies when everything around is destroyed, but somehow, the dogs always seem to make it out unscathed. Do we really need to spend 30 seconds on seeing the dog coming out of the rubble OK?
It was a fun, predictable movie. A good movie to rent on DVD, which is what I did. If I saw the movie in the theaters, I wouldn't have felt cheated, but I am glad I waited. I did enjoy it for what it was. An action movie with some scifi in it.
Some parts seemed a bit slow, and I wanted to know more about the powers the aliens had, but I just don't think there was enough time. The final battle scene of the movie was a lot of fun, but I think I would have enjoyed the ending being a little longer.
The basic plot is that a planet was destroyed by another alien race who came to earth to hunt down the remaining 9 inhabitants who escaped to earth. 3 of the 9 have already been killed, and now they are coming after #4. #4, although he knows he is an alien, is just learning he has some powers, falls in love, and is the typical rebellious teenager with a dog. He then has to fight the bad guys in the end and save the day. He gets by with a little help from his friends. Oh, and don't worry, the dog was OK in the end.
Tangental thought unrelated to the movie: I get annoyed in action/disaster movies when everything around is destroyed, but somehow, the dogs always seem to make it out unscathed. Do we really need to spend 30 seconds on seeing the dog coming out of the rubble OK?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Red Riding Hood
So, tonight's Netflix movie was Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman. It was quite interesting. Yes, they did the obligatory "What big eyes you have" lines, but not in the way you would expect. It was definitely an interesting take on the story, and I smiled every time they wove a bit of the Little Red Riding Hood story into the movie; but don't be fooled, this is a werewolf story, so if you don't like those types of movies, you won't like this one.
I do like werewolf movies, and I think I liked this movie. Throughout the movie, they did a good job presenting several different people who could be the werewolf. Gary Oldman played the priest coming to save the town. He was the "good" guy. Gary Oldman always does a great villain, even in this movie.
I thought the way they shot the movie was pretty cool. It almost had an unreal look to it the way the colors were used in the movie. I also thought they did enough little twists in the end of the movie to make it original, even though it is somewhat of a fairy tale.
In the end, I am glad I watched it. I enjoyed the movie, but it definitely isn't for everyone.
Did you see it? What did you think of it?
I do like werewolf movies, and I think I liked this movie. Throughout the movie, they did a good job presenting several different people who could be the werewolf. Gary Oldman played the priest coming to save the town. He was the "good" guy. Gary Oldman always does a great villain, even in this movie.
I thought the way they shot the movie was pretty cool. It almost had an unreal look to it the way the colors were used in the movie. I also thought they did enough little twists in the end of the movie to make it original, even though it is somewhat of a fairy tale.
In the end, I am glad I watched it. I enjoyed the movie, but it definitely isn't for everyone.
Did you see it? What did you think of it?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Battle: Los Angeles
Last Saturday night, I watched Battle: Los Angeles for the first time. I thought it was a very intense movie. The movie was less about fighting aliens than it was a movie about the people fighting the aliens. Of course there are aliens and they have to find out a way to beat them, but I think this movie could have been against any insurgent, and not have been that much different.
As I was saying, I thought the movie was pretty intense and caught myself saying, "Go do this" or "Go do that before the aliens come!" This kept the movie interesting for me.
Other than that, the movie was pretty standard fair. I thought it was a good DVD rental and fun to watch; however, it was not that great of a movie. I would probably watch it again if given the chance.
As I was saying, I thought the movie was pretty intense and caught myself saying, "Go do this" or "Go do that before the aliens come!" This kept the movie interesting for me.
Other than that, the movie was pretty standard fair. I thought it was a good DVD rental and fun to watch; however, it was not that great of a movie. I would probably watch it again if given the chance.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Firewall
Via Netflix, I watched Firewall for the first time last night. I enjoyed the movie a lot. I thought it was a fun twist for a kidnapping movie. It starred Harrison Ford, Virgina Madsen and Paul Bettany. I must say that I was trying to figure out how I would get out of the situation that Harrison Ford's character was in. The villain seemed to have all the answers, at least until the end.
Every time I start to watch a "modern" Harrison Ford movie, specially if it is a thriller or action-type movie, I start to think I am watching a Tom Clancy movie. After removing that thought from my mind, I mentally placed myself in the movie. That is how I like to watch movies...put the brain on auto-pilot and immerse myself in the movie. I was able to do this quite quickly. That is always a good sign for me.
Firewall was a fun movie. Most of the movie was Harrison Ford trying to figure out how to get out of the mess with every move being matched by the vilian. It was fun but also frustration, because how can the hero not save the day?!
For me, I don't need "realistic" endings, and Harrison Ford was able to have a very good fight scene and save the day. In the end there was a happy ending, just the way I like it.
A few things I wish they did in the movie was tying up some of the loose ends. Ford's character broke a lot of laws and placed himself in a lot of legal trouble trying to save his family, and that wasn't addressed in the end. I was interested to see how they would have done it. Also, there was a subplot or two they could have developed a little more.
Anyway, if you are interested in a fun dvd rental, I would recommend Firewall.
Every time I start to watch a "modern" Harrison Ford movie, specially if it is a thriller or action-type movie, I start to think I am watching a Tom Clancy movie. After removing that thought from my mind, I mentally placed myself in the movie. That is how I like to watch movies...put the brain on auto-pilot and immerse myself in the movie. I was able to do this quite quickly. That is always a good sign for me.
Firewall was a fun movie. Most of the movie was Harrison Ford trying to figure out how to get out of the mess with every move being matched by the vilian. It was fun but also frustration, because how can the hero not save the day?!
For me, I don't need "realistic" endings, and Harrison Ford was able to have a very good fight scene and save the day. In the end there was a happy ending, just the way I like it.
A few things I wish they did in the movie was tying up some of the loose ends. Ford's character broke a lot of laws and placed himself in a lot of legal trouble trying to save his family, and that wasn't addressed in the end. I was interested to see how they would have done it. Also, there was a subplot or two they could have developed a little more.
Anyway, if you are interested in a fun dvd rental, I would recommend Firewall.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Transformers 3
I loved this movie! I know some people didn't like this movie, and I feel bad for them. I laughed and enjoyed every minute of it. Some people thought it was too long. Not me. I could have watched it for another 15-30 minutes, and I hope they come out with an extended edition. So, why did I love this movie? It is a great mix of nostalgia for the toys I had growing up, very good 3D animation, and a lot of action sequences.This was non-stop action, with a lot of explosions, and that is my type of movie.
If you don't know this about me now, you soon will, I am not a plot snob. What I mean by that is if I am watching an action/adventure type movie, such as Transformers 3, I am not watching it for the plot. Sure, there needs to be enough of a plot that you know why the movie is happening and what problem they are trying to solve, but other than that, not much more plot is necessary. Would a stronger plot be better? Sure, everything can be better. But what do they need to develop more? This is the 3rd Transformers movie, so if you have seen the other ones, you already know all the characters and their motivations. What else are you looking for? Do I really need to know the internal motivations of Megatron?
One of the great things about this movie for me, is that the Transformers did a lot more one on one Combat. Optimus Prime, in one scene, had a sword and a battle axe in each hand, and was single-handedly winning the battle. It was so much fun watching him rolling down the street taking out Decepticon after Decepticon. His final scene with Megatron was also classic, and a great way to end this trilogy.
I really enjoy Shia LeBeouf and he didn't disappoint me. He has a great knack for being serious and creating humor at the same time. The level of humor he added wasn't as much as the first Transformers movie, but I thought he did well anyway. I also liked how he played the role of not being able to land a job even though he has saved the world twice, but no one could know about it.
There were several new characters in this movie, one of which was voiced by Leonard Nimoy, of Star Trek fame. In it, Nimoy's character says a line very similar to the line Nimoy's Spock character says in the Star Trek movies. See if you can catch it. That was a fun gem for me.
Megan Fox was replaced in TF3. Admittedly, they could have done a better job of explaining it away then they did, but this movie didn't really lend itself to car or motorcycle repairs either, so I don't know how it would have been any better with her in it. Her replacement was fine, and her acting was a lot better than I was expecting. Most of the trailers I saw of TF3 with her in it, made me very skeptical of her acting ability. Like Megan Fox, her character was mostly eye-candy (though I don't find her that attractive), and she did about as good as a job as Megan Fox did. There wasn't either a downgrade or upgrade in this role in my opinion. I just want to know how Shia LeBeouf's character gets all these hot women?!
If you are looking for a good, fun, loud movie Transformers 3 is the one to see. I highly recommend it.
If you don't know this about me now, you soon will, I am not a plot snob. What I mean by that is if I am watching an action/adventure type movie, such as Transformers 3, I am not watching it for the plot. Sure, there needs to be enough of a plot that you know why the movie is happening and what problem they are trying to solve, but other than that, not much more plot is necessary. Would a stronger plot be better? Sure, everything can be better. But what do they need to develop more? This is the 3rd Transformers movie, so if you have seen the other ones, you already know all the characters and their motivations. What else are you looking for? Do I really need to know the internal motivations of Megatron?
One of the great things about this movie for me, is that the Transformers did a lot more one on one Combat. Optimus Prime, in one scene, had a sword and a battle axe in each hand, and was single-handedly winning the battle. It was so much fun watching him rolling down the street taking out Decepticon after Decepticon. His final scene with Megatron was also classic, and a great way to end this trilogy.
I really enjoy Shia LeBeouf and he didn't disappoint me. He has a great knack for being serious and creating humor at the same time. The level of humor he added wasn't as much as the first Transformers movie, but I thought he did well anyway. I also liked how he played the role of not being able to land a job even though he has saved the world twice, but no one could know about it.
There were several new characters in this movie, one of which was voiced by Leonard Nimoy, of Star Trek fame. In it, Nimoy's character says a line very similar to the line Nimoy's Spock character says in the Star Trek movies. See if you can catch it. That was a fun gem for me.
Megan Fox was replaced in TF3. Admittedly, they could have done a better job of explaining it away then they did, but this movie didn't really lend itself to car or motorcycle repairs either, so I don't know how it would have been any better with her in it. Her replacement was fine, and her acting was a lot better than I was expecting. Most of the trailers I saw of TF3 with her in it, made me very skeptical of her acting ability. Like Megan Fox, her character was mostly eye-candy (though I don't find her that attractive), and she did about as good as a job as Megan Fox did. There wasn't either a downgrade or upgrade in this role in my opinion. I just want to know how Shia LeBeouf's character gets all these hot women?!
If you are looking for a good, fun, loud movie Transformers 3 is the one to see. I highly recommend it.
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