"I want these mother fucking Daleks off this mother fucking TARDIS."
"...and you will KNOW my name is The Doctor when I lay my vengeance upon thee" [Activates sonic in bad guys general direction]
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ancient world Fantasy Weekend
This weekend turned out to be an interesting foray into the Ancient World Fantasy film genre. First up:
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Not sure why this film got a bad rap. It is a fun little adventure, captures the feel and movement of the games quite well and gives us a great little twist on the whole time travel genre. Jake Gyllenhaal does a great job (although his accent was a bit wobbly surrounded by a cast primarily made up of British citizens)bringing a likeable character and a physicality to the role I didn't know he was capable of. Beautiful scenery and decent script. For a good action adventure film, this one is just fine.
Overall: 7.5 out of 10
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
I will freely admit I am a huge fan of Jason Momoa primarily from his work on Stargate: Atlantis and Game of Thrones (I like to ignore the fact he was on Baywatch) so I went into this film already planning on enjoying it due to his presence. However, I walked out of the film realizing I had just seen something great. Not spectactular or "oh my god you have to see this" caliber, but a fun adventure that met every expectation I would imagine out of a Conan film.
If your only exposure to Conan has been the early 80s film, please clear it from your head when considering the new one. While Arnold and John Millius gave us a fantastic film, it really morphed into it's own thing and shied away from the original source of Conan. The new film manages to be much closer in spirit to the original books and has a great time doing so. Let me share with you the Just Another Movie Geek Official Conan Check list©:
-Copious sword play with blood lettings: check
-Ample bosoms on screen: check (and before I am accused of misogyny, I would say the male and female bare chest time was fairly even in the film)
-Evil bad guy that only our stalwart hero can bring down: check
-The riddle of steel: check (and I liked it better in the new one!)
-Witchcraft, sorcery and other black magics: check
-Other worldly-ness and ancient-ness to the setting: check
The only fault I found in it was as fantastic as the world we were given was, it did seem that travel time was completely ignored in favor of quick narrative. Not that I wanted a LOTR rehash showing Conan riding the sand for hours and hours, but things just seemed to happen a bit quickly. And not a complaint, but I was actually expecting a bit more gore. Sure there was plenty of blood flying, a few dismemberments and the such, but when shows like 'Spartacus Blood and Sand' manage to up the sword level gore gratuity to a new level I feel a bit let down when I don't get it here as much.
If you like yourself a good sword, sandal and sorcery flick, ignore the bad reviews this one is getting and check it out.
Overall: 8 out of 10
Side note: The universe apparently wants me to have more Alfred Molina in my daily life. Over the past 4 days he showed up in 3 films we have watched and then he was in a trailer before Conan.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Not sure why this film got a bad rap. It is a fun little adventure, captures the feel and movement of the games quite well and gives us a great little twist on the whole time travel genre. Jake Gyllenhaal does a great job (although his accent was a bit wobbly surrounded by a cast primarily made up of British citizens)bringing a likeable character and a physicality to the role I didn't know he was capable of. Beautiful scenery and decent script. For a good action adventure film, this one is just fine.
Overall: 7.5 out of 10
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
I will freely admit I am a huge fan of Jason Momoa primarily from his work on Stargate: Atlantis and Game of Thrones (I like to ignore the fact he was on Baywatch) so I went into this film already planning on enjoying it due to his presence. However, I walked out of the film realizing I had just seen something great. Not spectactular or "oh my god you have to see this" caliber, but a fun adventure that met every expectation I would imagine out of a Conan film.
If your only exposure to Conan has been the early 80s film, please clear it from your head when considering the new one. While Arnold and John Millius gave us a fantastic film, it really morphed into it's own thing and shied away from the original source of Conan. The new film manages to be much closer in spirit to the original books and has a great time doing so. Let me share with you the Just Another Movie Geek Official Conan Check list©:
-Copious sword play with blood lettings: check
-Ample bosoms on screen: check (and before I am accused of misogyny, I would say the male and female bare chest time was fairly even in the film)
-Evil bad guy that only our stalwart hero can bring down: check
-The riddle of steel: check (and I liked it better in the new one!)
-Witchcraft, sorcery and other black magics: check
-Other worldly-ness and ancient-ness to the setting: check
The only fault I found in it was as fantastic as the world we were given was, it did seem that travel time was completely ignored in favor of quick narrative. Not that I wanted a LOTR rehash showing Conan riding the sand for hours and hours, but things just seemed to happen a bit quickly. And not a complaint, but I was actually expecting a bit more gore. Sure there was plenty of blood flying, a few dismemberments and the such, but when shows like 'Spartacus Blood and Sand' manage to up the sword level gore gratuity to a new level I feel a bit let down when I don't get it here as much.
If you like yourself a good sword, sandal and sorcery flick, ignore the bad reviews this one is getting and check it out.
Overall: 8 out of 10
Side note: The universe apparently wants me to have more Alfred Molina in my daily life. Over the past 4 days he showed up in 3 films we have watched and then he was in a trailer before Conan.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Captain America: The First Avenger
Let me first say that when it comes to reading comic books, I am a DC fanboy. I collect primarily Batman titles and keep a good grasp on the rest of the "DC Universe." So why is it that of all the super hero movies of the last 10 years I have enjoyed the Marvel-Verse films greater?
Maybe they adapt to films better. Maybe I am not as critical of them as I am with the DC films. Regardless, Captain America: The First Avenger is a marvelous film.
For being as bored with the origin story in comic films as I am, this one managed to make it interesting. As an action film, its got some wonderful pieces and the pace was perfect. Casting was spot on and the fx were well funded. The patriotism of such and "american" character was dealt with evenly. Not overly in your face jingoistic, but portrayed a time when the group dynamic of our country was a bit more nobler. Chris Evans gave us a stoic and approachable Steve Rogers and Hayley Atwell delivered a breath of fresh air to the female character in the genre. She wasn't just eye candy, or the damsel in distress nor merely just the love interest. She was an equal. Director Joe Johnston (who proved he can handle the genre and the time period with The Rocketeer) created a wonderful film for fans of fun and entertaining cinema.
Some spoilery points of interest:
-A wonderful reference to Raiders of the Lost Ark
-Tommy Lee Jones steals every scene
-Stay after the credits for a nice set up for next years Avengers. I am probably going to have to break my Joss Whedon boycott
-Favorite Line: "I'm from Fresno, Ace."
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Space Battleship Yamoto
Finally got a chance to see this. I will freely admit my knowledge of the original is rather limited. Starblazers was on before I watched toons as a kid so I never got to actually see it. I have seen random bits of it here and there and have a decent grasp of the story. So with that in mind, I must say they did a great job with this film.
Story wise is what you would expect out of the show. A few logic jumps did occur but (they managed to pump a 26 episode tv show into a 2 hour 18 minute movie) none to jarring to interrupter the flow. Visually the fx are top notch (amazingly done on a 22 million dollar budget) with some amazing battle sequences.
They definitely went to the Galactica playbook for this film. From the utilitarian look of the ship interiors to the helmets and flight suits this film borrowed heavily but still managed to maintain a Japanese esthetic and stay close to it's anime roots.
Fans of the show and fans of a rolling space adventure should check it out.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain
Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain: this film is made of pure chinese crack.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Quick Movie Reviews: 4.4.11
Got a chance to watch two flicks over the weekend.
1. The Expendables
A decent time with some great action scenes, but unfortunately not that great of a film. Script could have used some serious polish and it probably would have been a much better film. But for going back to the basics of "lots of gun fights and ass kicking," the film works. RED managed to pull off the "old guy" action film a bit better. Terry Crews (who should have been given more screen time) stole every scene he was in.
2. The Green Hornet
I did not understand the hate and bad reviews this got. Mrs. JAMG and I had a great time with it. Was Seth Rogen nothing but Seth Rogen? Sure, but it did not really distract from the film at all. Jay Chou turns out an amazing role as Kato and manages to shine throughout. The car was cool (as it should be) and the bad guy (Chrisoph Waltz) was just the right amount of over the top but still subdued. I felt Micheal Gondry did an amazing job offering us a deconstructed look at the super hero genre.
1. The Expendables
A decent time with some great action scenes, but unfortunately not that great of a film. Script could have used some serious polish and it probably would have been a much better film. But for going back to the basics of "lots of gun fights and ass kicking," the film works. RED managed to pull off the "old guy" action film a bit better. Terry Crews (who should have been given more screen time) stole every scene he was in.
2. The Green Hornet
I did not understand the hate and bad reviews this got. Mrs. JAMG and I had a great time with it. Was Seth Rogen nothing but Seth Rogen? Sure, but it did not really distract from the film at all. Jay Chou turns out an amazing role as Kato and manages to shine throughout. The car was cool (as it should be) and the bad guy (Chrisoph Waltz) was just the right amount of over the top but still subdued. I felt Micheal Gondry did an amazing job offering us a deconstructed look at the super hero genre.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Title Card for a Sunday Afternoon
It's raining outside, chores are done. Scotch in my hand, neat. In theater:
It's a good day for a movie.
It's a good day for a movie.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Frame Within a Frame Series-Spotlight on:
Frame Within a Frame Series-Spotlight on:
Click to see larger:
Click to see larger:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
So it looks like there is a lot of scifi/fantasy films coming out this year.
(http://io9.com/5725740/55-science-fictionfantasy-movies-to-watch-out-for-in-2011)
From that list, what im interested in (and theater/rent quality):
The Green Hornet (January 14)
Yah, I actually want to see it. Micheal Gondry is an amazing director so I am curious to see what he can do with the script which probably isn't that great.
Rent
The Adjustment Bureau (March 4)
I love a good mind tweaker.
Rent unless it gets good reviews.
Battle Los Angeles (March 11)
Love me some Aaron Eckhart. This one will hopefully be decent.
Rent
Suing The Devil (March 11)
Malcom McDowell pretty much played the devil in the remake of Fantasy Island and we loved him there (totally un-appreciated and ahead of its time show) so I am in.
Rent.
Limitless (March 18)
Sounds possibly interesting.
Rent.
Paul (March 18)
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as UFO nerds on a road trip in the US and pick up a hitchiking alien? What could you not love? The fact they are working without Edgar Wright however is the deciding factor. Without his guidance will they flounder?
Rent.
Sucker Punch (March 25)
Zach Snyder (love him or hate him) has yet to visually dissapoint me. So far his source material has been already loved and he has treated them with respect. Will be interesting to see what he does with something original.
Theater.
Source Code (April 1)
Moon was fabulous so I am in on that factor alone. Add in Jake G and some time travel/groundhog day action? Im in.
Rent.
Thor (May 6)
Very interested to see where Marvel is really going with all this but mostly excited to see what Mr Shakespeare himself can do with a comic book. Plus, all you racist haters about the casting? Suck it. THE ASGARD ARE ALIENS THEY CAN BE WHAT EVER WE WANT THEM TO BE.
Theater
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)
Sigh. Yes...i will probably see it. I just dont know anymore.
Rent
The Tree of Life (May 27)
Didnt we already see this in "The Fountain"?
Skip it.
Super 8 (June 10)
Someday you people will understand that JJ Abrahms is a gimmick director with no talent. Until then, keep lining up.
Skip it. Boycott it. Leave a bag of flaming poo on his porch.
The Green Lantern (June 17)
Im actually looking forward to this one.
Theater
Rise of the Apes (June 24)
BAHWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
no really?
skip it.
Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage (July 18)
Trailer looked fun. Plus Patrick Stewart.
Rent
Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22)
Again, interested to see where Marvel is going. So glad they are going with the original WWII Cap.
Rent
Cowboys and Aliens (July 29)
James Bond vs Indiana Jones as cowboys vs Aliens? It's like they asked my subconscious how to make a movie. Unfortunately, the source material was weak so hopefully they will make it good.
Theater
Conan 3-D (August 19)
Love Jason Momoa and looking forward to him stepping into the sandals.
Rent
Fright Night (August 19)
So torn. Original has its place and shouldn't be touched. But they went and cast David Tennant.
Not sure
Now (September 30)
Isn't this just a weird take on Logan's Run?
not sure
Real Steel (October 7)
Sounds like a great drinking game
Rent
The Thing (October 14)
Hmmmm. Still unsure. Great original. Doesn't need a prequel. But RDM wrote it.
not sure
Sherlock Holmes 2 (December 16)
Best Bromance ever. Count me in.
Theater
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn (December 23)
Im in for the power behind it alone.
Rent
(http://io9.com/5725740/55-science-fictionfantasy-movies-to-watch-out-for-in-2011)
From that list, what im interested in (and theater/rent quality):
The Green Hornet (January 14)
Yah, I actually want to see it. Micheal Gondry is an amazing director so I am curious to see what he can do with the script which probably isn't that great.
Rent
The Adjustment Bureau (March 4)
I love a good mind tweaker.
Rent unless it gets good reviews.
Battle Los Angeles (March 11)
Love me some Aaron Eckhart. This one will hopefully be decent.
Rent
Suing The Devil (March 11)
Malcom McDowell pretty much played the devil in the remake of Fantasy Island and we loved him there (totally un-appreciated and ahead of its time show) so I am in.
Rent.
Limitless (March 18)
Sounds possibly interesting.
Rent.
Paul (March 18)
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as UFO nerds on a road trip in the US and pick up a hitchiking alien? What could you not love? The fact they are working without Edgar Wright however is the deciding factor. Without his guidance will they flounder?
Rent.
Sucker Punch (March 25)
Zach Snyder (love him or hate him) has yet to visually dissapoint me. So far his source material has been already loved and he has treated them with respect. Will be interesting to see what he does with something original.
Theater.
Source Code (April 1)
Moon was fabulous so I am in on that factor alone. Add in Jake G and some time travel/groundhog day action? Im in.
Rent.
Thor (May 6)
Very interested to see where Marvel is really going with all this but mostly excited to see what Mr Shakespeare himself can do with a comic book. Plus, all you racist haters about the casting? Suck it. THE ASGARD ARE ALIENS THEY CAN BE WHAT EVER WE WANT THEM TO BE.
Theater
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)
Sigh. Yes...i will probably see it. I just dont know anymore.
Rent
The Tree of Life (May 27)
Didnt we already see this in "The Fountain"?
Skip it.
Super 8 (June 10)
Someday you people will understand that JJ Abrahms is a gimmick director with no talent. Until then, keep lining up.
Skip it. Boycott it. Leave a bag of flaming poo on his porch.
The Green Lantern (June 17)
Im actually looking forward to this one.
Theater
Rise of the Apes (June 24)
BAHWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
no really?
skip it.
Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage (July 18)
Trailer looked fun. Plus Patrick Stewart.
Rent
Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22)
Again, interested to see where Marvel is going. So glad they are going with the original WWII Cap.
Rent
Cowboys and Aliens (July 29)
James Bond vs Indiana Jones as cowboys vs Aliens? It's like they asked my subconscious how to make a movie. Unfortunately, the source material was weak so hopefully they will make it good.
Theater
Conan 3-D (August 19)
Love Jason Momoa and looking forward to him stepping into the sandals.
Rent
Fright Night (August 19)
So torn. Original has its place and shouldn't be touched. But they went and cast David Tennant.
Not sure
Now (September 30)
Isn't this just a weird take on Logan's Run?
not sure
Real Steel (October 7)
Sounds like a great drinking game
Rent
The Thing (October 14)
Hmmmm. Still unsure. Great original. Doesn't need a prequel. But RDM wrote it.
not sure
Sherlock Holmes 2 (December 16)
Best Bromance ever. Count me in.
Theater
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn (December 23)
Im in for the power behind it alone.
Rent
Doctor Who odditity
Check out this brain conundrum
1. David Tennant played the 10th doctor
2. David Tennant starred alongside Peter Davidson (5th doctor) in the Time Crash mini episode. David slightly breaks the 4th wall by proclaiming "You were my Doctor"
3. David Tennant stars in a 3rd season episode along side Georgia Moffett (daughter of Peter Davidson)
4. Georgia Moffett plays the Doctors Daughter in that episode (so she is the daughter of 2 Doctors)
5. It was announced today that David Tennant and Georgia Moffett are engaged.
So. He is marrying his own daughter, sired by both himself and a previous incarnation of himself. And that previous incarnation will be giving away his daughter to himself.
1. David Tennant played the 10th doctor
2. David Tennant starred alongside Peter Davidson (5th doctor) in the Time Crash mini episode. David slightly breaks the 4th wall by proclaiming "You were my Doctor"
3. David Tennant stars in a 3rd season episode along side Georgia Moffett (daughter of Peter Davidson)
4. Georgia Moffett plays the Doctors Daughter in that episode (so she is the daughter of 2 Doctors)
5. It was announced today that David Tennant and Georgia Moffett are engaged.
So. He is marrying his own daughter, sired by both himself and a previous incarnation of himself. And that previous incarnation will be giving away his daughter to himself.
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