Categories
Now Playing, PocketReviews.Net, Reviews
|
Tags comic book movies, Hugh Jackman, Marvel Comics, Wolverine, X-Men |
$ |
listen via talkr
Would you recommend this? Not really. If you’re a fan, you already know his history from the comics (which is much more interesting in the comics).
Technically any good? Bleh, not really. They changed the story dramatically, which makes it a crappy adaptation, and the way the script is structured, the character arc the lead travels is ultimately useless, so nothing resonates. The acting was meh, Jackman’s always believable, but when the script is crap, who cares?
How did it leave me feeling? That the comic-book-movie curse has returned!! Each X-Men movie has gotten progressively worse and this is the worst one so far. I think they should just stop before they murder the franchise entirely.
Would you sit through it again? No.
It’s not just me. Apparently other folks don’t like this movie either.
VN:F [1.2.0_562]
Categories
On Home Video, PocketReviews.Net, Reviews
|
Tags Edward Norton, Hulk, Louis Leterrier, Marvel Comics, movies, PocketReviews.Net, Reviews |
$ |
listen via talkr
Positive Experience/Entertaining? Yes! It was a blast, actually.
Technically any good? Personally, I’ve never found the character of the Hulk to be terribly deep, so to me, Ang Lee’s take on him was a waste of time (read my Pocket Review for Lee’s Hulk). He’s not some dark, brooding character, he’s a guy doing his best to stay calm–ALL THE TIME. This movie is all about that struggle and I think it handles it very well, script and story-wise. Acting-wise it’s very spot-on with Edward Norton’s perfect performance as Bruce Banner being the highlight. It’s also a comic-fan’s dream as a LOT of references, which were missing from Ang Lee’s movie, show up in this one. I’m very interested to see a sequel to this as they’ve started a few interesting balls rolling by creating characters we know from the comic. My one gripe was the simplistic way the script handles Tim Roth’s character. I love him as an actor, but he was just too deep to play this one character. Everything else, as I said, is a blast.
How did it leave me feeling? Very entertained. Finally, someone gets the idea that big dumb action movies don’t have to completely insult the audience (Michael Bay, I’m lookin’ at you, buddy!). Also liked the zinger at the end (though I don’t get why it shows up before the credits and not after).
Final Rating? SIYL – See If You Like – obviously, not everyone likes big dumb actioners, but if you do, I would think this movie would be for you. Also, if you’re a comic book purist (like me) this movie is for you since it got a lot right.
VN:F [1.2.0_562]
Categories
Now Playing, PocketReviews.Net
|
Tags Gwyneth Paltrow, Iron Man, Jeff Bridges, Jon Favreau, Marvel Comics, Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard |
$ |
listen via talkr
Positive Experience/Entertaining? Dude–this is the kind of movie I had hoped for from last years Transformers. Lots of great effects and a story that didn’t make me feel like I was being treated like a moron. The fact that I enjoyed the hell out of this movie and didn’t feel like I had just been peed on in the process (like John Turturro in Transformers) I greeted like a miracle. Now, don’t get me wrong–this wasn’t some deep, thoughtful treatise on the evils of corporate greed and America throwing it’s weight around the planet in the interest of cash. To the movie’s credit, that was a theme, however.
Technically any good? Dude–to say the CGI was seamless is almost an understatement. Instinctively, I always look for that seam. I found it in one shot. A while after that, I gave up looking and just enjoyed the damn movie. The acting was pretty damn solid (amazing for a modern action/adventure movie) and the script was pretty faithful to the comic (though it did cherry-pick plot elements, but I didn’t mind). The only technical aspect I didn’t care for was how the script treats Iron Man’s personal assistant. She came off way too girl-next-doory for someone who would be in her position. When you’re the only woman in the movie, I’d appreciate a stronger acting choice than “Oh no! He might kill me!”
How did it leave me feeling? VERY entertained. Is the movie perfect? No. There was a rushed quality to the film that I think too many Hollywood movies have these days. Apparently characters never sleep, eat or go to the bathroom–or recognize the passage of time, the weather or take moments to breathe (or allow the audience to breathe). Such things, if done well, don’t have to slow down the movie, either. Also, I could go into the racism/ethnocentrism of this movie (Afghanis are portrayed as either evil thugs or innocent, simple but helpful martyrs) but I really think the movie’s message is more powerful than it’s lack of a depthful middle-eastern characters. The movie is about a guy taking responsibility for what he’s done. These days, anyone who does that in a movie or in real life is a hero in my book. Jon Favreau is my hero for making this movie with this message at this point in American history.
Final Rating? GSN – Go See Now – it’s summer action/adventure fun with a message. Bring the kids and teach them (and remind yourself) how much fun taking responsibility can be! (That will make more sense when you see the movie.)
VN:F [1.2.0_562]
thepete.com
