Category Archives: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Flash Movie Review: Rio
I hope I never lose touch with the little kid inside of me. Harking back to the older, classic animated movies from my youth; this film shined like a well done piece of art. With a beautiful palette of colors, I enjoyed the vibrant scenes that led me through the story. Blu, a domesticated blue colored macaw voiced by Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Zombieland), was one of only two such birds left in the world. With the hope of becoming mates, Blu and his owner were flown down to Rio de Janeiro to meet Jewel, voiced by Anne Hathaway (Get Smart, The Devil Wears Prada). The two actors were perfect choices to voice their characters. Jesse with his distinctive way of delivering his lines and Anne’s ability to project sweetness or irritation with her voice, along with her wonderful singing, made Blu and Jewel come to life. This movie had everything: there was plenty of thrilling action when the two birds were kidnapped, a smattering of musical numbers and amusing humor throughout; I had a great time watching this fun, exciting film. All that was missing was my little table and chair from when I was a child, so I could have had my glass of chocolate milk and chocolate chip cookie.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Hunger Games
I may not understand all the functions of being a tribute, since I did not read the book; but, I could not imagine anyone better suited then Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, Like Crazy). In fact, this review will be more of a tribute to Jennifer’s acting skill as Katniss Everdeen, her district’s representative to the Hunger Games; a televised, fight to the death competition. As I mentioned, I did not read the book and felt some of the scenes were rushed and uneven, though the film was 2 hours and 22 minutes long. I am sure the book is better. The relationship between Katniss and her male counterpart, Peeta Mellark played by Josh Hutcherson (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Fragments) was not easily believable at first. It could have been the difference in the acting skills of the two characters; Jennifer had such screen presence, every time she was in a scene, I could only watch her. The action scenes were well done and a couple of times, I was taken surprise by the level of violence. So the good news is Jennifer Lawrence was outstanding; the bad news is reality television still exists in the future.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: John Carter
On my quest to see all 50 states, little did I know I had been to Mars on one of my excursions. While viewing this movie I recognized the landscape in several of the scenes. Did it distract me from the story? Not at all; it was about the images and it was obvious Disney poured a lot of money into this visual extravaganza of a movie. For me, the look of it reminded me slightly of Star Wars. There were fascinating alien creatures, big battle scenes and a love story involving a princess. Lynn Collins (The Number 23, The Lake House) played the strong, intelligent princess, Dejah Thoris. As for the story, I found it weak, leaving me confused in some parts. Civil War vet John Carter, played by Taylor Kitsch (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Covenant), unwittingly discovered he was transported to another planet, where he now had super strength and agility. Oh and those twelve foot tall aliens were another clue he was not on earth. There were several basic plot lines: a group of mysterious beings that I did not fully understand what their ultimate purpose was in the story; an individual who was determined to take over the entire planet and a search for some mysterious thing that would tip the scale of power among opposing forces. As I said, the story was not the best; however, the movie’s action was exciting and I enjoyed all the special effects. I only wish Disney would have spent just a little more money on disguising the locale they used, here on earth.
2 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
As soon as this movie was over, I had to come straight home and give my plants an extra dose of plant food and water. Not only was this movie fun, but it conveyed a message to all of us about conservation. There were two parallel stories for this movie. One was about twelve year old Ted in search of something he never knew existed–a land filled with real live trees. His motivation in the beginning was to impress the girl who told him of these fabled plants. The other story was about the Lorax, a creature who fights to protect his world, a land filled with real trees. It was a little confusing for me as they jumped from one story to the other. I was more interested in the Lorax story and felt Danny DeVito’s (Batman Returns, Solitary Man) voice was perfect for the sweet, grumpy creature. Overall, I really enjoyed watching this film, being transported to the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss. Also, a couple of the songs could be next year’s Oscar nominees. It was a treat to see the characters, I used to read about, come to life on the big screen in a palette of candy colors.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
This movie should have been rated MHC: Must Have Child. I do not see any other reason why you would want to see this film. It has been marketed as a sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth, but the only connection between the two movies was the character of Sean, played by Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right, Bridge to Terabithia) and both movies had CGI special effects. In this movie Sean, accompanied by his mother’s husband Hank, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Fast Five, Tooth Fairy), go on an adventure in search of Sean’s grandfather. Watching Dwayne I wondered if they enhanced his appearance, since he almost looked cartoonish with his massive build. Though I have to say his character was likeable and well directed, to deliver his lines in a playful, sarcastic way. What I found interesting was the way the movie was shot. I viewed the 2D version, yet in many scenes it was obvious they were filmed in a particular way for the 3D effect version. It annoyed me slightly, thinking they used the action for 3D as the center point to the set up of the various scenes. The humor was childish, hence why the MHC rating, the dialog was bland; the only reason to see this movie would be for the variety of colors used and special effects. Outside of that, for me, the movie was silly.
2 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Secret World of Arrietty
I will always be grateful to the other movie I could not get to in time. Because, instead I was able to enter a magical world, that was simply beautiful. There was such a softness to this hand painted animated movie, that computer animation cannot replicate. Every frame had such depth of detail, like the reflection off a raindrop or the intertwining vine leaves curling up the side of a house; I truly felt as if I were in the movie. And then there was the story and what a wonderful story. Fourteen year old Arrietty and her parents are Borrowers, 4 inch tall people, who live undetected under the floor of a family’s residence. Life changes dramatically for Arrietty when she is seen by a human boy. There are layers to this story that added to the amazing time I spent in the theater and for that reason, I am going to withhold mentioning anything more. This movie is best watched knowing little about it and being taken away to another world like I was when I saw it.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Chronicle
Have you ever imagined yourself with a special power? When I was a little boy, I used to dream I had the ability to fly, but only 6 feet off the ground. I did not know anyone who was that tall back then. In this movie, three high school friends discover they suddenly have superpowers. Within minutes of their realization, I was hooked into watching the guys as they goofed around with their new talent, just like typical high schoolers. What some refer to as the “found footage” movie genre, example being The Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield, it was put to good use here, creating a more stylish film. The audience is watching the movie, in a sense, through the lens of someone’s video camera. I was just glad the camera was steady in this case. As the friends Steve Montgomery, played by Michael B. Jordan (Hard Ball, Friday Night Lights-TV), Andrew Detmer, played by Dane DeHaan (The Front, The Layla Project) and Matt Garetty, played by Alex Russell (Almost Kings, Wasted on the Young) test their abilities, it does not take them long to explore just how far their power can be pushed. For me, this film played more like a documentary; that is how real the actors seemed to me as teenagers playing off of each other. In addition, the script was intelligent, without sinking into bland bantering, thanks to Max Landis (son of John Landis). I do not feel the trailer does justice to this movie; it really is more than a pseudo X-Men prequel type of movie.
2 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Real Steel
This movie threw me a sucker punch! For me, everything about it appeared to be a nondescript science fiction movie. Then how come by the end of it, I was cheering with a tear in my eye? Let me start with Hugh Jackman (X-Men franchise, Australia) playing deadbeat dad Charlie Kenton, a former boxer. Hugh is such an affable guy, even having rotten to nonexistent parenting skills, one cannot help but like him. When his son’s mother dies, the mother’s sister and husband want to take custody of the boy Max, played by Dakota Goyo (Thor, Resurrecting the Champ). Charlie cuts a deal with the husband to take the boy for the summer, for a lump sum of cash, before turning him over to the couple. Max knows his father was paid and from that point on, a hate/love tug of war ensues, as their love of boxing robots is the only common denominator between them. There is nothing great nor nothing sour about this film. It is a simple story that cannot help but give a little tug at your heart. A movie that is good for the whole family. And for those of you who remember, you may want to pull out the old Rock em Sock Em Robots that are stored up in your attic.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Penelope
When you look at couples who are together, do you ever wonder, what was it that each of them saw in the other? What was the initial attraction: looks, personality, heart? For me, I have always said what is on the outside is only rented, changing every day. What a person has inside of themselves is what nourishes my heart. This movie could be called a modern day fairy tale of “Beauty and the Beast,” but it is something more. I felt a kinship with Penelope, played wonderfully by Christina Ricci (Monster, The Addams Family). Born into a high society, wealthy family, Penelope came into the world bearing the family curse. Horrified, her mother keeps her hidden away within the family’s estate, determined to find a way to break this dreaded curse. And the only way to destroy it, is for Penelope to find true love. Once she is of age, Penelope’s mother begins a constant stream of possible suitors for her daughter’s affections. However, each of them leave in horror or disgust until one interesting gentleman arrives, played by James McAvoy (Atonement, X-Men: First Class). Part comedy, part fantasy, this movie will offer you a sweet treat of movie time.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Adjustment Bureau
If you believe there are no accidents, that there is a reason for everything; then this movie will intrigue you. What if there were forces outside of us, keeping watch on our every move–how would you feel? David Norris played by Matt Damon (Inside Job, Green Zone) was a promising politician. By chance or was it by chance he meets Elise Sellas, played by Emily Blunt (The Wolfman, The Jane Austen Book Club), who has an immediate effect on him. This movie presented a different spin on what it means to experience deja vu. It was thrilling without a single gun being fired or setting off a fiery explosion. And it was a romance, like the kind Tony and Maria felt for each other in West Side Story. Matt is such an affable actor, so believable in this movie. Pairing him up with Emily was the perfect choice for the roles needed in this film. My major criticism of the movie was it petered out towards the end. I felt the writers had so much going on, that they did not know how to end the story. And that was a disappointment for me.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
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