The Croods
The posters, theatrical trailers, and promotions for this movie cannot do it justice. DreamWorks' latest animated film went above and beyond any expectations I brought into the initial viewing experience.
Featuring the voice acting of both, Hollywood's most popular (Emma Stone & Ryan Reynolds) and Hollywood's veteran actors (Nicolas Cage & Cloris Leachman), this film delves into a thoughtful plot about family, trust, growth, and the importance of adventure. That isn't even the most astounding part.
The animation of this film was phenomenal, especially in 3D. As it took place in the time of cavemen, the animators and creative minds behind this work of art had some liberty to create an amazing array of fascinating creatures of all shapes, colors, and sizes. From the rainbow colored jumbo-sized saber-toothed tiger, to feathered and flying turtles that could take up a whole room, the creativity was flowing for the entire duration of the 98-minute-long film.
It an aesthetic masterpiece (colors, animation styles, etc.). The acting and casting were spot-on. And the story was heartwarming and compelling. I would even say that it rivals Disney's Brave (2012) in terms of animation, acting, and plot.
For anyone who is looking for an adventure worth sharing with the whole family, this is a must-see!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Admission
Admission
This was another one of those movies that you want to be amazing, but the stars just didn't align. Starring the hilarious and multi-talented Tina Fey (Mean Girls and 30 Rock) alongside the charming and chuckle-worthy Paul Rudd (This is 40 and Dinner for Schmucks), this film tackles some material that is pretty emotionally deep.
The story was very original, which is something that you can count on Miss Fey to cover. She plays the content, but not thriving, admissions officer of Princeton University, Portia Nathan. Nathan, unfulfilled by her career, significant other, and her relationship with her ultra-feminist mother (played by Lily Tomlin), gets just the bit of excitement her life needs when she meets and begins awkwardly courting the guidance councelor of a non-traditional high school, John Pressman (Rudd).
Like Rudd's most recent releases (Our Idiot Brother, This is 40, etc.), this movie borders a bit too much on the drama side of dramedy. As for fey, she did a wonderful job in a script that doesn't seem to be her home territory, satirical humor.
I would recommend this for someone who isn't looking for a good laugh, but rather a thoughtful, heartfelt contribution to the dramedy genre.
This was another one of those movies that you want to be amazing, but the stars just didn't align. Starring the hilarious and multi-talented Tina Fey (Mean Girls and 30 Rock) alongside the charming and chuckle-worthy Paul Rudd (This is 40 and Dinner for Schmucks), this film tackles some material that is pretty emotionally deep.
The story was very original, which is something that you can count on Miss Fey to cover. She plays the content, but not thriving, admissions officer of Princeton University, Portia Nathan. Nathan, unfulfilled by her career, significant other, and her relationship with her ultra-feminist mother (played by Lily Tomlin), gets just the bit of excitement her life needs when she meets and begins awkwardly courting the guidance councelor of a non-traditional high school, John Pressman (Rudd).
Like Rudd's most recent releases (Our Idiot Brother, This is 40, etc.), this movie borders a bit too much on the drama side of dramedy. As for fey, she did a wonderful job in a script that doesn't seem to be her home territory, satirical humor.
I would recommend this for someone who isn't looking for a good laugh, but rather a thoughtful, heartfelt contribution to the dramedy genre.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Movies of Spring Break 2013
Jack the Giant Slayer
These days it seems like the pop-culture audience cannot get enough of re-imagined myths and fairy tales. This film, starring Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, and Stanley Tucci, attempts to make the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" into an epic adventure, filled with action, danger, and an appropriate hint of romance.
The story is original, but it starts out slow. The special effects seemed a bit lacking at times, but the creativity of the world made up for it. Certain elements (sadly, including the actual beanstalk) looked bad, but the costume design, makeup, and sets really shined. Altogether, this film is fun and exciting, however, it's not really worth the price of a movie ticket.
Oz the Great and Powerful
This film had a lot riding on its shoulders. Since it was announced and marketed, many movie viewers have been skeptical about the storytelling abilities of Disney when it comes to the cherrished and honored film and story of The Wizard of Oz.
Rather than trying to retell the beloved story, Disney's screenplay writers Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire create the origin story of Oz's mysterious wizard. James Franco plays the part of Oz and illustrates the character for the audience. He was an excellent choice for the role, as he brings a smarmy, yet charming wizard to life. Throughout his journey, he seems to gain wisdom (brains), heart, and courage, the same thing that he ends up giving to the scarecrow, tinman, and lion in the original story.
This story follows the storytelling style of the 1939 classic by bringing characters from a dreary real world into a bright and fantastical new world. The film features Zach Braff as Oz's constant companion in the worlds of his past, present, and future.
The special effects, film style, music, and setting were all amazing, as one can generally expect with a Disney film. The casting of additional characters were all great choices, including the talented and beautiful actresses, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams.
On a more serious note, the film could have earned a PG-13 rating rather than its PG, as the violence and fear tactics were very prominent and effective.
In conclusion, movie traditionalists have nothing to fear, this is a very well-made piece of cienematography. If you enjoyed Wicked for its story (not just the music), I would recommend this film.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
One of the funniest movies thus far in 2013, this film stars Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, and Jim Carrey. Though the trailers make it look like another crack at the comedian superstar-duo genre of movies (such as 2012's The Campaign or 2010's Get Him to the Greek), this movie really proves its worth throughout the whole 100 minute runtime.
Carell and Carrey live in a world of magic, but not a fantasy world. They are both world-famous magicians who make a living on the Vegas strip. Carell represents traditional magic, while Carrey is more of a street performer looking for shock value. Throughout the film they battle it out for the honor of being the biggest name in magic. Burt Wonderstone (Carell), a pompous but kind performer working against Steve Gray (Carrey), a crazy yet lovable jerk, make for an entertaining duel.
The plot was not too complicated, and that is actually what makes it worth a trip to the theater: it's good fun with a talented cast and great writing. With its themes of magic, re-imagination, and friendship, I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a great afternoon escape.
These days it seems like the pop-culture audience cannot get enough of re-imagined myths and fairy tales. This film, starring Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, and Stanley Tucci, attempts to make the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" into an epic adventure, filled with action, danger, and an appropriate hint of romance.
The story is original, but it starts out slow. The special effects seemed a bit lacking at times, but the creativity of the world made up for it. Certain elements (sadly, including the actual beanstalk) looked bad, but the costume design, makeup, and sets really shined. Altogether, this film is fun and exciting, however, it's not really worth the price of a movie ticket.
Oz the Great and Powerful
This film had a lot riding on its shoulders. Since it was announced and marketed, many movie viewers have been skeptical about the storytelling abilities of Disney when it comes to the cherrished and honored film and story of The Wizard of Oz.
Rather than trying to retell the beloved story, Disney's screenplay writers Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire create the origin story of Oz's mysterious wizard. James Franco plays the part of Oz and illustrates the character for the audience. He was an excellent choice for the role, as he brings a smarmy, yet charming wizard to life. Throughout his journey, he seems to gain wisdom (brains), heart, and courage, the same thing that he ends up giving to the scarecrow, tinman, and lion in the original story.
This story follows the storytelling style of the 1939 classic by bringing characters from a dreary real world into a bright and fantastical new world. The film features Zach Braff as Oz's constant companion in the worlds of his past, present, and future.
The special effects, film style, music, and setting were all amazing, as one can generally expect with a Disney film. The casting of additional characters were all great choices, including the talented and beautiful actresses, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams.
On a more serious note, the film could have earned a PG-13 rating rather than its PG, as the violence and fear tactics were very prominent and effective.
In conclusion, movie traditionalists have nothing to fear, this is a very well-made piece of cienematography. If you enjoyed Wicked for its story (not just the music), I would recommend this film.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
One of the funniest movies thus far in 2013, this film stars Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, and Jim Carrey. Though the trailers make it look like another crack at the comedian superstar-duo genre of movies (such as 2012's The Campaign or 2010's Get Him to the Greek), this movie really proves its worth throughout the whole 100 minute runtime.
Carell and Carrey live in a world of magic, but not a fantasy world. They are both world-famous magicians who make a living on the Vegas strip. Carell represents traditional magic, while Carrey is more of a street performer looking for shock value. Throughout the film they battle it out for the honor of being the biggest name in magic. Burt Wonderstone (Carell), a pompous but kind performer working against Steve Gray (Carrey), a crazy yet lovable jerk, make for an entertaining duel.
The plot was not too complicated, and that is actually what makes it worth a trip to the theater: it's good fun with a talented cast and great writing. With its themes of magic, re-imagination, and friendship, I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a great afternoon escape.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)