Movie Review: Man of Steel

Movie Review

Man of Steel

Rated PG-13:
Sci-fi Violence
Destruction
Language

I saw Man of Steel yesterday and wanted to share my opinion on the movie. I’ll try my best to keep it as spoiler free as possible.

In a nutshell, I loved it. Was it flawless? There was one teeny thing that bugged me; I may put it in the comments in case anyone doesn't want to know.

Going into the movie I was a little upset at a few changes so I was ready to be the first to say I didn’t like it, but then I became sold on Christopher Nolan’s vision. For one, they removed the red briefs he wears over his suit and it proved to be a good move. I guess I was  just wanting classic Superman. Secondly, the “S” on his chest was his Kryptonian symbol for “hope”. I also liked that change as well. To bring Superman into modern times these minor adjustments were needed.

I love the fact that they made the character manly. As a child he wasn’t “aw shucks” and as a man he chose some odd jobs that fit a character that wanted to lay low. (I loved that they didn’t make Henry Cavill shave his chest, I thought it was sexy.) There were some aspects that reminded me of Smallville. The fact that he had to come to grips with who he is and who he is meant to be weighed heavily on Kal-El. They stayed true to Superman being a golden boy and never wanting to kill anyone. And Nolan did it wonderfully.

Henry Cavill nailed the character and I’m glad because I had a few reservations about him. I can still picture him in “The Tudors”. He was actually perfect for the part. Amy Adams as Lois Lane was another choice that I wasn’t sure about. I think it was the hair color that threw me. As I watched the movie, I was glad that they focused on her being a hard hitting journalist.  She wasn’t this annoying damsel and she wasn’t this vixen either. She was just Lois and her feelings for Clark were slowly revealed instead of instant love.

I can’t say enough about how great Diane Lane and Kevin Costner were as Martha and Jonathan Kent. I’m really pleased that they were added to the franchise. Basically the movie had awesome casting.

I am reading that “critics” are writing unfavorable reviews and the conspiracy theorist in me says that they must remain loyal to Iron Man 3 or lose their jobs. Lol. But seriously, if we must compare, I had several issues with IM3 and Man of Steel absolutely blew it out of the water.

There you have it. To summarize: I loved Man of Steel, I think Henry Cavill is hot and manly, and I wish critics would stop with the DC/Marvel comparisons.

World War Z is next on my movie agenda. Here's the trailer:

ZOMG. Did you see that at 2:05!? Just crawling over each other super fast! Is team work part of the disease!?!?

Movie Review: Jack The Giant Slayer

Movie Review

Jack The Giant Slayer

Rated: PG-13

Violence (battle scenes and dismemberment)

Language

I had the chance to see Jack the Giant Slayer. I didn't love it, but I did like it. The group I saw it with had mixed feelings about the movie and that really didn't help. We were divided.

For those that don't know Jack (Nicholas Hoult) climbs an unbelievably large beanstalk that grew via magic beans. In this movie he is assisting in the rescue of a princess (Eleanor Tomlinson). Up there he and the king's chosen men find a slew of giants that just so happen to eat people.

Let me start with what I didn't like about the movie. By the way, I saw this is IMAX 3D with Dolby Digital sound. I felt those effects were important in a movie of this magnitude. The movie began slowly. A little too slow for my taste.  It took about 20 minutes to get the characters introduced and to get the ball rolling. Some of the comedic scenes weren't that funny. A few garnered a laugh from me but that was about it.  Also I wasn't sure about the ending. Was it open for a sequel or what?  And I think the final battle scene was a little anti-climactic. Fortunately there was one scene right before that one that was exciting.

Not too sure but....they might be giants.

Now on to what I did like about it. Of course the graphics were stellar.  Every giant had its own unique look while still looking like a related tribe or kingdom if you will. The beanstalk was spectacular. It was the best adaptation of a beanstalk from a book. It took the house with it and it reminded me of Dorothy’s house being swept up in The Wizard of Oz which coincidentally the prequel is out at this same time. There were some violent scenes but nothing remarkable. I love that there was an entire army of giants and not just ten. And those giants were creepy looking. Some reminded me of Garbage Pail Kids. If you’re afraid of heights as I am, then certain scenes will make your palms sweat. The sound was great, you could hear every breath in some intense scenes and when there was a yell it shook the table (restaurant theater).

All in all, it wasn't as fantastic as I hoped it would have been. And I really wanted it to be. I just can’t put my finger on what the film was missing.  I don’t think it was worth it seeing in 3D for just a few scenes. I would have done 2D had I known. One more thing, teens may find it boring while elementary school age children may be a little afraid of the giants. I know because I was with one and those giants can appear ferocious. I give it 6 ½ stars out of 10.

Also starring Stanley Tucci.

Movie Review: Warm Bodies

Movie Review

Warm Bodies

Rated PG-13

Language

Zombie Violence

Well for starters you will either love this movie or think it’s stupid. No middle ground from what I’ve read. The message is clear in this movie, and no it’s not necrophilia is acceptable. But rather, love cures all or something. I never thought of love as a cure, but there you go. All you need is love.

“R” (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie just going about life death, doing corpse-y things, thinking corpse-y thoughts. One day as him as his zombie buddies are hungry and on the prowl, he comes across the beautiful Julie (Teresa Palmer) after he eats her really hot boyfriend (Dave Franco). R begins to feel something he has never felt in death before. And his heart starts to beat. All he knows is that he wants to keep her. He takes her back to his pad (an airplane) and a montage of getting to know each other ensues. While there he eats her bf’s brains on the DL because eating people’s brains are the closest that the undead have to dreaming. When they do that, they can experience their victim’s memories and it makes them feel alive. Or at least it does in R’s case, he’s an odd one.

Why yes, this is a better love story than Twilight.

Julie’s father (John Malkovich) is the leader in this post-apocalyptic world and is building a giant wall around their city where no zombies can get through.  He’s lost his wife to the infection and he ain’t gonna take no more! He’s kind of a general  or leader, I didn’t really get the official title but he runs things.  Now Julie realizes that she has feelings or R and that he is slowly changing back and she has to tell her father, but will he understand?

This is a new twist on movies with a central theme of forbidden love. There were a lot of Romeo & Juliet references. It was predictable but I liked the concept. I’m actually going to purchase this when it comes out on DVD. I feel bad for the main girl because she looked so much like Kristen Stewart and it must suck getting compared to another actress (my 10 year old even noticed the similarity) when you’re trying to stand out.

"Since there is no Facebook, this is a pic of the girl I'm stalking"

This movie is based on a book which I will definitely have to get my hands on since sources say they took a lot out of the movie. Movies usually do that. Go fig.

All in all I found it enjoyable aside from scenes defying logic, but then again, we’re talking zombies here. I give it 8 out of 10. 

Movie Review: End Of Watch

Movie Review

End Of Watch

This time I would like to do the rating of the movie first so there won't be any spoilers at the top. The review will be after the image.

Rated R:

Violence

Gore

Adult Themes

Language

Drug Use

                                                                    "I wish I could quit you"

Caution Spoilers Ahead

Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Miguel Zavala (Micheal Peña) are partners on a dangerous beat in South Central L.A. Because BriBri (my pet name for him) is super curious and wants to be a detective when he grows up, he accidentally goes and exposes a human trafficking ring. Government officials know all of this and let him know he messed up bad. And yes they do know there were children in the house but rules are rules, Brian.  You just can't go around rescuing people. The Mexican cartel leader is a not a happy camper; the word is out and there is a hit on the two officers.  Now throughout the movie you have 2 types of film style: the normal movie camera shots  and the hand held shots that various characters (mainly Taylor) use, I liked it at first but then it got a little weird.  Besides that the action was intense and realistic. I only had a slight problem with the final shoot out. You have 4 gang members firing from the second floor at Taylor and Zavala and the only wound was Taylor’s left hand.  Other than that it was a great movie. It really got to me and I almost cried. To be honest, in the middle of the movie I thought it would be Brian to die and then Miguel would name his son after him. That prediction changed as the movie went on, of course. I thought some of the characters were spot on and downright scary.  All in all, this is a definite purchase to add to any movie snob’s collection. Watching it with your bro (or bff) is optional but I do recommend it as it will only strengthen the bond.

Also starring Anna Kendrick as the “perfect” girlfriend turned wife and American Ferrera.

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Movie Review: Hansel and Gretel

Movie Review

*Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters

*May contain spoilers

A diabetic and virginal Hansel (played by Jeremy Renner) fights alongside his gorgeous, tough-as-nails sister Gretel (played by Gemma Arterton). Incestuous stares are shared throughout the movie as they slay witches left and right and also unlock the key to their past.

I viewed it in IMAX 3D which, correct me if I’m wrong, is two different things beautifully put together. I went in with a “meh” kind of attitude and low expectations. But it turned out to be a fun movie and the special effects were unbelievable. All movies now need to be shown in IMAX 3D.

Stop eyeing her, she's your sister, bro

From what I gather, and also because I don’t feel like researching this, Hansel really did eat a butt load of candy and the message is clear: too much of a good thing will give you diabetes. Witch hunting also doesn't give room for them to get to know members of the opposite sex because Hansel was oblivious when a young beautiful ginger was flirting with him.  Gretel has her own scenes except they’re not with a human and there's no flirtation. 

There’s a lot of witchcraft and attempts to sacrifice children which made me a little uncomfortable. I always get squeamish with horror movies that include little kids (except for the Hunger Games). But the action scenes were well worth the price of admission! 

I give it 2 very enthusiastic **Megan Fox clubbed thumbs UP.

Rated R:            

Violence

Gore

Language

Nudity

Also starring Famke Janssen as the mother of all witches. 

And since we’re on the topic of movies, A Good Day To Die Hard hits theaters February 14^th and is preceded by a Die Hard marathon at select theaters.  If I can’t make it to the marathon I know how I’m spending my Valentine’s Day. 

**I know Megan Fox only has one clubbed thumb.