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Smallville: Homecoming (2010)
Coming From A Fan Since Day 1
Smallville has certainly had its ups and downs. From the soap opera drama of Season Six, to the convoluted subplots of Season 7. The list can go on about what has disappointed me about the series. But the fact is I have been a fan since the Pilot. Smallville has been that one show that I just cannot get enough of. I grew up with it, from the 5th grade right up to my sophomore year of college. And despite all the talk about Season 10 being the last, it never really hit me until I saw the show's second milestone, "Homecoming." It brought back so many memories in the most subtle ways. The Torch, Smallville High, and even the bug boy. The future scenes cleared up a lot of questions like Lois & Clark's working situation. Bye bye basement, hello glasses. It was so well done. My only gripe with the episode was the crazy guidance counselor at the beginning. But thank goodness Brainiac fixed that problem. Anyway I should probably cut this short before I go all biased and bring back old memories. It truly was a great episode. The best in the series. From here Smallville has nowhere else to go except up, up, and away. I'll be watching until the end.
10/10
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
Why did I give this a 10?!
I gave Resident Evil: Afterlife a 10/10 because I got exactly what I wanted out of it: GGG! Short for GIRLS, GUNS, and GORE! If you haven't figured these movies out by now, then you're most likely some loyal fan who expects too much. Yes, I am a fan of the games. But that doesn't mean I want to see an exact replica of the games. There's no suspense, you know who's going to live and die. I mean if I wanted an exact shot-for-shot Resident Evil adaptation, I would play the game! Is this film dumb? Yes. It's a guilty pleasure. And I'm fine with that. I love seeing gorgeous women kick ass, I love seeing ridiculous gore, I love being smart enough to see that this movie is NOT supposed to be Oscar-worthy. If anything this film was more fun than the previous installments, there was humor, great action, and hot chicks. Seriously folks, you should have figured this whole film series out after the second one. Don't come in with high expectations. Go with a group of friends and have a good time. If there's one thing that's absolutely incredible, it's the 3D. Probably the best since Avatar. Overall Resident Evil: Afterlife is a bloody good time. Definitely a great way to end the summer.
Hulk (2003)
7 Years Later...
Ang Lee's interpretation of the Hulk remains to be one of the most underrated comic book movies of all time. I've learned to appreciate what Lee was trying to do at the time and rank this film up there with The Dark Knight. To put his career on his line and create something unique is a bold move on Lee's part and I've got to say: Bravo.
When I was younger I really only loved the action scenes. Everything else was okay by comparison. But now if I want the Hulk in action, I can at least view Ed Norton's Incredible Hulk.
Ang Lee's Hulk is a though-provoking piece of art with it's only fault being that ridiculous dog fight scene. Eric Bana gets lost in the role of Bruce Banner, conflicted with repressed memories from his childhood. Jennifer Connelly turns in an Oscar-worthy performance as Betty Ross, trying to justify everything that's happening to a man that she still loves despite their relationship problems. Sam Elliot plays the conflicted father, who at first appears to be a by-the-book general, but by the end really puts himself in any father's shoes. Josh Lucas is the corrupt corporate sleaze bag, trying to own a piece of the world in the palm of his hand. And lastly, Nick Nolte, who plays the edgy scientist who's curiosity with science transforms into a dangerous obsession.
At the core of it, the film is really about father-issues. It's a psychological drama, and a damn good one. Lee masterfully blended reality with comic book fiction through the use of his editor, who was able to give the film it's comic book feel, literally, without making it redundant. Lee's editor should have also gotten an Oscar-nod.
The pace is beautifully slow at times, trying to find what shakes Bruce Banner at his core. But whenever the action kicks in, it leaves you wanting more.
Danny Elfman's composes a unique and haunting soundtrack that really pushes his boundaries and almost makes you forget that it's a Danny Elfman score. Within the first couple of seconds of the opening titles you know you're in for a dark and twisted ride down Bruce Banner's mind.
With Marvel's recent films they're really only using each individual superhero movie to build up to the Avengers. And while that's okay, it really doesn't leave a lot of room for each character to grow. This film, along with all the other superhero films that came out around this time, accomplishes that. Well except for Ghost Rider and the Fantastic Four...
To sum it up, after seven years I feel like this movie should be given a second chance. Ang Lee has never disappointed.
8/10 (NOW YOU MAY ALL DISAGREE WITH ME, because I know that's what you guys do.)
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
Finally Getting Somewhere
Twilight was an average indie film, New Moon was a bad Hollywood film, and Eclipse is starting to get it right. Having never read the books, I have to look at this from just a movie-goers perspective.
David Slade, director of the cult film, Hard Candy and the much loved/hated, 30 Days of Night, is manning the helm with this newest installment of the Twilight series. And as someone who is unbiased with this whole phenomenon, I actually enjoyed Eclipse.
Pros: The acting is nowhere near as cringe worthy. The action is intense and great for us guys. The love triangle is actually worth watching. Some of the supporting characters are properly developed. The special effects are better.
Cons: Slow pace at times. The awesome battle scene is too short. Still some bad dialog. Luckily it's not as bad.
Basically if you're a guy who has to take a girl to see this movie, you won't be completely annoyed. David Slade managed to make this watchable and fun. Don't take it seriously.
Rating: Matinée
Smallville: Checkmate (2010)
This Episode Was....
...Interesting to say the least. So interesting that I can't even think of a rating. This is a first for me and I feel flabbergasted. Let's start with the story. Tess and Checkmate kidnap the Green Arrow to bring out Watchtower (aka Chloe) and use her to find the rest of the Justice League. Not a bad premise. In fact it's quite good. The problem is the direction for the episode. It was directed by a long time co-producer of the show and one could see that he was heavily influenced by Zack Snyder.
The opening of the episode featured unnecessary "hand cam" that was shooting Tess loading a gun. The sequence was shot from four angles, with the camera shaking the whole time. It was just- arbitrary. Maybe the director was trying to convey some tension but he failed, especially with what came after that, which where a series of action scenes that featured Tess beating up people- now here's where Zack Snyder's influence comes in- every time Tess threw a punch, the shot entered slow motion upon her fist coming into contact with the victim. It was very- "Watchmen." If you thought the "Absolute Justice" film was a lot like "Watchmen" you haven't seen anything yet. At least that episode pulled it off. But I digress- Pam Grier was really good as Amanda Waller. Casting her was definitely a wise decision. If DC was considering to put that character in a feature film, Pam Grier should reprise her role. She brings this edginess and "queen bitch" presence every time she appears on screen. Phil Morris as the Martian Manhunter reprises his role as the Oreo-loving detective who is trying to find Waller. If the director did one thing right, it was showing off the Manhunters powers at any chance he got. It definitely made me nod my head several times and go "that was a nice touch." Whenever the director wasn't trying to flash silly action scenes at the audience, he threw in dramatic scenes with Tess and Oliver as well as Chloe and Clark that luckily worked.
So with that in mind it was really hard to determine what to rate this episode. it had it's fair share of good moments and some really bad moments as well. I'm a long time Smallville fan, check out my reviews for other Smallville episodes and you'll see. But this episode was just a rush of mixed emotions. I guess what I can say is that you'll have a love/hate relationship with Checkmate.
(I don't know)/10
The Holiday (2006)
This Is Coming From A Guy Who Hates the Hollywood System
Hollywood is known for constantly dishing out the formulaic romantic comedy, at least nowadays. There was a time when these movies were good but they've since faded into obscurity. Fortunately I was surprised by this film which has been hailed as a "romantic comedy." This is where the film becomes hated by most of the male demographic. The Holiday plays out like an "indie dramedy" right up until the last two minutes of the film, which plays very much like your standard romantic comedy.Luckily the rest of the film makes up for that. I won't go into the details of the plot, you can read the synopsis on the IMDb page. But it's definitely one of those films where you read the plot outline and think, "It's almost too simple to be this long of a movie," and yet the movie is filled with so much that one can relate to. Jude Law's character was certainly a surprise, an honest and likable one at that. Cameron Diaz was actually really genuine as a cynic of love. Kate Winslet was a breathe of fresh air as a heartbroken soul trying to escape from her threesome of a relationship. And Jack Black, as short as his role was, was very likable as a romantic who is blinded by love. His Blockbuster scene definitely put a smile across my face, mainly because of the unexpected cameo.... To conclude, this film is barely your run of the mill romantic comedy from Hollywood; despite the ending and poor advertising that didn't do the film any justice. There is also a lot of politics regarding the film industry. If you are a film buff, you'll certainly appreciate one of the messages that this film is carrying. I'm more into independent films, but I figured on giving this movie a try and it was definitely worth the two hours. Take a holiday and enjoy this honest film about love and it's heartbreaks. 8/10
Smallville: Absolute Justice (2010)
Smallville's Best Yet
After season's four to seven (which were the worst in my opinion), Smallville picked things up with season eight by introducing a back story for Doomsday which, for me, made Superman's death more meaningful.
Season nine continues to pick things up by introducing a younger Zod, and an identity struggling Clark Kent (aka the Blur). The fact that the producers are pushing the show into Metropolis just brings a big smile run across my face.
But I digress... This review is for the show's first television movie, "Absolute Justice," which reunites a small part of the Justice Society of America (google them), and forces them to join forces with the "team in progress," aka the Justice League, to take down an old villain's son. It's a thrill to see Hawkman and Green Arrow bicker, but it's an even bigger thrill to see Dr. Fate reveal Superman's cape to Clark in a vision. All the spoilers can't be revealed though. You just have to see it to believe everything that happens. There's so much that goes in this television special that will make fan-boys jump up and down with excitement. This show is going somewhere again and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Welcome back Smallville.
The Hangover (2009)
Hungover from laughing so hard!
I honestly didn't know what to expect from this movie, I knew the Director made "Old School," which I saw when I was young so I didn't remember or have that to fall back on, so I just went in and prayed that I was going in for a wild and fun ride.
People say you should trust your instincts or go with your gut feeling, and I'm proud that I did! This movie exceeded my expectations and engrossed me with the characters, which is something I thought was only possible with Apatow films! Having said that, the comedy is very "Old School," (Pun intended) often relying on confusion and crazy situations instead of witty dialog which is a great change of pace.
I won't go into the details about the story, as it's fairly simple, and you can just read the synopsis on the main page, but I highly recommend this film. Now I read an article about a sequel, hopefully they won't screw it up and ruin what looks like a great start here. Anyway when you see this movie, just be prepared for huge laughs, shocks, Mike Tyson, and an Asian's private parts. Enough said!
Smallville: Justice (2007)
A Little Rushed But...
I really enjoyed this episode. Seeing The Flash, Cyborg, Green Arrow, and Aquaman (even though all he did was swim) made my eyes widen. To see most of the founders of the Justice League trying to bring down Lex Luthor is what i've been waiting for. This sounds a bit off topic, but making a live action Justice League show would definitely make me have a reason to shove everything that i usually do during the week down the drain just to watch one episode. This is the thrill i got from watching this episode. I wish they had made this episode a little longer, like a two hour special, because i felt that one hour of the Justice League wasn't enough. Now before i bore you (unless i already have with my rambling) i just want to say, Smallville is cool again. It sort of lost its touch when the show started focusing on Lana. But i'm sure the writers will just fall back into that loop hole. :( So enjoy this episode. Who knows when another good one's going to come out. Catch it again this Thursday, Feb. 22, if you missed the first airing.
Smallville: Mercy (2006)
If your a huge Saw fan...
...then don't watch this episode. It will make you a bit mad. It is a complete ripoff of the gruesome trilogy known as Saw. I thought the dialogue was a bit over dramatic, the "tasks" that Lionel was required to do were a bit simple compared to what Jigsaw could've come up with. Though i will say that this episode is better then watching Lana becoming a vampire. Or Lana taking up most of the screen time. So, even if this episode is a ripoff, give it a chance. I for one liked it. Oh and the reason why i think this episode is probably one of season 5's best, is because we see Lionel complete his turn from the side of evil. (i could've said dark side, but i'm not Darth Vader)Our thoughts about Lionel being pure evil changes, and we see him turn from selfish to selfless. So all in all, decent episode. Better then watching Lana whine about not knowing Clarks deep secrets. Give it a chance.