A4B4 Reviews

Robocars (2008– )

Fascinating chronicle of the future in the making

[9/10 · 8 August 2008]

Robocars follows a number of teams from preparation to competition in their endeavor to win DARPA's Urban Challenge--a contest to design a fully autonomous vehicle that can drive itself through an urban environment.

The series itself is well made, neither too long nor too short. To protect the intellectual rights of the teams, it doesn't go into too much detail. It is presented simply enough that anyone can understand, yet by its very nature will inspire even the most experienced engineers.

The bottom line: the DARPA Urban Challenge finally gets the attention it deserves. Robocars is a fascinating chronicle of the future in the making. Highly recommended for anyone with the slightest interest in robots or the future of the automotive industry.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Good But Moderately Over-Hyped

[8/10 · 28 July 2008]

The Dark Knight is a good film. All-the-way-around, it keeps the audience interested and is highly entertaining, decently thought-provoking, and very impressive from a technical standpoint.

The special effects are above average, although parts of it are a little below par and don't fit as seamlessly as we'd all like. The acting does not disappoint; as this film does not rely on the actors much, I have no complaints. Heath Ledger does a convincing job as the Joker, bringing new depth to the character--largely belittling the former Jack Nicholson Joker--however Heath's performance has likewise been moderately overrated. The plot is well-developed, above average for modern action flicks.

In many ways I believe it surpasses Batman Begins, and because of it the series still tops the comic-book adaptations. Tonally, it is the expected sequel. It is somewhat darker, but it continues Nolan's refreshing take on the Batman series. And with this latest addition, it makes all the other Batman films even more forgettable.

However, to say that The Dark Knight is the best film ever overlooks many other great films. Realistically, I would put it on the level of Jurassic Park, giving The Dark Knight a slight edge, but both deserving a spot among the top films in modern cinema.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

A 1950s Indy

[6/10 · 22 May 2008]

If you're expecting Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to be a fourth in the series, you'll be disappointed. The original three were set in the 1930s, looking for buried treasure in a Treasure of the Sierra Madre style. The new film is set in the 1950s, and that changes everything.

Frankly, it should be viewed as a new series. It certainly overlaps with the previous films, however most of that seems to affect the new film trivially. I actually think it's a little unfair to present this new type of film under the great Indiana Jones reputation, and however smart marketably I believe this, and the lack of understanding and inaccurate expectations on the audience's behalf will ultimately lead to the film's demise.

The film itself is well written, and well made with only a few exceptions. As long as you don't expect another Raiders of the Lost Ark, you'll probably be pleased with the film as it is, with the exception of one sequence which doesn't quite seem to fit. Beyond that, the plot, characters and acting all fit with this new kind of Indy film.

The cinematography is not the 80s style we'd probably all like, but it's not bad. The camera is certainly held much more stable than many of today's films, and the action is very clear and easy to follow, as is the stunt work great. There is a lot of computer animation--most of it looks believable, but some of it does not--but that which was done well fits superbly.

The acting was also very good. I was very impressed by Cate Blanchett, and to my surprise very pleased with Shia LeBeouf's character and acting.

All-in-all, I really appreciated the film as a whole, although some of the animation and action sequences seemed somewhat unfinished, or at least too difficult to believe (even for an Indy film). Still, it is an excellent 1950s serial, and I really hope we'll see at least one other Indy film set in this new era.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

A Good Star Wars Addition, Falls Short Of A Great Movie

[7/10 · 19 May 2005]

Sometime between Clones and Sith, I've gained a critical eye. To me, Sith was a minor let-down. It simply did not have the artistic elements I look for in movies now. As with the other prequels, holes can be shot in this story, and many of the characters' actions are not believable. The story had GREAT potential, and REALLY utilized most parts of this, however only after the viewer had read between the lines and patched up most of the holes themselves. (A long-time Star Wars fan will have no problem justifying almost any part of the movie, but typical movie fans will have some problems.) Furthermore, the scenes were over-exaggerated, a trend which has struck Hollywood recently much to my disliking. I go to the movies to watch movies, not to simulate rollercoasters as we whip the camera around a battlefield.

However, who in their right mind goes to Star Wars to look purely at the cinematography!? Star Wars is still arguably the most fun series to hit Hollywood. Despite the major differences in technology and style between the original trilogy and the prequels, Sith does a REMARKABLE job connecting the two. In fact, as a film-making enthusiast, I CANNOT IMAGINE they could have made a better transition. It's just unfortunate George Lucas decided to make Episodes I and II SO different from the original trilogy.

All in all, good story (if you're willing to do some work and justify its weak points), GREAT POTENTIAL (will stimulate your imagination, even if only to supplement Sith's shortcomings), and altogether an almost perfect transition between new and old. Still, it falls short of being a GREAT film.

I will also add, young, curious, eager minds will gladly devour Sith, for accompanying Sith's potential is the ability to read between the lines and develop your own conjectures and answers--a feeling I've not felt since...Empire!

8/10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Respect

[28 February 2003]

While this film may be a great deal fantasy, I cannot help but appraise this film for finally drawing sympathy for people like John Nash. I am close to people like this and always felt it really sad that these people try so hard and are not even known, but instead thought crazy. I still find it fascinating how the mind thinks for multiple people. Sure, there were some flaws and it could be improved, but at least it is a start. Before this, few people really knew how hard emotionally it is for schizophrenics, and even now most people don't see the difficulty. The visual hallucinations are exaggerated, but these people really believe these hallucinations are real, so likewise the film makes you believe they are real also. Anyways, I'm glad to see someone finally take the time to show how much these people go through.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

The second installment in a new kind of series, but still with a touch of World War II allusions.

[7/10 · 3 January 2003]

Star Wars Episode II is definitely a part of the same series as the Phantom Menace. I particularly liked this film, but I do not know if it can compare with the original Star Wars Triology. I'm not saying it is worse, in my opinion it is just as good, but there is a difference. When Star Wars came out, it was the first of its kind. No one had ever imagined something like that. They took the technology of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and added the action of a Western Film, with a touch of World War II evident in battle sequences, technology, and especially the Storm Trooper's Uniforms.

Well times have now changed. Newer films are going more for action and special effects. The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones are a new series. Most people would not deny that if Star Wars A New Hope were to be released in today's world, it wouldn't get too much attention. It would be too slow. Well, many people want Attack of the Clones, I guess, to be revolutionary too, just like Star Wars. And if you look closely, it is...

Look beyond... it is amazing how this was coordinated. Romance is mixed in to strengthen the original three films, and to show the position of Darth Vader later in his life. Most Star Wars fans would admit it is quite fun seeing all the allusions to the original three films. But what I find most entertaining is the allusions to the World Wars. If you've studied World War II, and I mean really studied it, to the point you can truly call yourself a World War II buff, you'd see what I mean. I don't want to spoil all the allusions, but just like the original three, so far, all of the Star Wars films have had this element. If you have recognized some of these allusions and would like to discuss them, or would like to see some of them, feel free to email me.

P.S. I don't think the acting is bad at all. It is just not what you would have expected in the original trilogy. But like I said, times have changed, and this is a brand new kind of series adjusted to this time. This is still a very high quality of work, still monumental, and yes, still a breakthrough in technology and in technique. It's worth seeing, especially if you're a World War II buff.

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992 Video Game)

Gripping... a quality game

[27 December 2002]

One of the things I like most about this game, and the reason I like this over any other game, is the completely different storylines. Depending on what you say, you'll either find yourself fighting everyone, outsmarting everyone, or working with your partner. This game had three completely different stories, each fit to be a movie, and the graphics for the time it was released are astounding. I also like the comments the characters would often say, and the manner in which it was programmed. I only wish more games, now with newer graphics, could be like this.