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Reviews
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Exceeded My Expectations
A meaningless revisit of 1982's TRON with updated special effects was my worst fear going into seeing TRON: Legacy... and thirty minutes in this movie seemed to be just that. By this point the younger Flynn has been sucked into the grid (a disappointing two-second camera zoom effect when compared to the original's iconic sequence), initiated with his grid gear (awkward and overly geeky two-to-four minute sequence), and then forced to compete in the standard Frisbee and Light Cycle games (which aside from the awesome 'de-rezzing' effect upon death were pretty uninspiring... I actually preferred the original versions despite 'inferior' special effects.) It would have been nice if they went out on a limb here and tried to invent a few new games, but I suppose for an audience who has never seen the original its no big deal.
Thankfully, soon after, Flynn meets his father and the movie's purpose is finally revealed. A father and son wishy-washy story? Thank God no! But rather the origins of the main villain Clu, the events that led to the disappearance of the father, and the origin of the movie's heroine. Its a compelling back-story that takes the TRON universe to a whole new level. Accompanied by the soundtrack of Daft Punk, some quick hitting scenes, and some sexy vixens in skin tight spandex the movie from here on out seems to fly by towards its climatic ending. Certainly didn't feel like two hours.
All said and done I thought this movie was great and to my surprise I enjoyed it more than the first. Definitely one of my favorites of 2010. Only problem? Its over and I'm left wanting more TRON!
P.S. I saw this movie in the traditional 2D format.
The Room (2003)
Worst movie of all time? Not even close.
Tommy Wiseau definitely delivers a memorable performance... no doubt about that.
Unfortunately, when Wiseau isn't on screen the movie is pretty boring. The camera work and other actors are surprisingly decent for the most part so there isn't a great deal to enjoy while waiting for The Legend to get back.
So unless you plan on getting high or hammered for the night don't attempt to watch the entire 99-minute movie as I did. Instead just Youtube it. You'll get the full Wiseau Experience, but in 1/10th the time.
P.S. If you are wondering why I said this isn't close to being the worst movie of all time... its because this kind of stuff airs all the time on Cinemax (soft-core late night movies).
Coronado (2003)
The Librarian
I'd compare this film to the made-for-TV movies by TNT titled, "The Librarian" (Quest for the Spear, etc). Like that series this movie contains:
- Relatively unknown actors; often nonsensical plot twists; cheesy dialogue; and out-of-place, over-the-top special effects.
Yet somehow, like the Librarian TV-movies, it had enough entertainment value to keep me sticking around to see it to its end. Granted I have no plans to ever watch it again, but to see a movie of this budget produce the effects it did made me glad I watched it.
If you are expecting blockbuster quality steer clear you will be very disappointed, but if you can accept it as more of a campy made-for-TV type movie and understand it only cost 5$M give it a peek.. you might just be impressed too.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Surprised, ofttimes entertained, but ultimately disappointed.
The biggest box office flop of all-time. Its curiosity from that fact that drove me to finally watch this movie 15-years after its original release and is probably why most of you are here reading this review. Curious to how a movie involving pirates with a ~100$M budget and a seemingly attractive name like "Cutthroat Island" could fail so spectacularly. Below are my impressions:
- Geena Davis (main actress): B-list quality. Relatively physically unattractive, ofttimes robotic in delivery of lines (sometimes the result of poor dialogue by the writers), emotionally detached (seems to lack facial expressions except when smiling), and amateurish acting in a lot of the earlier scenes (being out-acted by a monkey is not a good way to start off a movie). She also had the weight of stigmas regarding the believability of a female captain commanding ship and crew to contend with (see Keira Knightley's later performance in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean; awkwardly unbelievable doesn't begin to describe her attempts to play captain). However, against these odds a more convincing female captain I cannot imagine (when she isn't forced to deliver corny one liners). She manages to retain a feminine quality while simultaneously displaying tomboyish and oft crude mannerisms that make her character very believable whether issuing commands, wielding a gun/sword, or performing one of the movies many stunts. She quickly makes gender a non-issue (no easy feat) and I actually found myself having a great time watching this movie and her role as it went on.
- Matthew Modine: Bottom-of-the-barrel actor as many reviews describe him when compared to whom the director preferred to play the leading male (Tom Cruise, et al). Personally, I found him to be one of the easier characters to like, often providing some humor to an otherwise serious cast. His performance and appearance reminds me of Cary Elwes in Princess Bride.
- Cinematography: The movie is shot with a raw-like quality that seems to be lacking polish or post-production touch-up. Released in 1995, but feels like your watching something from the late 70s-early 80s. Relies on traditional pyrotechnics and stunt work as opposed to fancy CGI effects. While originally apprehensive I soon found this style a bit refreshing as it gave a more ad-hoc feel akin to things like "The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" (Youtube it!). In addition, it made for a few unintentionally funny moments like Modine getting clubbed over the head during an escape sequence with a flying barrel from an ill-planned explosion effect? Unfortunately, this form soon showed its limitations. The naval battle at the end is a prime example. Beyond belief is probably the best way to describe it. Two ships at pointblank range broadsiding each other for 5-mins and no visible damage aside from a few makeshift fire-pits on the deck? Yikes! It destroyed the mood and brought my excitement level to a screeching halt, which was finally beginning to recover after the disappointing treasure discovery scenes (scenes where unrealistic extravagance was sorely needed). To say the entire ending was botched is an understatement. It was embarrassingly executed visually and continuity-wise especially considering its budget and 1995 release date. A lot of the blame can be placed on poor script and stunt planning. Watching Captain Morgan and Dawg awkwardly climb the mast for dramatic effect or conveniently place ammunitions topped off with an out of character, "Bad Dog!" one liner was just one of many things that left me scratching my head.
In the end I'd say some of this movies most endearing qualities were the very things that limited its potential to attract an audience or deliver in key moments. Its truly a shame as this movie had the potential to be so much more. Despite its shortcomings, however, I was entertained and impressed far more than I ever imagined when I sat down to watch the biggest box-office bust of all-time and would recommend at least one viewing even if it means having to sit through its cheese-ball ending.