Three Reviews: Pirates, The Hangover, & Big Happy Family

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
This movie felt like the writers (Elliott & Rossio), desperate to squeeze out something of a working plot to appease the money hungry producers, grabbed the script of The Curse of the Black Pearl, threw in some mermaids and called it a day. Stranger Tides is one giant gimmick: a broken record of over-used cliches and forced one-liners. The introduction of Penelope Cruz as a love interest was some attempt to give Captain Jack a bit more depth, but even that could not save a film who desperately needed to give the franchise a sense of progression. As much as I hoped for Stranger Tides (under the direction of Rob Marshall) to harken back to the good ol' days of the first film, I was sorely disappointed to find that it was only a sub-par copy cat.




The Hangover: Part II
Speaking of copy cats, Part II should be the poster child. This film was almost unbearable. I could tell from the previews that it would adhere to the format of the first. Back then I appreciated it; I thought, why change a good thing? And then I sat down to watch it and realized that I was oh so wrong. Part II is like walking though a haunted house when all the lights are on. There is no anxious anticipation of what's around the corner because you can see it coming. And maybe the filmakers knew this, so instead of producing something clever, they took the time to devise ways to make it more vulgar and uncomfortable. Save yourself the $10 and just sit on your couch and imagine that the first film took place in Bangkok instead of Vegas. You'll most likely have a more satisfying experience.




Madea's Big Happy Family
Tyler Perry's latest film made me laugh enough to stay seated. I think anyone who goes to see a Tyler Perry film already anticipates corny dialogue, long-running and obvious ad-libbing, and over-the-top situational drama. Big Happy Family is all of these elements plus a few highly annoying characters. But, having that anticpation makes the pill easier to swallow. Tyler Perry as Madea was the one saving grace of this Tyler Perry Tyler Perry Tyler Perry film. And, like I said, it made me laugh.







PLEASE NOTE: The Hangover: Part II is rated R for language, nudity, sexuality, etc.

Photo Credits: imdb.com

Review: Thor

I walked into the movie theater having no previous knowledge of the comic book hero that is Thor. I simply watched the trailers and found myself interested. I do enjoy comic book movies, and figured that in order to jump on the upcoming Avengers movie bandwagon, I needed to make it a point to see all of the films leading up to said future blockbuster.

Thor is one of those films that tends to suck you in. Just as the first three minutes go by and you find yourself asking, "Am I going to like this movie?", all of a sudden it's at the closing credits and your wishing it kept going. Unlike fellow future-Avenger Iron Man, Thor requires a more open mind and a willingness to accept that while it isn't plausible, it sure as heck is entertaining.

Directer Kenneth Branagh does three things very well with this film: (1) he properly balances the other-worldly elements of Thor's character and history with the more relatable earthly elements,(2) he keeps the momentum going, and (3) he keeps the characters focused on the situation at hand. Even in quiet moments between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane (Natalie Portman), it furthers their relationship and strengthens each characters purpose without sacrificing the pace of the plot.

And speaking of the characters, let me just take a minute to comment on the great cast. Thor is a character who could very easily become nothing more than a hulking beefcake that smashes things with a large hammer. Luckily, Chris Hemsworth plays Thor as the dynamic character he is, allowing audiences follow his transition from an arrogant would-be king, to a man dealing with his mistakes. Natalie Portman's Jane is lovable as all Portman characters generally are. Some would consider Jane to simply be the straight man to Thor's antics, but Portman brings a subtle bit of depth to Jane that makes her far less flat a character than another actor playing Jane could tend to make her. And then there's the great Anthony Hopkins as Odin, who is one of those actors who can just show up and do a good job and never really fail the character he plays.

I enjoyed this film. Like I said before, it takes a willingness to open up your imagination and appreciate it for what it is. Thor is well directed and well cast, and even hosts some of the most visually stunning scenes in any action/sci-fi film I've seen in quite a while. The sound design is brilliant, and could potentially become an Oscar contender for sound editing. The pace keeps your adrenaline going, and coupled with it's stunning visual effects, it sort of envelops you in the action as a well-made action movie should. It even caused a few guys sitting near us to yell out profanities in a sort-of "go get 'em!" type manner. Also, be sure a stay until after the credits for a fun little Avengers Easter Egg...



Photo & Fact Credits: imdb.com

An Oldie but a Goodie: Sunset Boulevard

It's a Saturday afternoon and you're planning on staying in the for the evening. You know you want to rent a movie and sit on the couch in your pajamas, but you can't quite decide what you're in the mood to watch. I suggest you take my advice and rent Sunset Boulevard. It's a classic film that won three Academy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the best films of all time. If you're not one to choose a black-and-white oldie, this is a perfect time and a perfect film to start with. A film about Hollywood and its toll on one of its former shining stars (played chillingly by the late great Gloria Swanson), Sunset takes your assumptions about what it was like during the "Golden Age" of Hollywood and turns it on its head. The film is fascinatingly modern in its themes, cinematically stunning, and is incredibly well-acted. Sunset Boulevard is well deserving of your Saturday night.



Photo Credit: moviezeal.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com