I did not realize that The Lone Ranger was going to be funny until I was sitting there watching. Johnny Depp in a different incarnation as Tonto, but still managing to get the lines delivered with the same facial expression (except his eyes) the whole way through.
I was not over enthusiastic about seeing this movie, but there was no other that I wanted to see last night, so after a lovely Steak and Salad dinner, off my movie friend Trish and go. Within the first five minutes I was glad I was there. Armie Hammer, as the righteous about legalities and justice fits the bill, as he slowly realizes the wild west is still wild and justice is a different thing. The show definitely goes to Johnny Depp though, with his white and black face, although the white horse - Silver - is really good and such a comic.
Johnny Depp as Tonto tells the story of how he and The Lone Ranger meet and what follows as they go from one 'screw up' to another, yet some how in the end - they win! Heigh Ho Silver.
The cast support with William Fichtner as the bad guy (a really bad guy) Tom Wilkinson as his bad big shot partner, and Helena Bonham Carter doing her usual great work as the 'madam'.
If you want to laugh (not as much as The Heat) but laugh, and have an enjoyable few hours, except when the Gatling gun comes out against the Comanches. I hate those Gatling guns in movies and seeing how they just mowed everyone down. Other than that, it was funny, cute and oh yes, the good guys win and The Lone Ranger is born.
3 out of 5.
PS. I recently have seen William Fichtner in a new TV show called Crossing Lines. I have enjoyed it and that's how I recognized him, after only seeing him for two week. Keep you eye out for the TV Show Crossing Lines. If you like adventure, solving crimes (with an international twist) then this is well done. Interesting characters in it.
PPS. I had to look up Harmie Hammer, his face was not familiar to me. He's done quite a bit of work in both TV and Movies, but, most of the movies I have not seen, and if I did, I did not recognize him.
PPPS. Johnny Depp surprised me how well he did this role.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
World War Z movie review
After watching the trailers and discovering World War Z was a movie about Zombies, I had decided not to go see this movie. I found the scenes in the trailers disturbing and I'm not interested in Zombies. Therefore, when the weather changed yesterday and I did not quite know what to do with myself, I decided to go see World War Z. I'm glad I did.
Sometimes, as with After Earth, a statement made during the movie, makes it worth while, and the same with this one. Brad Pitt, was behind this movie, he coproduced and starred in it. Apparently, the love of Zombies by his boys was the motivator. The statement, that came quite early in the movie was about the way Mother Earth shows the way to solve these viruses or whatever else that gets thrown at us. A bright thought, amongst a growing thought form of world dissemination.
Another reason why I did not want to go and see this movie, was that the scenes I had seen in the trailers disturbed me, when seen in context of the movie were not so bad, in fact, explained a lot of what was happening. It was an interesting theme. As I'm not interested in Zombies, I most certainly had not read the book, and not listened or read anything about the movie. I was an open book to the theme. Brad Pitt, a retired UN worker, who had been in many situations is called upon to help find the original source of this 'virus' which was creating these zombies. When a Zombie bit you, you had 13 seconds before you transformed into one.
Brad Pitt's character Gerry Lane leaves his family, wife played by Mireille Enos from the TV show The Killing, and his two daughters plus a boy, who had joined them, on a boat while he goes off to find how to 'cure' this Zombie outbreak. He is running out of time, as countries fall to the Zombie phenomena.
If you want an adrenal rush this is the movie. Wow, I was aware I was tense, especially when you realize noise is a factor which attracts them. I was also in awe of the large overhead shots of numerous people's running, pushing, shoving. I wondered if it was computer generated or real. They were impressive whichever way they were done. Also the scenes of the zombies rushing towards the car, plane or high wall, again adrenal pumping. Well done make up department and director. World War Z is something Brad Pitt can be proud of. He achieved an action, intense, movie while discovering how to overcome Zombies.
The comments Brad Pitt makes at the end of the movie, were also worth hearing. Thoughtful comments for us to think about. Unfortunately, I found them not easy to hear, and I wanted to hear them. I'm not prepared to go and see the movie again just to find out exactly how the words went, but those that I caught, were worthwhile hearing. So when at the movie, listen hard at the end for the thoughtful thoughts.
I also want to make a comment, after reading Dan Brown's Inferno where the thought of wiping out the population by 1/3 at least is prominent, and now this movie about Zombie's taking over and again in essence wiping us out, I cant help but think this 'thought form' of something coming to decimate our population is growing. Aware that books and movies take a number of years of write and make this thought form is growing. Awareness is important, as collective consciousness of thought is what drives a society, and acceptance of a 'virus' taking out many of us to 'cull' us because of over population has been growing. Just be aware, both Dan Brown's book, and this movie are a part of this thought form.
World War Z 3 1/2 out of 5.
Sometimes, as with After Earth, a statement made during the movie, makes it worth while, and the same with this one. Brad Pitt, was behind this movie, he coproduced and starred in it. Apparently, the love of Zombies by his boys was the motivator. The statement, that came quite early in the movie was about the way Mother Earth shows the way to solve these viruses or whatever else that gets thrown at us. A bright thought, amongst a growing thought form of world dissemination.
Another reason why I did not want to go and see this movie, was that the scenes I had seen in the trailers disturbed me, when seen in context of the movie were not so bad, in fact, explained a lot of what was happening. It was an interesting theme. As I'm not interested in Zombies, I most certainly had not read the book, and not listened or read anything about the movie. I was an open book to the theme. Brad Pitt, a retired UN worker, who had been in many situations is called upon to help find the original source of this 'virus' which was creating these zombies. When a Zombie bit you, you had 13 seconds before you transformed into one.
Brad Pitt's character Gerry Lane leaves his family, wife played by Mireille Enos from the TV show The Killing, and his two daughters plus a boy, who had joined them, on a boat while he goes off to find how to 'cure' this Zombie outbreak. He is running out of time, as countries fall to the Zombie phenomena.
If you want an adrenal rush this is the movie. Wow, I was aware I was tense, especially when you realize noise is a factor which attracts them. I was also in awe of the large overhead shots of numerous people's running, pushing, shoving. I wondered if it was computer generated or real. They were impressive whichever way they were done. Also the scenes of the zombies rushing towards the car, plane or high wall, again adrenal pumping. Well done make up department and director. World War Z is something Brad Pitt can be proud of. He achieved an action, intense, movie while discovering how to overcome Zombies.
The comments Brad Pitt makes at the end of the movie, were also worth hearing. Thoughtful comments for us to think about. Unfortunately, I found them not easy to hear, and I wanted to hear them. I'm not prepared to go and see the movie again just to find out exactly how the words went, but those that I caught, were worthwhile hearing. So when at the movie, listen hard at the end for the thoughtful thoughts.
I also want to make a comment, after reading Dan Brown's Inferno where the thought of wiping out the population by 1/3 at least is prominent, and now this movie about Zombie's taking over and again in essence wiping us out, I cant help but think this 'thought form' of something coming to decimate our population is growing. Aware that books and movies take a number of years of write and make this thought form is growing. Awareness is important, as collective consciousness of thought is what drives a society, and acceptance of a 'virus' taking out many of us to 'cull' us because of over population has been growing. Just be aware, both Dan Brown's book, and this movie are a part of this thought form.
World War Z 3 1/2 out of 5.
The Heat Movie Review
What a combination of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy in The Heat. Sandra Bullock at her best as the uptight FBI agent and Melissa McCathy as the foul-mouthed, hard edged policewoman. If you want to laugh, and can over look the language then this is the movie for you. I don't think I have laughed so much for a long time. Now, I admit I'm a situational comedy person, and do not like other comedy, once get used to Melissa McCathy's character, then it is hilarious.
The journey these two individuals take, as they partner on a case, applying The Heat, is what makes this funny. As the uptight Bullock unwinds some, and the hard edged McCarthy becomes more soft is what makes this movie work. The bar scene is phenomenally funny. Also, the family dinner scene, reminded me of some scenes I experienced myself occasionally with family dinners (everyone talking over each other - no one listening). Mind you we did not use the language or the put downs that go on in this movie.
I also have to give a shout out to the handsome Marlon Wayans. I did not realize how good looking he is. I want to see more of him for sure (my old age fantasies coming out -- but heh, he looked gooood!)
Yes, this is a movie you go to laugh, not for much else except the bad guys get it, some others die on the way and the 'good ones' come out on top.
I have to mention, I had two very young boys sitting beside me. I would say they would have been six and eight thereabouts. The topic, never mind the language, so often sexual in reference I found I was uncomfortable for them. The younger one laughed at the slap stick stuff, the older one I felt was lost trying to figure everything out. This is an adult movie, not for little kids. Why don't parents check these things out and just because its a comedy doesn't mean it is for little kids. (Especially when Monsters University was also on in another theatre).
Therefore, to laugh and enjoy go see The Heat!
4 out of 5.
The journey these two individuals take, as they partner on a case, applying The Heat, is what makes this funny. As the uptight Bullock unwinds some, and the hard edged McCarthy becomes more soft is what makes this movie work. The bar scene is phenomenally funny. Also, the family dinner scene, reminded me of some scenes I experienced myself occasionally with family dinners (everyone talking over each other - no one listening). Mind you we did not use the language or the put downs that go on in this movie.
I also have to give a shout out to the handsome Marlon Wayans. I did not realize how good looking he is. I want to see more of him for sure (my old age fantasies coming out -- but heh, he looked gooood!)
Yes, this is a movie you go to laugh, not for much else except the bad guys get it, some others die on the way and the 'good ones' come out on top.
I have to mention, I had two very young boys sitting beside me. I would say they would have been six and eight thereabouts. The topic, never mind the language, so often sexual in reference I found I was uncomfortable for them. The younger one laughed at the slap stick stuff, the older one I felt was lost trying to figure everything out. This is an adult movie, not for little kids. Why don't parents check these things out and just because its a comedy doesn't mean it is for little kids. (Especially when Monsters University was also on in another theatre).
Therefore, to laugh and enjoy go see The Heat!
4 out of 5.
White House Down Movie Review
I admit I'm a Channing Tatum fan. I also admit I had a lot of criticism on the 'other White House' movie 'Olympus Has Fallen'. So I was a little bit hesitant going to see Channing Tatum along with Jamie Foxx, and Maggie Gyllenhaal in White House Down. I did not want to have to sit through another take down the White House movie which had me thinking of all sorts of other things.
I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED - IT WAS GOOD!
This movie was about an insider, a close to the president insider, upset and wanting revenge. Its an unlikely theme, but doable, therefore, it made it more real. I found the acting great, I found the theme acceptable, I found the comic relief wonderful. Some of the lines which Tatum and Fox exchanged were great. When you are tense from the action, there is nothing like a line being delivered which breaks the tension, before adding more. Maggie Gyllenhaal, did her usual great job. She has become a wonderful character actress and I predict a long career for her as she gets better and better. Jamie Fox carried off his role with his usual ease, but for me Channing Tatum was the 'star', he had the larger role, and he did it wonderfully, I read where he did most of his stunts, good on him, as some of them were difficult.
The only thing....when someone is shooting an automatic at you, why do directors believe that we don't know the hero would be hit. I found in this movie too many times automatic fire was all around our hero, and he was only grazed once. Come on!! But, unfortunately, that is a truth of action movies, and it does give the wrong impression to our impressionable youth. Bullets don't get you if you are fast. Oh yes they do, especially when the person shooting knows how to shoot. Movies are different than real life and flying bullets can hit you. Oh well, that rant is over. Back to the movie.
Want to see a movie which is entertaining and enjoyable in the action genre, then I think movie holds up well. If you are a Channing Tatum fan like me, then you will love this movie.
4 out of 5.
I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED - IT WAS GOOD!
This movie was about an insider, a close to the president insider, upset and wanting revenge. Its an unlikely theme, but doable, therefore, it made it more real. I found the acting great, I found the theme acceptable, I found the comic relief wonderful. Some of the lines which Tatum and Fox exchanged were great. When you are tense from the action, there is nothing like a line being delivered which breaks the tension, before adding more. Maggie Gyllenhaal, did her usual great job. She has become a wonderful character actress and I predict a long career for her as she gets better and better. Jamie Fox carried off his role with his usual ease, but for me Channing Tatum was the 'star', he had the larger role, and he did it wonderfully, I read where he did most of his stunts, good on him, as some of them were difficult.
The only thing....when someone is shooting an automatic at you, why do directors believe that we don't know the hero would be hit. I found in this movie too many times automatic fire was all around our hero, and he was only grazed once. Come on!! But, unfortunately, that is a truth of action movies, and it does give the wrong impression to our impressionable youth. Bullets don't get you if you are fast. Oh yes they do, especially when the person shooting knows how to shoot. Movies are different than real life and flying bullets can hit you. Oh well, that rant is over. Back to the movie.
Want to see a movie which is entertaining and enjoyable in the action genre, then I think movie holds up well. If you are a Channing Tatum fan like me, then you will love this movie.
4 out of 5.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
After Earth movie review
I was not sure I wanted to see After Earth. Watching the previews with these large animals wanting to 'kill' humans I knew I would be frightened etc. But, go see it I did and although I covered my eyes in certain scenes, and definitely had adrenalin racing through my veins, I was glad to see it mostly because of the discourse that Will Smith, who is listed as writing this movie, gives on FEAR!! It's brilliant and worth seeing just for that as he teaches his son, Kitai played by his real life son Jaden about how not to exhibit fear. A lesson which gets learned by the end of the movie. They way Will explains fear is exactly how I teach it, but delivered so well.
Their spaceship is wrecked on earth, a place where humans no longer live, but animals who hunt them do. Cypher, Will Smith is injured so his young teenage son has to travel 100 miles over rough terrain with very variable day/night temperatures to get a beacon from the other part of the space ship. The adventures he goes through is what the story is mainly about, with flashbacks to the death of his sister to aid the impact of the story. Young Jaden Smith, carries this movie and considering his age he does an incredible job. Will Smith's job as being the commander/father and learning about his son, who is strong minded and trying to impress him is truly a supporting role, done is the usual great Will Smith style.
If you like your adrenalin on high, action scenes with human fighting dangerous animals (even though animated) this is the movie to see. Don't take young children, its violent and scaring even for an adult like me.
Mostly through the discourse on FEAR is why to see this movie and what is learned and taught about FEAR is worth the journey.
3 1/2 out of 5.
Their spaceship is wrecked on earth, a place where humans no longer live, but animals who hunt them do. Cypher, Will Smith is injured so his young teenage son has to travel 100 miles over rough terrain with very variable day/night temperatures to get a beacon from the other part of the space ship. The adventures he goes through is what the story is mainly about, with flashbacks to the death of his sister to aid the impact of the story. Young Jaden Smith, carries this movie and considering his age he does an incredible job. Will Smith's job as being the commander/father and learning about his son, who is strong minded and trying to impress him is truly a supporting role, done is the usual great Will Smith style.
If you like your adrenalin on high, action scenes with human fighting dangerous animals (even though animated) this is the movie to see. Don't take young children, its violent and scaring even for an adult like me.
Mostly through the discourse on FEAR is why to see this movie and what is learned and taught about FEAR is worth the journey.
3 1/2 out of 5.
Epic - movie review
I am amazed these days when I go to see an animated movie how real they make everything and Epic is the same. Except for the gliding walk it could be real people and animals you are watching. Epic most definitely has an appeal for both adults and children alike.
The story of Mary Katherine (MK) who is voiced by Amanda Seyfried who gets shrunk by the Queen of the jungle and then spends time saving the forest. She hooks up with Josh Hutcherson - Nod and other Leafmen in their battle against Mandrake voiced by Chrisoph Waltz the evil one who wants to destroy the forest. Beyoncé is the voice of the Forest Queen, while Colin Farrell is her protector/friend.
This is a cute movie with the age old, good versus evil story. It moves quite quickly from scene to scene, with a lot of birds and other animals flying around carrying the fighting armies plus Nod and MK.
I think this might be a bit frightening for young children, but eight and above should enjoy it immensely. I know the Dad sitting just down from me was laughing out loud several times and in one place a young boy sitting two rows down from me was up and jumping up and down with excitement. Fun for the family!!!
3 out of 5.
The story of Mary Katherine (MK) who is voiced by Amanda Seyfried who gets shrunk by the Queen of the jungle and then spends time saving the forest. She hooks up with Josh Hutcherson - Nod and other Leafmen in their battle against Mandrake voiced by Chrisoph Waltz the evil one who wants to destroy the forest. Beyoncé is the voice of the Forest Queen, while Colin Farrell is her protector/friend.
This is a cute movie with the age old, good versus evil story. It moves quite quickly from scene to scene, with a lot of birds and other animals flying around carrying the fighting armies plus Nod and MK.
I think this might be a bit frightening for young children, but eight and above should enjoy it immensely. I know the Dad sitting just down from me was laughing out loud several times and in one place a young boy sitting two rows down from me was up and jumping up and down with excitement. Fun for the family!!!
3 out of 5.
Now You See Me - movie review
Now You See Me, is a movie worth going to see. Why? because it is not like any other movie you have seen, it has magic, it has a most unexpected ending, and it is well acted. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. I sat there mesmerized by the story unfolding before me.
Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco play their roles wonderfully well. Woody as the elder statesmen and mentalist of the group, Jesse as the arrogant magician, Isla has the previous assistant to Jesse, but is now an escape artist and Dave who plays the young thief magician.
Then Mark Ruffalo as the FBI agent who is trying to capture these four as they steal a bank, from Paris, France no less and then give the money to the audience, plus other similar escapades.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the four main actors, and that means the writers did their job.
The direction was good, because as I said, it kept my attention right to the very end. I wanted more, I wanted to see some clips at the end (which more and more movies do these days) but no, the end was the end. For a few hours of entertainment, because that is what it is, an entertainment movie, then go see this. Enjoy!
4 out of 5.
Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco play their roles wonderfully well. Woody as the elder statesmen and mentalist of the group, Jesse as the arrogant magician, Isla has the previous assistant to Jesse, but is now an escape artist and Dave who plays the young thief magician.
Then Mark Ruffalo as the FBI agent who is trying to capture these four as they steal a bank, from Paris, France no less and then give the money to the audience, plus other similar escapades.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the four main actors, and that means the writers did their job.
The direction was good, because as I said, it kept my attention right to the very end. I wanted more, I wanted to see some clips at the end (which more and more movies do these days) but no, the end was the end. For a few hours of entertainment, because that is what it is, an entertainment movie, then go see this. Enjoy!
4 out of 5.
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