Movie Review: Green Lantern 3D

Synopsis:

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. -- (C) Warner Bros

Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: Martin Campbell
Written By: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green (VII), Marc Guggenheim, Michael Goldenberg

Casts:

Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern
Peter Sarsgaard as Dr. Hector Hammond
Tim Robbins as Senator Hammond
Blake Lively as Carol Ferris

REVIEW:

I actually find Green Lantern 3D to be OKAY. I mean, before I somehow wasted my money for to watch it on 3D, I was already warned with spoiler alerts that this film is bad. Actually, Green Lantern 3D is a feel-good movie that failed to capture its viewers in an point of view of what is like to be a SUPERHERO and what is like to be fully human.

The story itself is thinly written and conceptualized. I see no in-depth approach in the scheme of the whole film. It is just like, from nowhere, a Pilot was given a ring by a Green Lantern. Then, suddenly giving him instant powers that the ring possesses. It is very shallow and uninteresting to grasp the film's premise.

The story lacks captivity and emotional aspect. Action scenes were okay but more or less not great as other Sci-Fi movies such as Spiderman. Visuals were also good but it is becoming too CGI and unrealistic. Somehow, it is kinda lame to watch since everything you see were more or less on green screen. It is overly produced and edited that even human beings look like a CGI reel.

Acting was also average. Credits to Ryan's charm and ability to adapt to the character of Green Lantern in this film. Some supporting characters were also good. But, it doesn't save much on the film's weakness. And that is, the lack of EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT as a SUPERHERO and as a HUMAN BEING.

Climax was somehow ANTI-CLIMATIC since I have seen less action and fight scenes. They were no major fight scenes in the whole film that would somehow let you feel the greatness and the power of Green Lantern. Although, the power of the ring lies in the character's determination and courage... The director failed to creatively play and twist the film with superb visual effects and deeper plot scheme.

Although, the film has a combination of humor and modern stuffs that deliberately let its viewers be mesmerized for the entire 2 hours... and the 3D was great on some points and scenes but for budget-conscious, it wouldn't make you any less than a person to be entertained with this film even on a 2D or less.

I really commend Ryan Reynolds in this film, but I was expecting it to be more action-packed and creatively done so that it could be at par with other D.C or even Marvel Comics adaptation films.

What is just disappointing is that GREEN LANTERN invested much with its TRAILERS for few months, only to offer with us with a near-to-be-substandard superhero film that wouldn't even leave a lasting impression.

RATINGS: 3.5 STARS

Movie Review: Scream 4

Synopsis:

In Scream 4, Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (played by Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger. -- (C) Dimension

Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Horror
Directed By: Wes Craven
Written By: Kevin Williamson

Casts:

Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed
David Arquette as Dewey Riley
Emma Roberts as Jill
Rory Culkin as Charlie Walker

REVIEW:

Whats your favorite Horror Movie? (SCRATCHY VOICE)

I just love the way SCREAM 4 Re-invented and Re-incarnated this SLASHER Franchise that made a cut and a trend among all other genre-related films. I mean, I really admire the prowess of Wes Craven in such franchise and outfit. Considering, from a disappointing SCREAM 3, about 10 years ago, here comes the MODERNIZED VERSION of the film that changed the concept of SUSPENSE and THRILLS.

I heard and read many bad reviews about Scream 4. But, in fairness, it received a ABOVE AVERAGE Rate in the Tomato Meter. Maybe, they were expecting too much. But I think, SCREAM 4 is as good as its own FORMS. Yes, it is a SUSPENSE FILM, but adding humors and clever kills, will make SCREAM MOVIES at par with any other.

I think the film's strength lies to its CHARACTERS. Sydney is back along with Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley. It is so refreshing to see the 3 Original Casts of the Trilogy back and reunited after 10 years. The caliber is still there. The film may show age among its predecessors, but Scream 4 Re-Invents the plot into a whole new level and depth. Other characters just like Hayden P. and Emma R., and others, were also a good addition to the cast. Bringing spice and crisp to the modernized version.

Scream 4 may have flaws in its genre but Craven's spark will always be there. Leaving you an impression of whose the killer plus clever kills and humors that were indeed a SCREAM FRANCHISE MARK.

The whole plot revolved around the life of Sydney after 10 years and now that she is back to Woodsboro, where it all began. The cinematography of the film was good. Killing Scenes are okay, far better compared with the old franchise death scenes. What made it good is a twist of modern techniques especially in the scenes where you here Scream's Scratchy voice.

The twist was more or less predictable but wasn't obvious at all.I wasn't expecting who the killer was. The plot will somehow bring you in a merry-go-round mode and having some chills and thrills, but it is just a quarter of what SCREAM MOVIE nowadays has to offer. I am expecting much actually. But, on its own terms, SCREAM 4 is way above the cut.

For me, it satisfied my hunger for SLASHER/SUSPENSE/THRILLER film that has a twist of meta humors and re-invented plot schemes.


RATINGS: 4 STARS

Movie Review: SUPER 8

Synopsis:

Writer/director J.J. Abrams teams with producer Steven Spielberg for this period sci-fi thriller set in the late '70s, and centering on a mysterious train crash in a small Ohio town. Summer, 1979: a group of young friends are filming a Super-8 movie when a pickup truck derails a speeding train. When the locals start to disappear and even the inquisitive deputy can't come up with answers, suspicions emerge that the incident was anything but an accident. As the truth finally begins emerge, no one is prepared to learn what now stalks the unsuspecting citizens of this once quiet community. Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: J.J. Abrams
Written By: J.J. Abrams

CHARACTERS:

Elle Fanning - Alice Dainar
Kyle Chandler - Jackson Lamb
Noah Emmerich - Nelec
Joel Courtney - Joe Lamb
Gabriel Basso - Martin

REVIEW:

With less expectations at all due to several spoiler alerts... I found SUPER 8 as a good flick and yet it doesn't stop from considering this film as one of Spielberg's underdog produced films.

Truly, I thought JJ Abrams and Spielberg is a great combo for such MYSTERY-CREATURE-FANTASY film just like War of the Worlds and many others.

Actually, the film as a good as it is in less than 2 hours. The premise may have started with blank and clueless impression where did the alien came from... But, what captured my heart is the emotional path the film delivers to its audience. It may not be as extraordinary and outstanding, but the story itself and how the characters especially the children relate with each other; is the film's STRENGTH.

I really commend all the child actors and actresses in the film. They were consistent, funny and effective. I mean, it may not be a holistic and child-friendly film, but their acting and connection, saved the film's empty premise and loop holes at some point.

However, I came to realize, that SUPER 8 is not totally about Aliens. The story is all about their life and experiences during this hardest times. I see their ambitions and aspirations in coming up with a flick. Its not just more about alien invasions, but the story digs down with a deeper thematic scheme.

I also commend the Production Design of the film which dated back at the 1970's. I really can see the big-budgeted set in terms of costumes, effects and other stuffs. I liked the totality of the Cinematography and Editing. The Alien thing is also greatly done. I mean, minimal flaws in terms of visual editing are apparent but not that notable. The action and battle scenes were superb.

The films genre and mood sets you into childhood romance and life, a twist of comedy and a run of thrills and chills.

It may leave with you with questions, but what saved the whole flick from being a trash is a great Combination of SOUND, VISUAL, PRODUCTION and MOOD Set-up of the film.

This may not be a film that would leave a mark to its viewers, but SUPER 8 is definitely, worth your money and popcorn.

RATINGS: 4 STARS

Movie Review: X-Men First Class

Synopsis:

X-Men: First Class unveils the epic beginning of the X-Men saga - and a secret history of the Cold War and our world at the brink of nuclear Armageddon. As the first class discovers, harnesses, and comes to terms with their formidable powers, alliances are formed that will shape the eternal war between the heroes and villains of the X-Men universe. -- (C) Fox

Genre: Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Written By: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn, Sheldon Turner

Casts:

James McAvoy... Professor X
Michael Fassbender... Magneto
January Jones... Emma Frost
Rose Byrne... Dr. Moira MacTaggert
Oliver Platt.... Man in Black
Kevin Bacon.... Sebastian Shaw
Jennifer Lawrence .... Raven Darkholme

Review:

X-Men First Class is a WORTHY SEQUEL with Flaws!

I am not a fan of the X-Men Series but I heard bad reviews about the previous X-Men Movies adapted in the big screen. Yet. I gave chance to this Prequel, the X-Men First Class... and yet I was not disappointed at all.

I may not have the solid knowledge on X-Men Franchise but what sinks me the most was the cartoon I used to watch before.

X-Men First Class strength lies on the POWERFUL AND STRONG CAST and a STYLISH DIRECTION that made the prequel exciting and more or less, interesting. What I loved about the movie is that it goes to the heart of a teenager becoming a mutant and thriving to the be accepted by the society. They ended up being with other mutants who have a mutual feeling and united as one to protect each other. The plot itself is very understandable and easy to comprehend since they narrated it in the simplest way yet holding the cinematic value into a solid wrap.

The powerful cats lead by Professor X,James McAvoy and Kevin Beacon as Sebastian Shaw and Michael Fassbender as Magneto, along with other unfamiliar celebrities that brought able performances and appearances in the film. The characters in the story just blended with audiences' emotions of how its like to be different from the society. Thus, creating an effective tool for the film in order to submerge into the deeper aspect of the whole story.

The editing may have flaws but overall it was satisfying and thrilling. I just wanted the visual effects to be more solid and realistic next time. But I think they can work on a better CGI thing soon.

I also commend the setting and the production design which dated years ago. It really showed the movie did have a large expenditure on such aspect. It was very appropriate for the movie flashback on the World War 2, especially the Soviet Union thing. The timeline was very consistent all throughout the film. And of course, the COSTUMES were great also.

Overall, the prequel is worth-watching. Just add improvements on polishing the Visual Effects.

RATINGS: 4 STARS

Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda 2

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

Director: Jennifer Yuh
Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan

Voice Casting:

Jack Black ... Po (voice)
Angelina Jolie ... Tigress (voice)
Dustin Hoffman ... Shifu (voice)
Gary Oldman ... Shen (voice)
Jackie Chan ... Monkey (voice)

Synopsis:

Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.

REVIEW:

Basing on Animation and Story-wise, Kung Fu Panda 2 is over-all worth-watching.

I haven't watched the first Kung Fu Panda (seriously!) So, I won't make a review basing on its comparison but more so, a view of a first-timer. Kung Fu Panda was both visually entertaining and very appealing to youngsters. This movie has a great combination of humor, drama, comedy and intense action to sparkle your more or less one hour and half treat.

The film might be shorter than expected but it is very direct and the plot itself is strong that even first-timers could easily apprehend and understand the whole story. Indeed, Kung Fu Panda 2 can stand alone given the fact that its narrative content is clear and precise.

Although, at some point, some of the scenes were draggy and in exaggeration... its VISUALS and EFFECTS were superb enough to entertain your eyes all throughout the film.

The Voice Casting were also good... adding to the film's overall appeal. I commend Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and the rest of the voices behind the characters. They have given justice to each character...

Somehow, tt loses points for originality and freshness but it is beautifully animated and the voices are pitch perfect.

It is not the Best Animated Film for me... I think Rio is better than this one. But, this film is worth-watching. (That goes for me)

RATINGS: 4 STARS