Pleased

This week's Hollywood Bible reflection (Action Films) starts to make more sense as it is connected to the Sunday sermon at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.
"Pleased" text
"Pleased" podcast 

Skyfall

It's been quite some time since I've been to the movie theatre to see a current release.  Today seemed like a good day to break the September-Early November film fast I've been on.  I saw the latest Bond film.  Here's my short review

Vintage Bond is back -- and forth.

Here's a little more:

• This 007 movie has everything you love about Bond films.
• I think I have now decided that Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond (but Sean Connery is a close second)
• Javier Bardem is a very different Bond villian -- and it works fantastically.
• I first say Ben Whishaw in The Hour.  He is spectacular in this film
• All the characters are wonderfully done.  And there's a bonus character not played by any actor.  I loved the appearance of the 1965 Aston Martin DB5.

If you like Bond -- you'll love this film.  If you're not a Bond fan, it's still worth your time.

The Amazing Spiderman

I caught a "not opening day, but Friday nonetheless" matinee of the Spiderman reboot.  Here's my short review.

That was different. Not better - just different.

Here's a little more

• I really like the deeper exploration of the goodness and the darkness in the Spiderman character.  
• That said, the film left me wanting.  I wanted more of the new back story.  I wanted more from Peter Parker's parents.  I wanted more from his uncle and aunt.
• The special effects are seamless.  Well done.
• I liked each performance.  For this film I've got to name Emma Stone as the best presence, however.

This is a really good film  - worth seeing.  It's missing something -- I think it's further exploration of the newly revealed back stories.  I hope the next film goes deeper.

Rock of Ages

Cassie and I caught a Sunday afternoon showing of the new metal movie musical.  Here's my short review.

Great music.  Uneven film.

Here's a little more.

• Confession:  I didn't know this was a film based on a musical.  But 10 seconds into it, I thought, "This sure seems like a musical."
• More about uneven?  There are too many extended, uninteresting moments.  I'd lose interest and then be brought back by something fun.
• As good or bad as this film may be, it's best feature is Tom Cruise.  I didn't really like the film and I'd love to see it again just because of his performance.
• Come to think of it, I guess I liked everyone's performance. I just wasn't crazy about the film.

How's that for a "I didn't really like this, but somehow it's a good film - sort of" - review?

MIB3

I saw a Friday matinee of the "We better do this before people forget us" sequel from the MIB franchise.  Here's my short review.

Sometimes the third film is the best.  This is one of those times.

Here's a little more.

• Josh Brolin. Best thing about this movie.  Completely. Oscar-great.
• If this were a bad film, Josh Brolin's performance would make it worth seeing.
• The usual assortment of funny alien characters are there -- and they're funny.
• Best new alien character?  Michael Stuhlbarg's Griffin
• As fun and entertaining as this film is, I dare you not to cry a bit, too.

A franchise is reborn.  I can't wait for another installment.

Dark Shadows

My Mom wouldn't let me watch the gothic soap when I was younger.  I've seen precious little of the early Barnabas Collins TV show, but today Cassie and I went to see an opening day matinee of the newest Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, and their screen paramour Johnny Depp flick.  Here's my short review.

Delightful at times. Slow and labored at others. 

Here's a little more.

• The delightful bits?  Johnny Depp's Collins is worth watching throughout the whole film.  The soundtrack keeps you engaged when the actors do not.  
• Alice Cooper performing during the movie made everything completely worthwhile.
• Chloë Grace Moretz as Carolyn Stoddard?  She's plays Jack Donaghy's young nemesis in 30 Rock.  Nicely done.
• At one point during the movie, Cassie motioned that she was bored.  There are plenty of "It's OK to go to the restroom -- you won't miss much" times during the almost 2 hour runtime.

I've definitely endured worse.  But I've also seen much better.

Movies I'll probably see this summer

Well, the 'summer' movie season has been in gear for a bit, but here's my (annual?) list of upcoming movies I'd like to see.  If I do, I'll also probably post short reviews!  This year's list is heavy on expected blockbusters and doesn't have any "sleeper" films included.  I just haven't found one that looks like I'll see it in the theatre.  Maybe you can recommend some to me?

The Hunger Games    March 23  Saw it.  Loved it.
The Avengers    May 4  Saw it too.  Loved it too.
Dark Shadows    May 11 - Johnny Depp gives the horror soap the "Brady Bunch Movie" treatment?  I'm there!
MIB III    May 25 - I've been waiting for this one.  I hope it doesn't stink.  I fear it might.
Snow White & The Huntsman    June 1 - Can Kristen Stewart pull off a film that requires her to not be Bella?  I think she can.
Rock of Ages    June 15 - I know Tom Cruise can still act.  I want to hear him sing, too. (Will it be him singing?)
Brave    June 22 - Pixar.  'Nuff said.
The Amazing Spider-Man    July 6 - Reboot?  Again?  Why not.
The Dark Knight Rises    July 20 - May make me forget The Avengers
The Bourne Legacy    August 3 - I'm skeptical but curious
Total Recall    August 3  March 23 - I loved the original.  Please be good.

The Avengers

A Saturday matinee seemed appropriate to see the latest in the Marvel Superheroes Serials.  Here's my short review:

I loved this movie.

Here's a little more:

• If you're not familiar with the lead-up films to this one, pay close attention to the first 10-15 minutes.  If you are familiar, use that time to get re-acquainted and to rest for the ride that begins afterwards and lasts for the rest of the movie.
• Robert Downey jr.'s Tony Stark gets the best lines in the movie, but Scarlett Johansson's Romanoff and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk are close seconds (I'll call it a tie with those two) 
• That said, every character in this movie is outstanding. No one hogs the screen, yet none are forgettable, either.
• The special effects don't look like special effects.  

 Did I mention I loved this movie?  I did.  I do. I'll see it again.

The Hunger Games

And the 'summer' blockbuster season has begun already.  I haven't even had a chance to make a "Movies I'll probably see this summer' list yet.  Nevertheless, Cassie and I caught a first-day matinee of first must see film of the season.  Here's my short review:

As moving as the book -- and maybe just a little more.

Here's a little more:

• Jennifer Lawrence is a refreshing new Hollywood a-Lister.  Her portrayal of Katniss Everdeen is powerful, heroic, and dare I say Oscar-worthy?
• Prim doesn't have much screen time, but the bond between her and Katniss affected me deeply.  
• I didn't feel as if I got a chance to really get to know some of the supporting characters in this film.  That said, I think the way it was put together made for marvelous storytelling.
• My favorite supporting character?  Without a doubt, it is Lenny Kravitiz's Cinna.
• This film is dark, angry, violent, gut-wrenching, heartwarming, and powerful.  I recommend it without reservation.

First film of the 'summer.'  First one I want to see again, too.

The Darkest Hour

I caught the latest "Teenagers save the world" scary film a couple of weeks back with the whole family.  Here's my short review:

There's not enough movie here.

Here's a little more:

Start with something nice?  Great special effects.
None of the characters have a chance to really develop.  That said, Emile Hirsch is decent in the film.
Did I already say "great special effects"?  I can't think of any other positives. 
What would have made this film better?  More story.  Better character development. 

Sorry for such an incomplete review.  It feels just like the movie.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Review

I saw a matinee of the beginning of the end of the Twilight Saga today.  The theatre wasn't too crowded, but it was reasonably filled for an early matinee.  I was one of maybe two men in the theatre.  It looked like there were about 75 total in the seats.  Here's my short review:

"The best in the series so far . . . but still just OK."

Here's a little more.

• The characters did seem more developed in this film than in the past ones.  Kristen Stewart's Bella and Ashley Greene's Alice are two of the best this time.
• This entry doesn't rely too heavily on special effects . . .  or at least the effects are noticeable.  That's an improvement, too.
• The "wolf council" scene was terrible.  It almost ruined the rest of the film.
• I've said this before:  It's not fair for me to review this film.  I'm really not part of the target audience.
• If you like the books, I think you'll at least be engaged by this film.  If you don't like the books, continue to stay away.

Yes.  I will see part 2 next year.

Captain America: The First Avenger

It wasn't on my "I really want to see this film" list, but I went, yesterday, to see the earliest and latest Avengers picture.  Here's my short review:

A powerful story in a well-crafted thoroughly enjoyable film.

Here's  a little more:

I thought I'd experience something that felt a whole lot more like a comic book.  Instead I saw great characters, a story that moved along well, and incredible special effects.
Three favorites:  Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, and Toby Jones
One of the reasons I wasn't thrilled about seeing this film was that I thought it would come off too cheesy.  The filmmakers anticipated my objection and answered it well!
Yes -- stick around until the end of the credits.

The Avengers -- 2012. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

I didn't go to the largest midnight movie opening ever, but I caught a matinee of the newest and last Harry Potter film.  Here's my ultra-short review:

Yes.

Here's a little more:

• Dark, gruesome, scary, emotional, intense, satisfying.  Every one of these words describes this excellent film.
• Neville Longbottom.  Whoa.
• Many lines are in the running for my favorite.  But I think the favorite has to ultimately be "Not my daughter, you bitch!" I'm so glad it's in the film!
• 
  
• I love all of the characters in this film.  And Luna Lovegood has emerged as my favorite.
• The epilogue? Nicely done.

No sequel is necessary.  But I want to watch this one again and again.

Cars 2

I saw the early matinee of the newest Pixar flick today.  Here's my short review:

We're used to better, but this one passes.

Here's a little more.

OK -- so this isn't a great Pixar film.  It's still better than most films released.
Nice Toy Story short at the beginning!
I wasn't bored, but much of the time I wasn't completely engaged, either. 
Favorites:  Larry the Cable Guy's Tow Mater, Emily Mortimer's Holley Shiftwell (great name!) and John Turturro's Francesco Bernoulli.
I love the film's hero, sir.  (no spoiler from me)
Nothing spectacular in the credits this time, but stick around until the end.  Brad Paisley's "Nobody's Fool" is a great song. 

I don't think there needs to be another sequel.

Super 8

I caught an opening day showing of the new J.J. Abrams/Steven Spielberg Film.  Here's my short review:

A brilliant, totally scary boy's life.

Here's a little more.

I loved every bit of this film.  Storytelling, characters, effects. . . everything!
Abrams does great scary.  Spielberg is a master with storytelling.  These two together made something remarkable.
What's great?  It has things I loved about ET, Lost, The Goonies, Stand By Me, and King Kong (The last two have no connection to Abrams or Spielberg, but I still thought of them during the film)
I originally wanted to see this film because I love Kyle Chandler.  I found many more actors who were great: Joel Courtney  and Elle Fanning were two of my favorites.
The story within a story bit, as well as the directorial advice for young filmmakers, is great.  Stick around during the credits for some fun.
Great music!  Anyone who was listening to rock and roll radio around 1979 will probably agree.


This is definitely my favorite movie of the year -- at least so far.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

I saw an opening day matinee of the latest Johnny-Depp-as-Keith-Richards Pirate film.  Here's my short review:

Like an action movie amusement ride with a story that arrives near the end.

Here's a little more:

• I liked this movie.  Where the story was hardly present, the action, visuals, characters, and music more than made up.
• Johnny Depp's portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow is, again, worth the price of admission.
• Favorite short, depth-filled line during the "not much of a story" part: "Who are you to put a limit on redemption?"  Who is anyone?
• Astrid Berges-Frisbey doesn't have a huge role, but I think we'll be seeing much more of her in Hollywood.

Of course there will be another one.  I will see it, too.

Movies I'll probably see this summer

Amid a whole crop of 'meh' films releasing this summer, here are a few I think I'll see. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides –  Because I really like this franchise.  I hope this film doesn’t stink.
Kung Fu Panda 2 – I expect silliness and fun.  I also expect lots of laughter.  I might be pleasantly surprised by a good film, too.
Super 8 –  Sure, I like science fiction/horror films.  But I want to see this one because I think Kyle Chandler is a marvelous actor. 
Cars 2 – Pixar.  Enough said.
Larry Crowne – This one might be the sleeper hit of the summer. 
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 2 – So is everyone else.
Cowboys & Aliens –  I think this one could be great.  It could be awful, too.



I'll post reviews for several as I see 'em.

Source Code

Cassie and I went to our favorite "dinner and a movie" theatre in the area to see the new Jake Gyllenhaal mind bending film.  Here's my short review.

You'll love this film if you unthink before you see it.

Here's a little more:

• What?  Huh?  Wait a minute.  Uh . . . really?  Hmmmm. Woah.
• Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan have great onscreen chemistry.
• Chicago.  Cool.
• Seriously?  How?  Ohhhhhh.  No - huh?
• I don't know exactly what to say about Vera Farmiga.  She was great, I think.  I blame this film for getting me slightly out of sorts.
• I liked the special effects.  I think I appreciate that they looked a little bit animated some of the time.  It jolted me back to some kind of reality.

I'm not sure I want to see this again.  I want to see this again.

Never Say Never

Yes.  I went to see the 3d music documentary about young Justin's amazing musical journey so far.  I have a 13 year old son who wanted to see it.  Here's my short review:

I understand Bieber fever a little more now.  It hardly ever made me want to throw up.

Here's a little more:

• Truth -- this is a really well made musical documentary.  Powerful storytelling and excellent concert footage!
• Confession -- I would not really have considered seeing this film if not for watching the "Bieber Fever" episode of Glee last week.
• The emotions are powerful and don't seem forced at all.  That "throw up" comment I made was mostly about all the crying and screaming young girls.  Go ahead, call me heartless.
• Props to young Bieber's hair mocking scene.
• Unanswered question:  Justin's mom figures prominently in this film, but Dad, while present, is almost absent.  What's the relationship with Justin and his Dad at present?
• Usher? Miley Cyrus? Jaden Smith? Sean Kingston? Ludacris? Boyz II Men? Snoop? What a great lineup of Bieber fans and collaborators!

I'm guessing there will be another Bieber concert film within 4 years.

True Grit

A friend and I went to see the Coen Brothers film adaptation of the Charles Portis novel.  Here's my short review.


The best film I've seen all year. Maybe the best film I've seen . . .ever.

Here's a little more:

• This film should be shown to film school students as an example of how to make a truly great film.  
• Great story.  Great acting.  Great directing.  Great unseen special effects.  Great music. Great drama. Great everything.
• Oscar-worthy performances by Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and maybe even Josh Brolin. I expect at least the first three to be nominated - and at least the first two to win.
• No John Wayne/Jeff Bridges comparisons.  These are two different films.  The are both great westerns.
• I'm still singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" in my head.

I think I want to see this one again.  And again.