Throwback Thursday Review: 'Snowpiercer'

Last week I didn't post a Throwback Thursday Review so I thought I'd try to post two today and I may not be able to get a Throwback Thursday review out every Thursday but I will do my best! It will get increasingly more difficult as the tv shows I watch come back on air and school gets going again but I would like to try to review all six Star Wars films before Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes out, each of the Back To The Future films since it's the 30th anniversary this year, and a few James Bond flicks before Spectre. This film has been on a list of movies I've planned to watch for a while now and I noticed it was on Netflix so I seized the opportunity and decided to watch and review it as this week's Throwback Thursday Review even though it's completely unrelated to any upcoming releases.

'Snowpiercer' Review

This film is the last film from the list of the top 5 movies I wish I had seen 2014 that I needed to review making it an adequate selection for this week's Throwback Thursday with the added bonus that I've yet to see the film prior to watching it last night making it the first film in my Throwback Thursday review series I haven't seen before. I must say I loved this film it has everything I want in a film with action, a mysterious and intriguing story, stunning visuals, and some stellar performances from some great actors. Chis Evans is phenomenal in the lead role with some great scenes and really dives into his complex character. Jamie Bell is also a standout in the film and I'm sure this got him the role of Ben Grimm in the new Fantastic Four reboot as he is quite enjoyable and complex as well. Tilda Swinton provides a great supporting role and manages to steal many scenes as one of the antagonists. John Hurt, Ed Harris, and Octavia Spencer each shine in supporting roles creating characters we care about. The plot of the film is very intriguing and maintained my interest throughout the entire film taking many twists and turns that made the story much more interesting and increased stakes. The director Joon-ho really dives into the post-apocalyptic world he has created and does an effective job in combination with the production design to create an authentic gritty dark train atmosphere for the film. The action sequences are very violent at times since the film is rated R but they are very enjoyable and incredible to watch. The film also allows for great social commentary on social classes and how ridiculous these class divisions are. I really loved this film and can say with the upmost confidence that this is probably the best movie I've seen relatively recently within the past month or so and highly recommend that you check it out on Netflix if you can spare two hours at home!

Film Assesssment: A-

'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' (2015) Review

Although The Man From U.N.C.L.E. contains various similarities to other spy films, it proves to be a great love letter to 60's spy films from director Guy Ritchie. It also happens to be the fourth spy film released this year with the new Bond flick Spectre to close out this year of spy movies in November and while I have yet to see Spy I can say that this film didn't really click with me the way Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation and Kingsman: The Secret Service did as I loved both of those films but for different reasons. This film doesn't quite stand apart from most spy films as seeming to be a generic spy film set in the 1960s during the midst of the Cold War. However I did really enjoy the film and was engaged throughout with fun action sequences, beautiful cinematography, awesome production design, and some great montages. There was some subtle humor and gags that made me laugh but there wasn't really much comedy to the film that I feel could have certainly elevated the fun spy adventure. The film also boasts some great performances. Henry Cavill is certainly a standout as the American spy, Napoleon Solo, who is slick, arrogant and full of more life as compared to his serious performance as the Man of Steel. Armie Hammer is very entertaining as the Russian spy, Kuryakin, and it's interesting to see a little more range from Hammer as he does a fine job portraying a tough Soviet and actually does a great job with his Russian accent as it sounds very believable. The two leads work quite well as a dynamic duo with Cavill playing a clean cut gentleman spy while Hammer is the rough weathered KGB agent. This allows for a little situational comedy when the two are working together and a few quick one-liners from Cavill. Rounding out the central cast is Alicia Vikander as Teller, who turns out to be more than a damsel in distress and makes a capable female lead. The film's main villain, Victoria Vinciguerra, portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki makes for an interesting criminal mastermind but isn't quite given the development necessary to make her a memorable villain. The film does however have an interesting plot with a few unexpected twists and turns along the way to make the film more interesting and make it a little more than a stereotypical spy flick. One part of the film that is used quite effectively is the film's score with some great music choices that work well with the action unfolding onscreen. I wouldn't say the film is the best thing I've seen from Guy Ritchie, since I actually prefer his take on the latest Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr., but it does make for an enjoyable spy popcorn flick.

Film Assessment: B-

Throwback Thursday Review: 'The Lone Ranger' (2013)

I had difficulty finding a film to review this week related to the new releases but stretched it a little and rather than reviewing a 60's Bond flick decided I should review a film starring one of the two lead actors for this film and decided The Lone Ranger met that criteria and was also based on an old TV series similarly to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and I'm unsure if I will see Straight Outta Compton so I'd rather review a film similar to The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

'The Lone Ranger' Review

Nominated For: Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

The Lone Ranger is a fun action adventure western film that stays true to the genre. The director, Gore Verbinski, does a splendid job crafting cinematography, production design, costuming, makeup, and visual effects all work together to cohesively create a seemingly believable 1869 Western atmosphere for the actors to work with. So it comes as no surprise that the film was nominated in the categories of Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design. Speaking of performances Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp manage to nail the relationship between The Lone Ranger and Tonto while providing humorous comic relief, and worked well together in action sequences. Armie Hammer really manages to step into the spotlight as the male lead and I can't wait to see where his career goes as he is proficient at action, humor and the drama that is necessary for franchise actors today. Johnny Depp is the real scene stealer as Tonto with hilarious one liners really embodying the persona of a troubled Indian and providing depth to his character in dramatic scenes when necessary. At times it does seem that he is acting as his typical "Jack Sparrow" characture but it doesn't come across too often. The other performances are adaquete but nothing really stood out as impressive or noteworthy. However there are a few mishaps and weaknesses that the film carries. The film starts off rather slowly but really picks up after the origin of the Lone Ranger is completed as there is a mysterious element added to the plot that increases the stakes and makes the film more interesting. I really wish a sequel had been pursued as the film is very enjoyable but unfortunately the film flopped at the box office. Overall I really enjoy the film but do think that is has a slightly excessive runtime that could definitely have been trimmed down a bit. If you haven't yet seen The Lone Ranger I do recommend giving it a shot as it's an enjoyable popcorn flick that's fun for everyone.

Film Assessment: B-

'Pixels' Review

After a few weeks I finally had the opportunity to see Pixels and I must say that I was very surprised and I enjoyed this film given the terrible reviews but I still didn't overlook it's flaws. I think the concept for the film is stronger than the film was itself. The idea of aliens using video games to attack Earth is genius! However the film suffers from being more like one of Adam Sandler's comedies than a blockbuster. The performances were decent but nothing really stood out too much. Adam Sandler kind of seems to do the same kind of performance he's done in most of his recent movies but that's not necessarily a bad thing just kind of generic and has some great one-liners. Kevin James also seemed to not really bring anything special to the film and was probably the most relatable character. Michelle Monoghan was very funny as the female lead and an interesting match to Sandler in th film but her character seems to lose importance as the film progresses.The actors that stood out the much in terms of humor were definitely Josh Gad and Peter Dinklage as they were both hilarious in a few scenes. Josh Gad did seem to be acting like a live action version of Olaf, who he voiced in Frozen, which was kinda awkward because it was live action, that type of character seems to fit animation much better. Peter Dinklage was very funny in some scenes with various comedic bits when he was introduced to the story. There was a party scene however that was seemed very out of place and wasn't interesting all. The video game sequences were visually stunning, a lot of fun, and probably my favorite parts of the film. Overall, it was an enjoyable popcorn flick where you can turn your brain off and at least have a good time at the theater.

Film Assessment: C+

'Fantastic Four' (2015) Review

I will admit I have been concerned about how this film would turn out from the beginning with rumors of very troubled production, the fact that they were changing tradition and cast a black actor as Johnny Storm but failed to make his sister Sue Storm the same ethnicity instead saying she's adopted, the look of Doctor Doom, and the fact that this is the only incarnation of the Thing not to wear a pair of pants. So I went into this film with very low  expectations, especially after seeing the dreaded reviews but tried to remain optimistic since sometimes I don't agree with the majority of critics but sadly that is not the case here. This reboot is a jumbled mess but the sad thing is that it's apparent the trouble comes from behind the camera. The story is incoherent with no theme or central message, the tone of the film proved to be very inconsistent, and the script was ridiculous at times. This movie is very boring and almost entirely chocked full of exposition with little to no action. It also takes a team who are usually depicted in a light setting and tries to mimic the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy by having a darker tone but this proves to be very unsuccessful. There are specific scenes or gags in the film that you can tell screen writers wrote to be intentionally funny but it doesn't really come across in the dark setting. I'm unsure if 20th Century Fox or Josh Trank is to blame for what has occurred because there are various conflicting reports. Trank even tweeted last evening that a year ago he had a great film in mind that was ruined due to studio interference. This does seem likely since he was practically removed from the project and there were many reshoots done but in the end it does't matter since it's very unlikely there will be a sequel. I will admit there are a few aspects I enjoyed about the film. There were many great concepts that just seemed to be developed poorly, the cast was terrific, and the visual effects looked amazing. The cast is very talented and each gave admirable performances with what they were given. I particularly enjoyed Miles Teller, Jamie Bell, Michael B Jordan, and Kate Mara in their respective roles. Miles Teller made a very convincing Reed Richards and had great chemistry with Jamie Bell who did quite well in the role of Ben Grimm. One of my biggest complaints about the film prior to seeing it was the look of the Thing and I must say that I have changed my opinion for the most part. I did like the CGI look of the Thing that was much more expressive than the 2005 adaptation but I still think it's ridiculous that the Thing didn't have pants. All of the other team members were given some form of a suit except the Thing. Unfortunately Michael B Jordan and Kate Mara, who played Johnny and Sue Storm, didn't have much to do in the film and there was so much potential to explore their adoptive sibling relationship in this adaptation that was simply ignored. Despite the good performances almost none the the actors really had good chemistry or worked well as an ensemble cast like for example The Avengers cast as these actors seemed to work better independently other than off of one another. Toby Kebbell portrays the film's villain Victor Von Doom, a while back it was reported he would be an internet blogger with a different name but I assume they reverted back after fan backlash, and he does a decent job but once he is transformed into Doctor Doom the character is ruined. He has absolutely no motivation, looked ridiculous, and is simply a stereotypical powerful villain that must be stopped because he wants to destroy everything. I did really like most of the visual effects though, especially the effects used for the Fantastic Four's power set. Throughout the film there are many cool conceptual ideas that weren't quite able to flourish for some reason that might work more effectively in a sequel. Overall, I will admit the film wasn't awful but it wasn't good either, it was just "alright". I do believe that with the proper guidance a successful sequel could be made thanks to the talented cast but I doubt it will even be greenlit. If you were remotely interested in the Fantastic Four at all, I'd advise that you go see either Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation or Ant-Man as better substitutes for a fun action film. 

Film Assessment: F

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Fantastic Four' (2005)

Given this week's release being the Fantastic Four I thought it would be good timing to review the previous Fantastic Four to draw comparisons. I'll admit I like this film more than most critics because I grew up with it and have nostalgia for the film but it's fun to go back as a matured viewer and see the change in perception of the film.

'Fantastic Four' Review

I have a very mixed perception of this film. There are aspects that I love and others I'm not particularly a fan of. The strengths are certainly the visual effects, action, performances, and humor that make this a lighthearted superhero team origin story. The visual effects look pretty great for most of the film but look really fake in a few instances with Reed Richard's stretching effect, which look either spot on or really cheap. There isn't too much action till the third act but there is a great sequence where the Fantastic Four first work together to save a firetruck on a bridge with some great visual effects in regards to Johnny as the Human Torch and Sue as the Invisible Woman. The action in the third act however is brief and somewhat anticlimactic. I think I am one of the few that like the makeup effects used for the Thing as it's actually accurate to the comic books and doesn't look terrible. Each of the cast members are very entertaining in their various roles. The standouts in my opinion was the team itself. Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis each perfectly embody their characters for this performance.  Chris Evans is particularly great at nailing the hothead attitude of Johnny Storm as well as the one liners. It's interesting to compare how drastically different the attitude of this character is as compared to Captain America who he currently portrays in the MCU. Gruffudd really captures the genius mind of Reed Richards and even resembles the character quite a bit. Jessica Alba is enjoyable but doesn't particularly stand out or bring anything refreshing to the film. Chiklis really does a great job humanizing Ben Grimm once he becomes the Thing despite the makeup restricting his ability to emote and act using his face. Each of the actors all have great chemistry with one another. Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm both have a great relationship that seems like it was pulled straight from the comics and make a believable "family team". The film's villain who is played by Julian McMahon, actually manages to be a menacing presence with believable motivation so I'd consider him better than some of the villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe home mostly lack motivation. There is quite a bit of humor in this lighthearted adaptation that even shows the heroes using their powers to help them in everyday tasks as one gag, Johnny constantly pranking Ben can be humorous at time, and there are many one liners. A weakness of this film is the story as there isn't much depth and substance that can be fond in more recent comic book movie adaptations. I feel the opening of the film is awkward because it inserts the characters straight into the story without providing the necessary backstory but once the characters are introduced the awkward opening is slightly resolved. I'm glad the film opens into the team's origin so as to prevent the awkward extended period of time where there is little action. It seems a little ridiculous that the team encounter the space cloud that grants them their abilities only 15 minutes into the film. So aside from a weak plot and story I do consider this to be an entertaining film that faithfully adapts the source material for the most part. It's not a great superhero origin story, but it's a decent one nonetheless.

Film Assessment: C+

'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation' Review

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation is a blast! This film has the best elements taken from each of the previous installments with an incredible motorcycle chase sequence, insane stunts, suspense, and great performances. 

The director, Christopher McQuarrie, does a terrific job behind the camera and brings freshness to the franchise. The motorcycle chase is probably one of the best motorcycle chase sequences I have seen in any movie because of the inventive use of great camera angles including one that makes you feel as though you are riding the motorcycle. 

Probably one of my favorite scenes in the film is the opera house scene which is very suspenseful and contains a little humor to balance the tone. There are two insane stunts featured in the film. One where Tom Cruise must hold on to a plane as it takes off that kicks the film off with a bang. The other being one where Tom Cruise must hold his breath for 3 minutes to help ensure the success of a mission that is filled to the brim with tension aided by the film's score. 

The film's cast is incredibly well rounded once again exploring a team dynamic introduced in Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise is phenomenal as usual once again performing insane stunts in addition to a great performance. 

Rebecca Ferguson shines as the female lead yet doesn't outshine the ensemble cast around her and does quite well in action sequences specifically the hand to hand combat sequences where she kicks butt and takes names. Her character's intentions and alliance are unknown so she adds an element of mystery to the film.

 Simon Pegg is enjoyable as always adding quite a bit of humor to the film as he did in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol and has a slightly bigger role this time around. 

Jeremy Renner returns with more comedic beats, and he does quite well in terms of performance. Ving Rhames reprises his role as Luther as the only actor to have been in all of the film's aside from Tom Cruise, and is enjoyable when onscreen. He and Renner are given a B-story line in the middle of the film and they worked quite well together. 

The film's villain is one of the best the franchise has seen since the third installment. The villain is portrayed by Sean Harris and is a compelling and intimidating villain much better than the usual villains for these films. 

Overall I highly recommend you go see Rogue Nation if you enjoy action flicks or are a fan of the franchise and would go as far as to say that it's probably one of the best action movies to come out all summer if not the entire year. By far my favorite of the franchise narrowly beating out Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

Film Assessment: A