Movie Review - Rogue One

Rogue One

Starring: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen, Jimmy Smits, Ben Daniels, Guy Henry, Ingvild Deila, and more.

Directed by: Gareth Edwards Story by: John Knoll and Gary Whitta Screenplay by: Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy Based on Characters Created by: George Lucas Cinematography by: Greig Fraser Music by: Michael Giacchino

Premise: A cargo pilot defects from the Empire, claiming to have information about a weapon which can destroy worlds. The pilot falls into the hands of an ostracized militant faction of the Rebels. To try to get the information, the main group of Rebels track down the daughter of the man the information came from. She also happens to who knows the head of the faction holding the pilot. So the main group is hoping to use her for an introduction with the splinter faction and mend fences. Jyn has been hiding her true identity for most of her life, her father torn from her and her mentor leaving her behind years before. But when she does this one favor for the Rebellion, she starts seeing there is much out there she had no idea about. And that what the Empire is planning is bigger and more horrifying than she ever imagined.

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: The cast is a fun and quirky set of characters. At first, it seems they won't fit together, but they end up meshing very well. Felicity Jones was fun to watch as Jyn Erso. The character has built a thick, protective shell around herself. Felicity does a wonderful job of showing it slowly cracking and eventually falling away. Diego Luna as Cassian Andor also did a great job. Having done unspeakable things in the name of freedom, he too finds his shell cracking as he's made to deal with Jyn. Alan Tudyk was awesome as K-2SO. Not only for nice bits of levity but also for some truly poignant moments. Riz Ahmed brought a lot on as Bohdi Rook. The poor pilot goes through so much just to try to do the right thing. Donnie Yen and Wen Jiang as Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus were a fun duo that added some extra fun layers to the team.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects team did a superb job. The devastation from just a small blast from the Death Star was jaw dropping. The multiple views of it from the ground and from space were amazing. 

They brought back all the old favorite ships and machines as well as several new ones. Loved seeing the main dish being placed on the Death Star - made for a nice backdrop to the conversation between Tarkin and Krennic.

But what was truly impressive work from the department, a lot of people won't even realize is happening. And that is the work they did with Guy Henry and Ingvild Deila to recreate the characters of Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia. It was both eerie and amazing on how well the CGI and the new actors meshed together to bring back these characters of almost forty years ago from when the original Star Wars Episode IV first came out. (Peter Cushing passed in 1994 and Carrie Fisher is much older now than she was back then. :P)

A lot of the locations were recreated and made to look as we'd seen them before. Others were brand new. We even finally get an awesome tropical beach location! (Best outpost to be assigned as a trooper ever!) 

Darth Vader's Sith temple was also quite cool looking. The only planet location in the film they did not disclose. lol. 

Tons of shooting, explosions, pistols, rifles, bombs, and more! But for the first time ever - no lightsabers! *gasp*

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The Good - A lot better thought out than The Force Awakens! So, yay for that! Lots of good bits and homage/in-jokes in the film from other Star Wars films. They went to a lot of trouble to replicate places and things as we'd seen them in the original set of movies. Bringing in Tarkin and making him part of the whole thing was awesome. Adding K-2SO was genius. Mouthy robots are in lately. lol. 

Layered characters with thought out motivations. They pulled at the heart strings in several places. I thought it hilarious that after going through all the trouble to make it so Han Solo didn't shoot first, they turned around and gave us Cassian Andor. The first scene with him definitely left no doubts as to who did what.

Like Titanic, we pretty much know how this will end, but it was worth watching it happen. And the way they tie the end of the film to the beginning of Episode IV was great. (Aside from the nitpicks below.)

The Bad - There wasn't much. And for most people, it won't make a difference. But I must do my duty. :P (We watched Episode IV right after so I did a double check!) Mon Mothma did not make an appearance until Episode VI, but she was the main focus person at Yavin 4 in this prequel. They also had a character that sounded and looked like Admiral Ackbar, which didn't make sense particularly in the large battle. (*Warning - Spoilers!*) Worse, the transmission was not a beamed transmission to one location, but one sent wide to all ships in the area. So how is it that some of the rebel ships escaped but we still only had one copy of the data? What...? If I somehow missed something explaining this, let me know! 

One last nitpick. This is a big galaxy. There are bound to be wide variations in clothing styles and home architecture. But you'll note a lot of the costumes are familiar, pilfered from different areas of the first three films. While some are expected, especially since they are recreating some of the locations, it didn't make sense everywhere. Where it worked the least, in my opinion, was the humid planet where Jyn's father has hiding. Subterranean houses in this environment would be terribly risky. And do they not believe in rain gear in that world? 

One bit I thought cute and not cute was an obtuse bit of homage. In the original Star Wars, Lucas based the characters of R2D2 and 3CPO on two side characters in the Japanese film "The Hidden Fortress" by Akira Kurosawa with actor Toshiro Mifune. In turn, this new film has a scene with the character Baze Malbus that was very reminiscent of another Akira Kurosawa film. Heck, in the scene, you'd swear the actor Wen Jiang looked just like Toshiro Mifune! (Or I have too wild of an imagination? :P) But doing it didn't feel quite right?

Overall, though, it was a good film! Yay!

4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up:  Tons of explosions also means loads of stunt work. Rebels and Storm troopers are blown about all over the place. Throw in some excellent staff combat by Chirrut Imwe and the stunt people were kept quite busy. :P 

5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: I was very pleased to note they didn't use the same cheat they did with "The Force Awakens" concerning locations. They actually went out of their way to find a new look for several of the new worlds. For the planets already known, they did a great job bringing back the same look and feel as they'd had previously.  So yay for trying to prove all worlds in the vast galaxy aren't all the same!

6) Music - Total Thumbs Up: I've read that this is the first Star Wars film without a John William's score. Michael Giacchino took the reins of this one. And while creating several new tracks, they also kept some of the old ones. A nice way to mesh the two sets. Giacchino also kept the spirit of the style created for this franchise, so it was in good hands.

Conclusion: Rogue One has some minor flaws, but overall it beat the pants out of The Force Awakens. :P Great addition to the franchise!

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again)

Movie Review - Zootopia

Zootopia

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Alan Tudyk, Shakira, Della Saba, Maurice LeMarche, Raymond S. Persi, and many more.

Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush Screenplay by: Jared Bush and Phil Johnston Story by: Byron Howard, Jared bush, Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee, Josie Trinidad, Jim Reardon, and Dan Fogelman Art Direction by: Matthias Lechner Music by: Michael Giacchino

Premise: Judy's dream since she was a little girl was to become a police officer. Everyone discouraged her, but she stubbornly clung to her dreams until she becomes the first bunny officer. Yet it's when she starts to work in District 1 that she realizes the obstacles to her dream are far from over. If anything, they've become greater than before. Putting her job on the line to prove herself, she must place her trust in on a hustling fox to track down a missing otter. Yet this is but the beginning of the mystery of something very wrong going on in Zootopia. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Acting - Toal Thumbs Up: Ginnifer Goodwin was perfect for the role of Judy Hopps. Her voice oozed with the bounciness and the speed you'd expect from a rabbit. Jason Bateman was a lot of fun as the voice of Nick Wilde and made for a good foil to Ginnifer's Judy. Maurice LaMarche did wonderful work as Mr. Big. Loved Idris Elba's portrayal of Chief Bogo.  Jenny Slate was adorable as the ever suffering Bellwether. Raymond S. Persi as Flash was a hoot. And Alan Tudyk as the Duke Weaselton? Priceless. :P

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Walt Disney Animation Studios did a marvellous job with the film. The textures were amazing. The wool of Bellwether's hair, the fluffy bunny fur, the thicker fox hair, you could tell at a glance how they would feel and which would be softer or bouncier than another. As the credits and the film itself will show, they spent a ton of time on research for the plethora of animals represented in the film. The attention to detail was riveting.

Just as fascinating as the different species of animals were to see, the city of Zootopia was a wonder to behold. I especially adored the palm tree building made out of what looked like Tiffany crystal. All one has to do is look at how the city is split to realize the large range of species that live there. It even has weather zones! Each zone (and some areas were zones within zones) was entirely unique, with District 1, the hub of the city, looking eerily familiar. 

Lots of little jokes in the details. Especially the neon signs scattered everywhere. This one will be a fun film to see with the DVD player, so you can stop and take your time catching all the cute background additions and fabulous vistas. Too fun!

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Though there is a lot to keep the younger kiddos entertained, this particular film's plot was geared more for the tweens and adults. Lots of delicious layers and themes were explored. Following your dreams, being held back, dreams destroyed and dreams found. Prejudice (from both sides of the predator and non-predator sides), assumptions, the fact actions have consequences - even when you're not aware of it, forgiveness, understanding, and the fact everyone has a part to play no matter their size or origins. 

The mystery of the disappearances was fun and rather unique. Even as one facet of the mystery was solved, more answers remained to be found. There were several lovely twists. And just watching the society in general was a real treat.

4) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Not only is there a totally addicting song from Shakira, but there are several old favorites brought up for the soundtrack as well. Best of all are the BGM/OST tracks by Michael Giacchino as he gives each zone and the story itself some lovely, unique music.

Conclusion: Zootopia is visually and mentally fun! Gorgeous animation, likeable characters, and the complex story make this one a definite winner in my book!

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again!)

Movie Review - Ice Age: Continental Drift

Ice Age Continental Drift

Starring: Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Ray Romano, Keke Palmer, Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk, Chris Wedge, Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Wanda Sykes, and more.

Directed by: Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier Screenplay by: Michael Berg and Jason Fuchs Cinematography by: Renato Falcão Original Music by: John Powell

Premise: After some family strife, Manny, Sid, and Diego find themselves separated from their loved ones and friends as their home splits and drops them with a chuck of ice into the ocean only to be dragged away by the current. As they struggle to survive and find a way back home, Manny's wife Ellie, and his daughter, Peaches, deal with trying to stay alive long enough for them all to come back. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, and Ray Romano as Diego, Sid, and Manny are as fun together as in the other "Ice Age" films. Many old favorite characters are back, but there are also a bunch of new voices and characters. My favorite by far had to be Granny, played by Wanda Sykes. Granny was a total hoot! Also totally loved Peter Dinklage as Captain Gut - that was one mean ape.

Lots of unexpected voices doing acting bits like Alan Tudyk, Patrick Stewart and more. A lot of great talent was to be found in this film.

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Blue Sky Studios shows the same great work they've shown in previous films. The attention to detail was amazing. I especially enjoyed the scuffed, worn look of the Captain Gut's crew. Really pushed the point of their tough lives out there among the waves.

Between the cinematography and the artists we got some lovely visual sweeps of the ocean, the horizon, and the collapse/separation of continents. The visuals for Scrat dropping to the Earth's core was perfect and dragged an unexpected laugh from me. 

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The beginning was a little slow, but there was a lot of new ground to cover. It's well worth the wait, however. For this story, they have three major plot elements moving at the same time - Scrat's endless quest, Manny and the others dealing with pirates while trying to find a way to get back home, and Peaches as she struggles with growing up and also getting herself and the others out of the way of impending disaster.

There were also a lot of sub themes as well as subtext and inside jokes. Though we're back in the ice age, we still get to have a lot of fun with pirates, submarines, mermaids, and more. Yay!

Conclusion: Fun film which the adults might just enjoy more than the kids! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Starring: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell, Alan Tudyk, Jimmi Simpson, Marton Csokas, Erin Wasson, and more.

Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov Screenplay by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Based on the Novel by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Cinematography by: Caleb Deschanel Original Music by: Henry Jackman

Premise: History gets written, but sometimes not all the details of what actually happened are disclosed. This is the untold story of Abraham Lincoln. Of the horrors he faced in his youth and the path he chose to try to reap vengeance on those who destroyed his family. A close look at the life of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. (Rated R)

Review:

1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Benjamin Walker did a great job portraying Mr Lincoln, especially in the later years, as he assumed the poses and mannerisms of the President that we've come to know from photos and other accounts.

There were several surprises in unexpected faces in the film such as Alan Tudyk and Jimmi Simpson. It was great to see them and they added their awesome talents to the film, even in the small bits.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead was adorable as Mary Todd.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Twice in the film the land around the viewer shifts from one time to another, but done subtly with layers being peeled back one by one. These were exceptional! They also were a great way to transfer the audience to another time at the same place and impart the look and feel of the era of each sequence before actually zooming in to those involved.

The fighting scene which ran through the middle of a CGI horse stampede was a sight to see! It truly brought home just exactly the type of supernatural beings Abraham was having to deal with. Where else will you see horses used as weapons? Too much fun.

The entire train sequence too was masterful. And done in such a way as to make some of the amazing actions appear plausible.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Depending on the viewer, they will either accept the film as an Alternate History (the best route to take) or a rewriting of it. In general, the plot maintained historical accuracy, though not always in the specifics. Lincoln had several children, not just one, for instance.

But, pushing historical accuracy aside, and adding a small amount of 'suspension of disbelief', the story worked rather well. There was an odd surprise about the vampires in this universe that played for a nice sub story. I also enjoyed the red herring towards the end.

4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Truly wish they'd done this one in IMAX. There were lots of spanning views, moonlit nights, battles, trains, stampedes - plenty of food for the eyes. The sets and locations totally fit the period and the different locations. There were even subtle hints and jokes drizzled here and there amid the posters and advertisements. That was fun!

5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: A lot of care seemed to have gone into the costumes to better submerge the viewer into the time period. The makeup for the vampires was well done and appeared to fluctuate depending on how recently the vampire had fed, which was a nice touch.

Conclusion: A fun venture into looking at a past that might have been, and one filled with great action scenes and CGI work.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price Of Admission)