This will be a quick one! :)
Bridge of Spies Official Trailer #1 - looks good!
Z for Zachariah Official Trailer #1 - Proving yet again two is company, three is a crowd. Lol.
Showing posts with label Steven Spieldberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steven Spieldberg. Show all posts
Monday, June 08, 2015
Mind Sieve 6/8/15
Had A-kon this past weekend and FanExpo the weekend before, as well as month end at work so I am running behind!
This will be a quick one! :)
Have an awesome Monday!
This will be a quick one! :)
Friday, January 06, 2012
Movie Review - War Horse
War Horse
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, Neils Arestrup, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Celine Buckens, Toby Kebbel, David Cross, and many more...
Directed by: Steven Spieldberg Screenplay by: Lee Hall and Richard Curtis Based on the Book by: Michael Morpurgo Original Music by: John Williams Cinematography by: Janusz Kamiski
Premise: After a young man, Albert, and a young horse, Joey, are brought together and bond, the two are separated with the coming of World War I. But not before Albert vows to somehow meet again someday. (PG-13)
Review: Black Beauty meets The Red Violin! I don't know what it was about the previews, but I eagerly awaited the coming of this film. Hubby had no interest, but ended up going with me and loved it.
Older audiences will be reminded of great classics like My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, and Old Yeller. And because the film follows not only Joey's adventure but Albert's father's regiment flag, as well as the encapsulated stories of those Joey meets, the film was very reminiscent of the captivating film the Red Violin.
War Horse is a family friendly movie. Spieldberg went out of his way to hide moments of death to anyone the viewers might have become vested in, so though they die, it shouldn't traumatize the kids. There are still some scenes of violence, but very few, and the blood is kept to a minimum. Do take a hanky just in case. Some will need it. (I did!)
The film is a coming of age tale showing the courage of animals and people, of hope and loyalty. Between the goose, Joey, and the major's black horse, the animals steal the show. The acting was also superb from everyone present. Some of the best scenes were those without dialogue - where a look or a simple gesture conveyed volumes. Very nicely done.
The locations are fabulous. The sets for the trench warfare and no man's land will make you feel like you are there. Some truly majestic and sweeping camera work.
Definitely worth a watch, with or without the kids.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, Neils Arestrup, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Celine Buckens, Toby Kebbel, David Cross, and many more...
Directed by: Steven Spieldberg Screenplay by: Lee Hall and Richard Curtis Based on the Book by: Michael Morpurgo Original Music by: John Williams Cinematography by: Janusz Kamiski
Premise: After a young man, Albert, and a young horse, Joey, are brought together and bond, the two are separated with the coming of World War I. But not before Albert vows to somehow meet again someday. (PG-13)
Review: Black Beauty meets The Red Violin! I don't know what it was about the previews, but I eagerly awaited the coming of this film. Hubby had no interest, but ended up going with me and loved it.
Older audiences will be reminded of great classics like My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, and Old Yeller. And because the film follows not only Joey's adventure but Albert's father's regiment flag, as well as the encapsulated stories of those Joey meets, the film was very reminiscent of the captivating film the Red Violin.
War Horse is a family friendly movie. Spieldberg went out of his way to hide moments of death to anyone the viewers might have become vested in, so though they die, it shouldn't traumatize the kids. There are still some scenes of violence, but very few, and the blood is kept to a minimum. Do take a hanky just in case. Some will need it. (I did!)
The film is a coming of age tale showing the courage of animals and people, of hope and loyalty. Between the goose, Joey, and the major's black horse, the animals steal the show. The acting was also superb from everyone present. Some of the best scenes were those without dialogue - where a look or a simple gesture conveyed volumes. Very nicely done.
The locations are fabulous. The sets for the trench warfare and no man's land will make you feel like you are there. Some truly majestic and sweeping camera work.
Definitely worth a watch, with or without the kids.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Movie Review - The Adventures of Tintin
The Adventures of Tintin
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Daniel Mays, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones, Jeo Starr, Enn Reitel, and more.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg Screenplay by: Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish Based on the Comics Series by: Herge Original Music by: John Williams
Premise: A young journalist finds himself in the middle of a grand conspiracy after he buys a model of a three masted ship from a peddler. (Rated PG)
Review: Need to say this first so you won't have the expectation - the previews LIE. "A power that could have changed history" or "the greatest secret in all history" implies a secret weapon of some sort or something beyond anything we could imagine. It's not, it's money, lots and lots of money. No idea why the heck they didn't just say so. We all love hidden treasure, right? Rewatched the preview so I could be sure it wasn't my own fault. It wasn't. With that firmly in mind before seeing it you won't be disappointed when no ultimate anything appears. You've been warned.
That being said, the film was overall a lot of fun. The CGI was glorious - a total 5 out of 5 in that respect. There were times you'd forget it wasn't real. The attention to detail was amazing. They also do some wonderful scene changes and point of view reflections that will almost make you "ooooh" and "ahhhh" out loud.
There are several animals depicted in the film. It was a lot of fun as each showed distinct personalities and even had important parts in the chases and adventures and I'm not just talking about Snowy.
I'd seen the comics eons ago, so the first time I saw the previews I immediately recognized Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock. The true spirit of Herge's work is definitely demonstrated here - homage to his art style and iconic representations of many of the characters are sneaked in early in the film. Captain Haddock uses a ton of his famous colorful, yet strange, insults/curses. It's too fun to hear them spouted about. lol.
Adventure, excitement and more are there a plenty. One wild madcap ride through a small village will leave you breathless and wishing for a pause button like mad.
The only detractors to the film were several loopholes in the plot. If only one man survived the shipwreck and he kept the secret of what was there and where, except for the story and clues he passed down to his sons and grandson, then how did anyone else find out about it? Yes, he had superiors, but they wouldn't have known about the clues or where they were kept. And it was odd the family had had money troubles and sold the estate if 'something something something' all along. (I can't tell you. Wouldn't want to ruin it! You'll understand when you get there.) Worse, when the film is over, you're left with the definite feeling there was something lacking. So because of these things the film was somewhat disappointing. Had expected more since Spieldberg, Jackson, and Moffat were involved.
In the end, it's definitely worth a watch, if for nothing more than the amazing scenery and action sequences. Though it could have been more~! Will definitely keep the kids on the edge of their seats throughout.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Daniel Mays, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones, Jeo Starr, Enn Reitel, and more.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg Screenplay by: Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish Based on the Comics Series by: Herge Original Music by: John Williams
Premise: A young journalist finds himself in the middle of a grand conspiracy after he buys a model of a three masted ship from a peddler. (Rated PG)
Review: Need to say this first so you won't have the expectation - the previews LIE. "A power that could have changed history" or "the greatest secret in all history" implies a secret weapon of some sort or something beyond anything we could imagine. It's not, it's money, lots and lots of money. No idea why the heck they didn't just say so. We all love hidden treasure, right? Rewatched the preview so I could be sure it wasn't my own fault. It wasn't. With that firmly in mind before seeing it you won't be disappointed when no ultimate anything appears. You've been warned.
That being said, the film was overall a lot of fun. The CGI was glorious - a total 5 out of 5 in that respect. There were times you'd forget it wasn't real. The attention to detail was amazing. They also do some wonderful scene changes and point of view reflections that will almost make you "ooooh" and "ahhhh" out loud.
There are several animals depicted in the film. It was a lot of fun as each showed distinct personalities and even had important parts in the chases and adventures and I'm not just talking about Snowy.
I'd seen the comics eons ago, so the first time I saw the previews I immediately recognized Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock. The true spirit of Herge's work is definitely demonstrated here - homage to his art style and iconic representations of many of the characters are sneaked in early in the film. Captain Haddock uses a ton of his famous colorful, yet strange, insults/curses. It's too fun to hear them spouted about. lol.
Adventure, excitement and more are there a plenty. One wild madcap ride through a small village will leave you breathless and wishing for a pause button like mad.
The only detractors to the film were several loopholes in the plot. If only one man survived the shipwreck and he kept the secret of what was there and where, except for the story and clues he passed down to his sons and grandson, then how did anyone else find out about it? Yes, he had superiors, but they wouldn't have known about the clues or where they were kept. And it was odd the family had had money troubles and sold the estate if 'something something something' all along. (I can't tell you. Wouldn't want to ruin it! You'll understand when you get there.) Worse, when the film is over, you're left with the definite feeling there was something lacking. So because of these things the film was somewhat disappointing. Had expected more since Spieldberg, Jackson, and Moffat were involved.
In the end, it's definitely worth a watch, if for nothing more than the amazing scenery and action sequences. Though it could have been more~! Will definitely keep the kids on the edge of their seats throughout.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Movie Review - Super 8
Super 8
Starring: Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel McKinnon Miller, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Basso, Zach Mills, Jessica Tuck, Ron Eldard, Glynn Turman, Noah Emmerich, Bruce Greenwood, and more.
Directed by: JJ Abrams Written by: JJ Abrams Original Music by: Michael Giacchino
Premise: A group of kids, out at night trying to film a zombie movie for a contest, witness a train crash and catch some of it on film. Then strange things begin happening around town.
Review: From the first time I saw a preview, the movie screamed ET remake. But a more serious, grittier, uglier ET remake. And it was, which was fine by me.
Special effects, as with all Spieldberg productions, were superb. What was interesting, however, was the filming style. They went back and used a look from the old days - don't know if it was old equipment or just new equipment that can do old style or what, but I noticed it right away. It was almost as if on several levels, the film was full of in-jokes for filmmakers, taking them back to their roots. You'll notice these extended light bands on the screen on night scenes, which were prevalent during Spieldberg's super hey day films like ET and Close Encounters of the Third kind. So JJ dod some homage to him, but also to himself and others and all their efforts back when they first got started making movies in 8mm and creating the cheapest types of films you could get away with, like horror/zombie films. (Bruce Campbell's book If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor goes into a lot of the youthful movie making attempts by him, Sam Raimi, and Robert Tapert, and I could see the same energy/need/excitement with the kids in the film. Quite fun!)
There are several subplots thrown into the mix of the main mystery, which eventually cross as matters unfold and the characters grow. Several of these subplots aren't spoken of directly, but are well shown for us to pick up, rather than be told. And not everything is exactly as it might appear either.
The kids were great! Joel Courtney was excellent as Joe Lamb. Elle Fanning thrilling as Alice, making it especially fun when out of the filming group, Alice is actually the only one who can act. Riley Griffiths and Ryan Lee are great comic relief foils. Felt sorry for Gabriel Baso as not only did he have to wear the dorkiest pair of glasses on the planet, but has to prove his skills in barfing, not once but twice! Heh heh.
Unlike the original ET, the extra terrestrial in Super 8 is mostly sensed and not seen or even directly involved with most of the action. The only shortcoming, in my opinion, was that a skill given to the escapee and a pivotal reason matters unfolded as they did in the first place, would have made a few choices it made later rather hard to believe, but then again I wasn't the one kept by the government. Our original ET might not have been so sweet and just wanting to phone home if he'd had the same treatment as this extra terrestrial.
The films starts slow as it weaves daily life for us and then picks up lots of speed. The main baddy, Nelek, could have used more rounding, but Noah Emmerich worked quite well with what he was given. My new catch phrase will have to be "Production Value" lol. You'll understand when you see it.
Overall it was a very enjoyable film. And make sure to stay for the credits as you'll get a treat.
Rating: 4 out of 5. (Hubby's rating: Worth full price of Admission.)
Starring: Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel McKinnon Miller, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Basso, Zach Mills, Jessica Tuck, Ron Eldard, Glynn Turman, Noah Emmerich, Bruce Greenwood, and more.
Directed by: JJ Abrams Written by: JJ Abrams Original Music by: Michael Giacchino
Premise: A group of kids, out at night trying to film a zombie movie for a contest, witness a train crash and catch some of it on film. Then strange things begin happening around town.
Review: From the first time I saw a preview, the movie screamed ET remake. But a more serious, grittier, uglier ET remake. And it was, which was fine by me.
Special effects, as with all Spieldberg productions, were superb. What was interesting, however, was the filming style. They went back and used a look from the old days - don't know if it was old equipment or just new equipment that can do old style or what, but I noticed it right away. It was almost as if on several levels, the film was full of in-jokes for filmmakers, taking them back to their roots. You'll notice these extended light bands on the screen on night scenes, which were prevalent during Spieldberg's super hey day films like ET and Close Encounters of the Third kind. So JJ dod some homage to him, but also to himself and others and all their efforts back when they first got started making movies in 8mm and creating the cheapest types of films you could get away with, like horror/zombie films. (Bruce Campbell's book If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor goes into a lot of the youthful movie making attempts by him, Sam Raimi, and Robert Tapert, and I could see the same energy/need/excitement with the kids in the film. Quite fun!)
There are several subplots thrown into the mix of the main mystery, which eventually cross as matters unfold and the characters grow. Several of these subplots aren't spoken of directly, but are well shown for us to pick up, rather than be told. And not everything is exactly as it might appear either.
The kids were great! Joel Courtney was excellent as Joe Lamb. Elle Fanning thrilling as Alice, making it especially fun when out of the filming group, Alice is actually the only one who can act. Riley Griffiths and Ryan Lee are great comic relief foils. Felt sorry for Gabriel Baso as not only did he have to wear the dorkiest pair of glasses on the planet, but has to prove his skills in barfing, not once but twice! Heh heh.
Unlike the original ET, the extra terrestrial in Super 8 is mostly sensed and not seen or even directly involved with most of the action. The only shortcoming, in my opinion, was that a skill given to the escapee and a pivotal reason matters unfolded as they did in the first place, would have made a few choices it made later rather hard to believe, but then again I wasn't the one kept by the government. Our original ET might not have been so sweet and just wanting to phone home if he'd had the same treatment as this extra terrestrial.
The films starts slow as it weaves daily life for us and then picks up lots of speed. The main baddy, Nelek, could have used more rounding, but Noah Emmerich worked quite well with what he was given. My new catch phrase will have to be "Production Value" lol. You'll understand when you see it.
Overall it was a very enjoyable film. And make sure to stay for the credits as you'll get a treat.
Rating: 4 out of 5. (Hubby's rating: Worth full price of Admission.)
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