Movie Review - X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Peter Dinklage, Nicolas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Evan Peters, Omar Sy, Booboo Stewart, Daniel Cudmore, Halle Berry, and more.

Directed by: Bryan Singer Screenplay by: Simon Kinberg Story by: Jane Goldman, Simon Kinberg, and Matthew Vaughn Based on: The "X-Men" Series from Marvel Comics Cinematography by: Newton Thomas Sigel Music by: John Ottman

Premise: In a dark future for both mutants and humans, Professor X and the rest of the X-Men decide to gamble their lives on a slim chance to change everything - they will send Logan's consciousness back into a younger version of himself. Once there, he's to try and stop Mystique from the revenge motivated action which gave birth to the Sentinels. First, however, he'll have to get a young Xavier and Magneto to reconcile and work together again or the future is doomed. (Rated  PG-13)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: There are a lot of cast members in this film, several playing younger/older versions of each other. Everyone does a great job. Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender and their characters' totally different dynamics were a ton of fun to watch. Peter Dinklage's portrayal of Trask and his fervor in achieving his ends without the boundaries of rules, country, or even emotion was scarier than any mutant.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects for the film were 'top-notch'. Future Sentinels were downright scary as they adapted, absorbed, and replicated mutant attacks. All of Mystique's change sequences were flawless. I very much enjoyed the implied flipping of scales or mirrors whenever she changed. Blink's portals and the interaction of the fighters using them seemed like moving art.

All the Magneto scenes were he used his power just got more and more amazing, proving once more why he's such a force to be reckoned with. But his son (in the comics, not the films) Quicksilver 'stole the show' early in the film when we see things from his perspective as he uses his power. The addition of the song "Time in a Bottle" to that particular section made the whole sequence priceless.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The "X-men" comics debuted back in the 60's, so it seemed apt that the film took us almost that far back for this pseudo time travel adventure. For us older viewers, it was a nostalgia filled trip. For us older "X-Men" comic book fans, it was doubly so, as bits and pieces of the plot reflected back to story lines from the comics themselves.

My biggest beef with the "X-Men" movie franchise has always been the willy-nilly way in which they assign characters multiple powers or change them. The victim this time around was Kitty Pride. She can now seemingly send a person's consciousness back in time. Normally restricted to a few days (and something it seems Xavier didn't even know she could do) this is the main point on which the whole movie hinges. So they get some definite minus points for that piece of contrivance. It would have been easier to believe if they'd just added a new, young mutant with this power rather than mutate Shadowcat. But, it is what it is. Thankfully, this issue is also easily ignored, and won't mar the enjoyment of the rest of the film.

Because, aside from that one bit, the story was a lot of fun. Seeing an older Logan meeting Xavier, Eric, and Hank, knowing the things he knows about them was a blast. Also, seeing the characters being true to their youthful, idealistic, stubborn selves (especially Magneto) despite what Logan has told them, made for great plot complications and tied nicely back to the personal issues held by these same people for years.

The logic as outlined for the mental time travel seems to hit a wall at the end, but it doesn't. The film people just make the assumption the audience will be able to piece it together. I'm not sure everyone will. It has to do with what we're shown at one point, which is not the actual truth because of his power, but this is not realized till later. (You'll know what I am talking about when you get there.)

Lots of fun moments are interspersed throughout the film, both visually and through dialogue.

4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: If mutants, giant Sentinels, and the military are involved, of course there will be stunts. And the stunts for this film do not disappoint, whether they were done through CGI, live action, or a combination of the two. Quicksilver's awesome scene is my reigning favorite.

5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: The future the film begins with is very dark and with some quick sweeping camera shots the audience understands the stakes very quickly. But where the locations and cinematography truly make an impact is when we're sent back to the early 70's. We truly feel like we've traveled back in time.

6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: From Mystique's body makeup, to the time accurate 1970's clothes and styles, the costuming and makeup departments did a phenomenal job making it that much easier for the audience to believe.

Conclusion: "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a fun, action filled film. Fans of the movies will be very pleased with the ton of cameos towards the end. Fans of the comics will be even more pleased at the old story line elements - making the film a double nostalgic experience.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price To See Again)

Movie Review - Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Lauri Fraser, Guillaume Aretos, Allison Janney, Zach Callison, Stanley Tucci, Patrick Warburton, Mel Brooks, Steve Valentine, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, and more.

Directed by: Rob Minkoff Screenplay by: Craig Wright Additional Dialogue by: Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon Based on the Series Produced by: Jay Ward Original Series Segment Created by: Ted Key Music by: Danny Elfman

Premise: While Mr. Peabody attempts to smooth over an incident with Sherman at school, Sherman tries to prove to his tormentor that he's not a liar by revealing to her the secret of the WABAC machine. Unfortunately, once she goes with Sherman traveling, Penny decides she's not coming back. So, Mr. Peabody must leave the dinner party and go with Sherman to try to convince her to come back. Things, however, do not go exactly as planned. (Rated PG)

Review:

1)  Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Dreamwork's casting for this film was outstanding. Ty Burrell had just the right voice for Mr. Peabody. Max Charles was adorable as Sherman. Ariel Winter showed her lovely range as Penny. Allison Janney made her character glow with malicious evil.

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Dreamworks always pays a great amount of attention to detail, and their work on "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" was no exception. Their renderings of the historical locations they traveled to were exquisite. Mr. Peabody's lab, the time tunnel, the WABAC itself all looked amazing. What was even more fun, however, were the bits in the art that seemed to be paying homage to other films or shows - the giant statues in the sphinx shaped like cobras, the WABAC's interior looking a lot like the bridge of the 1960's "Star Trek", a couple of other spots mirroring scenes from "Dr. Who".  

That they included art bits in the ending credits of the original "Peabody's Improvable History" was a perfect touch. This was definitely a work of love.

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" is based on a 1959-1964 segment which appeared as part of the "Rocky and His Friends" and "The Bullwinkle Show" called "Peabody's Improbable History". The main points in the original segments were how the two of them would travel to important points in history and the off the wall way they would make things work out, and that all would eventually revolve around a pun or two. These traditions were definitely kept in the film.

What's most impressive about "Mr. Peabody and Sherman' is how Dreamworks took this bizarre concept of a genius dog and his adopted son who travel in time and infused it with real parent and children relationship issues, as well as several current topics pertaining to education and other agencies. Mr. Peabody may be the most accomplished dog or human of his day, but parenting doesn't always work as straightforward as science. I think many parents will resonate with the trials and feelings Mr. Peabody showed.

Puns and wordplay, as well as visual gags, are everywhere as well as an infusion of serious topics for parents and children alike to contemplate. There's even history to learn as many important events get explored, all seeded with accurate information as well as the 'not so much' kind the original segment was famous for.

4) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Danny Elfman did some marvelous music work on this film. While it carries his unique signature, it also lent itself quite engagingly to each of the times the group visits. Even better, there were riffs scattered here and there from other films and shows - "Stargate", "Lawrence of Arabia", and "The Matrix" to name a few.

Conclusion: "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" is a fun film. It gave homage to the original as well as to many other science fiction shows and did so verbally, visually, and even musically. It is a fan paradise for bits of homage, in-jokes, as well as nostalgia. Yet, the fast plot and smart script will keep both adults and kids thoroughly entertained. The short before the film called "Almost Home" is hilarious.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Son-in-law and Daughter Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - Free Birds

Free Birds

Starring: Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, George Takei, Colm Meany, Keith David, Dan Fogler, Jimmy Hayward, Kaitlyn Maher, Carlos Alazraqui, Jeff Biancalana, Danny Carey, Carlos Ponce, and more.

Directed by: Jimmy Hayward Screenplay by: Jimmy Hayward and Scott Mosier Story by: David I. Stern and John J. Strauss Art Direction by: Kevin R. Adams Music by: Dominic Lewis

Premise: Reggie had found the perfect life after being chosen by the President's daughter as that years pardoned turkey and got taken to Camp David . That is until a fated evening when he's kidnapped by one of his own, a muscle bound turkey named Jake. And according to Jake, it's Reggie's destiny to come with him and help him use a top secret time machine to go back in time and stop turkey from becoming a holiday meal tradition. The Great Turkey told him so. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson are a lot of fun as Jake and Reggie. But 'hands down', it is George Takei who steals the spotlight as S.T.E.V.E. He was a total riot! Amy Poehler was cute as the chief's daughter Jenny. Kaitlyn Maher as the President's hyperactive daughter was utterly adorable.

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Reel FX Creative Studios did a great job with the animation. They brought in a lot of little touches to the film that made some of the visuals unique. I especially enjoyed the inventiveness with how the tukey use their wings. The time machine take off and travel scenes were quite spectacular and also very funny.

I thought it a neat touch, too, that the turkey from the past showed a lot of the same visual qualities as their indian neighbors. The animated jokes for Jake and Jenny's brother testing each other's manliness were both hilarious and disturbing.

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Reel FX did the 'most fun thing ever' just as the film began. First they freely admit to taking some liberties with the historical facts in the making of the film. Then they reassure us that talking turkey, however, are real! This seemingly small bit does wonders in setting the whole tone for the audience right from the start. And the fun only grows from there.

Several themes are explored and are interwoven through the film and characters - belonging, perceived happiness, loyalty, faith, guilt, acceptance. They do touch a few times on rather sobering items, but they don't linger on them and they actually add depth to the tale being told.

Kudos for how they decided to do the character of Jenny. Her lazy eye problem, while originally something which would be off putting, becomes a rather endearing trait by the end of the film. It also shows that one need not be perfect on the outside to be loved or appreciated by those around them.

No unexpected or innovative plot surprises, but plenty of time travel foolery - which made for a lot of fun. S.T.E.V.E. was the best idea ever. Though I have to say he seemed to quickly evolve into more than was originally intended. He even appeared to have a universal translator - a nice SF in-joke.) Plenty of SF and regular jokes, visual and not, for the parents and the kids.

Conclusion: "Free Birds" was quite enjoyable, especially with all the usual hijinks one can expect from a time travel movie. George Takei was a blast. Make sure to sit through at least part of the credits as there is an extra scene.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - Looper

Looper

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Pierce Gagnon, Garrett Dillahunt, Noah Segan, Jeff Daniels, Paul Dano, Piper Perabo, and more.

Directed by: Rian Johnson Written by: Rian Johnson Cinematography by: Steve Yedlin Original Music by: Nathan Johnson

Premise: In the year 2044, Joe is Looper, an assassin for the mob who shows up at a preassigned location and time and kills the person sent back from thirty years in the future then disposes of the body. As part of their contract, Loopers know that if they're still alive in thirty years, their older selves will at some point be sent back and they must execute them when they do. Joe is totally okay with that, until one of his kills doesn't show up on time and when it does, he has no hood and is partially free. Now Joe needs to find Older Joe and kill him as contracted, before his bosses find Joe and do horrible things to him to bring the loop to a close. (Rated R)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a phenomenal job as Joe. Not only did he let them change his features so he might more closely resemble Bruce Willis for the role, but he also picked up some of his mannerism and manner of speech as well. Bruce Willis is well known for his dry wit deliveries and performed to his usual high standards. Old Joe resonated with the lessons he'd learned and the things he'd experienced later in life. And Bruce pulled the audience along as he was tortured by some of the decision he now felt he had to make. Emily Blunt was also very convincing as Cid's angst ridden mom.

But the actor who stole the show was Pierce Gagnon as the young boy Cid. He gave an excellent and unexpectedly deep performance. He'll be one to watch in the future.

2) Special Effects - Thumbs Up: The bulk of the story occurs in a near future, so it's a lot of the little touches that make this feel real. Old and new tech mix together, people picking and choosing depending on what they can afford.

The most impressive special effects were during a sequence close to the beginning and one towards the end. But it is the first one which will stick with you because of its impact. Seth's fate is one watchers will not soon forget.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: There is so many fun directions that can be taken with time travel stories, and this film makes definite use of a few of those. What was truly enjoyable was some of the inventiveness that went along with the film. There were several threads running concurrently and many will link back on one another. I don't want to say too much or I might give something away, but the story will not exactly go in the direction you expect.

Only one scene in the film seemed out of place. Almost like they wanted to play the old multiple timelines game, but didn't exactly go through with it, but yet they didn't get rid of the scene, so things didn't quite fit. However, there was so much going on around that same time, that most audience members will forget the momentary confusion as they get carried along by the rest.

4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: There were several lovely sweeping views of the 2044 cityscape as seen from the direction of Joe's killing field. Cane fields and farms filled the zone outside the city and they played an important part as backdrops in several scenes.

Conclusion: A fun time travel romp filled with action and unexpected bits of humor and angst. Definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission and Would See Again For Matinee)