Monday, August 31, 2009

District 9

Ok, I was really excited to see this movie. I heard a lot of good hype about it. I'm glad I saw it. It was amazing. Seriously.

This film starts out like a personal documentary, kind of like Blair Witch. In the first part of the movie, most of it is just setting the scene by introducing the characters and laying out the situation and how District 9 came to be.

In some parts, it was very harsh with the interactions between the humans and the aliens. The aliens were depicted more "human like" (they walk on two legs) and possess emotion but were also seen as "savages" and "animals" in the way they were treated and the conditions they were forced to live in.

In the beginning, I really did not like the main character, Wikus van de Merwe, (Sharlto Copley) who was in charge of the alien relocation operation. He, along with the other humans, treated the aliens like animals and was very harsh in his demeanor towards them. Basically, the aliens were seen as outcasts.

However, when things take a turn in the story he changes his perspective and sees the aliens in a different way. I don't want to spoil it for you, so let's just say he slowly begins to see the aliens through their eyes. Soon it becomes a case of the hunter learning how it feels to become the hunted - the prey. Very interesting change in perspective.

As far as the special effects, I was blown away by the look of the aliens and the technology presented. It was awesome. It's like something I've never seen before. Also, the underground laboratory and the scenes presented there are amazing. It truly felt like I was in right there with them. Just the angle shots and the "closeness" of the camera made it feel so real.

For all the gamers out there, if you ever played the game "Half-Life" that's what it reminds me of. During the second part of the movie, you feel like you are right in the laboratory facility just like when you play the game. It's awesome.

One thing, I do have to warn people about - do not eat while watching this movie. If you have a weak stomach (like me), it's best to not have a full meal before. There are some gory parts for the faint of heart. I'm not too big on gore so I had to look away during some of these times. But, the scenes did add to the realism and the story. Plus, some people enjoy gore so I guess they had to add that in, too!

Since I do like sci-fi, I did enjoy this movie. I would say any hard core sci-fi fans should watch this film.

I've never seen a movie like this - it totally blew me away. And, yes it was definitely worth it to watch the whole way through - the ending was amazing. I don't want to ruin it for you but let's just say the saying "Seeing is believing," holds true.

If you're in the mood for a sci-fi type movie, run don't walk and go see this movie! It's definitely worth the money.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Great Buck Howard

I decided to check this movie out from a recommendation by one of my tweeps Skookum86 (thank you!)

Let me just say, I'm glad I saw it - very entertaining movie with a life lesson. It's about going out and finding your place and purpose in life - not following the norm and what people want you to do. It's a movie about having your own experiences and creating your own story.

I definitely could relate to this movie. In this day and age, there are so many expectations placed on people to go out and get a "respectable" job and maintain a certain status in society.

In this movie, the main character Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) is unhappy with his life. He decides to drop out of law school and become a writer. Problem is that he's got to find a paying gig to pay the bills while he pursues his dream. And, that's when he lands a job as a road manager working for the "Great Buck" Howard (John Malkovich), a demanding and past his time mentalist.

While touring with the "Great Buck," Troy goes through many life experiences and sees many things. To most people like his father (Tom Hanks), this job is seen as a waste of time.

Though, for Troy it's an unforgettable experience that truly shows him the meaning of life - to be happy and to do the things you love to do. And, that is priceless.

If you're in the mood for a comedy type and "feel good" movie, I definitely recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Fan Trailer - My Little Pony

Ok, I didn't mean to scare you - there isn't a new movie coming out for the toy franchise. We kind of had a taste back in 1986 when the official movie came out.

Though, I thought it would be cool to post this fan trailer for nostalgia sake. It's a spoof based on the popular toy franchise with a twist on this movie. (This link was sent to me from one of my "tweeps", zenbitch (thank you!)

(p.s. For all the My Little Pony and/or Star Wars Fans, check out the My Little Storm Trooper Pony (link submitted by my tweep zenbitch (thank you!)

Check it out!



Video Link

Monday, August 24, 2009

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Since I was in the mood for action, I decided to check out this movie based on the toy franchise per one of my tweep's, actionchick, positive review.

What I enjoyed about the movie was its ability to tell the story of each of the main characters - it went back and forth from present to past to help me as the audience understand their background and how they came to be, and tie it all together to the main story line. This was presented quite well and in a very understandable manner.

This movie was action packed from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority part of the movie - something was always happening. Things were fast paced and kept my attention for the entire movie. For me, there was never a dull moment.

Apart from the action and the ability to go into the background of the main characters, I also enjoyed the landscape(s) and different weaponry presented. It was neat to see pretty hi-tech gadgets - very cool.

The movie was not predictable at all - there were lots of twists and turns. I found myself very surprised at times - there were some things that really threw me for a loop. And, especially the ending - it was worth it. I don't want to spoil it for you but let's just say the saying, "Knowing is half the battle," holds true.

If you're in the mood for an action type movie, I definitely recommend this one!

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Friday, August 21, 2009

Hollywood Dreams: The Story of an Aspiring Filmmaker

Since I like spoofs, I thought I'd post up this very funny and entertaining short spoof about an aspiring filmmaker. For all the filmmakers out there, this one's for you!

(p.s. If you are a filmmaker and have a project(s) you'd like me to check out, feel free to contact me. If I find it interesting/relevant, I will post it here. Also, I may be doing some interviews with indie filmmakers down the road if you'd like to send me a message and start a conversation).



Video Link

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Hangover

Ok, I have to admit - I really wasn't too excited about this movie. After I saw the trailer, I thought it would be the "typical guy movie" with slapstick humor and crazy stunts with an average story line. But, I was in the mood for a comedy and I heard this movie was really good - though they were mostly positive reviews from guys.

So, I set out to keep an open mind and watched it. I was very, very surprised. This film captured my attention from beginning to end. It was very funny - I was entertained the entire time.

What made this a great comedy movie was that it kept my attention - I wanted to know the "why" and the "what happened." I wanted to know why things happened and how the main characters in the story got to where they got to be.

Throughout the film, you are shown bits and pieces of the puzzle but the story still doesen't come all together until the end.

Maybe one of the reasons I enjoyed this movie was this bit of mysteriousness - it sparked my curiosity. I do enjoy movies that show bits and pieces of a story which all come together at the end. It's the same formula. Movies that have done this that I enjoy watching are films like "Go," "Fight Club," and "Memento."

It's definitely worth it to see the entire movie especially since it ties everything together at the end. It's worth it to see the ending - it's classic. I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say the saying "Pictures are worth a thousand words" hold true.

Unlike my prior post, I definitely recommend this one. If you're in the mood for a comedy type movie, run don't walk and go see this movie!

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, August 17, 2009

I Love You, Man

I recently saw this movie while traveling on an airplane - all the other available movies I had already seen. (Wow, I know I watch a lot of movies!)

It had a pretty unique story. It did follow the basic formula for your overall comedy movie - it had it's ups and downs, and came out positive in the end.

To me, it was ok. Some of the acting and the lines felt forced - I didn't feel a sense of "punch" with this movie.

I think it could have probably been done better and much more funnier. There were some serious parts of the movie which I think they could have gone more into detail. One such issue was about people living in the past and not moving on with their lives while everyone else does. I feel that's a great issue to touch upon.

I did have a few laughs while watching the movie especially as they made it seem like Paul Rudd and Jason Segal were actually a "couple". I thought it was funny how they depicted Paul Rudd - like your typical metrosexual. (If you watch Sex and the City, Paul Rudd seems like a guy Charlotte was dating - the pastry chef who lived in Chelsea.

If you are in the mood for a comedy and there's nothing really out there you want to watch, I'd save this one for your Netflix queue, or borrow from a friend or at the library. I wouldn't spend the $5 to rent this at your local Blockbuster store. It's got its funny moments, but to me it's not a movie you absolutely have to see.

p.s. And, yes - they do say "I Love You, Man" in the movie. I was anticipating this the whole time I was watching - they didn't let me down there!

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Friday, August 14, 2009

Facebook vs. Friendster vs. MySpace: Virtual Space

Since I like spoofs, I thought this would be a great one to post up. Very funny spoof on the differences in personality for Facebook, Friendster, and MySpace. Check it out!

p.s. If you missed the post about the MySpace vs. Friendster spoof I put together awhile back, check it out here. Enjoy!



Video Link

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Beach

I have to admit, I didn't expect much when I picked up this movie. I was in the mood for an adventure type movie and I do enjoy watching Leonardo DiCaprio on the big screen - I think he's a good actor.

To my surprise, I actually enjoyed this film. There were a lot of negative reviews about it. But, I think some people just didn't get it. It's more than a story of some kids going to an island and having parties all night. There's a deeper meaning behind it.

I really enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. It's a movie that made me think about life and the experiences we have. After watching this movie, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride and was glad to be back home.

It's one of those movies that makes you wonder about things you might and/or want to do and experience. It's one of those things - you take the good and the bad, have the experience, and come back glad to be back where you started.

If you're looking for an adventure type movie that questions the meaning of life, I'd definitely recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

I really enjoyed watching this movie -it was very entertaining from beginning to end. Being a foreign film, I thought it was strictly a drama but was surprised as it had bits of comedy.

It's definitely a movie for filmgoers and filmmakers alike - it brought out my passion for film and the kid in me. Great story, great acting, great music - an overall great movie. I highly recommend this movie - it's a masterpiece.

p.s. For those who have already seen the movie, there is an alternative ending in the director's cut. Enjoy!



Video Link

Friday, August 7, 2009

40 Inspirational Speeches In 2 Minutes

Need some inspiration? Check this video out!

p.s. Movie Trivia: How many movies can you name in this video?



Video Link

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Fan Trailer - Thundercats

With the announcement of the movie based on the animated television series, I thought it would be great to post this fan made trailer made by a devoted fan. (This link was sent to me from one of my "tweeps", zenbitch (thank you!)

Check it out!



Video Link

According to Wikipedia:

"It was announced on June 5, 2007, that Warner Brothers is making a CGI-animated feature film of ThunderCats, based on a script written by Paul Sopocy. In October 2007, Variety magazine revealed that Jerry O'Flaherty, veteran video game art director, had signed on to direct. The film is being produced by Spring Creek Productions. It is set for a summer 2010 release".

Source Link

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Letters From Iwo Jima & Flags of Our Fathers

Since both of these movies are both related to the Battle of Iwo Jima, I thought it would be best to group them together as a "double feature." Both movies are set in the same time period, though each depict different perspectives of the war.

Letters From Iwo Jima shows the war from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. It's very interesting to see the story unfold from a different perspective.

The film showed the strategy of the Japanese used to defend their island of Iwo Jima from the Americans. It also depicts the personal struggles and lives of the Japanese soldiers. It's a very good movie to watch and to see things from a different perspective.



Video Link

Flags of Our Fathers shows the war from the perspective of the American soldiers. It showed the struggles and personal lives of the American soldiers who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima. It was a neat way of telling the story as it was told backwards - from the present to the past.



Video Link

Overall, I enjoyed both movies very much. When watching war movies, it always makes me thankful for the freedom that we have today. I think many people still take freedom for granted. In some countries, a mandatory military draft still exists. After watching these types of movies, it makes me grateful for the freedoms we have today - these soldiers have risked their lives for our future.

I highly recommend both movies. I suggest watching Letters From Iwo Jima before watching Flags of Our Fathers.

Letters From Iwo Jima sets the tone for the time period. You learn the military strategy of the Japanese and also what the Japanese soldiers went through while at Iwo Jima. If you watch this film first, then when watching Flags of Our Fathers you will better understand certain parts of the movie which depict some events and landscape from Letters From Iwo Jima.

If you're in the mood for a war type movie, I definitely recommend watching both these movies. Happy movie watching!