The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

When I first posted the movie preview for this film, it was definitely one film I had on my "to watch" list for the summer. Though, I did wait awhile to see it until I got into my fantasy action type mood. It was definitely worth it.

Like many Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer films that I've seen (such as this one), this movie did not disappoint.

From the very beginning, this film really caught my attention. I really liked how the movie opened up.

It began with a story - a story that spanned many generations. These are the types of films that really intrigue me since I'm somewhat of a history buff and all.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

So, the movie takes us from the very past to the near past and fast forwards to the present day. I felt the way the story was told was very well done. (In true Disney fashion!)

As for the storyline, I don't really want to say much as I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the film yet. Though, I will say it's a very typical story. A story about a boy named Dave (played by Jay Baruchel) who has been deemed as the one that will bring peace to the world.

Though, this boy does not believe he can be the one - he does not see himself as a hero. He feels he is just ordinary, just like everyone else. And, he must find the strength within himself to help guide him in his quest.

Along the way, he does have a mentor, Balthazar (played by Nicholas Cage) who teaches him all that he knows about the power of magic. At first, Dave does not believe. That is until he witnesses the power of magic first hand.

Though, it does take Dave awhile to hone his skills and achieve the type of power Balthazar possesses. It takes both time and skill. And, in the end - Dave must choose between his ordinary and familiar life and this new found extraordinary life.

However, no matter how hard Dave tries he discovers that he cannot not run away from this new life. In a recent turn of events, the fate of the world soon lays in his hands. And, Dave is the only one that can save the world. So, he chooses his destiny - a life where he chooses to risk his own in order to save the lives of others.

While watching the film, there is a bit of action mixed in with some moments of humor. I think they did a good job in setting the story and introducing the characters in the film. The action scenes in the movie intensified more towards the end.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, there was a point near the end where I thought the film would end. But, to my surprise it did not. I found it a bit odd but knew it had to end the way that it did since it is a Disney movie).

Overall, I enjoyed the movie very much. It had it all - a good storyline, magic, action and a bit of comedy. I couldn't ask for anything more.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy type film with a bit of action and comedy, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who saw the film, were you able to catch some of the references to this movie? It was entertaining to see the musical sequence midway through the film. I enjoyed it very much!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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The Last Airbender (2010)

Since I'm a fan of M. Night Shyamalan , I was really excited to see this film based on the animated television series.

To be honest, it's been awhile since I've seen a good M. Night Shyamalan film - his past few films have not been all that great in my opinion. So, going into this one - I was really hoping to be dazzled. Though, I wasn't - it was a bit disappointing.

The movie is more of a fantasy adventure type of film. In a way, it kind of reminded me of this movie.

Basically, it's about a boy who is supposed to be a kind of "protector" of the people (aka The Avatar). Though, when faced with the responsibility and the duties of his role he is reluctant to pursue it - being a hero is a lot of responsibility which involves having a life of solitude without having any ties such as family and friends. And, to the boy this life of solitude is just not the kind of life he wants to live.

So, the movie is really about a hero who doesen't want to be a hero. Though, with the current situation of the war in the story he is faced with the dilemma of being a hero and protecting the people. Otherwise, there will be no protector for the people.

In a way, some of the themes of this film is a bit similar the themes of other films such as "The Matrix" - there's a prophecy that someone is going to protect the people. The theme in this film is no different.

There are some battle type scenes in the movie as the hero (aka The Avatar) and his army (consisting of another boy and a girl - brother and sister) work together to gather up villages of people to fight the existing regime.

(Note: The battle scenes are a bit corny looking. I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say it reminds me of watching kung-fu in slow motion - it's a bit weird looking).

I think this movie is for a certain type of person - one who enjoys these kinds of films. And, maybe for those who enjoyed watching the series.

Though, this film really didn't do it for me - it just didn't feel like it came together. The storyline wasn't really well executed and a lot of the scenes were not really played out well especially the battle scenes - I just didn't find myself entertained.

Now, it could just be me. Maybe some who enjoy this genre may have differing opinions. Though, I do enjoy fantasy adventure type of movies from time to time such as this one.

Overall, I can't really recommend this film - I just didn't find myself entertained. The storyline was not very well executed and the scenes just didn't play out well for me. I was really hoping this movie would be good, though it was rather disappointing.

If you're contemplating seeing this movie, I'd say it's best to pass on it.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For all the fans of the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me).

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

When this film first came out based on the children's book by Maurice Sendak, I was really excited. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch it at the theater. Though, I'm glad I missed it - this film was a real disappointment.

(Word of caution: In general, I don't really review bad films unless I feel strongly about it. This one is one of those exceptions).

Let me just say for the record, I am a fan of the book. As a kid, I remember reading this book and really enjoyed it. This is why I was so excited when I heard the film was coming out. Since I'm a fan of the book, it just made sense to go out and want to see the movie.

From the very beginning, there was a lot of violence and anger presented in the film. Even the opening scene started out violent - it was truly shocking. And, what is even more shocking is the fact that many parents (who were fans of the book and thought this film was a movie for children) brought their children to go see the film.

(Note: If you read some of the reviews online, there are many parents who have voiced their opinion about the level of violence in the movie. From watching the trailer, this doesen't seem like a violent type of movie - it seems more like a children movie. Though, in reality it's not).

The film centers around the life of a young boy, Max (played by Max Records), who seems very lonely (he's not much of a people person as he seems not to have many friends) and is dealing with parental issues (mainly his mother played by Catherine Keener).

All throughout the movie, Max seems to have a major issue with anger - he is angry all the time. And, it's not quite clear where and/or why this anger is coming from. It's almost as if you have to just accept (without knowing where and/or why) that this kid has anger issues.

For me, this anger issue Max possessed didn't really do it for me. For me to understand and care about this character, I really needed to know why and where this anger was coming from - it was just never revealed in the film. It seemed like they just wanted you to accept that he had this anger complex but not ask why.

(Note: If you are a parent (as there are parents out there who read this blog), I would strongly caution against some of the scenes in the film - they are very violent especially for small children).

The rest of the story focuses on Max running away and sailing to a far off island. When he arrives, he is excited and scared at the same time - excited to be in a new environment but scared of the unknown. And, he does meet the unknown - a group of "mythical like" creatures.

At first, Max is unsure of these new creatures and their intentions. Though, over time he befriends them and gets to know them - it's almost as if he found a new family. As Max spends more time with the creatures, more and more it seems as if he did find a new family - one that accepted him.

Though, there are points in the film where adult type issues are presented among the creatures (even in this world). And, there were times when the creatures did not accept Max anymore - just as he was not accepted in the real world.

And, I guess this movie is really about acceptance and finding your place in the world. Since Max had few friends, he did not feel like he had a place in the real world. So, he attempted to escape and seek refuge in the imaginary world. Though, he still did not find his place in the imaginary world. So, Max finds himself retreating back to the real world.

(Note: As I watched this movie, I really thought this kid had some major anger and behavioral issues. It was a bit comical that he wasn't even accepted into the imaginary world. It was almost as if the mythical creatures he met and befriended could not really function and deal with his anger issues. It was quite an interesting dynamic).

Overall, I was disappointed with the film. It lacked presentation and a sense of focus - it was all over the place. The dialogue was very dry - many scenes involved too much talking with no real purpose and/or sense of direction. It felt like they just put these scenes in and threw the dialogue together without much thought as to the purpose and how it fits into the overall picture.

However, I felt the storyline was there - it just wasn't presented well. Though, I did enjoy some of the music in the film - some of the songs were very unique and enjoyable. But, that's about it.

If you've been contemplating seeing this film, I don't really recommend it. It's just not very well executed - it lacked focus. And, if you have children (especially small ones) it's definitely not a children and/or family type movie.

If you really want to see this movie, it would be best if you either borrowed it (for free) at the library or from a friend who has the DVD. Overall, it just wasn't that great.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For all the fans of the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me).

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Alice in Wonderland (2010)

"Who are you?"

- Alice in Wonderland

Ever since I was a little kid, I've been such a fan of this story. So, I was really excited to see this film. Really excited.

Back when I was a kid, I must have watched (in addition to reading) a lot of Alice in Wonderland remakes. And, it never got old each time I saw a new one. In fact, I kept watching them over and over again. I remember one that was a television special I'd watch year after year. The story intrigued me that much.

What I like about the story is that it really plays true to asking questions about growing up. And, taking responsibility. Though, it also is a quest for identity and finding out who you are as a person. And, who you are as a person may not necessarily be the person everyone wants you to be - the journey is yours and your alone.

And, this is exactly why I've always enjoyed the story - for the journey. The journey is what makes life interesting. And, what gives life meaning. Without meaning, what kind of life would that be? It really makes you wonder.

In true Tim Burton fashion, the characters were very entertaining to watch. I especially enjoyed both Helena Bonham Carter's performance as the "Red Queen" as well as Johnny Depp's performance as the "Mad Hatter." Also, the "Cheshire Cat" made the usual round of appearing and disappearing throughout the movie. (Note: If you've seen the film, I liked how he pulled a "Lord of the Rings" trick during the final battle scene).

The film played true to the original story with a few minor adjustments. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about). Most of the characters in the original story were present in the movie. Though, I don't remember a mouse being in the original story - minor adjustments.

As for the scenery, it was really great. I especially liked the "greyness" of the Red Queen's world contrasted with the "whiteness" of the White Queen's (played by Anne Hathaway) world (to symbolize all that is good). The representation of the colors in both worlds really gave me a sense of what life was like in the contrasting lands.

As for the story, I really liked how Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska) was portrayed - as a heroin. I think this is what attracted me to the story being a girl playing a heroine type role.

Though, it is one of those things where the heroin does not know they are the heroin. And, they must find it within themselves to face their fears. (Note: There was one part in the film where Alice was about to have the final standoff. I was extremely happy to see her ready to fight in armor rather than in a dress).

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. It entertained me the whole way through. And, it brought me back to my childhood days. Truly, a classic film made in modern times.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy type film, I highly recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



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Avatar

Lately, I've been really debating whether to see this film or not. (Had many conversations back and forth with my tweep ReelTalker about the film).

After seeing the movie trailer the first time, I still wasn't sure. So, I read a couple reviews - they were mixed. Some people enjoyed the film, while others did not.

Being James Cameron's next big film after Titanic, I was really intrigued. There was a lot of hype about the amount of money and time put into this film. Apart from that, I've heard James Cameron is a really great storyteller.

After much debate, I decided to go ahead and fork out the money to see the film. There is the option of seeing the movie in 3D - I wasn't quite sure which route to take. Though, I decided to go ahead and see it in 3D since the film was made for it. I'm glad I did.

Let me just say, seeing the film in 3D really was an awesome experience. Not just because the film was made for 3D, it was also because the film was a futuristic type movie. Being a film set in the future, watching the film in 3D just gave for a better movie watching experience.

I felt like I was right there in that world the entire time - I felt a part of it. If you plan on seeing the film, I definitely recommend seeing it in 3D.

Speaking of 3D, the special effects and animation were great. In a way, it was a different type of animation - very different from what I've seen before. The characters and animals in the "Avatar" like world were very different and unique. Each character and/or animal had very detailed and unique features. Even the language(s) spoken were very unique in their own way.

Watching the film, it felt like Cameron put a lot of thought and time into this film. It was very aesthetically pleasing to the eye - the scenery and the "Avatar" like world alone is breathtaking. I could tell there's a lot of details in the film to make Cameron's world come to life.

As for the storyline, it was very unique in its own way. Some aspects of it reminded me of this film. (If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

The story itself is really about perspective. Throughout the film, you see the situation from different points of view. This is what sets the tone of the film. And, from the different perspectives you learn more and more about why they are there in the first place and each character's purpose for being there.

Though you are presented with different perspectives in the beginning, the main story is told through the main character's, Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), viewpoint.

However, his perspective begins to change once he puts himself in the shoes of the very beings (aka The Na'vi People) he is sent to seek out (and if need be destroy) in the name of claiming their precious mineral, unobtainium.

The story unfolds as Sully learns the way of The Na'vi People, and learns they are not the ones who are "savages." (aka the term the Humans have given them). He learns of their ways to live simply and preserve nature - their way of life really opens up his eyes.

Though, not everyone sees what Sully sees. And, this is where the conflict begins. There are those who just want to take and claim the precious mineral for their own in the name of greed and power. And, the question then is posed - who are the real savages here?

Overall, I enjoyed the film. I felt entertained for the entire movie. Though, I have to admit - this is not a film for everyone. After seeing it, I can understand why this may be a film for those who are very interested in the "fantasy" and "sci-fi" type genres. It's a good movie, but I can't say it's a great one. Though, I'm glad I went and saw it.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy and/or sci-fi type film, I recommend seeing it (and in 3D). Though, if you don't consider yourself a "fantasy" and/or "sci-fi" type movie goer, I'd say it's a toss up if you want to wait until it comes out on DVD. For me, I'm glad I went and saw it - it's definitely a film that kept me entertained.

(Note: For other perspectives on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link
Just Chick Flicks - Review Link
Kelly Whyte - Review Link
Reel Artsy - Review Link
Zen - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



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The Neverending Story

"People lose their hope and forget their dreams. People with no hope are easy to control. And those who have the control, have the power."

Gmork
The Neverending Story

I recently watched this film based on the novel. Seeing this film, takes me back to my childhood. Growing up, this was one of my favorite movies.

What I enjoyed about this movie as a kid, I still enjoy as an adult - adventure and imagination. The ability to create and imagine is something I really miss from my childhood days. Thus, the reason for this blog. (See my first post).

As I watched this movie as an adult, I could sense an underlying message. The quote above from Gmork says it all. I think the film is trying to make a statement that as we grow up, we lose our sense of imagination and creativity.

In the first scene, the dad of the main character, Bastian, tells him he needs to get his head out of the clouds and start taking responsibility. His father was upset that his teacher called stating that he was caught drawing unicorns in class and had failed to turn in his homework.

So, we can already see that at an early age Bastian is deterred from using his creativity and imagination. I had a similar childhood experience as well. And, growing up I find that I was also taught to take up more responsibility and be more practical.

Throughout the story, the film tests the main characters', Bastian and Atreyu, faith and belief. There are times when things seem hopeless. Though, the story goes on which shows that persistence and belief is the key. This ties in with the theme of hope and belief - believing in yourself and your dreams. And, I think the film gets this underlying point across very well throughout the story.

What I also find interesting is the symbolism and terms used in the film. For example, the world of Fantasia is an imaginary world where anything can happen. And, as a moviegoer you learn that Fantasia has no boundaries - it's limitless. This message symbolizes our imagination and ability to create anything we want. Our creativity has no barriers - the sky is the limit.

The Nothingness (the cause of the collapse of Fantasia) was also a great symbolic message. To me, the Nothingness symbolized the idea of the real world destroying the imaginary world (i.e. being practical and sensible versus being creative and imaginative). It truly was an eye opener to see that there was only one small grain of sand left of Fantasia at the end. To me, this symbolized the lack of imagination and creativity we tend to lose as we grow up to be adults.

Though, I did enjoy the film ending on a positive note of hope. Hope that we could build up the fantasy world again and exercise our ability to create and imagine. And, that ability is why we still have great stories told today.

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

Happy movie watching!

(p.s. Just in case anyone is wondering, the name Bastian gave to The Childlike Empress was "Moon Child" (I looked it up). It's hard to believe that was his mother's name. Go figure!)



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