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Reviews
Super 8 (2011)
Most Unoriginal Movie EVER!
Wow, what a waste of time. People have been saying that this movie is JJ Abrams "first" movie, meaning that his other two films (MI3 and Star Trek) were franchises so he was emboldened to already established characters and tone. Well, Super 8 makes his other two movies seem like the most original things he's ever done.
This film is nothing more than a mash-up of the most popular Spielberg/Amblin films including ET, Close Encounters, Goonies, and Poltergeist. It's as if JJ called Steven and said "Hey, do you mind if I make one movie that summarizes all your other films?" Spielbergs response: "Well, since I now put my name on Michael Bay movies, why the hell not?" I could get past all the unoriginal storytelling, direction, cinematography, writing, plot, etc. if the movie actually did a good job of eliciting emotion, scares, and wonderment but Super 8 falls way short. Abrams tries in every way to emulate Spielberg (right down to the way overused CGI lens flares) but actually ends up showing how inferior he is as a story teller. Spielberg's gift to the world was his innate ability to make the fantastical believable (A kid really befriended ET, Jaws really jumped on to the Orca, aliens really landed at Devil's Tower). However, in Super 8, nothing feels real or believable including plot points, logistics, and character.
Some examples: how can a small pickup truck derail a high speed freight train? How can the driver of that truck still remain alive? Why would 8MM raw footage of an alien be edited together with a well recorded voice over? Why, when the train first approaches, does the kid yell "production value" but he never repositions the actors to show the train in the background? Why are the aliens cubes in trucks near the water tower when the Air Force knows the alien needs them for his space ship? When they have the big town meeting, where is the press and national news? When the kids are running through town, why is the Air Force blowing up everything in sight? And when the Air Force speeds to the train wreck they see a car drive away, but instead of chasing the car they just decide to check the tire tracks and match them (which never pans out).
I was excited for this movie more than any other this summer. I was hoping for JJ to have an original, exciting spin on movies I loved as a kid. But unfortunately, it was nothing more than a haphazard cut and paste job that should be an embarrassment to all involved.
Still Breathing (1997)
good acting + great score = solid flick
This is hands down the best performance from Brendan Fraser EVER. He makes his "odd" character likable and charming, which was a big surprise...he's usually way too over the top for me. The movie has some slow moments (like most of the scenes involving Joanna Going's character and a Spanish dude, and some other girl who always shows her cleavage) but other than that the flick flows nicely. It's pretty low budget, but the score really makes you feel like you're watching a bigger movie - the score helps many moments in the film. The best thing about the movie is how it handles love and romance, which is done in a very subtle, methodical fashion that makes you really understand and associate with the characters. Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a different type of romantic comedy.
Mr. Fix It (2006)
Fast and fun...nice little flick
What this movie lacks in big stars it makes up for with charm. It doesn't take itself too seriously and almost satirizes the romantic comedy genre - in an entertaining and irreverent way. It doesn't drag anywhere and moves along pretty quick, sometimes actually causing me to rewind the DVD player to see if I missed anything. There seems to be a lot in this movie: go cart racing, stock car racing, singing, dancing, fighting, crying and it all serves the plot well (especially a great serenade scene with Paul Sorvino singing Frank Sinatra.) I like the leads but feel that the supporting characters could've been explored more but it's a nice little flick that makes you feel good at the end.
Thank You for Smoking (2005)
slow start...but it gets going
I wasn't really sure what to think of this movie during the first act...it was slow at the beginning and it was difficult to root for Aaron Eckharts character. But when his son came into the story (expertly played by Cameron Bright) the film took off. The ensemble cast is very strong, headed by a great performance by Rob Lowe (not to mention Brody's hilarious take on Hollywood assistants). The pacing was good and no scenes dragged too long...so if you don't like what you're watching (I wasn't a fan of the "sit downs" with Maria Bello and the guy from Anchorman) wait a couple of seconds. It was a good first feature by Reitman and I look forward to seeing what he does next...hopefully a comedy.
Prime (2005)
Good idea...horrible execution
Prime is one of those movies that makes you feel like you're watching a movie. Every moment is forced, the performances are way too over-the-top (especially, surprisingly, Meryl Streep), and the directing is academic at best (poor continuity, abundance of static shots, lackluster transitions). For example, when the lead guy meets Uma Thurman for the first time on line at a movie theater the moment is so forced and over acted that I thought that they already knew each other and were in on a joke!! The concept that a shrinks patient dates the shrinks son is a good concept that can conjure up ideas for some great comedic scenes, but unfortunately no such scenes exist. I wouldn't even waste my time watching it on HBO, as I did last night.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
Great movie...
Galaxy Quest is one of those movies that hits every note perfectly. The tone is consistently irreverent throughout, every performance is flawless, the writing is impeccable, and each plot twist keeps you riveted. The comedy is great, but the funniest moments are subtle (like Sam Rockwell's one liners). The most surprising thing about GQ is it's charm. I really have no idea why this film didn't do well in its theatrical release (maybe it was the marketing...I do remember Dreamworks trying to position it as a family film and not embracing its SciFi roots) but it deserves, and seems to be getting, a strong life on video. I highly recommend this film if you're a fan of the Men in Black films...or if you're just looking for a fun ride that leaves you appreciating the art of good storytelling.