Change Your Image
CKent007
Reviews
Superman Returns (2006)
Singer true to the Superman character of all ages
As he has demonstrated with his past films, Singer stays true to the Superman character of all ages while appearing to the mass audience of today. Building his main characters steadily, Singer makes us care about what happens to his protagonist and supporting cast. Mixing in humor and a twisting, turning love story, Singer's film is well rounded with few awkward moments, and a beautiful meld with computer generated effects.
The comic aficionado will enjoy the special homage to the 1920s pages with frame shots. The honor and sentiment towards Christopher Reeve and John Williams is felt throughout. Routh wins us over with his tenderly believable performance, and his stoic strength is palpable. Spacey is a convincing Luthor with punchy lines and unmistakable intent. Brando's clips bear more and more weight as the story plays out, and remain echoing in the mind.
I grew up a Superman fan having never seen any movies in any theatres. This movie displays the quintessential superhero of all time in a world not unlike ours today that needs a motivating figure to look up to. Even if you are not a Superman die-hard fan, you will appreciate the deeper threads that run through the movie.
Thank you for such an exhilarating ride.
Five Corners (1987)
A pleasant surprise...
I came across this film on sale, and purchased it because I saw the leading roles- Jodie Foster and Tim Robbins, before they really got famous, and I was surprised at how well the movie was done. Set in the 60s, Five Corners rings true with tone and mood of the times. Plot is straightfoward and even mildly believable, but what the film's shining aspect is its portrayal of human emotions- its very clean, raw look at the fundamental of social interaction.
Listen to Jamie's cries at his abducted girlfriend through the steel subway bars. Feel his pain as he scratches for the just-beyond-reach token. Though seemingly one dimensional at first, Heinz is a complex, tortured character with roots (albeit predictably) from youth and upbringing.
The film belies its innocent appearance with a few unexpected flashes of violence, yet maintains a positive feel with occaisional punchlines. Another surprise is Eriq La Salle, who plays a commanding role in the film's racial commentary. (Look for his surgeonesque brusque manner in his pre-Benton, MD role.)
All together with a mysterious archer vigilante (?) in the midst and cute penguins mucking about, this film is worthy of your time if you have some extra.
Verdict for a five dollar DVD? A+ simply on the Beatles tune alone.