pktbishop Reviews

Marley & Me (2008)

There was sobbing...

[9/10 · 26 December 2008]

Every year I go to see a movie on Christmas Day. It's been a tradition since high school. This year's Christmas movie was "Marley & Me". I was more excited by the fact that it was something that everyone could go and see; including my mom, who doesn't venture out to the theater very often. Anyway, I was happy that she and my girlfriend were excited to see this.

As I am sure many posters will repeat this phrase, if you've ever been a dog owner, this movie really rings true. The movie itself is very simple; it chronicles the growth of a couple and the impact their pet Labrador has on their family throughout their life.

It is really the simplicity that makes the story work so well. This isn't "Old Yeller" or "Lassie", though some elements are there. This isn't a dog movie focused on the relationship of the canine and a kid (a la "My Dog Skip"). This is a true depiction of what it is like for most people to get a puppy early in their relationship and how it can develop into them becoming a member of the family.

There aren't many people in the cast. Jennifer Aniston really does the best job in the picture. I'm a fan of Owen Wilson (I know many aren't), and it was nice to see a serious side since we really hadn't seen one since "Behind Enemy Lines". He did a good job, but he really would've sold me if he had shed some full on tears when it was required. But he was very believable nonetheless.

The film really humanizes the characters and their relationship with Marley with such realism. I haven't had a chance to read the book, but I have a feeling the movie captured the essence of the story.

I have been a dog owner my entire life. I had 5 from childhood through college and have experienced the beginning act of the movie having purchased a puppy with my girlfriend 2 years ago. He is now a 2 yr old member of our family, and we would be devastated if we ever lost him. Most can relate to the experience of being a pet owner, and even if you can't, there are messages here you can still connect with. I definitely recommend this for ANYBODY, but try to take the family. If you never wanted a pet before, I challenge you to not change your mind after viewing this. And yes, men, women and children alike were sobbing by the end

Deep Rising (1998)

Guilty Pleasure Confession

[8/10 · 27 October 2006]

I have to confess; this Deep Rising is such a guilty pleasure and I absolutely love it. I do happen to appreciate B-grade flicks like this, but that's only part of the reason. It's also b/c this movie achieves exactly what it sets out to do and it has a lot of positive elements.

It's obvious that movies like these are simply meant to entertain. We have an interesting setting, heavily armed commandos, an attractive damsel, a unique threat, explosions, a macho hero, great one-liners and a likable cast. The truth is, those are all good ingredients for this type of movie to be successful. I believe the cast is probably the main thing that makes this film so likable. I think Treat Williams is an under-rated actor. He has turned in some good performances in other things, and I was surprised at how well he did in a role that isn't really like anything else he's been in. He isn't really considered the "action-hero" type, but his character of Finnegan is so stereotypical-macho hero, and he plays it to perfection. I love it!

Kevin J. O'Connor is great as side-kick mechanic Joey. I like the chemistry between him and Williams and he definitely gets some of the best lines.

Famke Jensen definitely qualifies as an attractive female lead. And the supporting cast all fill out their roles well. Yes, the action is far-fetched. Yes, some of the dialogue is cheesy. But what makes it so great is that it seems like the cast knows it and doesn't take them selves too seriously. I have always wanted there to be a sequel, but knowing Hollywood, they'd prolly just screw it up anyway. All in all, Deep Rising is a fun way to spend an hour and a half.

Superman Returns (2006)

Who's the real hero: Superman or Singer?

[6/10 · 29 June 2006]

I haven't posted a comment in sometime, but after having watched Superman Returns opening night, I feel compelled.

I admit I had my reservations upon reading the cast and seeing publicity photos. Being a big fan of the original, I wasn't convinced how it would measure up. But I also had faith in Bryan Singer's talent.

I have to say this movie seemed to deliver on just about every level. It will appeal to almost any audience; fan's of the original, comic book fanboys (such as myself), and those young one's experiencing the spirit of the Man of Steel for the first time.

My biggest reservation going into this was the cast. Let's face it, there will NEVER be another Christopher Reeve. But if Reeve was ever given an intern, the result would definitely be Brandon Routh and his performance. Routh seemed to capture the essence of the character throughout the majority of the movie. There were times his look resembled Reeve, and even times where his voice seemed eerily the same! Kate Bosworth didn't sell me on the character of Lois until the second half of the movie, but I was rooting for her by the end. Lex Luthor was a tough part to cast, and Kevin Spacey did a fine job, as did the rest of the supporting cast. The real hero here is Bryan Singer. This man is quickly becoming one of my fave directors. I know he won't be stuck solely in this genre, but I have to say the man has the heart of a true comic fan. After seeing the film, I'm not as upset at him for leaving X-3. He made a sequel all this time later in a manner that fits very well. The story, the look, the effects, the characters, the sets, and most of all...the heart in this movie all come together to make it a wonderful experience. I am truly relieved that he was able to successfully breath new life into a franchise that was much needed (much the same way the Batman Begins prequel was able to do). Like King Kong and Peter Jackson did in the winter, I was reminded of what a great experience going to the theater can be. This is what summertime at the movies is all about!