The Lion King - 3D

Life's not fair, is it? For soon The Lion King will be out of theaters and you will have missed your chance to see the best Disney movie ever in digital 3D.

Out of all the films that Disney has produced, The Lion King is at the top of the list. The Lion King was released Christmas Day in 2002 to IMAX and in now in 2011 to Digital 3D. The Lion King makes a triumphant return to the screen after 17 years since its release in 1994. Its every bit as majestic and wonderful as it originally was.



The opening scene is one of the most dramatic and well directed scenes I’ve seen. It sets the stage for the whole movie and for the children in the audience they become totally enveloped and awe struck by the magnitude of the environment. Then with a sounding boom the title hits the screen and a smile comes across their face.

In digital 2D and 3D The Lion King is very moving. It has huge landscapes that really capture your focus and you can really take in all the animation. The digital rendering of this film lets you see all the strokes and design the artists originally aspired to create.

From the dramatic movement of the camera that pulls you into the landscapes and the acting of the characters really helps you connect with the story. I’ve watch this movie countless times, but because of the way the music plays out seeing it again in theaters I was still tense. The overwhelming music creates the whole atmosphere for the film.

With all of these elements I feel that this film was not written, directed, and shot as an animated movie aimed only at the children, but more of a dramatic story intended for all ages. I’d say that The Lion King really isn’t good for super young audiences. It has intense elements such as the tone of the music and script that might darken your day. The acting and script make you feel for the characters and connect with their emotions.

The Lion King is a classical movie that is loved by everyone. It puts a smile on your face and makes you feel like you’re part of the adventure. The Lion King is the best drawn Disney movie ever made. Go see it in digital 2D or 3D before its gone!

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Cowboys & Aliens

Warning: Review Contains A Few Spoilers.

It’s 1873 and the earth is in danger. The fate of humanity is left in the gun heavy hands of rugged cowboys of the old west in a town called Absolution. Daniel Craig plays as the stagecoach killer, who is something of a western style Jason Bourne. With fast moving hands and a silent charisma he is a force to be reckoned with. Harrison Ford is an over dramatic cattle rancher who believes the earth revolves around him, and like an angel from heaven Olivia Wilde is something of a mystery.

This film was not shot as a comedy, however I found myself many times cracking up at the comical dance between Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. One scene in particular, Craig and Ford are having an argument and soon Ford punches Craig in the stomach with the posture that the punch will not be returned. Only Craig instantly returns the punch to Fords face, leaving Ford with a bewildered yet respectful look of amazement. “I’m dying to hear the commentary on this scene, Daniel Craig punching the Man’s Man Harrison Ford and getting away with it.”

Soon the film turns to the stars.

They have crossed the galaxy in search of precious gold. The aliens attack the town of Absolution. They attack at night destroying the buildings strategically forcing the people to fill the streets. Soon they begin to reel up human victims into their small flying ships in order to study human weaknesses.

These green hulk like aliens have the movement of gorillas, they are fast and evasive. The aliens have huge chest cavities that open to reveal slimy three-fingered hands. This is one alien trait that has become almost expected in every sci-fi film, the unknown inner workings of an alien’s body. From Alien to Independence Day this trait is always exciting and new.

The only thing that kept this movie from turning into a cult classic is the underplayed sci-fi theme at the end. The Cowboys enter the alien spaceship to rescue the human victims. They enter a large room where all the victims are held in place by metal cords. Soon they free them and escape the alien ship. I would have loved to see a completely 360 degree change in setting at this point. Go from Tombstone to Star Trek. Have laser guns, teleporters, and holograms. You are no longer involved in a western film but an intense heart racing sci-fi with no time to think. This was something that I was very disappointed about, however it didn’t break the movie.

With opening scenes of a very familiar western setting, the film will draw anyone in. There’s non-stop action from start to finish in this classic western, with a splash of a sci-fi element. “Cowboys & Aliens” is a thriller with surprises around every corner. Combined with an outrageous plot, fantastic acting, and absolutely wonderful direction, this film is a must see for any action junky.

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Priest

“Since the dawn of time man and vampire have been locked in a never ending battle. A battle of conquest for the planet. The battle has grown more fierce than ever before and man must find a new weapon, or their extinction may very soon be at hand.

Out of the depths of despair a new force begins to rise. The Priest, skilled assassins are trained in deadly martial arts and weaponry. They are mankind’s last defense against the vampires. Soon the Priest vanquish the attacking threat and heard the last remaining vampires into guarded reservations, were they can be monitored and controlled.

Now that the vampires have been subdued, the Priest are no longer needed by man and are stripped of their duty. The Priest are discharged and moved back into the society that they had been protecting. It’s an unfamiliar place without danger lurking around every corner. A wasteland filled by church governed cities where people are taught to obey the church without question. But soon the Priest may be needed again.”

This is the initial story given at the beginning of the movie, after this the rest of the plot is very bland. There is not much to keep your attention other than shear curiosity on what will happen next.

This post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller is by no means a box office hit. Without the performance of Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, and Maggie Q, I wouldn’t recommend this movie even as a “Good Rental”. But they don’t disappoint and give wonderful performances. However the rest of the movie is subpar.

When you see movies like this you know it won’t be winning any awards, however the movie is filmed in a grease and grim style that aids the great action scenes, high energy fights, and chases that give this film its excitement. The dialogue lacks drama and serves only to keep the film moving. It is very hard to bond with the characters with this kind of demeanor.

I really had high hopes for this movie. The mythology and story are fantastic and definitely has potential to produce a wonderful sequel along with the aid of better direction and production. All in all I enjoyed the film, and here’s to high hopes in the future…

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Hanna

Warning: Review Contains A Few Spoilers.

Hanna is introduced as a teenage girl on the hunt, waiting patiently in the snow. The film starts with her killing a dear with a bow and arrow. As she is focused on gutting the dead animal and giving special attention not to spoil the meet, a deep voice sounds behind her. “You’re dead.” She turns and without a moments hesitation advances in hand to hand combat with this stranger. He is much stronger but she shows no fear. The man turns out to be her father and she just failed a training exercise. Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) and her father Erik, (Eric Bana), live secluded in an arctic forest in a small house resembling something from Hansel and Gretel.

All the details about the location are not explained until later. For a time you are left with your own conclusions. But this much is clear, Hanna has been trained in unparalleled self-defense and survival skills. Her father has trained her to adapt and survive in any situation. From this you learn that Erik was once a lethal agent for the CIA.

Hanna is at the age where the young mind becomes very curious. She has been sheltered her entire life. She has never had contact with anything or anyone other then nature and her father. Erik soon realizes her need for contact and experience. So they both agree to jump back into the real world. Eric shows great fear and concern for her well being. He knows the moment they take that jump that they will be hunted by the CIA. Hanna is aware of this and is willing to take the chance.

Hanna has been alone, never knowing anyone her age. She no doubtingly has wondered what her mother was like, for she has never met a woman. She is completely detached from humanity. But where she lacks in social skills she makes up for with fluent speaking in many languages. She has had all the time in the world to study develop a strong skill of martial arts and weaponry. She has all the book smarts to survive but lacks the street smarts many of us have.

Once Hanna is dropped into the real world she soon encounters an ordinary British family on holiday. Hanna meets her first friend and has her first encounter with people other then her father. It’s all very new and exciting. The reality and beauty of this family gives Hanna a small dose of what she’s looking for. Saoirse is outstanding; she shows deep joy and curiosity in her expressions.

The person in charge of the search and capture of Hanna and her father is a woman named Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett). Marissa is a complex character. She shelters her feelings and emotions from her duties. When she is faced with the decision of good and evil, she is rotten to the core. Although throughout the film she gives small hints that she is emotionally distressed with her life. As if her subconscious is screaming to be heard. But in the end she’s a very sly serpent.

The film has a great story, wonderful directing, and breathtaking acting. It’s very solid. The film has many high action sequences that are very similar of the Bourne films, while giving time to relax. It’s not a non stop shooting and fighting film. There are times where the film is a bit slow and this gives aid to strong character development and really tailors to a deep connection with Hanna. Saoirse takes on a difficult role as Hanna and does it with ease. She did not disappoint.

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The Road

Published on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Warning: Review Contains A Few Spoilers.

Any time you see a film based on a book there is a chance that the film would kill the experience you have as a reader. “The Road” is a book by Cormac McCarthy. I haven’t read the book, so I’m not sure how well the book and film coincide.

The basis of the film is a father and son who walk alone on earth after an unexplained disaster. Surviving by any means necessary their goal is to travel across this post-apocalyptic landscape to reach the coast in hope of finding warmer temperatures.

They face many problems on their journey. The ability to stay alive, and to hold on to humanity with the people they come in contact with. Starvation and finding shelter being a majority of the issues, but the biggest problem they fear is cannibals.

There are many great scenes of destruction that this post-apocalyptic world has grown into. There are earthquakes and fires that appear without warning. There is always rain and smog filling the sky.

One scene that really stood out was when the father and son cross paths with an elderly man, who like everybody else is starving. The son talks his father into giving the man some food. They continue together down the road when the son slowly takes the old man by the hand. This is such a touching moment, as the little boy shows there is still a sliver of humanity left in the world. That until this scene there has been nothing but dark and evil things around every corner.

The display of acting and emotion by both the father (Viggo Mortensen) and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is outstanding. They both hold each scene high on their shoulders, and they do it with ease. The setting and mood of the film is what gives way to the feelings they both go through and the strength they find in each other. The destruction and despair that they both face is what grows this amazing bond between father and son.

The downside of the film is there is no set plot. But the hope and faith that develops for the characters in the film is enough to keep you watching. Don’t go into this film looking to be entertained, there is not a lot of action. But it's a very moving film and really makes you think and appreciate the things you have.

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Toy Story 3

Published on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 3:29 pm

Warning: Review Contains A Few Spoilers.

In 1995 Toy Story first touched our lives introducing a wide cast of characters that we have grown to love. Toy Story 2 was released in 1999 and now in 2010 Toy Story 3. I was ten years old when Toy Story hit the screen. Now 15 years later I find myself still amazed and attached to the warm characters that have followed me into adulthood.

The demanding trials and the wonderful sense of humor, love, and friendship that the characters have for one another is what has made this trilogy a success. I have always enjoyed their hardships, always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. The storyline for all three films share very similar themes with the constant fear of being abandoned, or the idea of being forgotten. This theme is even stronger in this third part of the story. The movie emphasizes the bonds of friendship and courage, while showing how the feeling of abandonment and loss can turn someone for the worse. With tons of laugh’s and touching moments that everyone, young and old can relate too. We all get to grow with the characters that we've grown to love: Woody, Buzz, Rex, Hamm, Slink, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Bullseye, and the 3 Aliens. It's a great experience to watch how their views of the world and concerns display the toy characters that they are. The relationship that the toys have with their owner has always been very interesting to me.

It’s been 11 years since Toy Story 2 and the voice of John Morris now 23, plays Andy once again. Andy has outgrown his toys and is about to move to college. This is the fear that his toys have had for years.

The movie begins very similar to the first two. Andy is playing with his force field attack dog and his dinosaur who eats force field dogs. The movie unfolds and the toys find themselves waiting for the trash, the attic, being donated, or going with Andy to college.

As the plot unfolds the toys are fooled into thinking Andy has thrown them away. The toys franticly escape from the trash bag and decide to get in a near by box in the garage labeled Sunnyside daycare. Woody arrives and tries to convince them that it was a mistake and they were meant to be put into the attic not the trash. But the toys doubt Woody. And all are caught off guard by Andy’s mother and is put in the box and taken to Sunnyside.

At Sunnyside we’re introduced to many new toys. At first glance Sunnyside seems like heaven for Woody and the rest of the gang. There are always children to play with them and they no longer feel heartbroken or unwanted. Woody and the gang soon find out that Sunnyside is not quite what it seems as they’re ravaged daily by toddlers. No sooner do they try to escape when they are imprisoned by the evil toys.

There are many great scenes that make this move an eye wiper. There is a very mature scene for its targets audience involving a Lord of the Rings type feel. The toys are slowly sliding down a heap of trash into a blazing inferno. Buzz is the first one to stop climbing as he is a Space Ranger and already knows there is no hope. He glances around at all his friends struggling to stay on top of the trash. He slowly reaches over and grabs Jessie by the hand to calm her. Jessie then grabs Bullseye hoof. Soon all the toys are locked hand in hand and look into each others eyes one last time. It is a very dark and dramatic moment. All the feelings of love and friendship are shown as their life is about to come to a close. (They all live don’t worry.)

The movie comes to a close with one of the most impressive and well directed conclusions Pixar has come up with. All the toys are back safe at home with Andy. Woody is in a box marked for college. Buzz and the rest of the gang are in a box headed for the attic. As Andy is packing his car Woody jumps out of his box and writes a note on the box going to the attic. Andy returns and sees the note and decides to give his toys to Bonnie. Bonnie is a little girl that was introduced earlier in the film.

Andy arrives at Bonnie’s house. Andy and Bonnie then sit together in the front yard and play with his toys. It’s a touching moment when Andy introduces each of his toys to Bonnie. It’s a bitter sweet welcome of adulthood and the parting of childhood. This is the first time Woody, Buzz and the rest hear how Andy truly feels about them. He shows how much he appreciates that they have always been there for him. The friendship they gave through the years. A friendship that will never die.

But the gut wrencher is when Andy and Bonnie finish playing. He says goodbye to Bonnie and looks back to the front porch one last time, Bonnie is holding Woody by his arm and waving his hand. Andy’s breath catches in his chest and he smiles. “Thanks, guys.” Bonnie rushes inside the house and the toys are left on the porch. The music starts to play and Woody, Buzz, and the gang awake watching Andy leave for the final time. “So long... partner.” Woody replies.

Toy Story 3 is a must see for everyone. It's a beautiful story about memories and the passing of time. How you treat the people in your life. It reaches out to the parents in the audience as they have watched their own children grow and learn about life through the toys they played with. It’s a funny and touching farewell to the characters we’ve all come to know and love. One of the best endings of a trilogy I have seen to date.

Why didn't Toy Story 3 get 5 stars?

As the movie opens there is a scene where you are watching a home video of Andy playing with his toys. The young Andy is very different looking from the young Andy we all remember from the other movies. Many people may have watched Toy Story and Toy Story 2 before seeing 3. If you are one of those people it makes the connection at the beginning of the movie different. The fact that Andy looks different then the other movies is something I am very suprised that Pixar left out. This was a little buzzkill to the beginning of the movie.

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