Recently I went to the movies twice. Now I know that that is unusual as I normally only go once but in the last two weeks I had the opportunity to see a couple of quality films that might be worth watching. In the coming weeks and months I do intend on seeing more films now that the financial situation has improved and I will attempt to be less lax on writing about my experience and view of those films.
Watch for reviews of Tron: Legacy and the new Narnia movie as well as a few others that have caught my eye. I do apologize that I don't see many films early enough to make these reviews relevant to people that would like to see movies opening weekend. but I am limited by when I can go see them and available time to see them.
Anywho on with the reviews.
The Trailers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Pt 1.
Cowboys and Aliens
Another comic book turned into a feature film, but this one looks awesome. What more could you ask for Aliens, Cowboys, Harrison Ford, yes I said Harrison Ford. Of course we can't forget Daniel Craig either. The fact that its an alien invasion set in the wild west is just to cool to pass up. I'll probably be seeing this one in the theaters. Opening July 29th, 2011.
Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Narnia, sweet Narnia, we do so love you. As a fan of all the books I am so glad that they finally decided that they will continue on. Each movie seems to be better than the last. This one looks to be a family favorite of the season. I will of course be there to see it. Released on December 10th, 2010.
Kung Fu Panda 2
Okay, deep breaths. I know, I know its Jack Black's pandariffic animated return. I loved the first one but I am not sure about this one I have only seen the teaser and will have to wait to see if the actual trailer will show more of what we want to see. Sequels, especially animated ones, tend to not be as good as the original. There are a few exceptions to that rule but I am not holding my breath that this is one of them. Might be fun for the kids but I'm pretty sure the adults will not be entertained. Opening May 27th 2011.
Green Lantern
Another comic book movie this must be the year of the comic. If you had asked me a couple of years ago if I liked the Green Lantern I would have said not really. Now that I have been exposed to a number of my friends that are rabid fans its starting to grow on me. This movie has all the makings of a great comic book film with Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan and Mark Strong as Sinestro and the cutting edge CGI looks amazing. The one thing that could ruin the whole thing is a bad script and if they don't do his signature constructs of light. We shall see because I will probably be there to see it as it opens on June 17th, 2011.
Green Hornet
I am all for a classic retelling of this famous hero but even I am a little leery of this movie. Seth Rogen, while a terrific actor and funny man, is an odd choice it fits right in with the current state of Hollyweird and the butchering of classic film and comics. It looks to be like a fun romp through the world of Green Hornet but it might be just a 90 minute running gag. Its scheduled for a January 14th, 2011 release and might be worth a trip if there is nothing better showing that week. Either way I will probably try and see it at some point.
Yogi Bear
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this movie. It may be one of the most poorly remade animated relaunches I have ever seen. If you have children then you may have to go see this one but I think it will probably be better on DVD and less costly as well. It opens on December 17th, 2010.
Red Riding Hood
Werewolves and Romance.As a retelling of the classic fairy tale this has a lot to be desired. It seems to have the Twilight treatment all over it but that may be just my cynical nature. I like werewolves as a classic horror monster and this treats them in that respect but I'm not sure where the fairy tale fits into this one. I may go see it if there is nothing better playing that week. It opens on March, 11, 2011.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1.
As a fan of the Harry Potter franchise I was a little skeptical when I heard that they were diving the final book into two films. After having watched this one though I am kind of amazed that they hadn't thought of it sooner. The last three films should have been longer or in two parts as the books had way more information than what was finally on screen. All told though this movie was more than expected it had action, drama and a fair amount of mystery that if one never read the books they could follow along and not be lost. A good film for families with older children as some parts were a little more violent than what parents of younger audiences may want to them exposed to. This is definitely one to see on the big screen and to own on DVD. It also has the added plus of not being shoved into that 3D mold. If that's your cup of tea than this ones for you.
Entertainment: 5
Family-Friendly: 4
Special Effects: 5
Plot: 4
The Trailers for Red
I arrived a little late to the theater so forgive me if this list is a little short.
Green Hornet
I am all for a classic retelling of this famous hero but even I am a little leery of this movie. Seth Rogen, while a terrific actor and funny man, is an odd choice it fits right in with the current state of Hollyweird and the butchering of classic film and comics. It looks to be like a fun romp through the world of Green Hornet but it might be just a 90 minute running gag. Its scheduled for a January 14th, 2011 release and might be worth a trip if there is nothing better showing that week. Either way I will probably try and see it at some point.
The Fighter
A top notch film that has no connection comics, novels or other media. As a moviegoer this is probably see if there was no other films playing that I already planned for but if you like sports like boxing and root for the underdog than by all means see this one. Its not a family friendly movie by any stretch but it looks to be enjoyable. This one will probably win awards. Opening December 17th, 2010.
Drive Angry
Nicholas Cage as an angry soul that escaped hell to come back and exact his revenge. Really what more needs be said its going to be a 90 minute violent action fueled thrill ride that will probably die so fast that people won't even realize it was ever in the theater. Of course that means I will go see it. It opens February 25th, 2011.
Red
Now when the trailers first started for this film I was kind of intrigued but having known nothing about the source material that made it even better. The fact that the movie is based on a comic book is not lost on me most movies these days are based on another medium like TV shows or novels, so a comic book is not much of a stretch. From what I understand the comic is much darker and more violent. As a movie it appeals to action fans everywhere it has all the earmarks of a great action film without all the pretentious plot points that drives most action films or lack of plot is some cases. Not recommended for younger viewers (it is rated R after all). It is worth a watch on the big screen I have to admit and this one also does not suffer from the lack of a 3D treatment as it didn't need it. Truly one to own on DVD.
Entertainment: 5
Family-Friendly: 2
Special Effects: 5
Plot: 3
