Of Giant Monsters and Robots!

I know it has been an amazing amount of time since I posted here but I am going to endeavor to post more frequently and be less erratic. This week we have for you the most awesome of movies to grace the silver screen this year.

The Trailers

Ender's Game

The Plot: 70 years after a horrific alien war, an unusually gifted child is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future invasion.

My Take: As I have not read the source material I think the propensity for Hollyweird to put out Alien Apocalypse movies or movies based on books is getting out of hand. Don't get me wrong this movie looks awesome and well worth seeing (mostly because of Harrison Ford) and I will probably go see it. At least it's not After Earth.

Rated: Not Yet Rated (most likely PG-13)

Releases: November 1st, 2013

Thor: The Dark World

The Plot: When Jane Foster is targeted by the denizens of the dark world of Svartalfheim, Thor sets out on a quest to protect her at all costs.

My Take: Must see this movie! If you haven't seen any Marvel movie to date then this isn't for you but if you have then, well you know, go see it. Nuff said!

Rated: Not Yet Rated (most likely PG-13)

Releases: November 8th, 2013

2 Guns

The Plot: A DEA agent and an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who have been tasked with investigating one another find they have been set up by the mob -- the very organization the two men believe they have been stealing money from.

My Take: I will admit that I didn't know this movie was coming I am glad that it is. It looks fun and engaging and full of plot twists and laughs. Unless there is a better choice I will probably be seeing this one.

Rated: R for violence throughout, language and brief nudity

Releases: August 2nd, 2013

Elysium

The Plot: Set in the year 2154, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.

My Take: As much as I like Matt Damon as an action star this movie looks kind of predictable and not as good as others that I have seen recently. It really doesn't draw me to it as much as I would like but it will probably be seen at some point, even if it is on DVD.

Rated: Not Yet Rated (most likely PG-13 or R)

Releases: August 9th, 2013

Gravity

The Plot: Astronauts attempt to return to Earth after debris crashes into their space shuttle, leaving them drifting alone in orbit.

My Take: Okay, so this is a different type of apocalyptic survival movie. I really like George Clooney and Sandra Bullock I think I need to see more of the trailer before I make a final decision.

Rated: PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language

Releases: October 4th, 2013

The Wolverine

The Plot: Summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance, Wolverine becomes embroiled in a conflict that forces him to confront his own demons.

My Take: It's Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, what else do I need to say? I'll be there on the opening weekend. I won't be seeing in 3D though but I think you already knew that.

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and language

Releases: July 26th, 2013

Seventh Son

The Plot: A 18th century adventure story centered on young Thomas, who is apprenticed to the local Spook to learn to fight evil spirits. His first great challenge comes when the powerful Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away.

My Take: Another little gem of a surprise to me. It looks to be a very interesting fantasy adventure but the overall plot is kind of shaky. Depending on the availability of time and funds it might wait until DVD.

Rated: Not Yet Rated (most likely PG-13 or R)
Releases: January 17th, 2014

The Main Attraction

Pacific Rim

The Plot: As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.

My Take: GIANT ROBOTS! GIANT MONSTERS! Geeks of the world rejoice! The Kaiju are awesome and the Jaegers are fun to watch. If you have not seen this movie yet and you love giant monsters and robots then what are you waiting for? Were there plot holes and other problems? Of course, there was but they are easily overlooked. This movie is just pure fun. Highly recommended that everyone go see it.

Guillermo Del Toro, you deserve a standing ovation. From an unbiased, stand-alone movie point of view, this film does an incredible job of being exciting from beginning to end, while still developing an awesome back story and character depth.

Charlie Hunnan (of Sons of Anarchy fame) solidifies himself as a good, respectable action movie star, but Idris Elba steals every scene he's in. Solid acting all-around, much better than what you might expect from an action movie like this.

The inspirations from and references to Godzilla are obvious, but you're very likely to notice influences from several different sources.

Rated: PG-13

Released: July 12th, 2013