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July 30, 2005
Stealth
Josh Lucas .... Lt. Ben Gannon
Jessica Biel .... Kara Wade
Jamie Foxx .... Henry Purcell
Sam Shepard .... Capt. George Cummings
Richard Roxburgh .... Keith Orbit
Joe Morton .... Capt. Dick Marshfield
Every review I read of this film said it sucked big time. Major suckitude. However, that didn't stop me from wanting to see it. Based on the trailers, I wasn't expecting anything but an action fueled summer popcorn movie and I wasn't disappointed (I feel like I've said that about another movie this summer).
Heavy on action and special effects, this movie doesn't disappoint in those areas. There's a lot of zooming around in planes (very Top Gun-esque) and some amazing fight sequences. Lots of stuff gets blown up. I saw in a behind the scenes interview that one of the explosions was planned to be so big the filmmakers had to register it with NASA so that the countries with satellites in orbit would be warned because you'd be able to see the explosion from space. There's one explosion in particular (not the seen from space one though) that literally took my breath away when it happened.
The plot is pretty skimpy. The acting is less than great, which is sad because you've got some pretty great actors (Sam Shephard, Joe Morton, hell even Jamie Foxx). There are also some moments where it is pretty impossible to suspend your disbelief and quite a few times I actually said "WTF?!" out loud (luckily, I was only 1 of about 10 people in the theatre and the sound was loud enough that I don't think anyone heard me; at least, I hope they didn't).
I'd say wait for this to come out on DVD or see it if it hits a discount theatre. I'm not sure its worth matinee prices, considering there's not much difference between matinee and full price anymore.
I'm putting a spoiler below the cut so only read it if you don't care.
There was one scene that I didn't see coming and I really should have.
[spoiler]
Jamie Foxx's character, Henry, is pretty much the one person in favor of the AI fighter plane. He feels that it's better to send a machine into combat rather than him, that way he can make it home for Thanksgiving. There are several scenes in which he waxes poetic about the beauty of the Earth versus being up in a fighter plane and killing people. That should've been my big clue right there, but when Henry dies fighting EDI, I was shocked. I believe I might have even audibly gasped. [end spoiler]
Posted by xinh at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2005
The Island
Ewan McGregor .... Lincoln Six Echo/Tom Lincoln
Scarlett Johansson .... Jordan Two Delta/Sarah Jordan
Sean Bean .... Merrick
Steve Buscemi .... McCord
Djimon Hounsou .... Albert Laurent
Michael Clarke Duncan .... Starkweather
Ethan Phillips .... Jones Three Echo
Brian Stepanek .... Gandu Three Alpha
An summer popcorn action adventure flick that makes you think? Oh yes. That's what The Island is.
Ewan McGreggor plays Lincoln Six Echo, a resident of a facilty of "survivors of a global contamination." The survivors live peacefully and await the results of a lottery that will allow them to leave the facility and go to The Island, which they believe to be the last uncontaminated place on Earth. Lincoln, however, starts to question his existence and evenutally he breaks out of the facility (with Jordan Two Delta) and discovers the truth: that all the "survivors" are really clones.
The rest of the film finds Lincoln and Jordan running for their lives from a man (Djimon Hounsou) hired by the facility owner (Sean Bean).
This is where the action kicks in! Spectacular chase scenes abound in this film. Massive action sequences that kick you in the gut!
And then, as Lincoln and Jordan start to learn more about themselves, so does the audience. This is the thinking part. Are clones alive? Is it right to pay money to have a clone so that you can harvest them for parts?
The acting all around was excellent. Ewan does well in his double role, Bean is menacing as the facility owner who's just trying to save his business, and Steve Buscemi provides some nice comic relief.
I did have a few issues with the film, some of which are semi-spoilers, so I won't be specific but they deal with suspension of disbelief. However, my main issue deals with point of view. This movie does paint a sympathetic picture towards the clones, and somewhat makes the "sponsor" (the person who pays to have a clone of him/herself) and the facility out to be the bad guys. It doesn't present equal points of view from both sides. I guess that wouldn't make for a gripping movie if you weren't sympathetic towards Lincoln and Jordan.
A great action/adventure flick and one that makes you question things. Definitely a must see.
Posted by xinh at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)
July 22, 2005
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Johnny Depp .... Willy Wonka
Deep Roy .... Oompa Loompa
Freddie Highmore .... Charlie Bucket
David Kelly .... Grandpa Joe
Annasophia Robb .... Violet Beauregarde
Missi Pyle .... Mrs. Beauregarde
Julia Winter .... Veruca Salt
James Fox .... Mr. Salt
Jordan Fry .... Mike Teavee
Adam Godley .... Mr. Teavee
Philip Wiegratz .... Augustus Gloop
Franziska Troegner .... Mrs. Gloop
Helena Bonham Carter .... Mrs. Bucket
Noah Taylor .... Mr. Bucket
Liz Smith .... Grandma Georgina
Eileen Essell .... Grandma Josephine
David Morris .... Grandpa George
Christopher Lee .... Dr. Wonka
Blair Dunlop .... Little Willy Wonka
What a stunningly beautiful film! Totally worth the price of a full admission plus parking plus snacks and drinks!
I remember having this book read to my class in grade school (what grade I was in escapes me at this moment though) but it was such a long time ago so I was able to just sit back and not compare the two. However, during the movie, I kept thinking "Oh yeah. I forgot that happened that way in the book." I did find myself sometimes comparing the Gene Wilder movie version though and had to remind myself to stop.
Visually stunning. The colors pop and some of the sets are surreal. It's almost overwhelming. The colors are so bright, it's somewhat over stimulating. But I think it needs to be in order to draw you into a world that's real but not real.
Johnny Depp is superb. His version of Willy Wonka makes you feel slightly uncomfortable because he's so creepy while still making you laugh (but not that nervous laughter; full on funny ha ha laughter). Freddie Highmore shines as Charlie. Even though Charlie and his family are poor, he's always upbeat and earnest and not sad. The acting on part of the other performers is above par as well, even the kids who have either never acted before (Jordan Fry) or the kids who've acted before in very HORRIBLE movies (Annasophia Robb, I'm looking in your direction! That Samantha: An American Girl Holiday is 2 hours of my life I'll never get back!).
The pace was even and never dull. Not once did I check my cell phone to see what time it was nor did I ever think "hurry it up already!"
The movie is filled with little allusions and references to other films: Edward Scissorhands, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ed Wood, even Hair, and probably more that I didn't catch.
The soundtrack and the musical score were excellent, naturally, as only Danny Elfman can do pretty much no wrong. My only complaint: I couldn't understand some of the lyrics in the Oompa Loompa songs.
Go see this movie now!
Posted by xinh at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2005
The Fantastic Four
Ioan Gruffudd .... Reed Richards
Jessica Alba .... Sue Storm
Chris Evans .... Johnny Storm
Michael Chiklis .... Ben Grimm
Julian McMahon .... Victor Von Doom
I didn't go into this movie expecting too much or too little. Based on the previews, I expected an action and special effects heavy film and I have to say, it was exactly that.
Basically, this movie is your standard summer action sci-fi flick.
Excellent special effects and thank goodness for that because this is the one movie that really needed it! There are a couple of cute little scenes that make use of the good sfx.
Acting was okay. Not great but not horrible. Although, I didn't really enjoy Ioan's performance too much. I wasn't digging his American accent.
Overall, I'd say see it in the theatre at a matinee or wait for it on DVD if you've got a nice home theatre (because I really think the special effects deserve a big screen viewing).
Posted by xinh at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2005
Whole Wheat Crepes
A healthier alternative to the standard crepes, whole wheat crepes blend will with many fillings from berries and yogurt to a warm seafood mixture with a light cream sauce.
I pulled this off the internet the other day in an excited 'must cook something' state. I'm glad i did because they're really quite good.
I skipped the sugar and added sprite (7-up works as well) instead of club soda. It just depends on how sweet you'd like your crepes to turn out. We were also short one egg, but we had bought super mega huge eggs last time so I wasn't concerned. I also missed the chill for at least 30 minutes thing, but they came out okay anyhow.
This is the first time I've actually made crepes so they weren't quite as nice and thin as I remember crepes being. You need to be able to work fast so you can pour the batter and swirl it thinly around the pan. I gave this recipe 4 out of 5 halos because of that. I also think I had the pan a bit too hot so be careful of that. It helps to turn the pan on so it heats up for when you cook these bad boys. So, off to the recipe....
From the Eating Well Test Kitchen
Prep time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 40 minutes (including resting time)
To make ahead: Crepes will keep, between sheets of wax paper, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Ease of preparation: moderate
Ingredients
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar (for dessert crepes; optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup 1% milk
2 teaspoons butter, melted, or canola oil
1/2 cup seltzer water or club soda
Makes 16 crepes.
Per crepe: 49 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 41 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 53 mg sodium.
Step 1
Combine whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar (if using), salt, eggs, milk and butter (or oil) in a food processor or blender; process until smooth, scraping the sides once or twice. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Step 2
Slowly whisk seltzer water (or club soda) into the crepe batter. Using a crumpled paper towel, lightly oil an 8-inch nonstick skillet; heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Using a small ladle or measuring cup, ladle about 2 tablespoons batter into the skillet; immediately tilt and rotate the pan to spread the batter evenly over the bottom.
Step 3
Cook the crepe until the underside is lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Using a small metal spatula or a fork, lift the edge of the crepe, quickly grasp it with your fingers and flip. Cook until the second side is lightly browned, about 20 seconds longer. Slide the crepe onto a plate.
Step 4
If serving immediately, fill and roll or fold the crepe. Continue to cook crepes with the remaining batter, oiling the pan as needed and staking crepes and you go.
Variations
Buckwheat Crepes: Substitute buckwheat flour for the whole-wheat flour. Fill with sautéed apples or smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Cornmeal Crepes: Substitute cornmeal for the whole-wheat flour. Try with a spicy chili or with blueberries and cream cheese.
Quick Crepe Fillings
You can use any of these suggestions to fill hot crepes (roll up and serve immediately) or cold crepes (warm the filled crepes in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes).
Savory
• Diced ham and grated cheese
• Strips of smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese
• Cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, and grated cheese
• Sautéed corn, onion and red pepper with grated Monterey Jack cheese
Posted by dustbuffalo at 04:29 PM | Comments (2)
July 07, 2005
The Darkness
Anna Paquin .... Regina
Lena Olin .... Maria
Iain Glen .... Mark
Stephan Enquist .... Paul
Giancarlo Giannini .... Albert Rua
Fele Martínez .... Carlos
Remember when horror films were scary? Even a little bit? This one isn't. At all. I mean, The Amityville Horror remake was bad but at least it made me scream. This movie made me yawn.
Horrible acting (and really, I expected better from Giancarlo Giannini and Lena Olin).
I figured out the "twist" half way through the film and was tempted to turn it off but I stuck it out until the end.
Don't bother with this film.
Posted by xinh at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)
The United States Of Leland
Leland P. Fitzgerald (Ryan Gosling) has murdered his junkie girlfriend's autistic brother. Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle) is a struggling writer who teaches at the juvenile detention hall and wants to find out the "why".
"The worst part is knowing that there is goodness in people. Mostly it stays deep down and buried. Maybe we don't have God because we're scared of the bad stuff. Maybe we're really scared of the good stuff. Because if there's no God, well, that means it's inside of us and we could be good all the time if we wanted. So when we do bad things, it'd be because we want to or because we have to. Or maybe we just need the bad stuff to remind us what the good stuff is in the first place." - Leland
Leland lives with his mother (Lena Olin). His father (Kevin Spacey) is a famous author who is emotionally detached and sends his son plane tickets to "anywhere in the world" he isn't. The family of the dead boy all have their own problems. Becky is a junkie, Julie wants to break up from her boyfriend who has been living with her family since his mother died and the parents seem to have problems with their marriage (although this isn't addressed directly). Pearl is cheating on his girlfriend.
This is a classic human story with great performances from everybody. Ryan Gosling has a certain quality where he looks like a sad puppy but there's a menace in his eyes. My only complaint is that Lena Olin wasn't used enough. 5 halos.
Posted by hurtling17 at 12:21 AM
July 05, 2005
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Brad Pitt .... John Smith
Angelina Jolie .... Jane Smith
Vince Vaughn .... Eddie
Adam Brody .... Benjamin Diaz
What a cute little movie!
First of all, I'll just put it right out there. Brad and Angelina are SMOKIN' HOT!! If the rumors are true and they're a couple, could you imagine how freakin' gorgeous their kids would be?!? They spend a good portion of this film looking very very pretty.
Acting all around was decent. Adam Brody and Vince Vaughn were a bit underused but as the focus of the movie was supposed to be Brad and Angelina, it makes sense. Brad and Angelina did very good jobs with their characters. Jane Smith, whose cover is a computer technical consultant, is calm, cool, and collected. John Smith, whose cover is a construction consultant, is very loose and spontaneous. The banter between the two characters, both before and after they find out who the other is, is clever and sharp.
Plot wise, yes, there are some holes and some questions. The main one being who exactly do they work for? There are others but they might be spoilers so I won't ask them.
The action scenes are fun and pretty standard. The fight between Mr. & Mrs. Smith is kick ass. At some points, you are reminded of Lara Croft when Angelina picks up a weapon but that's probably a normal reaction.
Overall, I'd say this film is worth seeing in the theatres. Probably more at matinee prices though.
Posted by xinh at 06:02 PM | Comments (0)