Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes

I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, most notably the old Universal serials from the 40’s with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. There have been many incarnations of the character over the years and even though each has it’s own flavor, the core of the character remains the same. Solving mysteries by exploiting the most basic of observations that most people look right past. The master sleuth’s adventures, accompanied by is loyal companion Dr. Watson and with the aid of Inspector LeStrade and Scotland Yard are always full of twists and turns and entertaining. This new incarnation with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law does not disappoint. Their version of the duo is much more action oriented and it does make sense in our current day and age that they would need to be in order to draw more people into the theater. Though Downey’s version of Holmes took a little getting used to, Law’s Watson was fantastic from start to finish. Rachel McAdams was a fitting addition as well playing Irene Adler, a savvy femme fatale whose intentions are unclear for the duration of the film. With Lord Blackwood as the main villain and a very occult feel to the film, the tone was dark and dreary, matching the look of London in Guy Ritchie’s take. I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to seeing more in the future.

I give Sherlock Holmes an 8 outta 10.

Movie Review: Avatar

Okay, this review is a little overdue, but better late than never. No one can dispute that James Cameron is one of the greatest directors of our time. His movies are legendary; including Aliens, Titanic, Terminator and more. Avatar was visually captivating. The CG was immaculate. The story was entertaining and full. The cast was top-notch as well. As much praise as this film has gotten however, I still saw a few flaws in my opinion. My first issue was with the mechs. Not actually with the mech suits themselves, but with their weapons. Firstly, why aren’t their weapons built in? That is very inconvenient. And even more that that, shy do the operators have to mime holding the weapons? Again, not really the most productive way to do things if you ask me. I don’t know about you, but if I was miming holding a gun whilst controlling a big-ass mech armor, I might be a little hindered. Just an observation. The other thing that bothered me, and I feel that most people just glanced over it without any thought… The story was nothing I haven’t seen a thousand times! I even heard someone reference Fern Gully a couple weeks back. Hahaha. If that doesn’t explain where I’m coming from, nothing will. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was entertaining and colorful and a great piece of film.

I give Avatar an 8 outta 10.

Mike on writing

What is life? Life is a love story, a comedy, a drama. Sometimes it’s even a horror flick or an action movie. Once in a while, it’s even a little sci-fi. The question is: How do you make your story come to life? Character; it’s not just the people involved, but the feelings behind the words on the page. It’s what makes a story relatable. It’s what makes it real. If you don’t care about what’s happening, how do you expect your audience to care? When you write a story, you aren’t creating something from scratch, you’re glimpsing into the lives of the people in your story. They are just as real as you’re willing to admit they are. They have feelings and emotions and free will. It’s is the job of the writer to let them be who they are, to push them, just as you would your own child. Each and every character you create is only as strong as their greatest flaw. Every time they make a decision, they have to deal with the ramifications of that choice, just as you would. The average person watches a movie and is entertained by what they see, not because they want to escape from reality, but because they are looking for things to relate to. They want to see others go through the same feelings and situations that they themselves have struggled through. They may only get a glimpse into the character’s life, but as a writer, it is important to know the complete story, not only what is conveyed to the audience. Emotion is what drives us, and to tap into that emotion and use your characters as an outlet is an ability that writers are blessed with. A good writer can write anything, but a great writer can write anyone. There are no rules when it comes to life, and the same applies when thinking about writing. Find inspiration in the things and people around you. Think outside the box and step back from your day to day life and think about the choices you’ve made to get where you are now. Think about how you felt getting there. Think of the thoughts running through your head, the emotion behind them. If you can channel this creative energy, then you can do wonders. That is inspiration. That is your muse. Life is all around you, all you have to do is pay attention.

Movie Review: Paranormal Activity

This is not the first movie of its kind. Over ten years ago, audiences were shocked and horrified by The Blaire Witch Project. When the film first debuted, there was even a lot of controversy over the realism of the film. Though I had read many articles about this film before I saw it, people in the theater with me were still unsure if we were watching actual events unfold before us. The style of filming is unique, in that even if we know it’s fake, you still get caught in the “home video” aspect of the movie and you find yourself peaking into these people’s lives. This is a fun way to get the audience involved and scare them in a way they are not used to. Cloverfield also did this very well, but of course on a much grander scale. I was entertained by this movie, and I did jump in my seat a few times, but I was also a bit bored at times as well. The spirit effects were cool and the setting really made you feel immersed in this couple’s battle with the thing haunting them. Of course the ending was a bit lame, and the commercials gave away a lot of the bigger moments, but it’s still a fun watch, but you might just want to wait a while and rent it.

I give Paranormal Activity a 6 outta 10.

Movie Review: Zombieland

Zombieland! I really don’t need to say anything more. If you know me, then you know I’m a sucker for zombie flicks. Add comedy and lots of violence in the mix and I’m a happy camper. Woody Harrelson is unbelievably cool. Jesse Eisenberg, who also starred in Adventureland (which I still need to see) was great as the slightly awkward, and very paranoid survivor of the zombie apocalypse. Emma Stone (from Superbad) was pretty cute and she did a great job as a girl doing what she has to for her and her sister (played by Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin). The four of them made a great team, and their journey was both fun and interesting. If the movie wasn’t good enough, there is also THE BEST CAMEO EVER to solidify the fact that this was the funniest movie I’ve seen in a long time. If you have not seen it yet, WHY?! It’s awesome, plain and simple. Go see Zombieland , you’ll love it!

I give Zombieland a 10 outta 10.

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino can do no wrong in my opinion. I may be a huge fanboy, but this guys just continues to deliver with each and every film. To be honest, this was not my favorite of all of him movies, but I still enjoyed the hell out of it! Brad Pitt was great, though not in it as much as I thought he would be. Christoph Waltz, who played Nazi Col. Hans Landa was amazing!!!! That guy made this movie what it was! Diane Kruger was terrific and movie star, Bridget Von Hammersmark, and Eli Roth and the rest of the supporting cast were also really good. Cameo voiceovers were an added bonus for fans of Tarantino’s other flicks. Great camera work and music accompanied by insightful dialogue and one hell of a journey through Nazi occupied France leaves you with your fill of entertainment from start to finish. The use of subtitles throughout the film, though a pain in the ass to keep up with at times, still played a very important role. If you like movies, and/or hate Nazi’s, then you NEED to see this movie! If you don’t, then The Bear Jew might just come after you… Yeah, that’s right, The Bear Jew. So go see it!

I give Inglourious Basterds a 9 outta 10!

(which translates to 100 Nazi scalps for those of you keeping score)

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Just like the books, the Harry Potter films get longer and more impressive every time. Though this installment didn’t have as much action as I had hoped, I was still impressed, and was thoroughly entertained. The cast, as usual was amazing and the visual effects were great, especially Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn. There were a few comedic moments that really made it a lot of fun and kept my attention while the plot of the main storyline was more serious, and for some people, maybe a bit too dry. I know it’s nearly impossible to adapt an entire novel into an hour and a half movie, but with all things considered, they still did a good job. With one more book to adapt (into two movies) left to be released, there is just that much more to look forward to as well. If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out, it’s a fun ride!

I give Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince an 8 outta 10.

Movie Review: Star Trek

I was never a big Star trek fan, but I was actually really excited about seeing the new film. Of course, I knew the basics, but I never really got into the whole Star Trek thing. The movie totally lived up to the hype, and I left feeling satisfied. The film was a lot of fun and the cast meshed really well. It didn’t hurt that Simon Pegg was in it either, seeing as how I am a huge fan (as anyone that knows me could tell you). The time travel stuff wasn’t too wacky, and the back story and set up was not boring. The action was well balanced with plot and character development. In my opinion, I think they nailed it! I have no complaints, and hope to see more in the future! Hell, I've seen it twice so far, so I don't see why they wouldn't.

I give Star Trek a 10 outta 10!

Movie Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

I am, and will always be a diehard X-Men fan, and when I heard they were making a Wolverine move, I got a bit excited, as to be expected. Then when I started hearing more details about the film, I got les and less excited as opening day drew near. I couldn’t even see it opening weekend, and I was still kind of okay with that. After hearing that most of my suspicions were confirmed, I knew that I still had to give it a shot and judge it for myself, (and for you, my loyal readers) of course.

The characters were ALL so far off base it wasn’t even funny. The back story that they created was not based on anything I have ever read, and with 30 years of history behind the character, it saddens me that they went so far away from the story that should have been told. Similar to X-Men 3, a lot of characters were thrown in just to add to the checklist of cameos, and just like X-Men 3, most of them were changed so much, there was little to nothing left of the original character that they were based on. In the end, there was a lot to dislike about this film.

There were a couple good things though, (not many, but they were there). The wire work was good for a lot of the stunts. Sabretooth did this run, gallop thing a lot that looked pretty cool. There was a cool fight scene with Gambit, and even a cameo from a certain bald headed mutant telepath. Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds was awesome, but then he was only in the movie for all of five minutes….

Go see it, or don’t. Just don’t feel disappointed about it either way, because it’s really not worth the effort.

I give X-Men Origins: Wolverine a 3 outta 10
(And it breaks my heart)

Movie Review: Observe & Report

Okay, going into this movie, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had seen about ten minutes of Paul Blart: Mall Cop and was dreading something like that. The commercials didn’t give too much away and the only well known members of the cast were Seth Rogen and Anna Ferris. It turned out to be at least entertaining, and very dark. Some points it was even a little uncomfortable. It was a comedy, but definitely a more complex role for Rogen to pull off. Some parts were really funny, and there were a couple moments when I actually got caught off guard. It was decent, but not worth the $15 it costs to see a movie now-a-days. Wait for it to come out on DVD and it you come across it, give it a shot, but it’s really not worth searching for or getting excited over.

I give Observe and Report a 5 outta 10.