This is the Christmas version of The Lake House with a magic wishing well thrown in. After receiving a call that her father has fallen, Jennifer rushes back to her childhood home where she starts to learn a few truths about herself. Then one night she throws a coin into the wishing well and wishes for true love. The next morning she finds a Christmas Card waiting for her in the mailbox and it's signed Secret Santa. There's another card the following morning so she sets out to find out who her Secret Santa is. She quickly realises it's none of the men she suspects and as the days pass and the cards keep arriving she comes to the conclusion that the sender is Jack, the boy next door. The bad thing is Jack died three years previously in a car accident.
Though this is a touching story, especially in respect to Jennifer and her fathers strained relationship, and romantic, with the paranormal letter writing, there are a few things which stop this from being a great movie. Though it was nice to see Ali in gold lingerie after her hospital gown gets caught in a door, the scene isn't needed as it adds nothing to the film and there's no other similar "Bawdy" jokes in the movie - had it been a "Carry On" film this scene would have been spot on, but is just awkward here. Another awkward scene is when Jennifer goes to meet an author on the paranormal (especially probable time-travel). This is because the scene feels rushed and thrown in just so Della Reese can make an appearance. It's Jennifer's unquestioning belief in the time-travel theory which doesn't sit right in my claw. This is made more awkward when Reece's character starts to belittle her own work in the field. Once again, this is another superfluous scene. Had it been better written it could have added a little more depth to the tale.
That said, on the whole, this is a very good and heartwarming story that is well acted and nicely filmed. If you like romance, Christmas, and heartwarming family dramas then this will be for you. It is well worth one watch and has made it onto my "Watch Again" list - though I may have to have a couple of years between viewings.
I give this a time-travelling seasonal 7 out of 10.
Though this movie sports a decent cast it still falls short of creating a decent movie. For one, the story isn't too original. Santa is feeling a little under-appreciated and so decides to take the year off. The thing is he doesn't since everything is resolved before Christmas Eve - so even the title of the movie is incorrect.
Then, though I've loved Goodman since Rosanne, he just doesn't cut it as the big guy, and his head elf in charge of toy production, Sparky (Kattan), is just plain annoying. If it wasn't for Ethan Suplee and Eddie Griffin as the rogue elves in search of a human child who still believes in Christmas then this would have been one dire movie.
Harvey Fierstein is great as the Fire Meiser who along with his brother Snow Meiser control the Earths weather. It's Fierstein's loud and gruff voice along with his overacting that adds to the comedic performance of his character. It's just a shame that they have to sing... and to have some pretty dreadful special effects, especially in the boxing match when Sparky gets into the action.
There are a few decent ideas, such as "The Divide" which separates the real world from The North Pole and "The Veil" which keeps them hidden from onlookers. There are also a few good scenes, I particularly liked the BEGOTHS at the toy expo in the opening sequence.
That said, I wouldn't really recommend this movie to many people as it appears staid and dated by today's standards. I even think that kids could be bored and uninterested as the film is uncertain of its audience - kids, teens, young adults, adults? It feels uncomfortable trying to please everyone.
If there's nothing else on and you're trapped in your home while in a blizzard and there's nothing else to watch...
I give this film a not so naughty and not so nice 4.75 out of 10
If it wasn't for Dean Cain and some of the supporting cast this would have been a really dire movie. As it stands, it's badly written (though the premise is sound and should have made a better story), even worsely directed, and poorly acted.
The movie is lacking in wit, humour, melancholy, and Christmas atmosphere. In fact, this should only be shown as a "How NOT to make a Christmas Film". Though I suffered through the really bad acting at the beginning of the movie, it did appear that Donna and Ravin Spangler started to get into their characters at the halfway stage... or I could've just adapted to their horrendous acting. I wouldn't advise anybody to watch this film at any time as there are so many better Christmas Films around, which I would recommend over this one.
This is a highly enjoyable tale of a family who has distanced themselves from one another after the death of their mother and wife. Dolly Parton does an excellent job of country singer Ruby Diamond who dies in a car accident while trying not to run over a young deer. This act of selflessness gives her the chance to progress into Heaven rather than Hell, as long as she can complete one task by midnight of Christmas Eve... to bring the broken and grieving family back together.
In the true nature of this type of Christmas tale trials and tribulations are thrown in her way. What sets this above most of this ilk is the quality of the story, which isn't overly melodramatic but humorous and witty. And the cast, which works well together, is superb with the comedic elements of the script, especially Roddy McDowell as Saint Peter.
As Christmas flicks go this is one of the best and well worth a watch - it should easily put a smile on your face.
It's also a bonus that Dolly Parton's wardrobe is stitched together to show off every one of her other obvious assets...
This is a film that I would recommend to Crimbo lovers and romantics alike - also if you have an interest in anything paranormal or slightly religious or like a good laugh then this could be for you. At least it's a good way to waste an hour and a half.
I give this a fire crackling 7.25 out of 10.
Trailer
Dolly Parton Sings "Unlikely Angel" - From the movie.
Production Companies: DC Entertainment, Warner Bros, Atlas Entertainment, Dune Entertainment, Wanda Pictures, Tencent Pictures, & Cruel & Unusual Films
Finally, the DC Movie Universe has made a film they can be proud of. This film is definitely a step in the right direction for the DC Superheros, though, it doesn't make up for the travesties which came before it. They should use this as the mile stick with which to measure their up and coming films. Though I cannot help but feel Justice League will be taking a few steps backwards from this film.
I liked the fact that the writers decided to use mix the origin stories up and have Diana coming to the world of man during the First World War; this strengthens the concept of her being immortal. As well as allowing for some nice special effects in the dog fight scenes and other period specific weaponry. Zeus created the Amazons to bring love and peace to mankind, though mankind corrupted by Ares enslaved them. Hippolyte led a revolt to free the Amazons and when Zeus brought the god to help in their defence Ares killed them. Zeus with his dying breath crippled Ares and created Themyscira to hide the Amazons from mankind. So here is the first error, Zeus is dead but yet he later breathes life into a clay-shaped human effigy to create Diana. All is well on the island until Steve Trevor's plane crashes off the coast and Diana dives in to save him. Trevor has the secret poison book of Dr, Maru; the Germans hot on his trail shoot him down, Here comes a second error, there's a group of Germans in a rowboat looking for the wreckage of the plane, they stick their head through the fog which hides the island and then attacks the Amazons... and lose, of course. Though I did wonder where the battleship they came from and the one which had shot Trevor down has disappeared to... as we see no more Germans (sloppy writing). Believing Ares is to blame for the ongoing war, Trevor describes, Diana takes it upon herself to hunt him down and kill him, with the God Killer sword.
As I stated there are a couple of obvious errors in the opening set up and this continues throughout the film. It would have been nice if somebody had pointed them out so they could be taken care off. Most of them are small issues and easily resolved but they do hinder the film a little.
However, they are only small and the movie is pretty massive so the good does outweigh the bad. Though Gal Gadot does a good job in the Wonder Woman persona, she's not too great as Diana Prince. Saying she's coming from an island where the main way to travel is by horse and foot, where they are trained in sword fighting and archery, and the main food is fresh fish, vegetables and fruit she doesn't appear too surprised by automobiles, aeroplanes, ships, and the modern weaponry... let alone the "new food". Though they include the "Ice Cream" scene it would have been nice to have seen a little more childish enthusiasm and awe in this character.
Chris Pine fits the Steve Trevor character like a glove and gets his persona down pat, though a little more womanising, or even hints at it would've added strength to it. Lucy Davis is splendid as Etta Candy, Steve Trevor's secretary, and actually has the air of awe I wished Diana Prince to have. The bad guy Ludendorff and his crony Dr Maru are brilliantly played by Danny Huston and Elena Anaya, respectively. They give a creepy and flesh-crawling performance in their roles. David Thewlis was an inspired choice for Sir Patrick, though I have to admit I'm not too sure that he was completely right for the part, though I do know what the writers and director were doing when they cast him. Not a completely genius move, but close.
Patty Jenkins does a marvellous job of the directing. She keeps the action tight and fast paced though has the nerve to slow it down at the right times to emphasize an action, a movement, or a special effect. This keeps it interesting for the viewer. Though in the more drama based sets she opts for a more standard style of camera work. A few differing camera angles would have been nice. Though this is a lighter film in atmosphere to other DC adaptations there are a lot of scenes shot in dark atmosphere's A little normal lighting and brighter sets would've strengthened the darkness and grimness of the front line, which was filmed with the same filters as their entry into London. So the front line could have been a muddy football field in London. It would have been nice to bring DC out of the dark fully.
That said this is a really entertaining film, which sticks to the characters basic ethos. It is a spectacularly nice waste of time which I would recommend anybody to see and unlike previous DC Universe Movies, this one is really worth watching... and may even be worth keeping. As stated before, I hope they take heed of this movie and implement this style of film making and storytelling into their upcoming films.
This is why the 1975's Wonder Woman theme is still the best...
Production Companies: DC Entertainment & Warner Bros. Television
It's good to be surprised, which is exactly what I was after viewing the leaked pilot episode of the axed-before-release series of Wonder Woman.
It would appear that the writer, David E Kelley, had quite a different take on the Wonder Woman mythos by bringing her into the present day and giving her all the troubles that go along with it. This is a much darker character than seen before. Let me state that I don't usually like this kind of thing because writers can easily get carried away and kill off the characters main and basic characterisations, which is what happened in Batman Vs Superman - An old Batman was not very clever and easily lead, while Superman had no problem killing anyone, However, Kelley actually manages to keep the essence of Wonder Woman. I even think if this had become a series it may have strengthened the character for an older audience.
In this present day, Diana Prince runs a company that, not only, helps her to fight crime but helps everyday people. This in itself is a nice take on the Amazonian ethic. In this story, she's up against Veronica Cale, who is brilliantly portrayed by Elizabeth Hurley (not an actress that I would usually rate - talk about surprise - she's one of the strongest characters in the show). Cale runs a cosmetic and pharmacy business and one of her products to enhance the human physique may be killing people. Can Wonder Woman stop her before it kills more people?
Though this sounds like it could be a story out of the '70's series it does lend itself to the present day especially with a number of supplements out there that we can take to increase body mass. Kelley does an admirable job of making this relevant as well as adding a twist or two, which you, unfortunately, can see coming.
It's the direction which hurts this show though as the story and its execution on screen are very jagged and harsh. Though I cannot be too harsh as this is not a finished item, there would have been plenty of trimming and cleaning to be done before airing (so a pinch of salt there) What the director does show in this "Dirty" episode is how good at action he is. The opening sequence where Wonder Woman is in pursuit of a criminal through the busy streets is fantastic. Not only do we have running on cars (I always wanted to do that - even now I can't walk down a street of parked cars with out thinking... what if?) but jumping over vehicles and from one car to another. This also has one of the most believable faster-than-humanly-possible running sequences I've seen. Then there's the main fight scene towards the end of the show when Wonder Woman takes on a group of enhanced humans. This is also one of the best-choreographed TV fight scenes. At the end she actually kills a guard, I loved this as it adds to her true character, she is an Amazonian Warrior and warriors kill.
However, there are some drawbacks, the main being the characters. Though Elwes is good as Henry Johns, the character isn't actually needed and feels like a third thumb as all his jobs are also carried out by Etta Candy, played well by Traci Thoms. Candy also has a stronger and more filled out character. Then there's Steve Trevor, who Diana left to find herself, when he appears he's married - he didn't wait a year before getting hitched (not such a great bloke then). These issues would have been addressed and built upon in the series but here they don't work. What would have been better would be if Wonder Woman had brought Steve Trevor back to Washington in the second World War, as was the case with the '70's series, and he's now on his death bed - because there are a couple of scenes where it's been hinted she's been around for a long while. This would open up issues of love and her feeling of being alone on a planet of billions.
This wasn't as bad as I'd read it had been. If you're a DC or Wonder Woman fan then it is definitely worth one watch. I would have loved to have seen the complete series on this version of the Amazonian Warrior as Adrianne Palicki was perfect for this role.
Production Companies: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation, & Warner Premiere.
Though Wonder Woman has seen a tried and failed TV Series and a popular three season TV Series in the '70's the character never had the recognition she deserved after that. So we saw her in the Justice League animation, though not until 2009 did she get a feature length animation to herself. While both Batman and Superman had series and movies to their credit. Not such a good thing for one of DC's Trinity.
This film goes to show that both DC and Warner were wrong to shelf the Amazon Wonder for so long. I still cannot believe that there wasn't a series on the back of this movie. The story which the writers give the audience is one based on the current mythos. After the Amazons help Zeus to defeat Ares - the God of War, Zeus and Hera entrusts them to hold him prisoner on an Island created for that sole purpose - Themyscira. Mystical bracelets shackle him against using his powers. After years of guarding Ares, Diana is born out of her mother's love and Zeus' will, after Queen Hippolyte forges her from clay. More years go by and Diana grows into a young woman learning the ways of the Amazons. until their peace is shattered by a jet fighter crashing on their Island. Under the lasso of truth it's deemed that the pilot, Steve Trevor is no threat and should be returned to his world. During the Games to find an emissary to accompany Trevor, Ares is set free by his guard, his secret lover, Persephone. Now Diana has two missions to accomplish.
The director does a wonderful job of keeping the action sequences coming thick and fast while interweaving some very good drama sequences (of which I particularly like the Steve Trevor lasso interrogation scene and Diana's introduction to Ares). The great thing about animation is that you have a broader scope of what you can bring to life. In this case it's the monster, demons, and ghosts. If this had been made in live action it would have required a much bigger budget.
The story, on the whole, is strong and both the writers do a great job with the Amazons and their time period. The many references and quotes go along way to set an atmosphere and a believability for the audience. The only thing I found wrong with the film was Steve Trevor's character who comes of week and unassured at times. Even Fillion helps to give the character a "Wimpy" feel. Steve Trevor should be the complete opposite of these, with more than a smattering of cocky to boot. I think a rewrite of the character and a voice change would have worked better - David Boreanaz'ish or Ryan Reynold'ish.
I also don't believe that Molina had the strength to voice Ares, who actually comes off kinda Meh! It needed a darker and richer voice, somewhere between Brian Blessed and Tim Curry (circa Legend) to give the God the power he deserves. Russell does a great job as Wonder Woman and in the scene with the ice cream brings out the child in Diana superbly - a very nice scene. Though the stars for me were Virginia Madsen, who was surprisingly brilliant as Hippolyte, and Oliver Platt for his magnificent take on Hades.
I would recommend this for all as it has something for everybody. A strong story, good animation and direction, good acting, fast paced and action packed. This is one film I would be happy to watch again. All DC and Wonder Woman fans shouldn't miss this film.
Production Companies: Douglas S Cramer & Warner Bros. Television
Back in the days of my youth the comic books and their relevant television shows were lighter in emotion and humour and were aimed at the youth market. These programs usually aired between six and eight in the evening. And I will hasten to say was better for it. Though there were adult matters expressed in the story there were watered down so we had good family entertainment. Something I think the DC Universe is missing at the moment.
And at the top of the pile of superhero shows on offer was Wonder Woman. I was happy to watch the pilot movie once again and it brought a smile to my face once more. There are some cringe-worthy moments in the show. For example the Amazon's view of men, which today doesn't ring so true as it's not just men who commit evil and atrocious deeds. Then there's the invisible plane. I loved the concept of the plane, though you can see Wonder Woman in the pilot seat; it's more like a plane of glass than invisible. As a kid I saw nothing wrong with it now with adult eyes I see it for what it is and though it makes me laugh it still fills me with nostalgia.
However, the story pretty much sticks to the Origin Story that was in the comic books at that time, before the Greek Gods became involved in the Wonder Woman Mythos. Steve Trevor (ace pilot) crashes in the Bermuda Triangle while engaged in a dog battle with a German pilot. He is found by Diana on Paradise Island (no Thymiscira at this point in history) and his wounds are tended to until he is well enough to travel. Queen Hippolyta decides he needs to leave the island as soon as possible, to keep the island and its inhabitants secret from man and the outside world. She then holds a "games" where the winner will be charged with returning Steve Trevor back to his life and to make sure he is well. Diana, in disguise, takes part in the games and wins. When she drops off Trevor at the hospital she finds herself pitted against the Germans and their scheme to bomb a secret base in the heart of Washington DC.
The way that Leonard Horn directs this story is to keep it light, full of humour, and to make it resemble a live-action-comic along with dialogue boxes. This makes it a rip-roaringly-enjoyably movie to watch. Horn is also great at using differing camera angles to help with the fight scene's and to create more believable Wonder Woman effects as well as give interest to the viewer. This is one well-crafted movie.
As for the cast; I totally forgot how good an actress Lynda Carter is. There's a reason why she made this role hers and why she will be remembered fondly for it and it's not because she fit the costume so beautifully, it's that she actually brought the character to life and made her appear realistic and believable, even in the face of some absurd lines and, at times, goofy story telling. Lynda Carter will always be Wonder Woman for me. Lyle Waggoner is perfect as Steve Trevor, who has just the right amount of ego and charm for the character. This is a guy you can believe has a girl in EVERY port. The other surprise in this pilot movie is Red Buttons as Ashley Norman. He pulls the character off perfectly. However, it's John Randolf as General Blankenship that start to let the film down a little as his character is more like a jovial uncle rather than a General. Then there's Stella Steven, who fluctuates between being really good and really wooden. It really is a strange thing to witness and does hinder the film as it breaks the link between movie and viewer. Though, besides Lynda Carter, my favourite actor and his character in the movie is Nikolas who is portrayed brilliantly by Henry Gibson. His portrayal of a faithful German Soldier come Butler come American Spy is well crafted and so funny to boot.
There are some faults in this version, though for me, they are all forgivable as the movie is such good fun to watch. I would recommend this to everyone as it may just put a smile on your face as it did mine. Well worth a watch.
So this was a different take on the Wonder Woman mythos, opting to go with a blonde version of the Amazonian Goddess. This may have been because Cathy Lee Cosby might not have wanted to die her hair for the part or don a wig. Whatever the case may be she does an amiable job as Diana Prince and I would've watched a series with her as Wonder Woman, it's a shame the script wasn't too brilliant, it was your average fair for '74. Also, gone is the iconic and eye-popping costume to be replaced with a modified track suit.
I like Warner's and McEveety's decision to use Crosby since she was a major athlete at the time she could easily cope with the action scenes... which reduced the need to bring in a stuntman in a wig. She's also a pretty decent actor and fit this version of the character well. It would have been nice to have the fight scenes choreographed a little better and speeded up a tad, a few special effects wouldn't have gone amiss to show her strength, as was the case with the later series.
As for the other actors, there wasn't anything too spectacular about them. Even though I do like Montalban a lot, he is very underused here. In fact, I think that can be said of most, though, Andrew Prime does have a bit more power behind his performance. This could all be down to McEveety's direction, who doesn't give us anything particularly new here,
Though Black sticks to the origin pretty well, things start to get messy once we're off Paradise Island. We see Diana Prince working as a Secretary for Steve Trevor, though secretly she's the one they send in to get the job done. So she's undercover in her own business. What I found really great and funny was the fact that EVERBODY else appeared to know Diana Prince was Wonder Woman; this says a lot for her company - the only spies who didn't know her secret. Even with this unintentional humour, Black does add some intentional humour to the story by incorporating a burro to bring the top secret plans to Abner Smith. This is one well-trained Ass... The other thing wrong with the script is the villains' names. I, for one, do not find either Abner Smith or George Calvin particularly frightening or awe inspiring. Calvin is a psychotic and cold blooded killer so it would have been nice for him to be given a more fearsome name or nick-name. This is based on a comic after all and in the 70's they were filled with evil doers with weird pseudonyms. The Joker wouldn't have been the same if he was called Melvin Phillips...
I think that if this had a better writer and director then the end product could have been so much better than this. It might even have made a decent television series; though I'm glad it didn't as it probably would have meant we would have missed Lynda Carter in the role that is so iconic to her. Though, as it stands it's not too bad and is okay for kids though with what's available today it looks and feels really dated, so they might baulk at watching it. This is worth a watch if you're looking at Wonder Woman throughout the ages, which I'm doing. Or, if you were a kid in the 70's and you want a little nostalgia. Apart from that, I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone.
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures / RatPac Dune Entertainment / The Lego Group / Vertigo Entertainment / Lin Pictures / Warner Bros. Animation
20th Century Fox / Warner Home Video
4.25 / 10
This is an atrociously boringly unfunny and predictable movie, though it's beautifully shot. All the faults lie with writers and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The synopsis of the movie is pretty decent and should have resulted in a good movie. A regular Lego construction worker, Emmet, finds out that he's the master builder of an ancient prophecy that states he'll save the world from the craggle and Lord Business.
Where the story falls short is the overused and cliched jokes and characters and they were telegraphed so early you knew they were coming. For example, Emmet has only had one original design idea - a double-decker sofa; so when asked to build something when they are trying to escape from Bad-Cop and his minions, he builds (you guessed it) his double-decker sofa while everybody else builds the submarine; then when the sub is destroyed by Bad-Cop guess what survives... yep, you're right the sofa. I was groaning and shaking my head. All too predictable.
Next major fault is the direction, there are lots of scenes that are dragged out too long, in particular, the scene where Bad-Cop / Good-Cop (which was a very inventive idea) is interrogating Emmet. Bad-Cop gets angry and goes mental and kicks a chair around the room. It's not that funny a scene and it becomes boring quite quickly as the directors stretch the sequence out and actually diminishes the scene.
Another thing the films suffers with is the vocal talents. With the exception of Will Arnet as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Elizabeth Banks as Wyldstyle / Lucy, and Nick Offerman as Metal Beard, the rest of the voices just don't quite fit their character. I am not a big fan of Will Ferrell though I have to admit he's not too bad here as he reigns in some of his outlandishness. However, he should have been more intimidating, mean, and menacingly voiced for his character of Lord Business. I felt embarrassed for Morgan Freeman as he sounded tired, for the most part, in his rendition of Vitruvius. Then there was the grating and annoying tones of Unikitty, played by Amanda Brie, who had me reaching for the remote and the off button. I did like the way that they incorporated original voices into the cast as C3P0 was voiced by Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams voiced Lando - shame they couldn't do it with the rest of the "Known" cast.
The only good thing this film had going for it was the Lego itself and it's CGI generation. Had the rest of the film been as good these scenes it would have been a masterpiece of filmmaking. However special effects cannot carry a film alone.
To be honest I wouldn't recommend this film to anybody. There are a lot of much better kids films out there... So go treat yourself and watch one of them. I wouldn't even push this for the Batman element, even though he's one of the main good elements he's still not enough... and he even starts to wear thin as the movie progresses... I'm now a little worried for The Lego Batman Movie.
A wolf howled, the call rising to an eerie pitch before dropping, hurtling downward. The echo barely faded when another howl replied. Always… Always, forever, and yet again, they would come.
His breath slipped between his teeth and he finally lifted his gaze from the crimson rose as the wind hurtled off, whistling through the narrow pass that led outward. Out into the forest. Out into Aslaria.
And so he waited.
Meanwhile, war clouds the horizon and rebels gather under a mysterious leader. Alone, with her two younger sisters, Elissa watches the mountain road desperately for her brother’s return. Instead, she receives news of his capture by a strange figure covered in scars and cloaked in wolf skins.
With rebels drawing nearer, she sets off to find her brother. To save him. There is no one else who can.
Yet she soon finds the rose that granted her warning now holds her captive in safety. Outside the valley, war threatens those she loves most. Though her strange host claims the ancient promises of the Prince’s return and victory over the rebels, Elissa knows the blood-drenched truth. She is on her own. Elissa will do anything to keep her family safe, but more than one kind of wolf stalks the Blackwood and danger lurks closer than she could ever imagine.
Perfect for those who love fantasy, but don’t have the time to sit down for a full-length novel, this first novella in the Legends of Light series presents the story of Beauty and the Beast as you have never read it before. Danger, sacrifice, and treachery combine a thrilling retelling of a favorite fairy tale.
Each Legends of Light novella focuses on one of the nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit while also following the conflict between the Prince and Tauscher and retelling popular fairy tales in a clean, exciting, and inspiring manner. Note: A novella is not a full-length novel. At 107 pages, this novella is a fairly quick read which can be finished in two or three hours.
This is one of the worst posters I've ever seen and the movie is one of the worst I've ever seen - The poster says it all.
I love disaster movies, they're one of my favourite forms of light entertainment. They are full of improbable probabilities about the future of our planet; that at their best, make us take note and think, what if(?) At their worst, they usually make you laugh, even though it's unintentional.
So when I read that the writer, Meyer Shwarzstein with screenwriters Joe D'Ambrosia and Tom Teves had added a fantasy element I thought I'd give it a go...
The mistake was mine. My imagination had already given life to the synopsis... The film falls woefully short in every way.
Firstly, the acting was so awful I was wishing the cast would die off quicker. Even Frankie Muniz, who has proved he can act was terrible. The only decent actor in the whole film was Barry Bostwick who does a great job of portraying a constant gin drinking, wash-up, slightly sleazy, lounge piano player. It's because of Bostwick the film got the rating it did from me.
Secondly, the director handles the story material ludicrously. There is no way anybody is going to believe any of this modern fantasy tale. I know it's meant to be lighthearted and comedic but it even misses here. There are too many holes and continuity errors that are glaringly obvious, as well as some impossible situations. These are evident in other disaster films, though in this movie they are less forgivable because of how the story is handled. The pace and flow are so muddled it gives the movie a disjointed feel.
Thirdly, the special effects, are way below average. Though most movies of this ilk are low-budget the effects are usually well created and carried out to maximise the power and atmosphere of destruction. However, in this film they are so unrealistic my attention was actually broken, as I shook my head in disgust.
The writers and directors of this film should have watched Sharknado and others of a similar vein; then they would've had some idea on how to handle the subject material.
I couldn't in all good conscience recommend this film to anyone. Though if you find yourself kidnapped by Jigsaw and forced to watch this movie then you can take some solace in the fact that at least Barry Bostwick may keep you from going insane...
Marvel Studios / Vita-Ray Dutch Productions / Studio Babelsberg / Deluxe Digital Studios / Marvel Entertainment
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Netflix / Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
8.5 / 10
Just when the Avengers stories were getting stale and very familiar, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely along with directors Anthony and Joe Russo bring us the best Avengers movie to date... except that it isn't since it's Capt's film.
Let's get this out of the way, this is loosely based on Mark Millar's opus though it could never reach the depths of characterisation or story in just the two and half hour runtime. Though the story has been pared down to the minimum basics of the original, what we do get is very entertaining. After the disastrous effects of Age Of Ultron the governments of the world are wanting to put a leash on the Avengers and all other heroes. Not all of the heroes are accepting of this arrangement, especially Captain America who goes off on his own.
The only thing I would have liked in this film is a deeper look at the psychological effects the Sokovia Sanctions, which are addressed in the graphic novels. This would have made it stronger and more accessible to adults. They could have done this without changing the certification.
It was also nice to see the other newbies to the Marvel universe - Ant-Man, The Black Panther, and of course The Amazing Spiderman. It was great seeing Spidey finally mixing it up in the with The Avengers and with the changing eye lenses in his costume and the best and most accurate portrayal yet, from Tom Holland - Awesome. Though I'm not too sure about the upcoming Homecoming movie or the role Stark is to play in Peter Parkers costume. The star of this film though has to be The Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman gives a brilliantly cool portrayal of the hero prince of Wakanda.
The rest of the cast give the performances we are used to from the rest of the series.
Thanks to the directors, the action is fast and furious, and thanks to Spidey and Ant-Man pretty funny. The effects are superb, as always, and they don't overpower the story or the screen as with previous films - the fight scene on Ultron was too busy and confusing (and too short). The pace is varied and creates a rollercoaster ride of a film which helps keep the emotions of the viewers fluctuating between excitement and the dramatic. This is a well-constructed and crafted movie.
For me, this third instalment of the Captain America series is the best; and as I stated at the start it's also the best Avengers movie too. If you've not started watching any of the Marvel Universe films yet then this is one to catch. It works as a stand-alone movie as it references the previous films in a way that you don't need to see them to know what's happening here. In regards to both Captain America and The Avengers, this is the only movie in each of the series which I will watch more than once, it is that enjoyable.
Marvel Enterprises / Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Walt Disney Home Studios Home Entertainment
9.5 / 10
After watching Marvel's Avengers - Age Of Ultron and Guardians Of The Galaxy, of which I was a little less than bowled over by, I was hesitant to watch this film. I knew this had the potential to be a brilliantly visual masterpiece - which it was. It was also a well thought out story filled with interesting characters and well-shot scenes, both innovative and ingenious.
Marvel needed this film to breathe fresh air into its universe.
Though it's not the Hank Pym Ant-Man that I remembered out of the back pages of the Hulk comic of my youth it still held up to the comic's feel and atmosphere.
Writers, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd create a good and solid story around this Ant-Man's origin and the threat which the Ant-Man tech could produce. It could also be that the personality of Scott Lang (Ant-Man) is so steadfast and credible is that Paul Rudd who portrayed him also co-wrote the screenplay. I've never been a great fan of Rudd's as I've found his previous work could either hit (Role-Models) or miss (Admission) - this is definitely some of his better work, and he adds quite a bit to the character and atmosphere of the movie.
Even the rest of the cast do a brilliant job with their characters. I especially liked Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Scott's ex-wife's new man... and cop! He adds a nice dynamic to Scott's personal life as he loves Maggie and Cassie (Scott's ex and daughter) and tries to give Scott the benefit of the doubt, even though he's an ex-con. Then there's Michael Pena who is outstanding as Luis. It was nice to see Evangelina Lilly in a decent roll and she carried off the role of Pym's estranged daughter, Hope Van Dyne, admirably. She should make a brilliant Wasp in the upcoming sequel.
The other star of this film is the Director, Peyton Reed, who seems to effortlessly weave CGI and reality together. The scenes where Scott pops from miniature to actual size while fighting could have been so bad but thanks to the direction and the animators they're believable and very effective. Reed is also good at switching pace to give his audience a rollercoaster ride of a movie.
The special effects are superb and seamless - respect due to all involved. And it is truly wonderful that Thomas the Tank Engine is finally breaking into the big time.
This film is a must for all comic book and action movie lovers alike. If you've not hopped into the Marvel universe yet this is one hell of a good place to start... though it may make the rest of the films look a little pale by comparison. This is one film I will watch again... and again...
New Line Cinema / Warner Bros. / Warner Home Video
7.25 / 10
It's great being a child at heart with a decent imagination as it allows me to thoroughly enjoy films like this. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, and Luis Guzman, three actors who I admire, I was only too happy to give this a watch. The thing I like most about Johnson is that even though he's a mountain of a man, he's happy to share the limelight with the other actors, and at times to take a backseat, and this is no exception; because it isn't a vehicle for just one person it builds a depth and context. This is required to help make the storyline more believable.
Sean (Josh Hutcherson) is a single child of a broken marriage who is unsure of the new man in his mother's life, Hank (Johnson). It's this relationship that binds the film together. If this was unbelievable then making you believe in the Mysterious Island would have been nigh on impossible. However, the writers Richard Outten and Brian and Mark Gunn give the viewer one of the more realistic relationships seen onscreen; and both Johnson and Hutcherson add the icing on the cake.
When Sean intercepts a coded message, it's with Hanks help that is gets decoded and the possible location of Jules Verne's Mysterious Island is revealed. Hank decides to take the chance on locating the island in the hopes of developing his relationship with Sean. Even if it's a wild goose chase, their time together should allow them to bond.
Luckily for Grandpa Alexander, Michael Caine, they find the island and the adventure starts.
Director, Brad Peyton, does a decent job of keeping the pace going, whether to build tension, comedy, or action sequences and I cannot fault his work at all.
The special effects are still passable today, saying they were done in 2012. The flight of the bumblebees is a great sequence. I especially loved the elephants, that scene raised a smile to my lips and a laugh to my voice - very clever. However, the strange flora and fauna they come across while on their trip to the Nautilus is a letdown and is comical in both their look and shape.
Another thing that irked me was Guzman's character which seemed to be just around as a comic fill-in. It would have been nice to see him have a little more depth, plus the story really didn't need this type of character as there was enough humour throughout.
I found this to be a much better film than Brendan Fraser's Journey To The Centre Of The Earth back in 2008, in every aspect. So if you enjoyed that movie then you should like this one too. If you like good wholesome family entertainment then I would recommend this film, it's lighthearted and heartwarming fun - a good film to watch when it's cold and wet outside.
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