Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Review)

What I knew going in:
The primary backstory to one of the worst Genre Series of all time. Stars nobody of importance but has all of the original actors from the first two travesties.

Hype:
Meh-. My buddy Zach really wanted to see this so I went with him. But hey he sucked it up for The Spirit so I owed him one.

Opening Thoughts:
Oh my, the main heroine has lips that could only have come from an unholy union from Charo and Steve Tyler. Yep - Damn film is still way too dark. Yep - shoddy camera work still doesn't make the action scenes more "edgy". Oh wait a sec. That was pretty awesome.. The actors took some acting classes since the last one. I'm actually Like-in' (Lycan) this movie? WTF? Dude, I seriously want a pair of the Lord's contact Vamp lenses.

Bottom Line:
This Werewolf vs. Vampire film should have been the first one released in the series. It neatly plugs all of the backstory that we were missing from the first two films that made them seem incomplete. Had they been released in the correct order the series might have had some merit, but as it is now, the only redeeming quality of the entire trilogy is Kate Beckinsale's ass. This is a fun action movie that has its good points and bad, but is pretty passable overall. If you liked the other two, you'll love this one. If you haven't seen the other two don't bother with em and only see this one if you're particularly bored.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0834001/

Changeling (Review)

What I knew going in:
Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a True Crime Drama about a woman whose son disappears and the police return a boy to her that isn't hers.

Hype:
Meh. I've heard this is a possible Oscar Contender for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. Normally this would lower my interest, but hey, I had a bunch of work to do, exciting things like quoting hardware and drawing network diagrams, and so this seemed like a perfect choice for background noise.

Opening Thoughts:
Period Dramas almost universally have big money behind them and the costuming and sets are top notch. Wow. This woman really cares about her son. I mean "Eat your breakfast before it gets cold." "Its cereal, mom its supposed to be cold." Half-Smile. Now that's emotion and empathy. You should interpret that last comment to mean ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZ. Yeesh, Hollywood, can you doll up the MALE KIDS a little more? I don't think you got a red enough lipstick on em...

Bottom Line:
Written by J Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Jerimiah) and Directed by Clint Eastwood (I can't help you if you don't know who Clint Eastwood is) this movie is superbly written and directed. The story kept me riveted, Malkovich and the supporting cast are great, but Angelina can't act up a broken leg. Brad needs to remind her how to be convincing on screen. I wonder if she would have been more convincing if she had born children instead of adopting. So, despite Jolie sucking the life out of the script, this is still a recommended film about an event that will terrify most parents. I can make a case for Best Supporting for Malkovich, but Best Actor and Best Film of 2008? Hardly. Hell, there are at least three other films IN MY BLOG ALONE that are better than this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0824747/

Push (Review)

What I Knew Going In:
Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, and Djimon Hounsou in a Sci-Fi Action flick where the main characters can use superpowers.

Hype:
Meh+. When I first saw the trailer for this I thought it had potential, but I was prepared to be utterly crushed and disappointed.... I mean, how many of these films have come and gone while I've paid more attention to my cat. Recently we've had Hancock (CRAP), Jumper (Almost CRAP), and Wanted (Not Bad).

Opening Thoughts:
The effects are top notch. Hmmm son of a former hero who has managed to screw his life up royally = TIRED characterization. Dakota's kind of a spunky smart-ass, which is probably not much of an act for her... Hunh? A plot twist about ten minutes into the movie? Maybe this will be better than I thought.

Bottom Line:
Despite the fact that the main character, Nick, is a tool of the highest order, this is a great flick. I was continually wowed by both the sound and visual effects, both of which take back seat to an amazing plot. Tons of twists and an excellently crafted world bring the tale to life in an unusual way that makes sense while not breaking its own logic. And, believe it or not, a script this good didn't come from a book. The director's last major project was Lucky Number Slevin, another superb movie. Paul Mcguigan is definately one to watch out for in the future, although he has no projects upcoming listed on IMDB. While the film is clearly open for a sequel, it does give plenty of plot resolution. Add the fact that the heroine is SMOKIN hot is a Girl Next Door way, and some decent modern rock for the soundtrack, Push really hits on all fronts. Its not perfect, its got a couple of semi-slow points and there's a glaring editing goof (A car carrying the kidnapped heroine is on a huge suspension bridge, and in the very next shot you see the car pulling up to a diner and that same bridge is in the background at an angle that shows you'd have to drive halfway around Hong Kong to get there). None of it detracts from the experience, however, and I can't wait to get a Hi-Def copy of this on my system at home so I can crank the bass on those sound effects. Highly Recommended.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465580/