The Incredible Hulk Exclusive Clip
4th Clip at below link
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808495230/video/7950136
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Early INDY 4 REVIEW from Ain't it Cool .com
Okay, now on to Flint's review, which I believe is our first review from a known spy and past contributor. Enjoy!
Only Mild Spoilers
First off, Indiana Jones isn’t my cinematic nirvana. It’s not a seminal movie going experience for me like most people.
Ultimately, what I’ve enjoyed most about the films is revisiting them with groups of friends over the years. Watching “Indy” is a truly fun thing to share.
I enjoyed “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” After all, who doesn’t? Yet, it didn’t engage my emotions in the same way the first two “Superman” movies did or even the original “Star Trek” film series. ROTLA is a thrill ride that’s built for speed. Its classic status is underscored by how well it holds up decades and imitators later.
Aside from the frenetic opening, I found “Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom” a bore. Kate Capshaw’s performance sunk every scene and Harrison Ford’s line reading of “We… are… going… to die!” still makes me cringe. Nevertheless, I find the film fascinating in retrospect, hearing George Lucas’ proclamation that the dark tone was the result of his wrenching divorce. That explains all the hearts being ripped out.
What I liked most about “Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade” was the father & son relationship between Ford and Sean Connery. I respected the desire to add dimension to the main character and also the resolution, wherein Indy used his wits to save his old man. (Although, I agree with those who say Connery should have taken the knight’s place and stayed behind.)
I never thought I’d see another Indiana Jones film, but after the return of Rocky, Rambo, and McClane… it became inevitable. (Catherine Trammel’s return doesn’t count. Sorry, this is a gentlemen’s club.)
George Lucas should be commended for truth in advertising. He predicted that, after so much anticipation, no movie could ever meet the expectation of a rapid fan whose spent the last two decades imagining the ultimate Indiana Jones adventure in his mind.
Given the iconic place these films hold, Steven Spielberg also didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel and fix what ostensibly isn’t broken. Sorry, a PG-13 “Die Hard” where helicopters explode and occupants pirouette out and land safely isn’t “Die Hard.” It’s “Die Soft.”
During his Comic Con presentation, Spielberg said he was making this film for the fans. He certainly didn’t have to, as he can get any studio in town to greenlight a can of baked beans as a new movie.
So, Mr. Spielberg… thank you. Thank you for making an Indiana Jones film for all those around the world who wanted another one.
Thank you for making a film that fits comfortably within the canon you helped invent.
Thank you for recapturing the spirit of your previous direction of the series, while also adding some subtle meditations that your later “serious” pictures have employed.
Also, thank you for reminding us that Harrison Ford is indeed a major movie star who can hold the screen at any age, just like all the other greats… Marvin, Holden, McQueen and Wayne.
“Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” blends many of the divergent elements of the first three. The jeopardy and stakes of the first. The darkness and rituals of the second. The generational differences, relationships and humor of the third.
Oddly enough, the mix reminded me of a non-Indy movie, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” wherein an aging, melancholy hero is galvanized back into action, reclaiming meaning for his latter day existence. It even has a similar relationship with a young man who has a large chip on his shoulder, for very good reasons, and a woman from his past reappearing. Marion Ravenwood’s name carries similar feelings as “Carol Marcus” in this context.
I’ve read another reviewer of this film claiming disappointment the character of Indiana Jones wasn’t accorded the same introspection and ruminations of the last Rocky Balboa outing. The first and last “Rocky” movies, before the sequels became cartoonish caricatures, were both human dramas. They were character pieces heavy on dialogue and building towards inevitable finales in the ring. Indiana Jones is an action adventure series. While Indy acknowledges his advanced age, he does it in the context of how things are handled in “Indiana Jones” fashion. That doesn’t mean halting his exploits to pontificate ostentatiously on mortality. Sorry, "It's not the mileage, it's the years" fits this world. Unlike Rocky, Indy steps into the ring for combat after the first reel.
What I loved most about the 1950s’ milieu KOTCS takes place in, which Lucas still has his “American Graffiti” affinity for, is how Dr. Jones is now truly just a senior member of a college faculty. There’s no way the young people around him could ever imagine this educator to be a world traveler and adventurer. He's the old guy, off in the corner, in the malt shop.
The atomic age motif works like a charm with a sequence set in “Doomtown” being particularly memorable not just for its jeopardy, but also a subversive satirical streak. The Russians more or less act like the Nazis in the first and third film, with a similar trace of historical accuracy underpinning the proceedings.
People have been gunning for Shia LeBeouf’s character from the beginning, but the actor more than holds his own against a formidable leading man. Young Shia adds a lot to the proceedings, is physically adept and enjoys solid interplay with Ford… especially being the brunt of a lot of Dr. Jones’ acerbic sarcasm.
Ray Winstone is a resourceful actor, making more out of his subordinate character than another performer would. Karen Allen is a welcome return as Marion although, I’ll admit, she’s not as pivotal to this film as I’d hoped. The initial dialogue between Indy and his old flame crackles like from the first film, so it comes as no surprise that writer David Koepp in a recent interview acknowledges he sought help from original ROTA screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan for this exchange.
Cate Blanchett’s Soviet Agent Spalko was not at all what I was expecting, especially her being a disciple of the fabled “thought police,” but once again… Russian obsession with ESP and psychic warfare are well documented. Ms. Blanchett engages in a psychological battle with our hero and her performance is so peculiar that on occasion I thought she was being directed by David Lynch. She distinguishes the film from all the others with her singular presence.
The crystal skulls and their extraterrestrial origin are dealt with from an archeological standpoint so, despite outcries that science fiction doesn’t belong in the Indy series, it’s consistent with the previously established mysticism that’s come before. The culmination of this legend during the finale doesn’t have the old style Hollywood theological impact of the first film, nor the emotional payoff of the third, but it’s way better than the second. If anything, a lot of the finale’s destruction and conversion reminded me of “Total Recall,” but don’t take that as a debit. You’ll see what I mean.
Some will say this movie is overstuffed, but I viewed it as a second trilogy all rolled into one. There may never be another Indiana Jones film, so they went for broke with nonstop set pieces that remind us Steven Spielberg can easily best anyone currently making their career as an action director. Some of his “old fashioned” techniques serve as a revelation in the wake of current post "Matrix" styles. His long lasting shots without frenetic cutting are particularly enthralling to behold. Still, I do feel we were bamboozled at bit by their saying CGI was underemployed… especially when one of the villains is dispatched by teeming insects vacationing from “Jurassic Park.”
I also liked the fond, deferential ending a lot, as Indiana Jones movies seem to have a subliminal “To Be Continued…” during their codas. Still, this feels like the last one, but so did “The Last Crusade.” While they did ride off into the sunset there, Harrison Ford reminds us in an interview: "The sun came up the next day."
One thing’s for sure, after the lights come up... true fans and new ones will continue “the man in the hat’s” adventures in their imaginations.
While I can’t profess to know what Indiana Jones movie people will be expecting to see at 12:01 on May 22nd, I can say this about the one Lucas, Spielberg and Ford have given us: I liked it, a lot.
And like all the others, I’ll look forward to seeing it again with friends and having a good time. Sometimes, that’s what a good movie is for.
Derek Flint
Friday, May 09, 2008
Alecc B. on "Speed Racer"
Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of the Speed Racer cartoon. I don't have anything against it, I just never followed it. When I first saw the trailer for The Wachowski Brothers big-screen version, I thought to myself that this film looks very cartoonish for a live-action film, but I also thought that it worked.
Speed Racer is supposed to re-invent the family film. It doesn't. What this film does is razzle and dazzle you with crazy visual graphics while also keeping the dialogue very tongue-in-cheek.
PLOT
Speed always looked up to his now dead older brother, Rex. He races just as good as Rex, if not better. Racing is all he knows how to do, and he's gonna use that skill to put the hurting on the big sponsors who do nothing but corrupt the sport of racing. Go! Speed! Go!
ACTING
Emile Hirsch is probably the most reserved actor in this film. As Speed, he doesn't really hold the film up. Hirsch and the rest of the cast are all here to serve the special effects. Christina Ricci covers up that big forehead of hers to play Trixie, Speed's lady. She seems to have the most fun here, besides the monkey. Paulie Litt plays the annoying kid brother Spritle, but he's nowhere near as annoying as the kid who plays young Speed. Matthew Fox takes some time off from Lost to play Racer X. He's a bit bland here. Roger Allam hams it up as Royalton, the man behind the big racing sponsors. Allam chews up the scenery with much enjoyment. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon add some serious clout as Speed's parents. These two are class acts that can lift up any film.
WRITING & DIRECTING
Andy and Larry Wachowski with Speed Racer, after they destroyed the Matrix series. There knack for writing bad dialogue actually suits this film. The fact that it's corny on purpose makes the dialogue very easy to swallow. Don't expect to be blown away by the the story because it's all special effects in this flick.
Shot all in front of a green-screen, a la 300, Racer has a fun vibe to it throughout the entire runtime. The racing sequences are so over-the-top but they're also such a blast to watch. I recommend seeing this in a loud theatre, except the IMAX. I think if you watched this flick in the IMAX theatre, your head would explode from all of the eye candy on-screen.
So, Speed Racer turned out to be more fun than I thought it would. Remember, I'm not a fan, but from what I hear, it's very faithful to the show.
Overall Review: **1/2 stars
Best Lines:
Ricci: Oh my God, was that a ninja?
Hirsch: Get that weak shit off my track!
Alecc B. on "Iron Man"
Summer Movie Season has arrived!!!!!! Are there going to be more winners or losers this year? Hmmm...one can only wait and see. The first sure-fire blockbuster out of the gate is Iron Man! Major hype surrounded this film, proclaiming it to be the best comic book movie ever! Is it? No, but it's still a lot of fun to watch.
PLOT
Tony Stark has made mucho dinero designing weapons for military use. After a demonstration of his new missile in Afghanistan, the convoy transporting him is attacked and he becomes an injured hostage. With a little machine in his chest that keeps shrapnel out of his heart, he realizes that he doesn't want to create weapons that will end up hurting people anymore. Now, he wants to help the people by turning himself into a weapon, a weapon called...Iron Man!
ACTING
Is there anyone out there who doesn't like Robert Downey Jr.? I didn't think so. Downey has stolen almost every scene of every movie he's been in. Now, he takes the driver's seat in role that was built for him, Tony Stark. He's hilarious, engaging, and more than anything, believable in this part. Terrence Howard plays Stark's military buddy Jim Rhodes. Howard gives it his all once again, just as easy as it comes to him in other films. Jeff ("I'm the dude! So that's what you call me!") Bridges plays Stark's business partner, Obadiah Stane. It's kind of hard to picture Bridges being anyone else but The Dude, but he rocks it here. Gwyneth Paltrow fills the role of Stark's assistant, Pepper Potts. I don't normally find Paltrow attractive, but she is very cute here and the chemistry between her and Downey is fantastic. It was nice seeing Paltrow on screen again as well.
WRITING & DIRECTING
Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway provided the writing talent for Iron Man. The script isn't anything groundbreaking and I'm sure some of the best lines from Downey were improvised. Aside from a basic origin storyline, nothing really happens in this film. A central villain isn't even revealed until there's about 30 minutes left in the film.
With that being said, director Jon Favreau more than makes up for it with a brisk pace, solid special effects, and a few kick-ass action sequences. My personal favorite scene was the first time Downey puts on his suped-up armor and handles his business in Afghanistan. See the picture above and take in how sweet that armor looks!
All in all, Iron Man delivered a fun two hours at the movies for me. While not the best Marvel movie ever made, it sure is one of the more entertaining ones to come out yet.
Overall Review: *** stars
Best Lines:
Downey: That is an excellent question.
Downey: We throw one of these in with every purchase of $500 million or more.
Alecc B. on "Funny Games"
Okay, I know this movie is out of most theatres already. I apologize for the late review. I've been kind of busy and I'm playing catch-up now. There will be a couple of other late reviews posted over the next couple of days as well. Now, let's talk about Funny Games!
PLOT
George, Ann, and their young son Georgie were planning on having a nice time at their house by the lake. That all changed when Peter and Paul showed up and held them hostage, all the while playing sadistic games with the family.
ACTING
Naomi Watts is extremely powerful as Ann. She conveys courage and fear simultaneously with such ease that it will be upsetting come Oscar time if she's not nominated. Tim Roth is equally great as George. There is one scene in particular when he is pain, and the two men holding them hostage are discussing something inappropriate. Roth's look of pain on his face slowly transforms into a face of fear. Great stuff! Devon Gearhart is very impressive as young Georgie. There are a couple of scenes that I'm sure were tough on this kid actor but he rocked it. Michael Pitt finally entertained me as Paul! I usually find Pitt to be a one-note actor that always plays morose roles, but here he cut loose and it's the best I've seen from him. Brady Corbet plays his partner in crime, Peter. Corbet is good but I feel it's only because of the exceptional cast surrounding him.
WRITING & DIRECTING
Michael Haneke was the man behind the pen and camera here...once again. I say "once again" because Funny Games is a remake of Haneke's own...Funny Games, made back in 1997. This latest version is said to be a shot-for-shot remake of the original German-language film. I never saw the original, but I did compare both films' trailers and they look identical.
As far as the writing goes, it's very well done. There is plenty of dialogue that leads up to each terrible thing done to this family, and the build-up is nerve-wracking. These two bastards torment Ann and George mostly by just talking to them, and it will get under your skin too.
Haneke knows what he's doing behind the camera. There are tons of long, lingering shots that seriously add to the suspense, instead of boring you to tears like the last five Gus Van Sant films. A lot of the violence is off-screen, which continues my belief that the less you see, the better.
There are a couple of things I didn't agree with. The first was the amount of times Pitt breaks the fourth wall and acknowledges us, the audience. The first time was funny, but that was it. The second thing was the "rewind" sequence. You'll know what I'm talking about once you see it. I understand what Haneke was going for, but I think it could have been handled better.
All in all, this a tough film to get through. Funny Games is a brutal home invasion flick that will not only terrify you, but will leave you thinking about it for a while.
Overall Review: *** stars
Best Line:
Pitt: That's awesome.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Saturday, May 03, 2008
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