Saturday, May 30, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Movie Reviews XII


The Terminator (1984) "C"
Ah, The Terminator. The one that
started it all. Bleah. This film was much
better in the far reaches of my mind.
However no one can doubt Winston's
work on the film. It and some of the core
ideas are what make the film so endearing.


Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) "A-"
While mainly just a stupid action film, this
is the best that Terminator has to offer. Seriously
Cameron takes what worked in the first one
and makes it worthy of praise. The effects, though
simplistic work rather well, and the acting is
all taken up a notch...though not too high, remember
this is a Jim Cameron film.


Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) "B-"
While not as bad as the first film, it still drops a
bit. Terminator 3 builds on the saga and shows
how Judgement day really happens. Some have
argued about how it messes with how things were
supposed to happen. Oh wellz. The only argument
I have here is a tired plot device and no Linda Hamilton


Terminator: Salvation (2009) "B-"
Wow. While the third film had its flaws this one tries
it's damndest to do something great. The plot is more
interesting what with the war with the machines actually
happening in the now. The big problem is the acting and
script which are, believe it or not, pretty substandard.
Oh well. I think this is the direction for the franchise to
go because by T3 we've had enough of Arnie saving the
day.


Night at the Museum (2007) "C+"
*yawwnnn* Really? This wasn't made in
the 1990s by Joe Johnston? Surprising.
The film is mediocre. It's really just...I dunno
bleah. It's made entirely to see these historical
characters coming together in our time. So
meh, what can you do? Ignore the film maybe?

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Movie Reviews XI



X-Men (2000) "B-"
Ah, X-Men. This is the first film in the
franchise, and while not exactly amazing
as Spider-Man it does a good job at
establishing who these people are.The film
is not all that flawed, it's just not all
that spectacular.




X2: X-Men United (2003) "B+"
ZOMG. Singer takes the world established
in the first film and blows everything out of
the ball park in this epic sequel. Encompassing
some of my favorite storylines and characters
the film masterfully tells the 2nd tale in the
X-Men's film saga.


X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) "C"
So continues Marvel's pattern of the third is worse
than the first. At least, unlike D.C. they have
the sense to stop. For now anyway. The film juggles
three story arcs in such a clumsy fashion it seems
too out of place with the first two to be part of the
trilogy. Brett Ratner ruins everything by dropping
the franchise's IQ by 80 points and rushing through
his conception of story.


X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) "C+"
While it is bad, especially for those of you
who are Deadpool fans, it is not as bad as
the Last Stand. It stands as an inbetween
as though the franchise is attempting to
return to the glory of 03'. There are a couple of
fumbles, but if there is indeed a sequel, and
they work on it there is a sign of possible
improvement.



Star Trek (2009) "A-"
Yeah. A-. I said it. The only trek film I've given
such an honor is The Motion Picture. Because of
its poise and grandeur. Trek 09 is equally grand, but
full of so much spirit and fun....how can you not enjoy
this? The cast of generally unknowns pulls everything
off with flying colors. The characters and story all seem
there, though sadly Eric Bana falls a little flat...which is
disappointing. The score is fantastic, and Abrams has
added something to his limited filmography that he can
truly be proud of.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

This is thanks to Camry

Movie Reviews X



Pokemon The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
"B+"
Wow. This is one of the better pokemon
movies. Darkrai is brilliantly used, and Palkia/
Dialga's battle makes this one worth watching.
I think the film could have focused more on
them. I do think that this will all come to a head
in the movie coming out this summer in
Japan which features Arceus.



Pokemon Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
"B"
The animation and certain plot elements
are good in this. Though the human villain
is really underdeveloped in this film. I still
find it extremely enjoyable. The appearance
of Regigigas at the end was a cool surprise.
Hopefully the Arceus film takes things up
a notch.



Jurassic Park 3 (2001) "B-"
While I like this on the entertainment
scale more than The Lost World,
JP3 is a hollow cgi fest. The introduction
fo the Spinosaurus is pretty cool. The fight
between it and the T-Rex sucks however.
There you go.



Halloween (2007)
"C+"
I've honestly never seen the original
Halloween in one coherent sitting.
I will say that Carpenter is a piss
poor director who should've stopped
after The Thing. Zombie's version is
actually pretty cool. Bothersome things
include hillbilly culture and excessive
language to the point its silly. McDowell's
performance, the score, and how the
violence is handled are the best parts
of this.



Das Leben der Anderen (2006)
"A-"
This destroys the Departed, which I
previously had thought the best film of
06'. However I find this to be just a thoroughly
enjoyable film. Everything about it is exceptionally
done. Thoroughly good. Give it a watch and give
it time to grow on you.

Movie Reviews IX



Pokemon 4Ever (2001) "B-"
I tend to like this film better than the last. We get a
peek into Prof. Oak's past, and a decent starring Pokemon.
Suicune's inclusion is weird. I also hate the moments of
brief cel shaded cg. The ending is very Miyazaki and
that's a good thing. It's also an interesting backdrop
for the action. A decent entry.



Pokemon Heroes (2002) "B-"
What a weird film. It's interesting, but
sad that an Aerodactyl and a Kabutops are
the villains. Seems very small scale. Though it's hard
to reach the magnitude of the first two.
Overall an enjoyable film, especially for the
scenery and background art. Though what
the hell is up with Latias?



Pokemon Jirachi Wishmaker (2003) "B-"
Meh. This is the first of the Advance
generation of films. They're okay, but
I find this pretty disappointing as a film.
Oh well, the animation is good and the
fake Groudon looks pretty cool.




Spirited Away (2001) "A"
This is Miyazaki's Masterpiece. The
story, Joe hisahi's score, and the
superb animation make this one of the
best animated and all around films of all
time. You have to watch this. Or else.



Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
"B+"
HELLZ YEAH! Nicholas Meyer never really
impressed me with Wrath of Khan, but TUC
is really the second best Star Trek film after
the original. It's so awesome. The assassination
scene, everything. I approve so much of this
movie. Great work!

Movie Reviews VIII



Bolt (2008) B-
It's okay. I mean, to be honest I would
have rather seen a film about the concept
of the television series. That's honestly the
coolest part of it. But you did an okay
job disney, okay job.




Pokemon The First Movie (1998) B+
Ah Pokemon. The first big screen debut is a pretty
cool guy. The animation is a step up from what
we see on the television. The score is just as
well done as the tv show. The animation and
fight scenes are really awesome for this thing.
Sure it's kiddy, but it's so well done.




Pokemon The Movie 2000 (1999) "B"
Pacing issues are gone with this entry
into the Pokemon Film franchise. It
makes use of the three legendaries from
the first generation as well as Lugia.
While the story is cleaner it just doesn't
have the same satisfaction that
the first movie gave. Still a decent
effort.



Pokemon 3: Spell of the Unown (2000) "C+"
Okay, This movie impresses me even less
than 2000 did. The score is considerably
weaker and the pokemon featured are even
less interesting. Nice try, the best part is
when Charizard comes to the rescue, but
this is easily skippable.




Rebuild of Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
"B+"
While a retelling of Eva. Things are a
bit different. The fat has been cut. It
looks much better, and is still just as
strong as it was 10 years ago. Can't
wait to see how things get changed up.

Monday, May 4, 2009

TOP 15 STAR TREK EPISODES

These are my top 15 Star Trek TOS Episodes. They are in no
particular order. I just think these are some of the most fun,
also worthy of mention is The Devil in the Dark.


1.The Menagerie (Parts I and II counted together)
Youtube Link Part I
Youtube Link Part II
This includes both art. Originally parts of this
were the pilot, and damn is it good. I love
this whole thing. It builds on Spock's background
and hell I love anything that deals with ole' pointy ears.
It also gives us some epic makeup effects such
as the throbbing brains of the Talosians.



2. The Squire of Gothos
Youtube Link
William Campbell plays Trelane who reminds
me of Q. Can't remember what show he
was initially a part of. Campbell's ridiculous
demeanor as the super powerful alien child
makes this episode so much fun. But boy was
he a terrible Klingon later on.


3. The Arena
Youtube Link
This episode is really kind of blah.
However I enjoy the introduction of
the Gorn, and the battle between the
two captains. Though I must admit, I
could not have done what Kirk did..that
Gorn would have kicked my ass.



4. The City on the Edge of Forever
Youtube Link
Such a cool set. I feel I must mention that
first. The going back in time, and
the great makeup to make Bones look
crazy make this episode fun. I also love
when Spock is put into period sets and
clothing. It's funny. It's also a neater time
travel episode than the first one. Simply
because I think this has higher production
values.


5. Amok Time
Youtube Link
Okay, I find any of the episodes
dealing with Vulcans, Romulans, or
Klingons amazing. Because I'm so interest
ed in the cultures. This is so neat because
of the contradictory cultural traditions of
the Vulcans. Being the Best Man at
a Vulcan "wedding" is not fun at all.


6. I,Mudd
Hulu Link
I. Love. This. Episode. Mudd
is funny, always will be. And the
army of androids, and their reasoning
behind keeping the Enterprise is all
so much fun. This episode kept
cracking me up the whole way through.


7. Changeling
Youtube Link
While this plot is ridiculous. I
did enjoy how Kirk manages to
stop the machine. A plot device
which has been duplicated many
times over. This is the first of the two
devices destroying the universe
episodes...and I like them both.


8. The Doomsday Machine
Youtube Link
The enterprise goes on a
Moby Dick like adventure. This
time a captain is hunting a large
machine that devours planets and
is powered by this action. The design
is cool, and if the new Trek film starts
a franchise, this is an episode I'd like to
see be polished and refined for the big
screen. It'd be great in terms of spectacle


9. Journey to Babel
Youtube Link
This is a cool ep because we meet
Spock's mammy and pappy. It's
also neat because we get to see a
bunch of alien races. There's also
some spotlight shown upon how
the Federation works in a political
sense. Which is cool.



10. Trouble with Tribbles
Youtube Link
Oh, come on. Who doesn't
love Tribbles? This episode
features Klingons and a funny
story line. However, I always
wondered what the deal was with
Klingons and Tribbles?


11. Assignment: Earth
Hulu Link
This episode was meant to spin off
a new show. It's actually pretty neat
minus the fact the Enterprise is actively
engaging in time travel...which I think is
retarded. I mean last time they accidentally
got sent back. Oh wellz. The cool thing is
Mr. Seven is sort of a Doctor Who type char
acter which is another 1960's scifi show I
loved.


12. The Enterprise Incident
Youtube Link
I love this episode. After the ridiculous
season opener "Spock's Brain" this
episode is really awesome. It's also
in my top 5, most certainly. We revisit
the Romulans as Kirk fakes going mad
under stress in order to undertake a
covert op to steal cloaking technology.
It's fun to see a sense of good will between
the Romulan commander and Spock,
and Kirk surgically altered to look like
a Romulan.


13. Empath
Youtube Link
One of the few episodes in which the
alien villains are not, in fact, villains.
This episode is actually pretty neat
because our Alien with which we
empathize with...lolz....is a mute.
Her unique trait is that she can feel
emotions and take the injuries of
others. I liked the concept, and how
the episode played out.


14. The Lights of Zetar
Youtube Link
While not an exceptional
episode, it introduces
Memory Alpha and it features
quite a bit of Scotty. Who is one
of my favorite characters other than
the trio. It's probably my least
favorite of these top 15, but it was
hard to choose.


15. Turnabout Intruder
Youtube Link
It's actually a fine way to end the
series. It's one of the better episodes
of Season 3. The body switching gimmick
works really well. It's just a fun concept
and not in a goofy way like most season 3
episodes.

And now, your moment of zen.