Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryce
Running Time: 2h 30min
The immediate thought that ran through my mind after seeing this film, (after 'Thank God that's over!") was how much i felt like when i had seen "The Matrix Reloaded". After being completely taken by surprise and blown away by the originality and complexity of the first, original film, i felt completely let down, confused, and saddened by how that first film is tarnished by this sequel.
Now, of course, in hindsight, i can appreciate the second Matrix film as a worthy installment of the series, and perhaps filled with the most rewatchable fight scenes of the entire trilogy. Hopefully, the same will be said about this film once all is said and done. Yet, for the time being, it seemed as though "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is more said, than done. My initial feeling is that it sucked the life out of the original, spat back the enjoyable lines and character references, and created a ridiculously complex back story that makes it incomprehensible with its laboured pace and unsatisfying faux ending.
Which is the problem of the second installment of pre-planned trilogies. It's almost as though the filmmakers hold back, knowing they have to save something for the final film, or else why bother? (Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers notwithstanding). Which, in response i say, why bother with a middle chapter if it's going to be so unfulfilling?
Johnny Depp's role as Captain Jack Sparrow is still as much fun to watch as it probably is for him to act out. But his place in the movie as the bonafide hero takes a bit of the edge away which made him so dastardly to cheer for in the first film. What this film lacks is the presence of a real great villain, as Geoffrey Rush is sorely missed during the film. Both Orlando Bloom's Will Turner and Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Swann seem like mere window dressing, as they try to cram as much cast from the first film that it makes more seem like less.
Much like the second Matrix film, this film will most likely be remembered for its excellent action sequence, mid-way through the film. Yet, by then most of the audience will be just as turned off or tuned out as Depp's inspiration, Keith Richards. This isn't a plot line that's too complex because it's so brilliant. It's a plot line that takes so long to develop that it becomes too laboursome for the audience to care less. Just give us the popcorn movie experience we loved so much the first time around.
Unfortunately, like a bad movie spoof, this film is too full of repeated remarks and familiar circumstances, and not enough fresh, fun thrills. i wish i had Adam Sandler's remote from "Click" so i could fast forward half this film, and then on to the third one, where they must be storing all the fun and excitement this one left behind. Not enough booty to salvage this one from the depths.
Grade: C-
7.24.2006
Cars
Directed by: John Lasseter and Joe Ranft
Voiced by: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Michael Keaton
Running Time: 1h 56min
Pixar studios has become such a leader in the animated film department, they have to challenge themselves because no one else seems to want to set the bar higher. Well, they do a wonderful job meeting their own challenge of creating a film completely filled with inanimate objects. Despite the fact that cars do not move of their own free will, Pixar populates this film's world with characters, personalities, and relationships that are tantamount to what car lovers do to their own vehicles.
Cars is no "Finding Nemo", "Toy Story", or "Monsters, Inc." Still, it is a solid, enjoyable film with superb animation and enough wit for both kids and adults alike. In the certain to be released (in the not so distant future), Pixar Box Set, "Cars" will not be the crappy movie that you have to take thrown in with the hits, because it deserves its own recognition.
Making talking cars look and feel like they have real issues and life problems is a massive undertaking. Yet Pixar's smart casting and keen eye for detail in their animation of lead characters really brings this story to life. Though the plot line is telegraphed from the beginning (there's absolutely no question what each car's story arc will be) it is an enjoyable ride getting there.
It helps that we, as a culture, anthropomorphisize our vehicles already. So it isn't such a stretch when a car comes on screen, that it already has a perceived personality in our minds. We have personified certain car makes and models with human characteristics and tendencies, and the people at Pixar play into these preconceived notions to situate the cars as characters. It's an auto lover's dream come true.
If it weren't for a longer than average running time (for an animated 'kids' film) and a plot that leaves no room for doubt, Cars would be talked about with the likes of animated cinematic greats. Though the backdrops aren't as lavish as "Finding Nemo" and the world of make believe not as spellbinding as "Toy Story", it remains a steady pace car and keeps Pixar batting 1000.00. i can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Grade: B+
Voiced by: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Michael Keaton
Running Time: 1h 56min
Pixar studios has become such a leader in the animated film department, they have to challenge themselves because no one else seems to want to set the bar higher. Well, they do a wonderful job meeting their own challenge of creating a film completely filled with inanimate objects. Despite the fact that cars do not move of their own free will, Pixar populates this film's world with characters, personalities, and relationships that are tantamount to what car lovers do to their own vehicles.
Cars is no "Finding Nemo", "Toy Story", or "Monsters, Inc." Still, it is a solid, enjoyable film with superb animation and enough wit for both kids and adults alike. In the certain to be released (in the not so distant future), Pixar Box Set, "Cars" will not be the crappy movie that you have to take thrown in with the hits, because it deserves its own recognition.
Making talking cars look and feel like they have real issues and life problems is a massive undertaking. Yet Pixar's smart casting and keen eye for detail in their animation of lead characters really brings this story to life. Though the plot line is telegraphed from the beginning (there's absolutely no question what each car's story arc will be) it is an enjoyable ride getting there.
It helps that we, as a culture, anthropomorphisize our vehicles already. So it isn't such a stretch when a car comes on screen, that it already has a perceived personality in our minds. We have personified certain car makes and models with human characteristics and tendencies, and the people at Pixar play into these preconceived notions to situate the cars as characters. It's an auto lover's dream come true.
If it weren't for a longer than average running time (for an animated 'kids' film) and a plot that leaves no room for doubt, Cars would be talked about with the likes of animated cinematic greats. Though the backdrops aren't as lavish as "Finding Nemo" and the world of make believe not as spellbinding as "Toy Story", it remains a steady pace car and keeps Pixar batting 1000.00. i can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Grade: B+
7.04.2006
Failure to Launch
Directed by: Tom Dey
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates
Running Time: 1 h 37 min
Matthew McConaughey is quickly becoming the male Meg Ryan. Romantic comedies are certainly his domain, and he has had a string of hits which position him as the leading man who is hard to catch, but willing to play the cat and mouse game of 30 something dating.
Sarah Jessica Parker, putting in a very Carrie Bradshaw type performance, steps into McConaughey's love interest role with much fire and spirit, though not as much chemistry as McConaughey had with Kate Hudson in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days".
Indeed, that film and this one share much the same tone and structure, as both leads are interested in each other for different motives, yet find themselves actually falling in love. If you think i'm spoiling it for you, then you obviously don't know the romantic comedy genre.
"Failure to Launch" is a welcome addition to the overdone genre, sharing room with some of the more recent better attempts, such as the aforementioned "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", "The Wedding Planner" (also starring McConaughey), and "Down With Love". Though not as good as any of these films, "Failure to Launch" has many similar things going for it.
First of all, there's the generic naming of the cast. McConaughey stars as "Tripp", not to be confused with past performances as "Steve 'Eddie' Edison" or "Ben Berry", all of which could be confused for superhero names. It lets the audience know that he's a guy's guy, and in case you didn't catch it by the name, multiple scenes of Tripp doing buddy activities with the guys, will let you know he's a man-boy, just waiting for the love bug to hit.
Then, there's Parker's role as Paula, who comes with the requisite quirky friend, Kit, played by Zooey Deschanel. (i almost wish they'd kept her real name, to heighten the quirkiness). Of course, Kit is much more interesting than Paula, but that never enters the mind of the lead, because the male lead's best friend, who isn't looking for love, must blissfully fall for the female lead's friend, so there's always some karmic feel good moments during the inevitable breakdown between the leads before they confess their true love for each other. Again, i'm giving nothing away here folks.
So far, you must be saying, how can this formulaic drivel be entertaining. Well, thanks to a great supporting cast (c'mon, we'll watch Kathy Bates do anything, especially after that scene in "About Schmidt"), and two endearing leads, this film takes the genre's formula and plays it perfectly. A little bit of humour, a little bit of drama, some tension, but all entirely watchable, except for the ridiculous subplot that tries to connect the balance of nature to the harmony of Tripp's love life. That was annoying from start to finish.
Seeing as this was a review of a rental, i can recommend it for renting. i do pity those who paid for it in theatres, but i definitely approve of it for purveyors of romantic comedies.
Grade: B
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates
Running Time: 1 h 37 min
Matthew McConaughey is quickly becoming the male Meg Ryan. Romantic comedies are certainly his domain, and he has had a string of hits which position him as the leading man who is hard to catch, but willing to play the cat and mouse game of 30 something dating.
Sarah Jessica Parker, putting in a very Carrie Bradshaw type performance, steps into McConaughey's love interest role with much fire and spirit, though not as much chemistry as McConaughey had with Kate Hudson in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days".
Indeed, that film and this one share much the same tone and structure, as both leads are interested in each other for different motives, yet find themselves actually falling in love. If you think i'm spoiling it for you, then you obviously don't know the romantic comedy genre.
"Failure to Launch" is a welcome addition to the overdone genre, sharing room with some of the more recent better attempts, such as the aforementioned "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", "The Wedding Planner" (also starring McConaughey), and "Down With Love". Though not as good as any of these films, "Failure to Launch" has many similar things going for it.
First of all, there's the generic naming of the cast. McConaughey stars as "Tripp", not to be confused with past performances as "Steve 'Eddie' Edison" or "Ben Berry", all of which could be confused for superhero names. It lets the audience know that he's a guy's guy, and in case you didn't catch it by the name, multiple scenes of Tripp doing buddy activities with the guys, will let you know he's a man-boy, just waiting for the love bug to hit.
Then, there's Parker's role as Paula, who comes with the requisite quirky friend, Kit, played by Zooey Deschanel. (i almost wish they'd kept her real name, to heighten the quirkiness). Of course, Kit is much more interesting than Paula, but that never enters the mind of the lead, because the male lead's best friend, who isn't looking for love, must blissfully fall for the female lead's friend, so there's always some karmic feel good moments during the inevitable breakdown between the leads before they confess their true love for each other. Again, i'm giving nothing away here folks.
So far, you must be saying, how can this formulaic drivel be entertaining. Well, thanks to a great supporting cast (c'mon, we'll watch Kathy Bates do anything, especially after that scene in "About Schmidt"), and two endearing leads, this film takes the genre's formula and plays it perfectly. A little bit of humour, a little bit of drama, some tension, but all entirely watchable, except for the ridiculous subplot that tries to connect the balance of nature to the harmony of Tripp's love life. That was annoying from start to finish.
Seeing as this was a review of a rental, i can recommend it for renting. i do pity those who paid for it in theatres, but i definitely approve of it for purveyors of romantic comedies.
Grade: B
7.02.2006
Click
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, David Hasselhoff
Running Time: 1 h 38 min
There comes a time in every comedian's career, where they say to themself, "Self, how will I be remembered? Have I made a difference? Am I just a big, life long fart joke?" This film is Adam Sandler's atonement, for a career filled with body gags and yelling sprees, temper tantrums and booby jokes.
"Click" is Sandler's attempt at "It's a Wonderful Life", a Scrooge tale of life's past, present and future. He has created a story meant to make movie goers feel like they must live their lives in the present, enjoy their kids, take care of their health and relationships, and not let work run/ruin your life. And if you don't mind the telegraphed plot line, you might enjoy watching it unfold.
i've always been a passive Sandler fan. i enjoy his two second sight gags and cameo appearances by friends Rob Schneider and John Turtorro. i also enjoy his angry rants and screaming insults. This film, though definitely trying to be more grown up and appeal to a wider audience, still offers those tidbits of Sandler past. (i especially liked the young Asian boy at the start of the film--talk about getting comedic mileage from such an insignificant role).
However, as the film progresses, Sandler does what cinematic history has seen from the likes of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, and tries to put some dramatic weight into the film. Unfortunately, the plot is so predictable and obvious, that it would have been nice if he had put an ironic spin on the age old morality tale.
Don't get me wrong. i have complete trust and faith in Sandler's ability to take an everyman role and run with it. His brilliant turn in "Punch Drunk Love" is proof of that. Yet, as Sandler's star slowly turns towards the funny drama, as opposed to a dramatic comedy, his off-beat schtick loses its lustre.
What normally makes a film like this work, is a supporting cast that is just as willing to provide an impact in glimpses of the lead's past, present and future, and unfortunately Kate Beckinsale, Sean Astin, and Henry Winkler are mere charactatures for Sandler to act upon. Only Christopher Walken manages to steal scenes, though this should surprise no one.
I applaud Sandler for not resting on his past formula, while still giving fans a little of what they've come to appreciate from him. It's too bad that he wasn't able to give us a glimpse as to the future of the Scrooge fairy tale, settling instead for another rehash of the present story arc of second chances. This film is, in the end, easily forgettable, and like all things in the present, they quickly become history. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Grade: B-
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, David Hasselhoff
Running Time: 1 h 38 min
There comes a time in every comedian's career, where they say to themself, "Self, how will I be remembered? Have I made a difference? Am I just a big, life long fart joke?" This film is Adam Sandler's atonement, for a career filled with body gags and yelling sprees, temper tantrums and booby jokes.
"Click" is Sandler's attempt at "It's a Wonderful Life", a Scrooge tale of life's past, present and future. He has created a story meant to make movie goers feel like they must live their lives in the present, enjoy their kids, take care of their health and relationships, and not let work run/ruin your life. And if you don't mind the telegraphed plot line, you might enjoy watching it unfold.
i've always been a passive Sandler fan. i enjoy his two second sight gags and cameo appearances by friends Rob Schneider and John Turtorro. i also enjoy his angry rants and screaming insults. This film, though definitely trying to be more grown up and appeal to a wider audience, still offers those tidbits of Sandler past. (i especially liked the young Asian boy at the start of the film--talk about getting comedic mileage from such an insignificant role).
However, as the film progresses, Sandler does what cinematic history has seen from the likes of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, and tries to put some dramatic weight into the film. Unfortunately, the plot is so predictable and obvious, that it would have been nice if he had put an ironic spin on the age old morality tale.
Don't get me wrong. i have complete trust and faith in Sandler's ability to take an everyman role and run with it. His brilliant turn in "Punch Drunk Love" is proof of that. Yet, as Sandler's star slowly turns towards the funny drama, as opposed to a dramatic comedy, his off-beat schtick loses its lustre.
What normally makes a film like this work, is a supporting cast that is just as willing to provide an impact in glimpses of the lead's past, present and future, and unfortunately Kate Beckinsale, Sean Astin, and Henry Winkler are mere charactatures for Sandler to act upon. Only Christopher Walken manages to steal scenes, though this should surprise no one.
I applaud Sandler for not resting on his past formula, while still giving fans a little of what they've come to appreciate from him. It's too bad that he wasn't able to give us a glimpse as to the future of the Scrooge fairy tale, settling instead for another rehash of the present story arc of second chances. This film is, in the end, easily forgettable, and like all things in the present, they quickly become history. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Grade: B-
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