Anyway, I thought I'd give you a brief update on what I saw from that original list and how I felt about them. No big reviews here - just a summary and maybe my opinion of whether or not you should see it. :) So... here we go...
The Avengers
Perfection. Exactly what you want a blockbuster movie to be - action, pathos, action, humor, action, cute boys, action... etc. Joss Whedon's mark was all over this film and the franchise is better as a result. With an intelligent level of humor, he was able to bring all these individual super-heroes together and make one, wonderfully cohesive buddy film.
Men in Black III
I never made it to this one. I don't know what held me back as there were a number of things about the film that appealed to me. I guess, in the end, I felt like it would be fine to see on my TV in HD...
Snow White and the Huntsman
The weakest link in this movie was Kristen Stewart. I really had a hard time envisioning her as "fairest in the land" - especially when her competition for the title was FREAKIN' CHARLIZE THERON. Who, by the way, was exquisitely beautiful and exquisitely evil as the wicked witch. They played fast and loose with the story but it worked fine. The sets were nicely done and the CG was awesome. Overall, I'd say it was one of my favorites of the summer. FYI - this is a dark and evil tale with some seriously scary bits. Do NOT let your children watch this movie.
Prometheus
What to say about Prometheus? I saw it in IMAX 3D, which was stunning. The story was appropriately scary and epic and provided a fantastic "prequel" to the Alien movies. It had a number of amazing actors in it but none were as good as Michael Fassbender playing an android who wishes nothing more than to be a "real boy". So, why was I left a little cold? Maybe it was too serious for its own good. Maybe it didn't have enough resolution. I'm glad I saw it but it was missing something and I'm not sure what.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
WOOT! Fun, fun, fun. I'm a fan of alternate histories and this one is a doozy. The dude who plays Abe Lincoln, when fitted with a prosthetic nose for the role, looks so much like a young Liam Neeson that I actually went online to find out if they were related. They're not. But the kid is the husband of Meryl Streep's daughter, Mamie Gummer. There's your celebrity trivia for today. Rufus Sewell is yummy as the ancient vampire who rules the South. And, interestingly enough, they didn't sugar coat the slavery or Civil War bits. It was a surprisingly well written story and a great rollicking movie.
The Amazing Spiderman & The Dark Knight Rises
Never made it to Amazing Spider-man. Similar to my issue with Men In Black III, there was just "something" that kept me away from the theater. To be frank, it may have been casting Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. I just had a hard time buying him in the role. Anyway, I'll see it on my tv at some point.
On the other hand The Dark Knight Rises was AWESOME. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this movie. The entire cast was incredible with a special nod to Anne Hathaway as the most stunning Catwoman ever. And the story was the perfect ending to the series. It was beautiful in IMAX and really should be seen that way. Go before it leaves the theater. You'll be glad you did. (I'll admit it... I cried a couple of times.)
Total Recall, The Campaign, and The Odd Life of Timothy Green
These are all still on the list and currently in the theaters. Hopefully, I'll get to carve out some time in the next week or two to see them.
Additionally, I saw Moonrise Kingdom which I give 4.5 out of 5 stars, Magic Mike (don't judge me) which I give 2 out of 5 stars - and those two were just because it was full of half-nekkid, handsome men, and Manos: The Hands of Fate which was done by RiffTrax Live and receives a full 5 out of 5 stars for the shear insanity of it plus the fact that I'd had a GIANT margarita before I went to the event.
Non-blockbuster movies that I've added to my list of things to see include: The Intouchables (UK); Safety Not Guaranteed; Seeking a Friend for the End of the World; Ted; The Queen of Versailles; and Paranorman.
I also read some books but that's another blog post. :) Hope you all are having a great summer!!
- Alex
Andrew and I are going to see Total Recall at the drive-in in Jefferson.
ReplyDeleteAnd...when would THAT be?
DeleteMaybe this weekend....interested?
DeletePossibly. We can discuss tonight. :)
DeleteHa, I saw none of those movies on the blockbuster list. I was dragged to see Magic Mike and was kinda upset that it was so super serious. I was hoping for more of a light hearted movie.
ReplyDeletePlus most movie theaters are way too loud for me. I wear hearing aids but I feel like the explosions are too loud for my hearing aids (They start to ring and whistle) but I still can't figure out what most actors are saying. Which is too bad because my husband loves going to the movies.
Wow, that was quite a Negative Nelly of a comment!
Vanessa - I know what you mean about the noise. I think a lot of people are desensitized to it. Depending on the movie (action movies are the worst!) it bothers me sometimes too.
DeleteI usually have a hard time hearing everything in the films. Must be payback for my summers working at Alpine Valley. I didn't get it when I was 23, but sure do now, 20 years later! LOL
DeleteI've seen all the ones you've seen and I agree with your summaries. I saw Prometheus IMAX (2 times) and I have to say that after the second viewing I understood everything much more and could appreciate what Ridley Scott was trying to give the audience. We should discuss it and "Safety Not Guaranteed" some time.
ReplyDeleteI should have probably gone a second time to Prometheus. I had a feeling that it might grow on me with subsequent viewings. :) I can't imagine it'll be as good on my 42" TV. As soon as I see "Safety..." I'll email you and let you know what I thought.
Delete