Archive for the 'Movie Reviews' Category
May 28th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Dragon Warrior, a panda bear named Po, is back with his team of martial arts animal warrior friends known as the Furious Five in this gorgeous sequel to Kung Fu Panda. I emphasize gorgeous, as the animation (which includes different animation styles), use of color, and martial arts choreography are all wonderfully executed (it also works in 3D, as is usually the case with animated features). The entire voice cast returns for this film, which is a follow up to what I consider to be DreamWorks Animation’s best film. I feel my expectations were in about the right place and as a result I really enjoyed the film, despite a few issues that have me holding back from calling it as good as the first. Continue reading ‘‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ Serves Up Another Bowl of Awesomeness’
May 26th, 2011 by Brian White
Unbeknown to anyone else besides myself, at the beginning of the year I decided there were a total of three movies I was really looking forward to in 2011. The first, not a critics choice by any means, has already came and went. Of course, I’m talking about the Independence Day sequel (joking), Battle: Los Angeles. Unlike the majority of critics, I was able to enjoy myself immensely throughout the film. Wait! That doesn’t sound right. Anyway, the second is Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Why am I looking forward to this? Well, being a huge fan of the first film, I’m really curious to see if Michael Bay can knock this one out of the ballpark and totally redeem himself for that POS he put out in 2009 or if he will fail miserably much like most of his horror produced films do. Continue reading ‘Hangover 2: The Wolf Pack Strikes Back’
May 25th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Before I get to explaining (in more words than I have to) that if you laughed at the first film, then (minus the originality) you’ll probably enjoy this one, I want to list some of the alternate sequel titles that my friends and I came up with for The Hangover Part II: Hangovers, 2 Drunk 2 Hungover, Hangover 2: Hung Harder, and Hangover 2: Bangkok Dangerous. With that out of the way, let me just say that I really enjoyed the first Hangover. I built it up in my mind to be something amazing before it was released in the summer of 2009, and somehow the film delivered. Very funny, quotable, and rewatchable, not to mention quite cinematic and well made from a filmmaker’s standpoint. With this new film, I did not try to build it up as much. The first film seemed to come out of nowhere, but surprised audiences with an original premise as a mystery comedy of sorts, while I only expected more of the same from its sequel. Continue reading ‘‘Hangover’ New Moon: The Wolf Pack Is Back’
May 25th, 2011 by Jim Kulko
Okay…Let me start by saying two things: I liked this movie even more than the first one, and I sincerely forgive Jack Black for Gulliver’s Travels, Year One and Shark Tale (I know a guy’s gotta make a living, but c’mon!) after seeing, or rather, hearing his performance in the new Kung Fu Panda 2 movie, KFP2, as I will now refer to it. KFP2 is a lot of fun for young and old alike. The preview audience I was in attendance with this past Saturday was really into the movie, and for a very good reason. Let’s find out why. Continue reading ‘‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ Packs a Punch for Kids and Adults!’
May 23rd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Will Ferrell headlining a limited release comedic drama is not the sort of film that is going to stir a ton of interest from audiences that are happy with seeing him be loud and boisterous, but that does not mean the film should be overlooked. Ferrell is very good in a role that does not require most of his usual strengths. I do not find it surprising, as most comedic actors are usually very talented when it comes to drama. As far as the film goes, it is a bit of a slow burn and it falls into some of the trappings of these types of arthouse theater films, but it tells a good story. While it does hit a number of comedic beats, this is a drama about a man who has stumbled many times in his life and is finally finding some clarity. Continue reading ‘‘Everything Must Go’ Has Will Ferrell Dialed Down’
May 22nd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
As if it were not cool enough to be having westerns entering successfully back into theaters, the chance to see new samurai films made with the technology of today is equally exciting. Better yet is the fact that I can appreciate a film that has clearly been inspired by samurai films of the past, notably the work of Akira Kurosawa, which manage to practically apply the type of mood and pacing appropriate for such a film. Furthermore, add a fantastic action sequence that lasts nearly a third of the film’s running time. Legendary Japanese director Takashi Miike is certainly no slouch when it comes to filmmaking, and while he may be more known in the U.S. for his cult status as an ultra-violent horror/action film director, his talents easily serve him well here in creating an old fashioned samurai story, using modern sensibilities. Continue reading ‘Takashi Miike Delivers ‘13 Assassins’ Versus 200 Guards In Epic Fashion’
May 21st, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
The last thing you want in a summer blockbuster is to be bored. Unfortunately, the fun that has previously been a driving point in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise seems to have just about run out. I suppose giving an opinion on the franchise seems appropriate, given that this is supposedly a new start for the series. As far as I am concerned, the previous ‘Pirates’ films have not steered me wrong. They all share the same problems (overlong and overly plotted), but there is a sense of fun and imagination that I have greatly admired throughout. This latest installment of the series manages to just feel long, without the benefit of being much fun. Continue reading ‘‘Pirates’ Set Sail On Dull ‘Tides’’
May 20th, 2011 by Mary Welms
Johnny Depp is back as my favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, in the fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. I know a lot of people would rather that they stopped making more sequels after the third movie, but why? Everyone old and young loves the Pirates movies. And even though the third movie wasn’t the critics’ favorite, it still made almost a billion dollars worldwide. So if the franchise is making money, the audience keeps turning out and Johnny loves playing the character…I say why jump ship now? Why not make them last. I can see it now…Pirates of the Caribbean 28: Captain Jack Goes to the Pirate Home. Continue reading ‘Captain Jack is Back in Another Swashbuckling Adventure!’
May 14th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I want to know what happened behind the scenes during the production of this movie. It would have to be more interesting than anything that happened in this film. The film is based off of a very popular Korean comic series, so I would like to think that someone brought in a presentation to Charles B. Hollywood and his staff of budgeters, gave some thoughts on how he could turn this comic series into a surefire winner, and was then promptly escorted out of the building, while the execs counted the ways to make this film work to their benefit. As a result, you have this messy piece of work that delivers many things that are “hot right now.” Continue reading ‘‘Priest’ Has Committed Many Sins’
May 14th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Bridesmaids is a very funny movie. It is not because it tries to make chick flicks “cool” by adding a raunchy side so guys can laugh too. It is also not because I feel I need to support this film for the sake of making women feel appreciated. That is all bogus. This movie is simply very funny because it has a great cast of very funny people and it is well written and put together. Kristen Wiig, who stars as well as co-wrote the film, does great work here. Coming from the Judd Apatow school of comedy, which has also provided us with films such as Knocked Up and Superbad, this is a film that follows in that sort of trajectory, hitting big with some great signature moments, but also having plenty of little character moments, as well as the sentimental factor. Continue reading ‘‘Bridesmaids’ Showers You With The Funny’
May 13th, 2011 by Gregg Senko
During a recent discussion with a like-minded comic book aficionado, my conversing counterpart referred to vampires as ‘cupcakes’, citing the popularity craze over both in mainstream media. Apparently cupcakes are the current hip dessert, and vampires, likewise, are the current hip supernatural flavor. With that in mind, the latest fang-bearing craze to arrive in the cinema is Priest starring Paul Bettany. Bettany seems to be a magnet for being cast in religious films which include The Da Vinci Code and last year’s Legion.
Continue reading ‘‘Priest’ Offers Few Blessings’
May 7th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Summer, 2011, is an important time for Marvel Studios. Both Thor and Captain America are going to hit theaters, and they have been designed to build into the Avengers movie that will be released in 2012. A dense movie universe, with so much history and comic mythology behind it, has not been attempted before, so eyes are set on seeing how well it all works out. While Captain America won’t hit screens until July, everyone’s favorite Norse God/superhero is now entering the scene. Fortunately, Thor is a success. Thanks to a fairly simple plot about a hero’s redemption that is balanced well against the absurd components that go into making a big, live action blockbuster film about Thor, this film succeeds in being very entertaining, while true to its roots. Continue reading ‘It’s Hammer Time For The Mighty ‘Thor’’
May 6th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
For the closing night of the 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, the spotlight feature of the evening was the comedy, A Beginner’s Guide to Endings. The film essentially had the feel of what would happen if a director like Guy Ritchie were to make a family comedy. ‘Beginner’s Guide’ is just as much about its flashiness as it is its plot, which had me trying to factor how much of this film was style versus substance. Fortunately, despite some overkill and a somewhat predictable structure, the film does benefit from a high energy, some good laughs, and solid chemistry from within the cast. It’s been a long week since the festival started, so it was nice to at least go out with a film that had a main focus of being fun. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Endings’
May 5th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I feel like I have done something wrong in picking out films to watch during the 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival. Besides my initial screening, every film that I have seen so far has been very good. Wednesday night, May 4, 2011, was no different, as I got to watch another highly entertaining feature. This time it was an offbeat thriller, The Perfect Host, in which a criminal cons his way into the house of a man planning to throw a dinner party, only to have the tables turned on him in the worst possible way. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: The Perfect Host’
May 4th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Tuesday night for the Newport Beach Film Festival was an international showcase night, featuring films from countries including France, Sweden, Australia, and Switzerland, which is the country where the filmmakers responsible for Der Sandmann have come from. Once again, I have chosen wisely, as Der Sandmann is a wonderful film that managed to bring a fantastical element into the realm of a romantic comedy. It is a sweet and funny film, but also charming in the way this fantasy element adds to the film’s imagination and spirit. Settling into strange territory, this is the kind of romantic comedy that I can enjoy; one that is original, with interesting ideas that are well thought out, while still maintaining the right kind of emotional backing. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: Der Sandmann (The Sandman)’
May 3rd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
It was a Monday night Asian showcase on May 2, 2011, for the Newport Beach Film Festival. The films featured as spotlight screenings were all products of Asian filmmakers. To continue to mix up the types of movies I have seen so far, I chose Redline, the first anime film to be featured as a Spotlight Screening for the NBFF. I ended up making a fantastic choice, as Redline was a hugely entertaining film. The film is a sci-fi auto racing-themed work of art, featuring incredible animation, a knowingly over-the-top style & story, memorable & hilarious characters, and some slick animated racing action. I had a ton of fun watching this film, especially in my drive to appreciate anime more. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: Redline’
May 2nd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
For my screening on the fourth night of the 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, I managed to be pleasantly surprised by A Bag of Hammers. Going into the film, I was expecting to maybe have a good laugh at a simple comedy; however, I was delighted to see that the film not only accomplished having a comedic touch, but found very solid footing in balancing what turned out to be a comedic drama. This was a very good film that I was happy to have enjoyed deeply and I attribute many of the film’s charming qualities, such as its strong writing and dialogue, solid performances, and great chemistry between all of the actors, to that conclusion. While the film may reach a few points of being a tad too dark, with a story that is not entirely unpredictable, these minor issues hardly effect a film that is very well crafted and highly entertaining. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: A Bag of Hammers’
May 1st, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
The 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival’s screening of Project Nim was one of the screenings I was most anticipating. Project Nim is the new documentary from director James March, who previously made the Oscar winning documentary Man on Wire. Since Man on Wire was both an incredibly well crafted documentary and also one of the most enjoyable docs I had ever seen, his latest feature about Nim, a famous chimpanzee from the 70s, was one I was going to give the benefit of the doubt to and hope for the best. Once again, Marsh has made a film that is incredibly well crafted, but the enjoyable factor is replaced by a story that is somewhat comic, but more revealing, and fairly unsettling at times. All of this is to say that Project Nim is another great film from Marsh, not as a crowd pleaser, but as an emotional journey. Continue reading ‘NBFF Review: Project Nim’
The Dragon Warrior, a panda bear named Po, is back with his team of martial arts animal warrior friends known as the Furious Five in this gorgeous sequel to Kung Fu Panda. I emphasize gorgeous, as the animation (which includes different animation styles), use of color, and martial arts choreography are all wonderfully executed (it also works in 3D, as is usually the case with animated features). The entire voice cast returns for this film, which is a follow up to what I consider to be DreamWorks Animation’s best film. I feel my expectations were in about the right place and as a result I really enjoyed the film, despite a few issues that have me holding back from calling it as good as the first. Continue reading ‘‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ Serves Up Another Bowl of Awesomeness’
