The quieter, if not the quietest, month of the year...with only a few big movies or just some smaller budget movies coming out...
These months (including October, sometimes up until January) usually come with Oscar-aiming movies, but I'm not particularly interested in covering those...
The Maze Runner (Sept 19-USA, Oct 10-UK, Sept 11-Singapore)
If not for the cast and the low marketing appeal, it could be quite the film to look forward to. The premise is interesting, with potentially lots of secrets & probably twists to uncover for audiences to join in on the discovery. And being a story based on a book, it should be good. But with mostly childrens & teenagers in the cast, and only a few well known ones at that, it doesn't really inspire confidence. Not that I have anything against them, but movies with only teens as cast doesn't really inspire confidence to me. And then there is the low marketing appeal, (aside from trailers), I don't really see much being publicised or anything, and that makes me quite doubtful. On the other hand, the trailers does look quite cool, and it may just be quite good. I hope it is.
Links for trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1In45K0DGc (Trailer #1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv8ffeBcRC8 (Trailer #2)
The Equalizer (Sept 26-USA, Sept 26-UK, Sept 25-Singapore)
An action thriller. Denzel Washington. Yeah, why not? Trust me, this would not be here if this is not the sorry month of September. But I suppose from the trailers, this film will have some action entertainment for us. Directed by action director Antoine Fuqua, who's recent work include Olympus Has Fallen. Starring some (or just the one) well known actors. And just, comparing to other movies coming out in September, this one has a slightly higher budget, and the trailers did show some cool action. Story-wise, not so. But hey, what else are we going to do, anyway?
Links for Trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjctHUEmutw
Other Movies:
The Drop (September 12)
-A movie with a very low budget, but stars some well known actors in Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGkZq8ZOgO4)
Dolphin Tale 2 (September 12)
-A family film, whose predecessor earned quite the bucks and was received well by critics...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhxLMl5QEXw)
No Good Deed (September 12)
-A crime thriller starring Idris Elba, and with quite a curious plot...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5VeowxERwM)
A Walk Among the Tombstones (September 19)
-One word...Liam Neeson. Nuff said...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Ttj9tXzCA)
The Boxtrolls (September 26)
-Not my kind of animation, but stars well known voice actors...Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Ben Kingsley, Elle Fanning, Jared Harris, etc...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dFVnp5K0o)
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"We are Groot"
Fresh, unique take...
There is an easy way to say that this is not your ordinary superhero/science-fiction blockbuster...and that is: Peter Quill dancing. I mean, really. I was so surprised even during the opening credits scene...it's just so funny and unexpected, something you don't see in other superhero films.
And then there's the final battle. You really don't expect to see your main hero, dancing, to fight the big baddie. Of course, it's a distraction, but really, you just don't see that coming, and yet it's fun.
It's not the only thing, although that can kind of entirely represent the weirdness of Guardians of the Galaxy. Yet, the use of the classic pop songs in...many times, really...is just pure fun and kind of sets up the mood well there (starting to like "Cherry Bomb"). In fact, these songs kind of overshadow the existence of Tyler Bates' quite decent score.
In the end, these are not your ordinary superheroes, seriously.
Some plot points...
Even for me, as a fan, it's still hard for me to tie this in to the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nearly everything introduced here is new to the MCU, and so the only thing to make it work is for future Marvel movies to connect to these worlds and characters...but it's hard to see it happening soon. The closest possible connection so far is Thanos (seeking the infinity gems) and The Other (leader of the Chitauris) whom presented Loki with a scepter. And probably The Collector for being part of Thor: The Dark World's post-credits scene. Speaking of which...
Post-Credits Scene
I don't like it. Why? It's just taking the weirdness to a whole another level. Why do they have to do that? The weirdness level throughout the movie is just right to make this like a different kind of blockbuster, yet still keeping in tight (at least the tried to) with the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. But this is just too much. Just...don't...ever...put Howard the Duck in any other Marvel film, much less a movie of its own. Please.
"We're the only ones crazy enough to get you out of it!"
Everything that worked well in The Expendables 2, worked well here. But nothing is improved, not the story, not the drama, and not even anything new with the action. Mind you, it is fun with all the guns blazing, our classic heroes, and all the laugh you can get. But there is something wrong with the plot here.
The Expendables 2 was an improvement over the first film mainly because of the jokes that were in, but also because it's a little less messy with the action. So it was a fun ride. In here, it's the same, in fact too similar, that it's almost no different. And by no different, no improvements at all, which is what any sequel, by right, should have. You cannot have just more of the same, it gets old (no pun intended).
The story actually works, to my surprise, with that many characters. The story actually works and is functional, but at moments you can feel that they are shoe-horned in just for the sake of being there. And I am quite pleased with the little moments and conversations that feel great, including Banderas' moment with Stallone, as well as Mel Gibson's speech to the kids. One more thing that is likeable, are the punchlines that get repeated towards the end, which actually worked well. However, the big picture, the overall plot, feels a bit straightforward, and is in fact, very predictable. I can already guess how the story will turn out 30 minutes in.
But if it's the fun you want, they didn't disappoint. Lots of laughs, yes. Lots of actions, yes. Awesome classic stars, yes. Only, we've seen this before. But if you want more of it, this is not a bad movie to go to. Oh, and credit to some of the cast, especially Mel Gibson who I think is just brilliant. A bit limited on the screen time, but is brilliant, nevertheless. Banderas is quite the guy, too. I guess what you expect to get in this movie is what you will get indeed.
VERDICT:
Good: Lots of humour, Awesome action pieces, Pleasing little moments, Great cast (duh)
Bad: Predictable plot, No drama, No improvement whatsoever
SCORE: 5.5
"I am Groot"
Not your ordinary blockbuster movie. Nuff said. I guess that's the only thing to be said. It's unlike any other science-fiction blockbuster movies. Heck, it's unlike any other Marvel movies that came before. And that presents two sides of an argument. On a technical level, it's a decent, well made, fun summer blockbuster. But it's these special concepts that makes Guardians of the Galaxy, well...special.
Just to clear things up first. Technicality; the movie is one hell of a fun ride. Lots of laughs, I mean, really, lots of it. Awesome action sequences, the kind we expect from a Marvel film. Not a lot of drama, but has its moments. The visuals were brilliant. The soundtrack is decent. The plot works, is pretty fun with its ups and downs as we follow our heroes. One good plot point that worked is how these Guardians are able to meet each other and the journey to teaming up. Not so well explained, is how some of these characters just care for one another too soon.
But put that aside. This is what matters. The special things that made Guardians special. Now as I said before, it works both ways, although more to the positive side. Being an unconventional science-fiction blockbuster, it allows us to feel a fresh take on these kind of movies. Very entertaining in ways we never could have imagined, this really doesn't feel like anything we've seen before. Okay, a bit vague...might have to explain this further in a spoiler discussion (keep an eye out for that...).
Being a different kind of a Marvel movie, it's a bit tricky, this. Now it's good that it allows Marvel to expand further into the cosmos and outer space. This will provide avenue for Marvel to explore on the more supernatural and cosmic aspects. As a fan, this is awesome. But for a normal movie-goer, without identifying the details of the story and characters, it's hard to envision this as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Perhaps it's too soon for this movie to come out (perhaps not), that it's hard to see the web connecting this one with the other Marvel films. We can only hope that this world that is shown in this film, will be touched upon or be part of the future Marvel instalments. Otherwise, it would feel like a seperate universe. Hopefully, things will be clear in movies coming in upcoming years (or three).
VERDICT:
Good: Fresh take, Awesome action sequences, Great visuals, Tons of humour
Bad: -
SCORE: 8.0
"My bad...still figuring out the buttons..."
It's movies like these that made me realize now, the kind that explains the "Transformers" movies backlash yet financial success, the difference between movies that are of quality as compared to those that are just plain fun and stupid. This movie is the latter (as is the Transformers franchise). Now, I could argue that this movie (kind of) sucks following the critics view, but I'm not them...I am a fun seeker too (and stupid sometimes), so I'm gonna do this my way.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is indeed plain fun and stupid, and it works. For a movie that aims to just be a good fun time at the theatres, it seriously works. Lots of laughs and sensible humour (though some are a bit childish, just some). The action sequences are awesome, and the visuals surprisingly done very well indeed. The plot may not be great, but it is functional and it is tidy.
A lot can certainly be improved story-wise. One thing that lets down quite a bit is the villain. The main villain lacks character. It's badass in the way it looks, but it doesn't have a character which usually makes a villain compelling & fearsome at times. On a side note though, the soundtrack is pretty cool.
Note: When I said I can be stupid sometimes, I mean it. But it doesn't mean I'm always like that and that my reviews don't apply to smarter people. I VERY MUCH value a good story & drama like how Star Trek Into Darkness & Captain America: The Winter Soldier did amazingly in my books. It's just that I can accept & enjoy things that are simple, fun, and stupid (me being a fanboy of the blockbusters). Trust me, I enjoy a great many things...and I value effort too!
VERDICT:
Good: Awesome action sequences, Great visuals, Lots and lots of laughs, Excellent soundtrack
Bad: Predictably simple plot, Lack of a characterized villain
SCORE: 6.5
As promised, the post about the reveals of our favourite superheroes, both in the big and small screens...presenting: Marvel Studios & Warner Bros Television/DC Entertainment...
These two studios have provided with some of the best entertainment in recent years...and certainly many more to come!
note: due to where I'm currently residing (which delays the release of some blockbusters like Hercules and, to my own disappointment, Guardians of the Galaxy), I am unable to give reviews yet...
Marvel Studios
Given their reveals in the past few SDCCs, this year's felt like a bit of a letdown. Yes they presented panels for next year's Avengers: Age of Ultron & Ant-Man along with some footage, that's as expected. But for us not in San Diego, all we get is the announcement that Guardians of the Galaxy 2 will be coming in July of 2017. I'm excited for this, don't get me wrong, but I expected more. No details about Captain America 3, and not even any announcement on Doctor Strange. Last year they revealed the title Age of Ultron, and the year before, The Dark World & The Winter Soldier. I expected similar, but it didn't happen.
Still, the guys in Hall H of the comic convention gets a lot of treat, thanks to the panel of the two films coming next year. About Ant-Man, it's glad to hear confirmation of Evangeline Lilly's involvement, and on the main villain Yellowjacket played by Corey Stoll. Shooting has not officially started, but they got some footage to show anyway. Yeah, good job, Marvel.
(Oh, but that poster of Ant-Man looks very cool as well)
About the big boys, Avengers: Age of Ultron. I read some description of the trailer shown, and yeah, it looks to be awesome. Ultron appearing for the first time to disrupt the boys in a party, meanwhile it's exciting to hear about Cap almost lifting Thor's hammer. And then there are lots and lots of action sequences, destructions, death?, explosion, etc. But what catches my attention most is hearing about the Hulkbuster armor vs Hulk. People claim it was Tony, perhaps in an internal conflict with his fellow Avenger, but I can't help thinking it could be Ultron behind the armor controlling it. Anyway, the last thing to take note is that after the title, a scene is shown on the Avengers...in space?? Now that is something new, and certainly not something I expect, when the main villain is supposed to be just a crazed big bad robot. So maybe something else is at work (Thanos?) but I'm expecting it to be big. I certainly can't wait for this, and just begging for a teaser trailer to come out for the public...fast!
(link: http://schmoesknow.com/comic-con-marvels-the-avengers-age-of-ultron-panel-takes-us-to-infinity-and-beyond/27146/)
Warner Bros Television/DC Entertainment
The people behind Arrow, and new series The Flash, Constantine & Gotham. They didn't hold back by showing the pilot of the latter three in a 3- hour span which include questions after questions for the huge panel. The whole Q&A is an interesting read (link: below). Not much to discuss about these series so far, with most trailers already out even before this mega event. I'm so excited about The Flash, given I've been a loyal follower of Arrow. Constantine seems pretty exciting, especially knowing that David Goyer is on the writing side. Meanwhile Gotham is just something else, and it's just so exciting to see the origins of these infamous villains. I've always liked Batman's array of villains than Batman himself, so it's good to see them this way.
But what strikes me most, is Arrow. With shooting just beginning and nothing to be shown before, Arrow presented us (not just the ones in San Diego) with a first look of Season 3, and the reveal of the big bad of the upcoming season...Ra's Al Ghul (link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-season-3-villain-ras-al-ghul-721453?utm_source=twitter). I kind of expected this since they have been teasing him even since season 1, and more so in season 2. But still the feeling is just so amazing to know that he will be the main villain of next season. He is a famous villain in the DC universe, and it will be interesting to see how this incarnation will look like in the Arrow universe, and certainly to see the battle between Oliver Queen and the leader of the League of Assassins (not shadows?). Can't wait for this!!!
(link: http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/wbtvs-night-of-dc-entertainment-brings-gotham-flash-and-more-to-hall-h-live-blog)
links for trailers released post-SDCC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjEsOPJVJ9Q (Interstellar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akX3Is3qBpw (Mad Max: Fury Road)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOHJQkBtMWs (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies)
And there we go with the news and reveals and announcements and details of footages that San Diego Comic Con 2014 has for us this year. Not as exciting as last year with the reveal of Age of Ultron and Batman vs Superman, but still always full of exciting news. Can't wait for all these to come...
(and certainly for more news & trailers outside of SDCC...)
