"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...)
It's that time of the year again, when San Diego is home to the biggest comic convention to all fans around the world...the time when the biggest movie franchises to get to share their joy with fans, bringing their casts in panels & interviews...and even show some footages too.
Well, for poor guys like me stuck halfway around the world...all we get is the bloody announcements and probably some details and clips of what is shown/revealed there...and I'm here to share some of them and my thought of them...
I'm going to go with the four big studios that I'm excited about...two for this post, two for the next...
Warner Bros Pictures
Now Warner Bros initially announced having panels for Jupiter Ascending, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Which is what they did, except they add a surprise for fans with the guys from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Yup, you heard that correctly. Zack Snyder brought along a clip (which we do not get to see) of a stare down between...well...Batman & Superman. Along with him came Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and even Gal Gadot. But no questions were asked, so no new information about that movie there, aside from us getting on a picture of the Wonder Woman in the film (link: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/gal-gadot-woman-article-1.1881223).
It was great to hear more about Jupiter and Mad Max but I'm not too excited about them yet, so I'm gonna skip discussing that for now. Now The Hobbit is a different story entirely. It is my most anticipated movie of the year, yet I'm still not getting anything (although the guys at San Diego do). Well, I've read the description of the trailer shown (link: http://www.mtv.com/news/1880182/hobbit-trailer-comic-con/), and it does feel very epic indeed. Peter Jackson himself said about the story getting that much darker heading towards the tone of The Fellowship of the Ring, and yes he mentioned that not all characters will live by the end. So, yeah, expect some emotional drama in the film then. But for now, all I want is just a teaser trailer to come out online for the general public to see. Really can't wait for it.
(link: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/07/26/sdcc-2014-warner-bros-studios-panel-updating-live/)
Legendary Pictures
Legendary Pictures did not provide any details beforehand, but I have to say, I'm very pleased with what they announced in their presentation. Five movies; about the upcoming Blackhat, Crimson Peak, & Warcraft, as well as the announcement of Godzilla 2 & Skull Island. Again, no clips or anything for us to see. But from the description of the footages shown, Blackhat, the cyber thriller coming January 2015, seem to be a very cool movie indeed. Movies involving technology easily has the potential, but may easily fail if not appealing to audiences (recall: Transcendence). Not much about Warcraft for now, but they did show some details about Crimson Peak and it certainly looks like Guillermo del Toro knows what he's doing. And Tom Hiddleston, so, yeay!
Now the announcements are what gets me most excited. Knowing the plans for Godzilla 2 is good, especially with the mentioning of the new types of kaijus (monsters) that may appear in the next movie. However, it may still be a long wait away, as director Gareth Edwards will have to finish the Star Wars spin-off (November 2016) before moving on towards this gigantic monster sequel. On the other hand, we have Skull Island to come in November 2016. For those who don't know, Skull Island is the island where King Kong is found. So, this one will be about the origins of King Kong, and be a prequel to the King Kong movies that came before (no idea which one). No other details exist, but I'm certainly so looking forward to this one.
(link: http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/07/26/legendary-comic-con/)
To be continued...
Next post will be all about superheroes...
"They're animals!"
I was ultimately surprised by how much emotional depth is put into place by the actions & interactions between the vast array of both ape & human characters. Add to that some visually pleasing action sequences, unpredictable twist & turns, and strong narrative, we have yet another excellent summer blockbuster.
The thing that really caught me off guard is just how much emotional depth they are able to bring to screen, even with the apes. The different apes each portray different kind of personality and vision, and seeing them like this gives them a very human character, both good and bad. So to see them interact with one another, with very strong emotional background, in turn results in such believable actions by each characters. Such conflicts & tensions then arise, and much alike what happened within the human circle. Each have their own reasons for being who they are and do the things they do. All this gives us such a great emotional story to invest in for two strong hours.
Initially it seems like the narrative was going to be straightforward. But what in fact happened is that there are twist and turns along the way that takes the story into directions we rarely expect. With good & bad characters on both sides, it certainly feel a bit more complex. But with characters to root for on either side, tension & suspense is kept throughout as they interact with one another trying to achieve their respective goals.
The strong emotional delivery is in no small part thanks to the amazing cast. Credit certainly due to the apes motion capture actors, especially Andy Serkis. But my personal commendation is to human character actor Gary Oldman. Though he has only a small amount of screen time, but his performance was (as always, perhaps) brilliant. The way he shakes when he himself feels scared after encountering the apes, and when he grieves at the loss of his family, gives us a convincing portrayal of a character.
Technicality-wise, the action sequences were excellent, and so are the visual effects they were presented upon. Very strong emotional plot becomes the key to why this is such a great movie. But it could be improved upon with more humour and light-toned scenes added into the mix. Nevertheless, it is such a great movie on its own and really is yet another wonderful summer blockbuster.
VERDICT:
Good: Strong emotional depth, Excellent narrative, Brilliant cast, Amazing action sequences, Great visuals
Bad: Lack of humour
SCORE: 8.5
Despite summer ending, Hollywood does not stop coming at us with a pack of blockbusters to look forward to...
Guardians of the Galaxy (Aug 1-USA, July 31-UK, July 31-Singapore)
There is no one more skeptical than I was when this movie was announced, not even when the cast & director was announced, and not even after a press conference too. I was very skeptical & doubtful, and highly concerned with this film being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It just did not seem to have the same flair & theme.
Yet, trailers after trailers come, and my perception of this film at this moment has turned 180 degrees. Two thumbs up for the director & producers for that. From the trailers, this film has the tone of light, humour, weirdness, yet ultimately entertaining. As a superhero film, as an action adventure, as a science-fiction film, this one feels different than all other mainstreams in the respective genres, and it presents us with a very fresh feel. The trailers show some action packed sequences, and a lot of laughs to go along. In every way, it didn't look like it will disappoint. Put it this way, if I had seen all these trailers, this film would be in the Top 5 of my most anticipated of 2014. And my, the third (UK) trailer was just spectacular, and I love it! It's a must see!
Oh, and that raccoon is just awesome!!
Trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XltzyLcu0g (Trailer #1) (Must See!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWUnYMggxy4 (Trailer #2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuTtWqD8Ovs (UK Trailer, #3) (Must See!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEg9y9QliXc (Extended Trailer)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Aug 8-USA, Oct 17-UK, Aug 7-Singapore)
Not unlike the case above, I was quite skeptical about this. Well, I was never a fan of TMNT anytime in my life, but even with all the news about the production of this film, never really got me excited. Curious, yes, but not excited. However, the final trailer of this film kind of showed that it has potential. The action sequences were looking good, and the visual effects weren't half bad either. The cast may be my main concern for now, but based on what I have seen, this film have the potential to be a fun time to be in the cinemas, and we'll have to wait and see if this film can be a hit with both critics and movie-goers alike.
Note: I got the release dates from IMDB, but if this is true, fans in the UK will have quite a long wait.
Trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZZ0PnDZdZk (Teaser Trailer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Hf8rFPjyg (Trailer #1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNT-CT25clM (Final Trailer)
The Expendables 3 (Aug 15-USA, Aug 14-UK, Aug 14-Singapore)
A movie with an all star cast that made the classics a classic; movies that were the blockbusters of the 80s & 90s, and so. Who would not want to watch this??
Well, everyone, really, if the movie sucks. And that is the case I see with the first Expendables film. It was just full of loud gunfire, and nothing more. Yet the second film seem to achieve what it set to do. Make a film that's entertaining, and it worked! The second film was pure fun & entertainment, and I enjoyed it the whole way. It may still lack the script & drama, but it was fun, and that's all that matters. So, if this film can emulate it and give us some dose of fun, and the price of admission would have been worth it. And I guess there really is no need to mention the cast. Phew! Talk about too much of a good thing.
Trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xD0junWlFc (Trailer #1)
Other Movies:
The Giver (August 15)
-A familiar feeling but an intriguing science-fiction film...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvp6FnYWRZU)
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (August 22)
-The sequel to the famous neo-noir crime thriller Sin City...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxdoaETi7q4)
The November Man (August 27)
-A typical looking action film, starring Pierce Brosnan...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m8V7G7e7gw)
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I did say that the focus on the plot is what made this film better than the rest in the franchise, and so here's why...
Not the exact quote, but this is what I get: Mistakes are what makes us human...and sometimes from those mistakes, comes the greatest things. (Cade Yeager)
Being Human
Now this may not be the biggest detail, but the quote above is a very nice quote and is a touching highlight of the film. It was when Cade Yeager tried to convince Optimus to stay and defend the humans. At this point, he was trying to convince Optimus to help despite the mistakes the humans made over and over again, by telling him that if he had not made the mistake of buying the truck which is Optimus, he (Optimus) would not have been there at the time. But what he could really mean within was, his daughter, whom was conceived as a "mistake", was really the best thing that ever happened to him. That is nice.
Hunting the Transformers
This is one that is not so spoilery but I don't feel like disclosing earlier, for the sake of viewers getting the full experience. I just like the idea for a change, where the humans finally get tired of these wars and decide to hunt down the remaining Transformers, even the Autobots, with their own hands. This even pushed the great Optimus Prime, who once glorified the freedom and safety of the young human race, into a point of desperation when he decided to leave the planet for good.
Forces in the War
Now I mentioned that the forces of conflict is beyond Autobots vs Decepticons. Well, truth be told, even the Decepticons are not officially there. To begin with, the middle party here, with an interest of his own, is the main baddie Lockdown. He is a bounty hunter with a purpose of his own, to capture Optimus Prime. To do that, he sides with another party, the "evil" humans, making a deal with them in working to capture Optimus. Now, a secret force at hand is Megatron's mind inside Galvatron, whom have a plan of his own during the movie. All this complexity, along with the Autobots issues with the humans, raises the stakes to a whole new level, making it a fresh feel for a Transformers film.
Megatron/Galvatron
Probably the biggest reveal of them all, is the return of big bad Megatron himself. In the animation series, Galvatron is indeed Megatron himself. So to initially see Galvatron as a new baddie, one as a creation of humans, may feel like some letdown. But in fact, it provides the opportunity for the return of Megatron to the story. In fact, it gave him new kind of abilities and power, and now with him on the run, there is just bound to be sequels coming with the clash of Optimus and Galvatron/Megatron just coming out again sometime soon.
