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The Dark Knight (2008)
Beyond a comic book movie, and more of a masterpiece in filmaking
Brilliant. Just pure, absolute brilliance. The Dark Knight is, above and beyond, and greatest (super)hero to ever be conceived of. It's been hyped up for over a year, with a strong and aggressive marketing structure, and after walking into the theater and walking out, all I have to say is you haven't seen nothing yet until you see this movie for yourself.
Christopher Nolan is the brains behind this masterpiece. His complex and thorough ideas shifted the Batman franchise from weighted failure (not Burton's version, more like Schumacher's) to critically successful. Starting with Batman Begins, he gave the series new life by showing a side of Bruce Wayne/Batman that we've never seen before. The same can be said with The Dark Knight.
The plot carries right after Batman Begins. Bruce Wayne continues to subdue and eliminate the scum of Gotham City, criminal by criminal, and with the help of Harvey Dent aka "The White Knight of Gotham City", they come close to achieving it. But when a new villain called The Joker enters the scene chaos, death, greed, and lies begin to unfold. And soon Bruce must find a way to stop the Joker before he rises to ultimate power and prove to Gotham that Batman is more than just caped crusader.
After the untimely death of the late great actor Heath Ledger, the film received more hype from not just Batman fans, but also Ledger fans as well, much like my older sister. She fell in love with nearly all of his movies, and she counted down to the very last second to see this, even though she doesn't know anything about Batman. Heath's performance as the Joker was, in every sense of the word, horrifying. When I heard he passed away, I mourned that The Dark Knight would get canceled. But after dying nearly six months before the movie was released, just seeing him on screen gave me a haunting sense that I was watching an angel play a villain. I pray that he wins an Oscar for best supporting actor, or least nominate him for doing such an overly outstanding job at portraying the Joker.
Aaron Eckhart did as much of a awesome job as Heath did. His portrayal as Harvey Dent was PERFECT. Tommy Lee Jones has got nothing on Eckhart. Eckhart brings a more prepared and live Dent than in Batman Forever. In Forver, Harvey was a more disillusioned psychopath that killed people for fun. But in TDK, he's a more developed and complex character, with certain goals and no limits. And his transformation into Two-Face is by far the most intriguing and powerful moment within the film, because we see an innocent man who believed in saving Gotham from evil and turning it into a haven, and is now turned into this man who has seen the ugly side of life, much like what Bruce experienced when his parents were killed, and instead of turning into a vigilante, also much like Bruce did, turns into something that perpetuates and blurs the lines between evil and insanity. And although Two-Face may not be the main-main villain of the film, he still brought a good portion of the atmosphere that The Dark Knight had.
The Dark Knight has it's share of awesome moments the define it. Nearly every single second it worth watching. Cinematography was amazing, mostly in Chicago, of which I only live 63 miles away from. The action is fully delivered in a more dynamic way than in Batman Begins.
I liked the fact that the film lasted for about a good 2hrs and 30min, but at some points they should of went for the 3 hour mark. Now I know that may sound a little TOO much, but it would be worth seeing more of Eckhart in action as Two-Face. But thats just my opinion.
The Dark Knight is'nt just a comic book movie, but more of a well played drama with spectacular action sequences, with flawless acting sprinkled all over. And I'm also speaking out for Batman Begins. Both movies prove that comic book movies can be so much more than just themselves.
There is a line in Batman Begins and it is "Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up." And in truth, what both of these masterpieces have done has forever changed the way Batman will be. The franchise fell on its knees in the early days (again Schumacher, not Burton), and picked itself up in the new millennium.
Both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight aren't Batman movies in my eyes, but a more stylized way at how we achieve things by taking the initiative into our own hands and making it mean something.
This review was written in memory of Heath Ledger, April 4, 1979 - January 22, 2008. R.I.P. Heath Ledger and thank you so much for the God-given talent to perform in the movie industry.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Argubly the one of (if not) the best superhero movies ever made.
First off and foremost, i would like to say this is one of the best superhero movies I've ever seen.
There has been a lot of turmoil about which superhero is the best during the new millennium, which are Spiderman 2 and Batman Begins.
Batman Begins also got a 10 from me, but this isn't about Batman Begins.
Spiderman 2 has the best quality and understanding of what a superhero movie could and SHOULD be. There are so many outstanding aspects that stand out in this movie that it completely embraces the Spiderman franchise into a new standard.
One thing that caught my attention, and the thing that makes Spiderman 2 and A grade movie, is the way it tells the struggle of Peter Parker and his ability to hold a life of his own and be a hero at the same time. This certain aspect is what (I believe) sets Spiderman 2 from 1 and 3.
Even though 1 and 3 focused on beginnings and action, they don't quite come together more than 2. There are also things in 2 that I believe 1 and 3 wouldn't be able to handle. Multiple story lines, unique characters, and a story that focuses on an ordinary man becoming more than just ordinary.
Action is still heavily present in Spiderman 2. With its visual effects and carefully crafted stylized action, it makes for some pretty stunning fights, including the train sequence which is still my favorite fight scene in the movie, especially on the 2.1 version.
The acting is something of legend in Spiderman 2. The dialog is AMAZING. In my honest opinion, I don't think there is a single cheesy moment during the acting. The acting is especially good during the Ball scene, and the whenever Aunt May is on-scene.
The ONLY problem I had with Spiderman 2 was, in the 2.1 version, during the extended train fight scene. When Doc Ock is shoving Spiderman on the rails and is hit by the train, and right when everything is all bad, Spiderman all of a sudden comes back to kick more ass. Now i know he has super strength and can withstand a train, but there was just something about that particular part of the scene that put a bad after taste in my mouth.
I still can't decide which movie is better (Spiderman 2 or Batman Begins), but no matter what, this one certainly stands out from all the rest, past and present, and should be considered a landmark for all superhero movies, period.
10/10
Never Back Down (2008)
Pretty big powerhouse of a movie
All i have to say is WOW. This movie is actually very good compared to what i thought it was gonna be. The title itself is enough to say how powerful this movie is. The action NEVER BACKS DOWN, the intensity NEVER BACKS DOWN, and the whole damn movie NEVER BACKS DOWN for a single second.
One thing that really caught my eye was the amount of action that was pumped into this movie. Nearly every scene that involves fists and bodies flying never strays away from the term ACTION.
Some of the acting is sublime, but it isn't totally bad as in Uwe Boll style acting. More like Paul W.S. Anderson acting, which isn't entirely bad.
The drama carefully crafts itself into the movie without destroying it. The drama isn't sublime, but it's moderate to almost half-over average.
The fight scenes will probably catch the most attention from the movie (of course). Every single fight scene looks so perfectly fleshed out, even if you can't fully see whats going on at times. The climax is what really caught my eye. There are some pretty intense moments in the climax, and lets just say that "what goes around comes around" and leave it at that.
The only true problems I had with this film is its lack of originality. There are a few clichés from Fight Club and Rocky, but they don't get in the way that much. Another problem would be its story. It isn't all that complex, and is quite simple to understand that even an 8 year old could probably figure out. Not to that its too much of a bad thing, its just that it could of had a little more kick to it.
Overall, this movie was rather enjoyable, and definitely the best movie I've seen so far this year. It's definitely not Fight Club, and sure as hell isn't Rocky, but it will do amongst all the other awesome fighting movies out there.
The Covenant (2006)
Pretty fair movie with a few agitating gripes
The Covenant may be (in my opinion) one of the most underrated movies out there. It's directed by an average/bad director (Renny Harlin), who directed Deep Blue Sea.
Harlin had a pretty good idea going on about midway through this movie. It started off with a really good start, but as it unfolded further into the movie, it lost its touch, and right when the final fight and climax begun, everything was lost.
Other problems also occur, like the lack of imagination when it comes to the fighting. Throwing balls of energy and bunny-hopping in the air back and forth gets really boring, as well as a lack of cinematography in each fight.
Another problem would be the people with powers. The main character Caleb Danvers is interesting and all, but his friends who share the same powers as he does barely have any background and each one lacks good character development. They may be buffed up and all, but don't get all excited cause there's hardly anything to them.
One last problem that I have to point out is Harlin's ability to think of new and original ideas (like Deep Blue Sea), and each one turn out to be a huge cluster of nothing. I know I'm not the only one that noticed this, but the last 20 minutes of the movie WERE. . . . .JUST. . . . .STUPID. And it has one of the worst climaxes I've ever seen in a movie. It's cheesy. It's boring. And overall a monster of a buzz-kill.
Acting = 3/5
Script = 4/5
Action = 2/5
Climax = 1/5 Overall, a 6/10.
Cloverfield (2008)
An Absolute HUGE adrenaline rush
Cloverfield is by far the most unique movie of 2008. And it's definitely the most shocking.
If you've been waiting to see this movie, go see it. It may not suit everyone, but its bound to scare a lot of people.
It's always in your face, with every moment seeming so real thanks to the camera perspective. It's by this lone element that makes Cloverfield scary. And yes you are guaranteed to jump out of your seat at least once. I jumped a total of three times, each one bigger than the last.
It's unique, it's scary, and it's the most mysterious and shocking movie of the year (so far).
The Number 23 (2007)
Joel at his very best.
The Number 23: a seductive, obsessive, and remotely crazy movie. I'm not going into any detail about its plot, but here only to say that this movie really got me going.
Normally, I'm not a fan of Schumacher's work, basically because he ruined the spirit of Batman. But this film definitely got me on his good side for once. The primary goal of this movie is focusing on 23. Trust me by the time you finish this movie, you're probably gonna be watching out for it yourself. Thats what I did, and there's no other movie like The Number 23.
This is definitely not Jim Carrey at his best (he's done WAY better acting), but that doesn't shy away from the fact that this movie is still worth watching.
It's twisted, repulsive at times, and if anyone has seen it in theaters chances are someone asked other people what their cell phones and home phones equal up to.
Watch this movie and see what Joel Schumacher can really do.
Halo 3 (2007)
One of the most engaging games I've ever played.
After a 3 year absence, Halo 3 has finally made it. But lets cut right to the quick here: this game is awesome.
Almost all the people that have bought Halo 3 have probably been wondering what happens in the story, so when they buy it they immediately play through the campaign. That is out of pure speculation by the way. Which leads me to the reason why I'm righting this comment.
The story of Halo 3 is one of the most twisted and darkest stories to ever be put in a game. Sure the first game led to self-explanatory action with an unfolding story to go with it, and the second game told a more complex and diverse story that had many twists that no one expected. There were books and other novelty items that filled the gaps between the history all the way to how Halo 3 begins.
But what makes Halo 3's story so dark is it's atmosphere. The story has more twists and turns than any other game before it. Bungie promised the fans that it would play out like The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King, in which characters die, destinies are made, and above all else, the end of a long running war.
The game does relate to this, but there remains a question behind every theory: characters within the game WILL die, but who?
Destinies WILL be made, but who's will and what will they sacrifice in order in achieve it?
Sacrifices WILL be made, but under what exchange?
And this is me speaking out for all the fans and I AM telling the honest truth: I did cry at certain parts of this game because I am a TRUE fan, and if you are a true fan of the series it will be your choice if you wish to do the same.
I am proud for what Bungie has done. They have put so much effort into creating and imagining this wonderful series that in the end I actually shed tears, just like I did with Lord of the Rings.
This IS the only game to have ever touched my heart and taught me that we all have something to fight for, even if it means giving up destiny, the ones we love, and our lives to do so.
10/10
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
An instant horror classic that never lets up
Let's put this in simple terms: Sleepy Hollow is pure Tim Burton at it's finest.
The story revolves around the legendary Headless Horseman aka the Hessian, a merciless bounty hunter turned headless demonic psycho as he haunts a tiny town called Sleepy Hollow. It's up to Ichabod Crane and a few others to solve the mystery of him before he goes genocide on the whole town.
The characters are very well conceived, the acting is amazing, and the story has some very interesting twists that were made Tim Burton style.
There aren't many movies out there that compare to Sleepy Hollow and only Tim Burton can make it this damn good.
If you are a true horror fan and you love a good story, gore, and Johnny Depp, you'll love Sleepy Hollow.
10/10
Independence Day (1996)
One of the best all-out action films in history.
I was 6 when I first saw this movie. I really didn't understand it because I was in my early youth. My dad told me when we saw it the humans were fighting to get toys back from the aliens. I thought it was awesome so I saw it with him.
Eleven years later and I love it even more. From my understanding, it could very well be one of those movies that is so gripping and well thought out that it makes us celebrate our greatest holiday ever, Independence Day, even more. But lets get right to the point: it is that darn good.
The story is about Mankind desperately fighting back against an alien civilization that has destroyed every major city on the planet. Their main goal is to exterminate Mankind and take over they're natural resources. Roland put together a very strong story with excellent character development and acting. Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and crew put in star-studded performances.
But like every movie there has to be some things that aren't so good, but lets start off with the good:
1: Acting was amazing and the drama was nice.
2: Special effects in this movie blew everyone's mind on how the future of movies would look and this movie certainly delivers.
3: The action is unbelievably unreal and that what makes this movie stand out.
4: Character development went to most of the main characters.
Now the bad:
1: There were some cheesy moments in the film that irritated me. For example, when the alien tried to break into the President's mind, and it was killed, the President instantly knew the alien's main objective. "I saw. . . .his thoughts. I saw what they're planning to do." Sorry that doesn't cut it. There are some of these cheesy moments but they don't cut away the awesomeness of the movie.
2: Little screen time for the actual aliens themselves. You see them almost a total of 15-20 times when the movie is nearly 3 hours. It's OK to have them undercover in their ships and battling the squad planes, but how about a little more interaction themselves.
3: They should have saved this movie until the new millennium. That way it would have looked better and truly overlook every movie hence forth.
Overall, this movie is really amazing and it's groundbreaking nature can't possibly be ignored by any SciFi fan.
10/10
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
One of 2007's biggest action movies.
We're looking at the best all-out action film of 2007. No joke. No bull****. No hyperbole. This is the real deal. It's bigger than Spiderman 3, than Transformers (possibly), and quite literally bigger than 300.
Bruce Willis reprises the role of John McClane, a bad ass ass kicker who teams up with with a kid named Matt Farrel and faces off against a team of programmers who plan to overthrow the government and disturb the peace while they're at it. Now I knew that this 4th installment wouldn't disappoint.
First, it's directed by Len Wiseman. Come on thats enough to go see it right there. Second, it's humor. There's plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor that keeps on rolling the movie along with the flow. Third and finally, it's completely original.
Fans of the Die Hard series will most definitely not be upset with this film. I enjoyed it and I guarantee that anyone who steps into the theater will walk saying "OMFG PURE AWESOMENESS!!!"
10/10
The Thing Below (2004)
pick any synonym for pathetic, disgrace, and ridicule.
I was watching The Movie Channel last night and I stumbled upon this title: The Thing Below. Sounded like a good movie because I'm in to horror and gore. The very first time I saw the visual effects and horribly lame acting, I asked myself: WHAT THE @#$% AM I LOOKING AT?!?!? I kid you not this movie has some of the most cheesiest visual effects and acting. If anyone reads this and decides to waste their 94 minutes on a piece of crap like this, then copy everyone's reviews from this movie and read them while you're watching it.
In my honest opinion, even Uwe Boll could of done it better. Don't waste your precious time on something that could've had more time put into it.
Ghost Rider (2007)
Enjoyable and one hell of a ride.
This is yet another comic-book movie that, this time, doesn't dissappoint. It certainly does not. It's definitely one hell of a way to start off the 2007 movie blockbuster list.
Ghost Rider had high expectations of showing off a new side to comicbook based movies: horror. There are some pretty cool horror moments, especially involving Blackheart. When Johnny Blaze turns into Ghost Rider for the first time, it scared me not only by the look of his eyes, but how frighteningly realistic it looked as well.
That brings me to another point: visual effects. They're a lot better than your average comicbook visual effects. When Blackheart's face turns into his more demonic-looking face, it looked so REAL.
There were a lot of amazing things about this movie that caught my attention, but like every comicbook based movie, there has to be something bad about it as well.
First, the GOOD things:
1: visual effects were off the chart in Ghost Rider. They all looked extraordinarily real, including Johnny's first ever transformation into Ghost Rider. Other nominees include Blacheart's demonic face, and especially Gressil's sand transformation.
2: Most of the acting was well put and directed quite well. Nicholas Cage isn't the best Ghost Rider, but Ben Affleck sure as hell isn't the best Daredevil. Cage still stayed true to the role. Eva Mendes and Roxxanne Simpson was OK. It wasn't the perfect acting, but it worked for me. Last, but CERTAINLY NOT least, is Wes Bently as Blackheart. There was something about Bently that made me believe Blackheart was actually real, that it was the actual Blackheart acting as himself. To me, his best line had to be "He sent you to bring me back. Well I'm not going back!! I LIKE IT HERE!!!". Thanks to the voice sycncronizers, this wouldn't have been possible. He definitely brought the character to life, and thats why he is the best actor in this movie.
3: Electronic guitars and drums in a original soundtrack: INSANE!!
Now, unfortunately, the BAD things:
1: One thing that kept bothering me throughout the movie was Cage's acting. Some of it was OK, while most of it made me feel like I was watching a mix of Saturday Night Live/Soup Opera. I think the cheesiest line was when he told Roxxanne who he really is. Was he mumbling? Was he trying to exagorate? I'll never understand it.
2: Now in most action/superhero movies, there has to be some form of side villain. In all three Blade movies, you got Quinn, Reinhardt, and Triple H. Now in Ghost Rider, we have three fallen angels: Gressil, Wallow, and Abigor. All represent an element of earth. Do they provide a challenge for Ghost Rider? NO. They're OK, but each one had little screen time, and they were all unfocused to a point where we didn't really understand them that much.
3: Now not that this isn't important, but isn't this movie TOO scary for little 12 year old kids? When I saw Ghost Rider in theaters, some 11-12 year old kid screamed and cried when Blackheart was walking out in the desert and put his face to the camera to show his demon face!! And he was siting in the very first row, right by the screen!! I got a look at this kid and he had to be around 12 years old. Embarrassing.
Ghost Rider is as amazing and breathtaking as any other Marvel/DC Comic movie. It ain't perfect, but it doesn't mean to be. It totally beats the failure of Daredevil and Elektra, but doesn't beat the perfection of Spiderman and Batman.
4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Better than the first, but could be a little better
I just got back from seeing this on the big screen, and was it worth it: yes and no. All comic book movies have everybody talking ("Is it going to kick ass?", "Is it going to suck?"), and FF: RotSS doesn't kick ass, but it doesn't suck either.
I was expecting a pretty moderate superhero movie, because I know that the FF ain't as popular as Spiderman or Batman or Superman, but they couldn't be worse than Daredevil either. My point is this movie isn't horrible, but it's plagued with a few mistakes that came right out of Spiderman 3.
First off, the GOOD:
1: visual effects are pretty awesome. They aren't better than Spiderman 3, but they are good.
2: Johnny's humor is actually better than the first one (somewhat), along with Grim's as well.
3: Jessica Alba being partially naked in a PG movie is just a BLAST to think of!!! Bravo Tim bravo!!! Now the BAD: 1: there are very little fight seqeunces in this movie, and pretty much all of them don't beat the first movie's fight scenes.
2: Johnny's humor is pretty funny, but some of it is pretty lame and mediocre.
3: Galactus. He suffers just what Venom did in Spiderman 3: TOO LITTLE SCREEN TIME!!!!! I admire the fact they changed his appearance (from a giant monolith with a crown to a cloud of dust and energy), and he's a good character to put into the movie, but they could of put a little more background into him besides "Some call him Gah Lac Tus, the destroyer of worlds." Ooooo scary.
4: Last, but certainly not least is the Silver Surfer. He's also an outstanding character. Doug Jones did a pretty good job of portraying him, but there's just one problem: LAWRENCE FISBURNE DOES HIS VOICE-OVER!!!! Horrible. JUST. PLAIN. HORRIBLE!!!! His voice doesn't even match the Silver Surfer's look!!
But overall, it's a darn good superhero movie, just ignore Morpheus's voice the entire time.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Good but a little too much
When i first saw Spiderman 3 in theaters when it came out, I was amazed at what Sam did. Astounding fight scenes, realistic CGI effects, and drama (which was sometimes off). I'll admit: #3 was'nt a perfect movie. Now don't get me wrong it was one heck of a Summer movie, but there were a few details that held it back from getting a 10. First off, the positives: 1: Superb fight scenes. Sam definitely did his best in this area.
2: Amazing CGI. Sandman's CGI effects were the most brilliant I've ever seen.
3: Humor. Since when does Jameson never make you laugh. Bruce Campbell's scene was pretty hilarious too.
Now (drum roll), the negatives: 1: Acting. Most of the acting was good, but some of it was absolutely sloppy. Come on now Tobey that was the worst crying impression on the bridge i ever heard!!! 2: Useless villain. And I'm talking about Venom. yes, he's a good and powerful character to put in a Spiderman movie, but he was just added a little too early in the franchise. It would of been a lot better if he was in a future installment.
3: Fast-pacing. This movie would have been a lot better if it reached the 3 hour marker. That way Raimi could do everything right. The scene where Eddie turns into Venom and 5-10 minutes later Spiderman fights him at the construction site was going a little too fast in storytelling. Sam should have focused on one or two villains, not three, because you're sort of ruining the focus of of every story line in the movie. Now if this movie was three hours long, the pacing MIGHT be a little better.
Overall, this movie was still an amazing spectacle to watch. I just hope future installments don't fall because of the same things.