July 13, 2006
Superman Returns
I've recently been able to re-connect with my pal LukaTech since she took a position that is two blocks from my Job. Luka suggested we check out Superman returns in IMAX/3D. I admire her tenacity, technical prowess and just fun loving personality, I so figured it would be fun to hang with my Tech/geek gal/pal. In addition it's been ages since I've been to the movies. I think the last one was ICE AGE 2 with Tricia.
I planned to boycott this movie, as I felt sort of a disrespect for Christopher Reeve. In addition, someone told me it was a remake and that did me in. I probably should have looked more into it, because it wasn't a remake, it was a continuation.
The company along with the whole IMAX/3D intriged me so we went for the IMAX/3D viewing in Lincoln center. Frankly, any movie in IMAX is a treat and a half (as is the price). This movie had 20 minutes of 3D scenes throughout the film. The glasses were pretty cool not like the cheap cardboards you get in other places. (however you did have to return them upon exiting).
The previews started up in 3D and this really blew me a way.
The first short, showed a lil furry penguin (awww) dancing to a stevie wonder song).
It was great. I'm sure to see that one. The next was a 3D preview of Ants Bully.
The 3D effects were so good on this that it really altered my perspective of 3D effects in today's age. I remember yesteryear when they were "so-so". At one point I think I ducked. Luka laughed.
Superman Returns opens up with a great set of space scenes. I thought gee, why isn't that in 3D? The story line in itself was good. I found it to be very touching. It drew alot of emotion out of me and I really felt for the characters. Th acting was good, but I still felt like I was missing the older actors. it was tough. Clark kent was very believable, Superman was a lil light. Lois Lane left me missing at times, but also brought out deeper emotions at times too. There was chemistry, but it was different, and sometimes it takes a bit to get past the different.As time went on I felt better and better about it. Lex Luthor was hard to get used to in the start as I was used to Gene Hackman. This Lex Luthor did remind me more of Smallville's Lex Luthor if he had gone slightly mad which probably how it should be.
The 3D effects of this movie were excellent. In fact I would have to say this was the best 3D experience I've ever had. The highly emotive crescendo and 3D really raised the bar for me with this movie. The special effects were great and the actors made strides to bring life, emotion and believability. I still had problems with matching up the classic superman & actors, yet I left the movie theatre satisfied with a new chapter in superman. The ending gives hope to a new beginning and I look forward to the possibility.
Overall I would recommend seeing this movie if you are into the theatre experience.
It will be a mixed bag of emotions and feelings with comparison to the classics, actors and storyline, but it is an enjoyable movie if you can separate that.
I would also recommend the IMAX/3D Experience if possible. This really made it a thrill.
Posted by Me at 11:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 27, 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
So I finally was able to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I guess it was a good thing the way it all worked out. I saw a recent advertisement saying it was in the IMAX theatre, so instead of scrambling around town Tricia and I trekked out to the city at Lincoln Square. There's nothing like seeing a good movie on a 4 story screen!
This episode of Harry Potter did not disappoint. Although I like all stories/movies, the last one left me feeling a little flat. The Goblet of Fire renewed my faith in this story line. Full of excitement, mystery and wonder. It recaptured the feelings of prior and more. I've heard many people saying this was the best one yet. I'm not sure I can say this personally as I mentioned, I like them all. The first is still very memorable to me.
A highly recommended movie.
Posted by Me at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2005
Narnia
Off I went.. on a mission to see Harry Potter... It's been out a while and I'm finally getting out to see it now that work has simmered down.
So., lo and behold the ticket clerk makes a mistake.. and we end up in Narnia.
I think the guy had some sort of mental block, you would think that hearing the prior person complaining about receiving the wrong tickets would trigger me to double check... I guess I was too concerned about him not giving me my change. Duh..
it's sort of funny, because we walk to the next checkpoint, the person directs us to the theatre, I look up and see the narnia banner. I know it's the small theatre in this location and I think, OK only two shows a day, they are probably re-using this theatre.
So we sit, get comfortable, watch previews and the movie starts.
It's a war scene, mother and children run for cover. they hide in a bombshelter in the back of the house. They survive and next scene they are getting on a train. (here I'm thinking, gee.. new characters... a family... off to hogwarts via train... Hey they have the accents close enough). I guess the mind rationalizes things at times.
Then the title comes on and I'm thinking DOH!!!!! Wrong Movie!!!
Well I had planned to see it anyway.
So Tricia and I resolve to stay.. after all I would not want to walk into Harry potter missing the first 10 minutes.
So, Four London children arrive to s safe haven and discover a wardrobe that transports them to the land of Narnia out the back of the wardrobe. Cool Concept. Like a portal. It's a cold winter (for a hudred years) ruled by an evil witch. The children discover the folk of the land and gather forces with a Aslan (a lion) for a great battle of good and evil.
I loved the story, it reminded me of a shortend version fo Lord of the Rings, yet with Children and a mystical land. It kept me interested through out the whole. Filmwork and scenery were great, CGI animation was top notch. Very little artifacts in the character movement. The only CGI flaw I saw was the backdrop on certain outside scenes. You could tell it was a blue screen effect. This was a small minor artifact.
Overall I give this movie high marks.
Would love to see the story continue!
Posted by Me at 11:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 23, 2005
DOOM ! ! !
The Movie
Synopsis: In the year 2145, an experiment on a remote planet goes horribly wrong. A group of marines lead by John Grimm are sent to face a terrifying monster and a dark, disturbing future.
The Deal: This movie rocked! If you are a fan of the game then this movie will bring back all the old feelings of the game and then some. Truth be told, this is a classic zombie style movie (ala Dawn of the Dead, Resident Evil) with the elements and feelings of the game. It can be a bit gory at times, but it's also riventing. Some elements reminded me of Resident Evil (madmen experiments), Others of Dawn of The Dead (The zombies walk and eat) and still others of Total Recall. (An ancient cilvilization discovered, Interesting notion on space travel).
What I liked: Riveting SCIFI Suspense, The space element, the zombie element, Action Galore (or is that action a gore?) Even more so there is a segment of the movie where you actually feel like you are in the game. I found this to be an interesting aspect. It actually made me giggle and get the urge to go play the game. The sound effects were good. An interesting aspect that brought back memories was the sound of the radio's and chatter back and forth. Totally reminded me of quake II. . There are more elements I would like to post, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone.
What I didn't like: Can't think of anything I didn't like. I would have liked it more if they used some of the quake II music. I like the quake II music so much I made my own CD out of it. Don't get me wrong The music in itself was good. It was going for most of the time and provided the eerie background needed for this movie. I think I would have liked seeing some more of the other monsters.
Still an enjoyable horror game movie flick. Should have come out much earlier.
Posted by Me at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 30, 2005
Serenity
Serenity So.. Like many others I've been watching firefly all summer long. Tonight I just had to see Serenity considering the series has been leading up to it.
I thought it was an interesting way to lead into a full blown movie. A series to a box office movie vs what usually happens, the series ends and there are a few box office movies.
Frankly, you can not avoid this movie if you are a fan of the series. It's the culmination off river, you learn what happened, how it took place and the now revealing side effects of her character. There is learning as to the nature of the reavers and some of the disgust of the alliiance.
it was a great movie, then again, I'm a fan. For the most part It could have stood on it's own as a movie. Yet with the series, you were enriched with all the character development. It certainly did add to the experience. The movie carried the same tone as the series, only more intense. There are many emotions brought out.
Don't want to drop any spoilers, but you laugh, you want to cry and you cheer (or at least my movie theatre clapped). The theatre was not as full as I expected, then again, it is a basic scifi movie and it's not a summer blockbuster. Might have been better as an end of summer movie. 
I say, if you are into scifi, space oriented movies with cultural battle overtones and a sort of super hereo, a super villan and an underdog, serenity is a worthwhile ticket. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will surely see it again. Just may be on cable.
Posted by Me at 11:59 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 05, 2005
March of the Penguins
Saw March of the Penguins with Tricia this eve.
March of the Penguins
This is an interesting documentary of the Emperor penguins during their treacherous journey hundreds of miles across the Antarctic ice. It shows the various stages of the Penguins breeding, encompassing the Journey from the water, to breeding grounds 70 miles away to the back and forth cycle of parenting and feeding. They turn out to be interesting, lovable and inquisitive animals. You can feel the struggle and the pain as they go through the situations encountered. During the ending credits you see the filmmakers and an interesting scene as the penguins become curious.
It gave me more respect in realizing what these animals go through to survive and perpetuate the species.
I wish I had a pet penguin.
For more reasons then one... Can you guess why?
Posted by Me at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)
August 28, 2005
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Pretty funny movie.
Makes you laugh, Gives you the warm and fuzzies.
Comedic moments. Although after a while I got tired of everything being about pu**y. But then again, you go into this movie knowing that's wah it's about. Characters and acting are well choose and thought out. It's on the level of an american pie movie (only up a few notches) and a Jim Carey movie (turned down a notch).
it could have been over done, but there was a level of belivability within the story line.
Good Flick for Laughs.
I give it a 2.5 of 5
Posted by Me at 08:14 AM | Comments (0)