Let me preface my following opinion of this movie with this disclaimer....I am sick, was sick when I went to the movies, and to make my movie watching experience even more miserable I had three young men (I use the word men lightly) sitting behind me that would not shut up after I asked them to do so.
I loved the first National Treasure (NT1), even though I thought the scenes that take place in Philadelphia dragged on far too long. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (NTBS) is an all right sequel, however there are many elements of the plot that were left undeveloped and not explained very well. My largest complaint of the film (besides the three yappers behind me), is the main story line of Ben Gates proving his great grandfather was not involved with Abraham Lincoln's assassination was very undeveloped. Ben Gates (Nick Cage) nemesis in the movie is Mitch Wilkinson, (Ed Harris). Unlike NT1 in which was very clear what Ian Howe's (Sean Bean) motivation was in chasing Ben Gates, it is not clear as to the motivations of Mitch Wilkinson in smearing Great Grandpa Gates good name. Another example of poor plot development is why is the love interest of Ben Gates, Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) is so upset with him and why she has kicked them out of their amazingly ostentatious home.
I hope that when National Treasure 3 comes out (which there are hints in NTBS) the writers do a more complete plot development than National Treasure Book of Secrets.
The big movie screen and surround sound is nice for the amazing cinematography but if you have a big screen tv at home, I personally would wait for this film to be released on video.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Love the Christmas movie season. There is always such a plethora of choices from comedies to dramas. My Christmas movie watching marathon began with Alvin & the Chipmunks, which I blogged about a few weeks ago. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story was next on my list. This film stars John C. Reilly, who was recently seen in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), as Cal Naughton, Jr.
If you go to see Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, don't expect to the constant slapstick humor as was seen in Talladega Nights. Walk Hard is a satirical movie focusing on the evolution of Rock & Roll from the 1950's to present day, and all of the paparazzisized negative elements involved with being famous. The movie does an excellent job of blending comedy and drama into a complete story with no possibility of a sequel. The writers overemphasize the rock & roll scene elements such as drug use, sex, temperamental behavior, and of course REHAB. It is during these scenes that you will find the most laughs.
John C. Reilly is headliner of this film, however it is with the mega talent and brilliant acting of Jenna Fischer that really makes this movie shine. Jenna and John have great chemistry!
The thing I found most interesting about this movie is the underlying theme that runs throughout the film. The constant theme of no matter how badly you screw up your life - you can always fix the problems with hard work and the love and support of good friends.
Be aware, if you go to see Dewey Cox there is a scene that contains full male and full female nudity. The nudity, especially the frontal male nudity, in this scene really serves no purpose other than to shock the audience.
Is this a full price movie - I really don't think so, but is worth seeing in full theatre, you know laughter breeds laughter. However, what I can say is that this is a very well written movie and the acting is excellent. Is it an Oscar winner - I think not.
If you go to see Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, don't expect to the constant slapstick humor as was seen in Talladega Nights. Walk Hard is a satirical movie focusing on the evolution of Rock & Roll from the 1950's to present day, and all of the paparazzisized negative elements involved with being famous. The movie does an excellent job of blending comedy and drama into a complete story with no possibility of a sequel. The writers overemphasize the rock & roll scene elements such as drug use, sex, temperamental behavior, and of course REHAB. It is during these scenes that you will find the most laughs.
John C. Reilly is headliner of this film, however it is with the mega talent and brilliant acting of Jenna Fischer that really makes this movie shine. Jenna and John have great chemistry!
The thing I found most interesting about this movie is the underlying theme that runs throughout the film. The constant theme of no matter how badly you screw up your life - you can always fix the problems with hard work and the love and support of good friends.
Be aware, if you go to see Dewey Cox there is a scene that contains full male and full female nudity. The nudity, especially the frontal male nudity, in this scene really serves no purpose other than to shock the audience.
Is this a full price movie - I really don't think so, but is worth seeing in full theatre, you know laughter breeds laughter. However, what I can say is that this is a very well written movie and the acting is excellent. Is it an Oscar winner - I think not.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Alvin & The Chipmunks
When I was a child, one of my fondest memories was the evenings at Christmas time, making cookies, and dad playing his LP Albums of Christmas music. They consisted of Johnny Mathis, The Platters, some awful choir album and of course Alvin and the Chipmunks. I would quietly suffer through his albums, to patiently wait to hear "I just want a Hoo - La - Hoop". So when I saw that Alvin, Simon & the ever adorable Theodore were hitting the silver screen, I had to see it opening weekend!
If you are looking for a non offensive, simple humor that is relatively well written, Alvin & the Chipmunks is the movie for you. It is a feel good funny movie that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Will it be a classic - no it is certainly not Christmas Vacation or Christmas Story, but it is a great family film and a wonderful escape from from the the hustle and bustel of the holiday stress.
Alvin & the Chipmunks is definitely a great buy for a matinee. If you are looking to get the kids out of the house one evening so that Christmas preparations taken care of, it is definitley a good choice for a full price evening movie. However, I must issue a warning. The Chipmunks are so cute the kids (or yourself) will want to take one home with you and let the snuggle up next you while you sleep.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
If you are looking for a non offensive, simple humor that is relatively well written, Alvin & the Chipmunks is the movie for you. It is a feel good funny movie that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Will it be a classic - no it is certainly not Christmas Vacation or Christmas Story, but it is a great family film and a wonderful escape from from the the hustle and bustel of the holiday stress.
Alvin & the Chipmunks is definitely a great buy for a matinee. If you are looking to get the kids out of the house one evening so that Christmas preparations taken care of, it is definitley a good choice for a full price evening movie. However, I must issue a warning. The Chipmunks are so cute the kids (or yourself) will want to take one home with you and let the snuggle up next you while you sleep.
Merry Christmas Everyone!