Whip It

Whew!  I basically just heard of this one when I saw it in the rental store.  Whip It is the really under-advertised story of a teenage small-town beauty pageant queen who's quest of self-discovery takes her to the roller derby rinks. 

Okay, so the plot is basic, but it's solid.  While there's a bit of a stretch in the romance scenes, it's a well written down-to-earth story that's supported by an awesome cast with wicked acting. Not to mention some of the most engaging sports scenes I've ever seen.  I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat, cheering for the derby teams, and was satisfied with a very realistic ending.

In short, this was good, really good.  If you like self-discovery movies, and are looking for something different, this is an excellent choice.  I personally think that this one needs to get more attention than it's been getting.  Shed a tear, laugh out loud and cheer your heart out.

Gojira/Godzilla

No, not the 1998 American remake.  I mean the original 1954 cult classic Gojira, the about how American nuclear tests created the unstoppable King of the Monsters, Godzilla. 

Really?  Haven't seen this?  Okay okay, it's a Japanese 1954 film, styles were different then, and black and white isn't for everyone.  However, given the time period and effects of the era, this truly is an excellent film.  And I mean film, not movie.

Unlike the campy monster movies that it inspired, Gojira is an unflinching metaphor as to the devastation that nuclear bombs and war in general, causes.  And damn, is it well done. 

Really.  They don't call it a Masterpiece for nothing.

So, if you like monsters, and are looking for something a little more than the usual monster movie, I have one question for you; why haven't you watched this? 

Oh yeah, and this includes the American release of it, under the name Godzilla.  Either of them, go pick up on the originals. 

Ninja Assassin

Dude, your movie about ninjas bored an ADHD into sweeping the floor.

No seriously, I love ninjas, fighting scenes, awesome.   But when I was watching Ninja Assassin, during the childhood flashbacks, I swept my room. 

Yes, I'm ADHD, but honestly, I felt like I've watched it before because I could predict the plot so well.  While simple may be solid, it doesn't really work for this movie.

Or maybe it does. While the plot may not be in any way considered brilliant, it does have fairly decent acting and awesome effects.

By which I mean eye candy by Korean star Rain, and huge amounts of fake blood.

So, if you can fast forward, ignore or sit through the flashbacks, this movie is great for the blood spilling!  Enjoy!

Adam

Note: I am bending my rule on spoilers here, and focusing a lot on issues relating to Autism. My disclaimer for this is that I am an autistic adult, so I have a bit of a vested interest. If you are interested in knowing more about Autism, I have a blog No Stereotypes Here that links to reliable information.

I had originally planned to write this big, long review for Adam, a very literary review discussing the techniques of storytelling to illustrate the points of view of the main characters, both Beth and Adam, a young autistic man.

I was going to look at how the movie is about growth, of Beth with family and dating issues, and Adam with dealing with losing his father and becoming more independent.

It was going to be quite a long review.

Then I decided, I wouldn't. Sometimes, you need to let people see something and let them form their own impressions.

So.

Adam is an interesting and thoughtful romantic drama about two strangers who meet each other. It takes the time to realistically establish and address the issues of both characters, one of which is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of Autism. The plot is very well written, with an exceptional cast that did a superb job. It was a wonderful slice into these people's lives without being overbearing or sounding like an autism infomercial.

In conclusion, it is a touching, witty and charming film, with what I think is one of the best depictions of an autistic person I've seen.

Gunless

Okay, I have to admit from the start that I am not a Western fan. I am somewhat familiar with the stereotypes about Westerns, but have never actually watched a Western until I heard of Gunless. So I was surprised when I found myself wanting to watch it.

It is a refreshing relief from the slapstick, potty jokes and romantic comedies that seem to fill the comedy movie shelves.  The plot is simple, but solid, the characters well written and excellently played, and while some of the jokes are more mature, they are not vulgar or cheap.  Including the Mountie jokes.   


In conclusion, it is an awesome movie that could be seen for the entire family.  It has a little action, a little romance, but above all, it has a lot of fun in the Canadian West.

Iron Man 1 and 2

Okay, I'm taking a brief break from the long list to write about the five movies that I just watched this past week: Thank You for Smoking, the BBC's Hamlet, The Iron Giant, Gunless, and Iron Man 2.  Actually, since I've seen Iron Man about 8 times (in theatre) and have it practically memorized, let's add it as well.  Also, Iron Man 2 picks up exactly where Iron Man leaves off.... literally.  I half imagine a comic book text box reading "Meanwhile, in Russia..." in the opening of Iron Man 2. 

So, Iron Man and the latest release Iron Man 2... what can I say? Both are excellent movies, with a tight script full of witty dialogue and action packed sequences.   There are some scenes where the dialogue contains innuendo that I expect goes over the head of younger viewers, but refrains from being particularly graphic. However, the storytelling is superb, lacking glaring plot-holes and capturing the essence of the characters, which are spectularly performed by the actors.

Granted, I may not be a comic book expert, but I think that compared to other comic book adaptations, these were really well done.  It was funny without being rediculous, the action was exciting without being too graphic, and had a sweet subtle romance without being cheesey. 

In short, I really liked these films and highly recommend them.

P.S.  Watch the credits all the way through.  You'll see why... :D

The Seeker: The Dark is Rising Review

Let me just say this right out front: I am a fan of the Susan Cooper books that this movie is based on. I haven't read all of them yet (which reminds me...), but I've definitely read The Dark is Rising, the book which the movie The Seeker: the Dark is Rising resembles.

So, when I heard that there was a movie in production, I was very excited. Yes, I realize that it's partly a scheme to capitalize on the success of many book-to-film adaptations. The booklover in me also kinda hopes to increase literacy, but meh.

I'm just hoping that I didn't actually pay to see it. Don't get me wrong, the effects were awesome, and Christopher Eccleston was wonderful. The plot, on the other hand.... was disappointing. Just... really really disappointing. With the material that's available in the book, it could've been a lot better.

Parts of it was just too rushed, information was given too fast, pacing was just not well done. In a lot of ways, it relies heavily in the special effects area, which isn't too bad. I'm pretty sure that there's movies out there that have as good as special effects and better plots though.

So, final verdict: Eh. If you have the money and are bored, sure. But I'd rather pick the book up at the library instead.