Name: keith7198
Most Recent Reviews by keith7198
"Twilight" was destined to be a hit on film. With such a rabid book reader following, it was a formula for success at the box office. When you think about it, there was reason to think this could be made into a decent film considering the interesting dynamic between the two lead characters and their situations. Sadly the movie falls well short of these expectations.
First of all is the acting. From Stewart's constant sulking to Pattinson's silly brooding. Both deliver their lines as if they are reading directly from a cue card. Then you have Lauttner. For all of the hype I was expecting him to at least be a servicable actor. Boy was I mistaken. He has a long way to go and at times you can't help but laugh out loud at his robotic lines and silly facial expressions.
Another problem is with the script. It starts off well enough as you are introduced to Bella and her new situation. The first quarter of the film is fairly entertaining. But then it begins to spin it's wheels and the big climactic end battle is really pointless and not very interesting. Mix this with some pretty gaping plot holes and you have trouble.
Also, the movie looks more like a television series than a major studio motion picture. The few special effects used aren't that impressive and it doesn't have a big movie feel to it at all.
I know I'm not the target audience but I tend to be objective. "Twilight" is wasted potential. Granted, that potential could only go so far but there was still enough to make a decent film. Sadly bad, cheesy acting and swiss cheese story keep this from being a good movie.
There's no denying that at it's core "The Blind Side" is a very warm, uplifting film. How can it not be since it's based on a genuinely touching true story. For the most part the movie does satisfy in that area. But it has more than it's share of flaws.
First is the acting. Bullock gives a good performance as does Quinton Aaron as Big Mike. But then you have Tim McGraw. He gives a wooden, robotic performance that is at times laughable. Jae Head as the Tuohy's young son S.J. is either a victim of bad writing or just an abnoxiously horrible young actor. At times he seems to be patterned off of Culkin's "Home Alone" and "Uncle Buck characters.
Another issue I had was that the movie seemed to be more about Leigh Anne Tuohy than about Big Mike. Mike became a small character as the movie progressed and it's unfortunate since his story had alot more to offer in terms of interest.
So "The Blind Side" has it's share of positives and negatives. It's negatives are too numerous to overlook. But it's positive story, and emotional impact doesn't leave the film empty of entertainment value.
"2012" isn't one of the more intelligent of even believable stories you'll come across but it is very entertaining and a visual sight to behold.
Roland Emmerich seems to have an attraction for destroying the earth and millions of people in the process. He never has made it look better than it does in "2012". The huge, epic scale CGI devestation is simply amazing.
There are no real stand-out performances in the film but none that really drag the movie down. Woody Harrelson is pretty annoying and Danny Glover is terribly miscast. But luckily neither have long sustained roles.
In a nutshell, "2012" is exactly what it says it is. It's meant to be a big, loud, action-packed, fun time. It's entertaining and definately worth a look.
"Shutter Island" is a moody, eerie masterpiece from director Martin Scorsese. Many have been disappointed because Scorsese stepped out of his normal box but the film shows his range more than his dedication to a formula.
DiCaprio's performance is Oscar nomination worthy and could be his best work to date. The film is also helped by flawless supporting work from Ruffalo, Kingsley, von Sydow, and more.
Scorsese's island is a character itself with a mysterious atomsphere and a genuine creepiness that is felt as you venture from site to site. The constant rain, rust, and overgrowth add so much to the feeling Scorsese is trying to create.
The story is rock solid yet many are griping because they were looking at and expecting the wrong things. The intensity of DiCaprio's character and the mystery of Shutter Island is the focus of the film and Scorsese tells his story in a deliberate and crafty fashion.
Strong performances and strong direction make this possibly the best film of this young movie season.
When a movie has such an absurd concept as "Repo Men" the story must be good enough to make you believe the concept. Sadly, the movie is just as horrible as the concept. First is the numerous holes in the plot. You are supposed to believe in this ridiculous idea but yet asked to overlook so much. Jude Law is never convincing as a Jason Statham styled butt kicker. And then there is the weird, freaky scenes leading up to the ending "twist". Very flat in the middle and the film never picks up. There's just nothing redeeming about this train wreck.
Whenever you watch a Nicholas Sparks' film you know it's going to follow a strict formula. "The Last Song" is no different. It's overloaded with forced dramatic moments and lots of cheesy lines and "romance".
The plot is all over the place, throwing in plot twists that go absolutely nowhere and add nothing to the bigger story. Miley Cyrus should be commended for trying to make the step up to big screen drama. Sadly, she has a long way to go. Her performance is wooden and almost robotic at times. She spends much of the time sulking and moping and her lines are delivered with the same plain, straightforward delivery that you find in her Hannah Montana show.
All of that said, there is still a little charm to be found in the film and occasionally Cyrus does show a sweetness that the film needed more of. But she is just not yet up to a big dramatic role. It doesn't help her to be burdened with a heavy, overstuffed script and mediocre direction.
Not as bad as it could have been. But it's not what I would call a "good" movie either.
"Clash of the Titans" delivers exactly what it advertises. It's a fun, action-packed tip of the hat to an old classic genre. Fantastic special effects and well done CGI. Worthington is a grittier, tougher, angry Persius and does a very good job. I've seen the film in 2-D and in 3-D. Watch the 2-D to experience the film as it was meant to be seen. The tacked on 3-D isn't worth the extra money and actually hurts the film. So, see the 2-D version and know what you're watching. It's not meant to be a deep, complex, multi-layered drama. It is what it is and it does it very well.
From a technical side, Avatar is simply incredible. The motion capture, the superb 3-D, the fantastic visuals, it's just amazing. But all of the technical flash can't cover the huge flaws. First, the story is a complete rehash from many different movies. There is nothing original in it and it's very predictable. Second, the acting is mediocre at best. Worthington is fine but he's about it. Stephen Lang is laughable. Then there's the constant political commentary. The environmentalist bombardment, the anti-military stance, the anti-sorporation stance. It goes on and on and on. He has every right to include it in his film. But I also have the right to call it what it is. Amazing that this movie's lame storyline and performances have been given a pass just because it looks nice and shiney.
