Last week I was complaining about crappy CGI and the route most filmmakers are taking. This week, I’ll be discussing what should not be CG’d: epic battles. Also, why can’t Hollywood get the centaurs right?

So I was watching Braveheart a couple of weeks ago and it just amazed me that the movie was epic. Besides the great direction by Mel Gibson, I realized the movie tugged on my emotions because I never thought for once “Oh that crap is fake”. Even in the big battle scenes, Gibson uses real actors. Sure you can see some extras in the background “playfighting” …

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Storm is a fantasy-adventure drama from Sweden that almost no one has heard of, which is too bad, its quite entertaining and ultra-stylish (the directors have a studio deal in the US already).  It was a big hit in its native country and recently it was part of the Philadelphia Film Festival’s “Danger after Dark” series of extreme foreign films and it doesn’t skimp on the gore and violence.  Storm starts as a flashy actioner (dressed up like Matrix and Nightwatch) but quickly becomes a psychological study of one man facing his demons (and trying to save the world from evil …

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Note about the revised grade:  I’ve decided to downgrade my original grade for the film from a B- to a C+ because the film gets worse the more I think about it.  That is all, carry on !

Indiana Jones is back, so its time for more chases, fights with sinister Russian commies, and an incoherent and often silly storyline that feels as stale as an old loaf of Italian bread.  Harrison Ford looks good and he commits fully to the role, but the dopey storyline constantly lets him down.  There is fun to be had in the old school …

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Prince Caspian is the rousing and worthy successor to the first Narnia film, and it’s vastly underrated.  Much like the first film, the reviews are all over the place for the epic fantasy adventure.  Prince Caspian is beautifully filmed, exciting, and action-packed.  I actually liked it more than the slightly overrated Iron Man, though oddly enough, both films share the same weakness.  The hero (or heroes) are far more compelling than the villains.  Tilda Swinton (who has a memorable cameo here) is sorely missed in this second film, but overall, it does little damage to this very entertaining fantasy.

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Speed Racer is not an easy film to review.  On the one hand I can’t exactly call it a “good” film, but on the other hand, its a whole lot of fun, and sometimes that’s more important.  There’s been a lot of so-called “good or great” films have have bored me, and Speed Racer surely isn’t dull or boring in the least.  I also saw it in IMAX, and let me tell you friends, that’s the way to see this film.  The cynical and old white people who call themselves “film critics” can’t stand the film, but I can defend …

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Frontier(s) is a very hard film to watch and an even harder film to recommend.  It’s tasteless and has an almost revolting amount of gore, yet I’m recommending the film.  My recommendation comes with a word of caution though.  If you are at all squeamish and the thought of seeing gruesome gore and torture bother you in the least, Frontier(s) is not the film for you.  I do think that SAW and Hostel fans are going to enjoy it, but it also has a brain and a bit more to offer than just stylish torture porn.  It reminded me of Haute …

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Before I review the film, check out the trailer so I don’t have to explain the plot.

Saw an early screening of Tropic Thunder and I have mixed feelings about it. For a movie that should be funny from beginning to end, the movie dragged in some parts. I’m sure they’ll cut some parts out when it comes out in theatres but some of the jungle scenes were uncalled for. Another dud, is the main villain. This role would have worked if they picked the right actor but what we get is an unconvincing kid villain.

Now onto the good parts. …

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Iron Man is getting amazing reviews and is well on its way to being a huge hit.  I enjoyed the film but I do think its a tad overrated by the basement dwellers.  Robert Downey Jr is terrific though.  He’s the major reason to see the film.  As the flamboyant Tony Stark, he somehow makes a “merchant of death” who discards women like empty boxes of tissues, a likable cad.  He makes Stark’s improbable turn from playboy billionaire to superhero seem much more natural than a lesser actor would.  He’s surrounded by some good supporting actors, I especially liked his …

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Even though there are several problems with the movie, Iron Man starts the summer movie season on a good note. The movie begins with the likable but somewhat alcoholic Tony Stark(Robert Downey Jr) in a military convoy. We find out not only is he a celebrity but he’s also witty.  The convoy gets attacked and all hell breaks loose. The rebels kidnap Stark and tells him to build one of his latest invention, a missile called Jericho. But as we all know he builds a metal armor and Iron Man is created.

Director, Jon Favreau (Elf, Zathura) gives Tony Stark a …

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After seeing my 5th dreary indie film in a row about miserable people I felt I needed some escapism, and The Forbidden Kingdom was just the ticket.  A first-rate martial arts fantasy adventure film starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan.  The underrated film hits all the right notes and is also great family entertainment, despite some surprisingly violent interludes.  Woo Ping’s fight choreography is nothing short of spectacular in the film.  His wild mix of wire fu and CG effects has never looked more artful or fresh as it does in the film.  It also works much better in the …

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