The Spirit

"My city screams" and in fact she does. Shes screaming for a more understanding review. The slew of reviews in at this point are putting this film in a truly negative light when in fact it is far from bad. Going into this one I had plenty of negative expectations. It looked like a cheap play on the extremely successful Sin City style with a lesser known comic series. About half way through the film you'll be shrugging off those predispositions and accepting the movie as its own entity.

The style of The Spirit fit the comic world perfect. You may start out noticing the color sapped low saturation environments and how similar they are to Miller's previous film Sin City, but aside from that the cinematography doesn't have much in common. Plenty of the over the top effects, and characters leave you feeling like you are in fact watching a comic, being able to pick it apart panel by panel.

The down side of the comic book feel is how the story and dialogue of a comic will translate into film and its reception by those who aren't into the stylized feel. A lot of people don't grasp the over the top random humor that comes in many comic book films and this is a prime example of that. Many of the jokes that will earn a chuckle in a comic frame don't quite hold the same appeal here.

The characters on the other hand I found to be quite likable. This was largely in part to the casting of some random loved C-D list television actors from my favorite shows. 24's Louis Lombardi as Pathos was a great choice. The first introduction of the octopus's lackeys into the film showed him shine as he runs in an endless loop with two of the other lackey clones all played by Lombardi. Samuel L. Jackson once again pulls out his inner devious psychopath to play the perfect villain. A host of gorgeous talented actresses, and perfectly cast characters leave you wondering exactly how this film could pull so many negative reviews.

With television spots boasting this to be the best film of the year I feel like it is way too much hype setting itself up for some negative word of mouth reviews. If you can manage to walk into this one with a mind clear of expectations I truly feel like you will have fun with it. This is a solid above average film. Nothing deserving of that "best film of the year" advertisement but most definitely enjoyable endeavor.

Final score 8 out of 10

Zombie Apocalypse part 2

The next five films in my zombie flicks to see list chronicle a good mix of acclaimed classics, and modern films soon to join them in the ranks. All are definite must see films for any zombie enthusiast and would make a great addition to your DVD collection.

-Quarantine (2008): The Hollywood remake of 2007's hit release in Spain [REC] was a shining example of how to take the cameraman perspective film and do it well. The premise of the movie is a little bit different then most zombie flicks in the sense the you are no longer barricaded in your bunker trying to keep the zombies out, but instead you are trapped inside with the zombies trying your damnedest to find a way out. There are few gripes with this film that i can think of. Only annoyance is the laugh of the lead female. Good gore, a well used perspective, and good story make this a great film. If you have the opportunity and don't mind subtitles you might consider the original [REC] over the remake though.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1082868/

-28 Days Later (2002): This is a modern zombie flick I guarantee will be a highly regarded classic in the future. Taking advantage of all of our fears of the unknown, this film thrusts its coma struck lead awake and right out into a zombie filled city. The casting choices in this film were no less than perfect, a great cast with undoubtedly chemistry and amazing performance. The film takes a lot of unexpected turns that keep the story interesting and fast paced. At the same time it still manages to run the gauntlet of emotive scenes from the pessimistic gloom, to light hearted joking, mourning sorrow, and suspenseful distress. 28 Days later being the first in its series set the predecessors up for a great run and will always be regarded by me as one of the best of the 2000s.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289043/

-Day of the Dead (1985): A lot slower paced then the general zombie film, the third installment in Romero's Dead saga plays up the psychological effects of the zombie apocalypse on mankind. With everyone trapped in a bunker underground with no outside communication things begin to become a bit claustrophobic. With a wide range of personality from the military big shot and his over zealous lackeys to the scientists trying to do whatever they can to make advancements there are many conflicting ideas and plans going on down there. Despite the slow pace when it does take off it is quite the ride. Coming to fruition in a whirl of some of the visually appealing zombie gore of its time earning Day of the Dead its place on my list.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088993/

-Dead Alive a.k.a. Braindead (1992): A quirky little film from the 90's that many people may not have heard of. Originally I was surprised to see it was directed by Lord of the Rings very own Peter Jackson, and if you find nothing of value in this film (you would have to be mad) seeing his earlier style and humor makes this film worth a view. The jokes are corny in almost an Evil Dead style, the acting is terrible to a point that it adds so much to the corny humor.The special effects and gore are quite unrealistic even for its time but they are over the top to a point where that is quite forgivable. Great one liners, a fun light style and a ridiculous amount of gore earn this film its place on my list.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103873/

-Dawn of the Dead (1978): Second in the dead lineup this classic zombie flick brings a great variety of humor, gore, and psychological drama to the table. A group of police and news crew survivors escape on a news copter in search of somewhere to wait out the zombie disaster and as usual they end up choosing a shopping mall. The gore and effects are decent for its time but overall nothing to get excited over. At times I got an odd A-Team feeling from this film especially while they are in the process of barricading the mall. My least favorite of Romero's Dead films but still a great classic.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077402/

Bolt Digital 3D

Finally got around to checking out this movie. I've never been a fan of Disney movies so I was in no rush to see it (Miley Cyrus only added even less excitement to that) My pre-screening impressions couldn't have been more wrong. This film is easily my second favorite animated adventure of the year, second only to Wall-E for obvious reasons. Once you're able to get past the ridiculousness of the celebrities chosen to do the voice acting it ends up presenting a touching story with plenty of characters and situations almost anyone can feel for and relate to. Travolta's voice work for Bolt was superb as well as many of the lesser part supporting roles. I got the best laugh at some of the amazing innuendo humor from the pigeons that no child, and most adults will even pick up on. Though with a voice over by Nick Swardson you expect something great.

My few gripes with the movie. The choice of Disney's very own golden girl Miley Cyrus as the voice of Penny leaves you picturing the pop princess Hannah Montana throughout the whole film instead of the loving, caring, worried little girl she is representing. Now I understand that she has become such an icon in the preteen market to which this film will largely target that it only makes sense to pick her and help draw in more tickets and thus more money, but I can still dream that a company could put aside finances to make a movie wholly more enjoyable. The only other major gripe I had with Bolt was that seeing it in 3-D did not seem to do much at all for the film. There were very few times in which I felt as though the 3-D was even taking effect. The electric gloves of The Green Eyed Man's henchmen, and the Needle that is destroyed towards the end are the only two scenes really.

Overall I enjoyed it much more than I though I would. I am aware that doesn't say a lot but it really was a good wholesome movie that anyone in the family can enjoy or at the absolute least tolerate to see. If you still haven't and plan to see this in the theaters, whether with your family and friends or flying solo, do your billfold a favor and see the standard version. You wont miss out on anything in doing so, and that saved couple dollars can be well transferred into paying for one fourth of that ridiculously overpriced fountain pop you're getting.

Final Score 9 out of 10

Step Brothers: DVD Release Review

Going into this film originally I had rather low expectations. I have never been a huge fan of Will Farrell and in many cases find his humor to be rather obnoxious. Putting aside my prejudice I took to this film and over all thought it was a rather enjoyable experience. Not quite the laugh out loud comedy fest his films are often made out to be but a very enjoyable film. The characters though rather ridiculous are entertaining and to an extent relate able (we all can relate to wanting to build bunk beds in our childhood just maybe not when we are 40) On top of that the multitudes of memorable lines in the movie will extend the humor of this endeavor to a much greater extent.

If you're a fan of Will Farrell and his prior movies then this is a must own. If his humor isn't quite your taste this film can still be salvageable as a rental.

With four varying cuts of this movie currently hitting the shelf you may be wondering which to purchase. I personally have never been a blu-ray junkie, though I can understand the significance of some films in high definition. This is a film I see no reason to view in high definition so I would suggest saving a few bucks and crossing that off the list now. Second to go is the single disc rated edition. Having seen both the rated theatrical version and the extended unrated cut I cant see anything much worse in the unrated that would be over the limits already crossed in the rated cut.

In the end I would put it in a toss up between the single and two disc unrated editions based on how much extra content you're looking for. The deleted scenes, and gag reel are present on both cuts and in my opinion are possibly even more funny than the movie itself. If you're looking for a few more extras grab the two disc but either cut you will not be let down.

Final Score 7 out of 10

Zombie Apocalypse part 1

Ive always been rather fascinated by the concept of a zombie apocalypse. In recent years that fascination has taken hold and snowballed into a near obsession. Films, video games, literature; I've taken it upon myself to soak up as much of the brain munching undead beasts as I can, and in doing so I came to realize just how much more lies behind the undead armies.

I've been compiling a list of some of my most enjoyed zombie flicks of all time and here is my first installment. Just keep in mind these are in no particular order of significance, and just because these were the first five I wrote up doesn't put them above any later posts choices.


-Shaun of the Dead (2004): Showing exactly how a spoof movie should be done earns Simon Pegg and Nick Frost a permanent place in my heart. Exploring many of the genres "what if" scenarios and playing against all the major stereotypes to a strong degree. The lovable characters, over the top humor, and grade A acting will set this film as a comedic/zombie classic in years to come.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/

-Dawn of the Dead (2004): We all know remakes of classics rarely ever hold up to the original (especially so in the zombie movie genre) but this is one exception. Part of its success as a remake is that it takes only the main concept of the original (survivors blockaded in a mall) and runs with it in its own direction. Plenty of good gory scenes but tame compared to some of the others that made my list. Well deserving of a spot being one of the only post 80s remakes that i can stand to watch again and again.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363547/

-Night of the Living Dead (1968): This is easily one of my all time favorite zombie endeavors. It may not be much by today's movie standards but it will always be my most beloved classic. Lacking all the gore you expect in a zombie flick it still manages to keep a more tame sense of fear that the exceptional cast portrays phenomenally.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/

-Fido (2006): Not your first thought by a long shot when you're picking out a zombie movie for the night but its that very unique take on the genre that in my eyes gives this movie such great appeal. It's a concept that has been delved into in countless predecessors and that is the intellectual zombie. Most films have given minor glimpses into the possibility of rehabilitation of the psyche of the undead but very few get much further than that. Fido on the other hand begins in a world where we have come to control the undead swarms and use them to our advantage. Its Leave It To Beaver style society and interesting approach to the genre make this one a definite must see.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457572/

-Land of the Dead (2005): Originally I had quite the distaste for this film. Still I find some portions to be rather ridiculous but after further consideration the films plot and its cultural, and political references in comparison to our current upper/middle/lower class separation. I started to find the plot and characters a lot more interesting. The zombies learning to think for themselves, the lowly commoners in the city, and the rich men up stairs in the tower running it all is very reminiscent of Orwell's 1984 and warrants this one in my opinion a place in my top 10.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418819/