Day 111: Men In Black II

Men In Black II
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones
Rated: PG-13
Length: 88 Min.
Released: July 3, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Kay and Jay reunite to provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIBs untarnished mission statement: protecting the earth from the scum of the universe. It’s been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. And now it’s a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay-who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the Men In Black, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy-to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.

My Thoughts:
I was anticipating this movie so much when it came out. I went in with such hight hopes that it would deliver just like the first one. As it turns out, it has everything the first film had…and that’s it’s problem. This movie had such great potential but just couldn’t deliver an original idea. It literally had all the same jokes, plot points and so on. It was really sad.

The comedic chemistry between Jones and Smith also had some issues. They just didn’t have it in this one. I think part of the reason is because the mentor/mentee dynamic was all out of wack through most of the film. It just wasn’t the same witty humor from the last one. First Jay is “in charge” as Kay has no memory for half the film and then when he gets it back there is this strange power struggle issue about who’s in charge. It made for a couple half way good jokes, but most of the jokes didn’t work as well because of that strange dynamic.

Oh, and don’t get me started on the villain. She had potential, but that was all. It wasn’t the perfect blend of “The Bug” in the first film.

Another thing I hate is when a trailer uses all the best material from the movie…especially jokes!!! If you haven’t seen the trailer yet…don’t. Yes, I know I put a link up for those who just “have to” watch it. However, I have a feeling the movie will be FAR better without the jokes being ruined by the trailer.

Just about the only thing it this that was a real “treat” to watch was Frank the dog. Sure, his jokes seemed a bit juvenile at times, but with that adorable dog dropping those lines and taking on the role of an “agent” it totally worked. It was a lot of fun to see him get a more prominent role.

Still, it was an entertaining movie. Not as good as the other one, but still okay. There is a third film being worked on right now that will be in 3D and released in 2012. Rumor has it the plot will deal with time travel. Seeing as how I’m a sucker for time travel plots I can’t help but be a little excited. Lets hope they learned from MIB II and give us something more original. This one is getting 3 stars out of 5.

Day 110: Men In Black

Men In Black
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones & Will Smith
Rated: PG-13
Length: 98 min.
Released: July 2, 1997
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay and Jay, members of a top-secret organization established to monitor and police alien activity on Earth. The two Men in Black find themselves in the middle of the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies. In order to prevent worlds from colliding, the MiB must track down the terrorist and prevent the destruction of Earth. It’s just another typical day for the Men in Black.

My Thoughts:
When I saw this movie in the theaters I had no idea what it was about. Come to think of it…this was the first movie I ever went to see in the theaters without knowing a thing about it. I don’t do that very often. I was glad I did with this one. It turned out to be my favorite movie all year. I saw it three times in the theater that year, and had it on VHS and watched it over and over. To this day I can still quote most of the movie.

This movie just works on so many levels. It’s highly entertaining, great special effects, action, story/plot and the actors were cast perfectly. Jones and Smith have perfect comedic chemistry. Their mentor/protege  relationship is so much fun to watch. But all of that wouldn’t work nearly as well without a great villain…which they have. The villain in this film is the perfect blend of creepy, discussing, intimidating and hilarious. The whole film has a great balance of action, menace and  comedy, but the best example of that is seen when watching “The Bug.”

This film has also aged well too. Now over a decade old, it’s still a highly entertaining action comedy. You can probably guess I’m giving this one 5 stars out of 5. More accurately I’d like to call it a 5 star popcorn flick. It’s just such a fun movie to watch. Tomorrow is Men In Black II…

P.S. On a side note, who could forget the hit song and music video of Will Smith’s Men In Black song!!! LOL It’s such a classic 90s hit!!!

Day 98: Godzilla

Godzilla
Director: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria & Kevin Dunn
Rated: PG-13
Length: 139 min.
Released: May 20, 1998
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Following the French atomic bomb tests in the South Pacific, an unknown creature is spotted passing eastward through the Panama Canal. Scientist Niko Tatopolous is called in to investigate the matter, and he quickly arrives at the conclusion that a giant, irradiated lizard has been created by the explosions. Godzilla then makes its way north, landing at Manhattan to begin wreaking havoc in the big city. Even with the combined forces of the U.S. military to fight the monster, will it be enough to save the people of New York?

My Thoughts:
When it comes to the Americanized Godzilla I am a bit of an anomaly because I am one of the few that actually enjoyed it. I know I’ll get a lot of crap for that…and I don’t care. It’s a great sci-fi/monster popcorn movie. Grant it the special effects didn’t age well and it’s nothing like the original Godzilla films…but I don’t care. I hated the original Godzilla movies. They were laughable, they really were. Even the “Godzilla 2000″ film was simply atrocious. The Americanized Godzilla was exactly what I was expecting and hoping for…less cheese and BS special effects, a more intresting and engaging story and a much better cast.

Yet, this film has gotten so many bad reviews. To many it was a “flop.” At the Japanese premier Heisei Godzilla suit actor Ken Satsuma walked out of film early (after the helicopter chase sequence) saying “It’s not Godzilla, it does not have the spirit.” I agree 100%…and I thank God for that. Never mind the fact that it grossed over $380 million worldwide when it was released in theaters. Yeah…some flop.

I also like the little jabs at the USA/French relations and cultural differences, the jabs at Siskel and Ebert by giving the air-head Mayor and his assistant their names, and the little wink at the “Godzilla” vs “Gojira” pronunciation (Gojira was the name of the first “Godzilla” movie released in 1954). They all make it quite entertaining.

Also, like in Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and more recently 2012, Roland Emmerich stays true to form by demolishing several iconic buildings and landmarks like Madison Square Garden, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building among others, and who doesn’t like that…right?

Is it a spectacular film?…no. Is it a ground breaking special effects movie…no. Is it a fun American interpretation of this classic monster that makes him more believable and keeps him grounded in reality… absolutely. If you have never liked the originals (like me) then you will have a better shot enjoying this one. I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 77: The Chronicles of Riddick: The Director’s Cut

The Chronicles of Riddick: The Director’s Cut
Directed by: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos & Keith David
Rated: NR (Theatrical PG-13)
Length: 134 min.
Theatrical Release: June 11, 2004
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Five years ago… Escaped convict Richard B. Riddick escaped from a desert planet with his two companions, religious man Imam and runaway teenage girl Jack. After five years wandering across the outskirts of the galaxy and being hunted by bounty hunters calming the bounty on his head, Riddick arrives on the colonized planet New Mecca, he learns Imam placed the bounty on his head and Jack has been imprisoned on the prison planet “Crematoria” for murder. Riddick learns from Aereon, ambassador of the Elemental race is seeking out Furians, a race of warriors in a bid to balance the universe, as a warrior army known as The Necromongers led by the evil undead Lord Marshal are invading every planet in the galaxy and cleansing all of humanity in their goal for universal conquest. Beliving Riddick is a Furian warrior, Aereon decides to hire Riddick believing he is the one man who can stop The Lord Marshal and the Necromongers. When the Necromongers attacks New Mecca, Riddick is captured by cocky bounty hunter Toombs and his crew and he is transported to Crematoria, where he reunites with Jack now named ‘Kyra’, where Riddick and Kyra escapes to the planet’s sun ravaged surface, where Riddick helped by Necromonger warrior Vakko and his sexy wife Dame Vakko, sets out to defeat the Lord Marshal and save the universe from the Lord Marshal’s rule and save the rest of humanity from being converted into Nercomonger warriors.

My Thoughts:
WAY different from Pitch Black…way different. It’s a straight up sci-fi action flick. Not a scary horror/monster flick at all.

It is weird though. It almost comes across as some kind of artistic sci-fi critique of the Crusades…or perhaps extreme Islam or some other crazy violent religious movement. It was a bit off-putting…I’m not going to lie.

This one is really the kind of movie you have to see for yourself and make up your mind. It’s hard to really explain it all…the good and the bad. I’m giving it 3 stars out of 5.

Day 76: The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury

The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury
Directed by: Peter Chung
Starring: Vin Diesel, Rhiana Griffith & Keith David
Rated: Not Rated
Length: 35 min.
Released: June 15, 2004
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
After escaping from a desert planet, Escaped convict Richard B. Riddick and his two companions, Jack and Imam are captured by a crew of bounty hunters of the vessel “Kublah-Khan” commanded by a imperial woman named Antonia Chillingsworth and her chief henchman Junner. Riddick discovers Chillingsworth has her own museum on-board and she collects the galaxy’s most-wanted criminals and instead of delivering them to penal colonies and claiming the bounty, Chillingsworth turns them into living statues and Riddick has become the latest addition to her collection.

My Thoughts:
If you read my “rules’ for this blog you may be asking, “Why is he reviewing this one?  It’s not a feature film.” But I did note that I would make a few exceptions if they dealt directly with a movie series…and this qualifies.

Anyway…

To say this was a strange story would be an understatement. It makes for an interesting transition piece between the two major films, and it provides a unique back story for the next film…but it’s just weird.

The animation is okay, and it’s great that all the actors loaned their voices for this…but it’s just weird. I had a hard time buying it because it was so far out there…even for a sci-fi film. The battle sequences were cool, but as a story…like I said, weird.

I’m giving this one 2.5 stars out of 5.

Day 75: Pitch Black: Unrated Director’s Cut

Pitch Black: Unrated Director’s Cut
Directed by: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser & Keith David
Rated: NR (Theatrical R)
Length: 112 min.
Released: February 18, 2000
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
The space transport vessel “Hunter-Gratzner” carrying 40 people on-board crashes on a desert planet when the ship is struck in a meteor storm. There are only 10 survivors, among them are pilot Carolyn Fry (Who has assumed command after the ship’s captain is killed), bounty hunter William J. Johns, religious man Abu “Imam” al-Walid, Antiques dealer Paris P. Ogilvie, runaway teenage girl Jack, settlers John ‘Zeke’ Ezekiel and his lover Sharon ‘Shazza’ Montgomery and Richard B. Riddick, a dangerous escaped convict. Marooned, the 10 survivors finds the barren and hot desert-scape has sunlight from three suns. Not only they find food and water, and worry about Riddick, the survivors finds themselves being hunted by the planet’s flesh eating alien inhabits, when the planet is engulfed in darkness, which happens every 22 years, as they come out on to the surface to hunt and eat all signs of life. Fry and the survivors finds Riddick is their best chance of survival, as Riddick has surgically-enhanced silver eyes that allow him to see in the dark as they set out to find a way of escaping from the planet and getting to a escape shuttle, before they all get eaten by the creatures on the surface.

My Thoughts:
I’m not a huge Vin Diesel fan, but this one was really good. Going into it the first time I had my doubts about this being any good at all. I got dragged into it because, like I said before, I’m a scary/monster movie fan and I’m a sci-fi fan as well. This one fits the criteria of both.

To my surprise I really enjoyed it! It was a solid sci-fi story without going to far over the top. The acting wasn’t horrible and and neither were the special effects. It wasn’t the greatest movie ever…but it was a surprisingly fun and entertaining ride.

One of the coolest things about this film visually is how they use  light and changing the hue to adjust the tone of the movie. If you weren’t watching it with that in mind you may not even notice it. Since the creatures are allergic to light it makes for an interesting oportunity to use light in this picture in a very clear and direct way. For example, there are two different suns. One is blue and the other is a red/orange. Also, Riddick sees everything with a purplish tone, the creatures see in a grayish black/white hue and even in the dark (once the suns go down) they use various different colored light like white, red, even green and blue to change the feel of the scene. It’s really kind of cool to how they do it.

Other than that I don’t have much else to say really. I know I’m not “selling” this one very well, but I don’t want to give too much of it away. It was better for me knowing less about it when I went into it. If you think it looks dumb I would say just give it a shot. This was such a unique idea for a movie and I had a lot more fun that I thought I would. I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5.

Day 71: Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity
Directed by: Oren Peli
Starring: Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat
Rated: R
Length: 86 min.
Released: October 16, 2009
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Katie and her boyfriend Micah have been living together for three years and out of the blue, they are haunted by an entity while they are sleeping. Katie discloses to Micah that she has been haunted since she was eight year-old. The skeptical Micah buys a camera to videotape the paranormal activity in their home during the night. Katie calls Fredrichs, to help them, but he explains that he is specialist in ghosts. However he feels the presence of a fiend and advises the couple to call a friend of his.

My Thoughts:
I like movies like this that capture your attention and make you realize that it doesn’t require a massive budget, huge stars and in your face grotesque special effects to make a decent scary movie. This is proof that all you need is a good idea and the right people to make it happen.

I also have to say I am a sucker for scary movies. Yes, I am a fan. Guilty as charged. Ironically, I am never really scared…ever. Even the first part of this one just seemed silly and wasn’t making much of a positive impression.

From what I’ve seen, most of the negative reviews about Paranormal Activity are based on the level of “boredom” that the viewer had. I can kind of understand that. However, sadly, I would mainly attribute this to years of scary movies showing you what you should be scared of rather than allowing us to see just enough to let the mind fill in the blanks.

Many people today have a hard time using their imagination when going to the movies because they are so use to movies filling in all the visual blanks for them. While I would agree to an extent with the “boredom” and lack of scariness during the first 20 min. (keys dropping, lamps shaking, pounding on walls…stuff like that) it did eventually pick up. The low budget Blair Witch documentary style simply adds to the believability of the story.

I’d also add that if you even remotely buy into the possibility of demonic forces…by the end it will literally scare the hell out of you. Most movies don’t stick with me, but I’ll be honest…I was praying in the car on the way home from seeing this one for the first time. This is one film that “followed me home” if you will. The reason for that is simply because I believe this stuff does happen for real. I felt bad for the characters in this film because, quite honestly, trying to deal with this stuff outside of Jesus and the cross is a pointless endeavor.

Yes, it was a bit boring at first, but hey…they did a lot with such a low budget and (though it dragged a lot through the first half of the film) it had that “after-fright” effect which rarely happens with me…I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 59: Reign of Fire

Reign of Fire
Directed by: Rob Bowman
Starring: Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco & Gerard Butler
Rated: PG-13
Length: 101 min.
Released: July 12, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A 12 year old Quinn Abercromby accompanies his mother to work one day at a London tunneling project, his witnesses the accidental uncovering a centuries old fire-breathing dragon beast and waken it from it’s sleep. After witnesses the beast kill his mother the film jumps twenty years later to a grown up Quinn who is the “fire chief” in a refugee camp. Unexpectedly an American militia leader shows up at the camp with a group of men that he calls “slayers.” Van Zan and Quinn engage in a power struggle, before realizing it’s the dragons they should be fighting instead.

My Thoughts:
This movie really took me by surprise. I loved it! It looked like a typical b flick monster movie at first. But, it’s directed by Rob Bowman who is know most notably for his role in the X-Files (which I LOVE), so I figured I’d give it a shot. This one really delivers on the action and believability of these creatures. Even the concept as to how they “breath fire” is well thought out. These monsters look and act like real creatures. Seriously…the most believable ”dragons” I have ever seen on screen.

The casting is also perfect! It has a lot of big names just before they got huge. That’s always fun to see. In particular…to my shock McConaughey is REALLY good as a no bull army general! I first thought that was a horrid choice and wasn’t sure about watching the movie because he just doesn’t seem like the right guy for that role, but what a transformation! He blew me away and really delivered!

Through the whole film I just had a ton of fun. Great action and a surprisingly believable monster and “post-apocalyptic” world. I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5. Vote below what you would give it and tell me your thoughts!

Day 52: 30 Days of Night

30 Days of Night
Directed by: David Slade
Starring: Josh Hartnett & Melissa George
Rated: R
Length: 113 min.
Released: October 19, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com
This is the story of an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As the last rays of light fade, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted orgy of destruction. Only the small town’s husband-and-wife Sheriff team stand between the survivors and certain destruction.

My Thoughts:
This is what a vampire movie is suppose to be! All you Twilight Saga fans out there need to watch this movie and re-educate yourself on what vampires are suppose to be like. Simply put they are very very evil. They’re just really bad guys! No sparkles…just pure, unadulterated evil people who want to kill you.

Okay, now that that’s out of my system…

This is one dark, scary & creepy film. It’s a great concept for a vampire movie! I mean, what better place for a vampire to go buck wild and have some vampire “fun” than in a place on the planet that’s cut off from the rest of civilization and in total darkness for a whole month? Like they said in the movie, why didn’t someone think of this sooner? The creep factor can be given to two major things. One, they barely speak a word of English which makes them that much more ominous and creepy. And two…they just look totally messed up! Like…kind of human, but a little off. Just enough to know they aren’t exactly people. They are pretty freaky. This really is how vampires are suppose to be.

The one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the climactic ending…it wasn’t much of one. I mean…it worked, but I was left with a feeling that it just wasn’t enough. It felt as if it was lacking something. Not exactly sure what, but it was lacking. I’m a big fan of endings that make you think, endings that wrap it all up, and even endings that don’t “wrap it all up”…but the one thing I can’t stand is a movie that ends to quickly. On occasion I do find movies that take forever to end and that’s equally annoying. This one, however, was too quick.

This is the first truly scary “horror” movie I’ve had in this marathon so far (I don’t really count The Exorcism of Emily Rose and I explain why in my blog post about it). I can assure you it won’t be the last. I have a good number of scary movies in my collection. At any rate…I’m giving this one 3 stars out of 5. I loved how true to form the vampires were and, the concept seemed like a great idea (almost a no brainer), but the ending just wasn’t strong enough.

Day 49: Monsters, Inc.

Monsters, Inc.
Directed by: Pete Docter & David Silverman
Starring: John Goodman, Billy Crystal & Steve Buscemi
Rated: G
Length: 92 min.
Released: November 2, 2001
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
In the world behind our closet doors, monsters like Mike and Sulley work hard for their income. To be exact, the monster world depends on our children’s screams: It is their energy that makes lightbulbs glow and cars drive. Big companies like Monsters, Inc. collect the scream energy, and many monsters work there in shifts. In these times, it is getting harder and harder to shock the kids properly, since they’re so spoiled by television, so that there’s an energy shortage in the monster world. Sulley, the number one frightener, one day accidentally lets a human child into the monster world. Since kids are supposed to be poisonous and carry loads of diseases, pandemonium ensues. After Mike and Sulley discover that the girl they named Boo actually seems quite harmless, they decide to bring her back through her door into her room. But Boo’s presence is more than just a mere accident. Now, Mike and Sulley have to face an enemy within their own ranks.

My Thoughts:
It’s hard to believe that this movie is now almost a decade old. I only have good stuff to say about this one. It has a great message, Crystal and Goodman are perfect and it has the perfect level of scare, adventure and comedy for the kids as well as the adults. Just the concept of kids scaring monsters is awesome. An idea that parents needed “proof” of for their kids for a long time. Thanks to Disney and Pixar…they have it.

That’s really all I have to say. I just love it. From beginning to end the film is a perfect family animated movie. You’ll just have to watch it for yourself and find out what I mean. I’m giving this one 5 stars out of 5. It’s an animated masterpiece.