'Pacific Rim' Review

Greetings once again, to all those out there who have been wonderful and loyal readers of my blog over the years. Well here I am once again, with another review for you all. I just got home from catching an evening showing of Guillermo del Toro's new summer hit Pacific Rim. And I have got to tell you, I was very impressed.

Right then, on with the review. I won't plan on spoiling the plot in any way for those who have yet to see it, but I can break down the movie into these categories: casting, plot in terms of pacing/writing (without giving it away) and special effects. Ok, everyone ready? Let's go!

So to start out, we have Charlie Hunnam as Raleigh Becket, former Jaeger pilot called back into service to pilot one of the few remaining Jaeger's that has survived the war with the Kaiju. Alongside him we have Idris Elba (many will remember him as Heimdall in Thor) as Becket's commanding officer Stacker Pentecost. Filling the lead female role is Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi, playing Mako Mori, who works on the Jaeger project alongside Stacker. And filling in a very hilarious role as the one project's resident scientists is Charlie Day of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' fame, and then there is Ron Perlman as Hannibal Chau, a black market dealer. The rest of the cast was excellent, bringing in many unheard of actors as fellow Jaeger pilots, all in all, del Toro did a great job picking the right people to fill these, brilliant, just absolutely brilliant.

Plot wise, the movie went along at a brisk pace. Details filled in nicely, and the main characters really get fleshed out towards what could be called the second act of the film. It had its amusing moments, but they weren't awkward or forced in any way, they made me laugh because I found them funny, not because I felt I had to find them funny. The fighting sequences are beautifully scripted, like some sort of violent ballet of action.

As for the visual effects, wow just utterly wow. del Toro crafts these Jaeger mechas in a way that is just so fantastic, you wish that these things were real. We (the audience) get a real good look at how the pilot system of these machines works, a dual interface between two pilots, linked by a neural bridge. The monsters, the Kaiju, they are really scary. I mean the digital work on these beasts is outstanding, and even though they are designed to look the same in many ways physically, del Toro makes up for this by showcasing them as having many different "offensive" weapons that are a part of their bodies. I won't say what kind of weapons, because that would be telling now wouldn't it.

All in all, I give this film four out four stars for keeping me captivated the entire time, amazing casting, excellent plot, outstanding visual effects and presenting a film that doesn't pastiche or homage the classic giant monster films of the 20th century, but creates a stand alone piece that showcases a story of utter brilliance and magnificence. I highly recommend that all who read this review, that have not seen this film, to do so. You will sit down, and be treated to two hours of action-packed, mind blowing awesomeness.

'Man of Steel' Review

As of moments ago, I returned home after viewing Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan's amazing and mind-blowing film, presenting in a fresh, and bright as dawn light, one of comic book's most recognizable figures. The sets, the costumes, the special effects, the cast, all of it was beautifully done. I will not be offering any spoilers for those who read this and have yet to see the film, so don't worry about that. Now, on with the review!

To start out, the sets were amazing. The Krypton presented to audiences at the beginning of the film was the most amazing, technologically advanced rendition of the planet ever seen on film. Gone is the cold, harsh ice world of the classic Christopher Reeve's film, instead we are given the Krypton of the comic books, a world thousands of years ahead of our own, with creatures and machines the likes of which have never before been seen by humankind. As for Smallville and Metropolis, Plano Illinois and Chicago are excellent backdrops for these key components of the Superman mythos. All though more of Smallville is seen in the film (fight scenes, flashbacks to Clark's past), the use of Chicago for Metropolis was great. I'm basically tooting my home state support horn here, but so what? I look forward to seeing in the next Superman film, if (and hopefully) Chicago will again be used for Metropolis. 

For the costumes, oh man where to start? The Kryptonian garb worn by Jor-El (Russell Crowe), Lara (Ayelet Zurer), Zod (Michael Shannon) and the Kryptonian Council were awesome. Truly, those clothes were out of this world (ok sue me, its a classic pun and it fits). Superman's uniform was awesome, and looked insanely comfortable to wear. The S-shield on the chest of the costume was a stylized version of the one used during the 1940's in the comics, and not only that, but the S wasn't even actually part of the costume. Instead of being physically on the suit, sewn in, it was raised, like a logo or crest, marking the significance of the symbol (in the film it is the symbol of the House of El). 

Now for the special effects, and wowzer's were they ever amazing. Simulating Superman's powers on the screen has always been a challenge for filmmakers, but this time, they got it so right, it jumped several levels on the awesome scale. When Superman is in flight, it all looks so fluid and loose at the same time, like if a man truly could fly (with years of honing it) this is what it would look like. The effects used to render the various Kryptonian creatures, buildings, and ships seen in the film were spectacular, and so real, one would almost imagine all of it to truly exist. 

On to the cast. Oh goodness me, where to start? Ok, let's start with the obvious one, Henry Cavill stepping in to don the cape and tights of Superman. In a nutshell, Cavill IS Superman. He nailed the character so well, although there were times when he seemed a bit too serious. But aside from that readers, if Superman was a real person, this is how I would imagine him to be, quiet, serious, but with a sense of humor, an honorable being, raised by two loving parents, and endowed with the knowledge and teachings of both his human father and his Kryptonian father. 

Amy Adams as Lois Lane, boy did they make the right call. Up till now, I've only seen Ms. Adams in more comedic musical roles, but she is the icing on the cake for Lois Lane portrayals. She was serious, sarcastic, and yet genuine and sweet as well. 

Michael Shannon as General Zod, oh holy crap was he scary! This guy nailed the Zod of the comic books, an egomaniacal person, a soldier determined to do his duty to his world, even at the cost of murder and violence. I hope he wins some kind of award for playing this role, because he deserves it. 

Russell Crowe as Jor-El, now this was a great casting choice from the start. He portrayed Superman's Kryptonian father in a way that took him beyond the role of the planets leading scientist, but also gives him the added title of total bad-ass. No other man could have played this role the way he did, I just can't think of anyone who could have pulled it off. 

The rest of the cast was spectacular. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane were wonderful as Jonathan and Martha Kent. They showed the genuine love and warmth that two parents would have for a child from the stars, and the influence that Jonathan is shown to have on Clark's life is huge in developing Clark's character choices throughout the film. Everyone else was awesome, a great cast was put together for the film, and they delivered stunning performances. 

Before I end this, I just want to say, how beyond awesome this film was. This is a film, that showed our world, the real world, and what happens when a being as powerful as Superman comes to it. If the world of comic books was to be a real one, I hope to God that it would be like this. This is a world (fictionally) that is going to become a place where the impossible is possible, things that could have never happened before will happen, and the stuff of dreams will become reality. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars for delivering the most amazing Superman film to date. Everything I talked about in this review, all of it, is what contributed to making this movie great. I hope that everyone who see's this movie will love it as much as I did. 

'Thor: The Dark World' Teaser=mega awesome!!

It is here!!!! The very first ever teaser trailer for Marvel Studio's 'Thor: The Dark World' has landed!!! This teaser is an amazing look at the upcoming film starring Marvel's very own God of Thunder. I won't write more on it, except that be prepared for awesome. Now enjoy the trailer Marvelites, and don't forget, Iron Man 3 comes out in exactly 11 days!!! 

'Man of Steel' Full Trailer

Now I grant you, this posting is a few days late, but that is what happens during finals time, things get a bit crazy and hectic and little wacky. Regardless, I am here now to dialogue about the full trailer for Warner Bros. and DC Comics new summer release, 'Man of Steel'. Ok, lets a go! 

To start out, I really like that we get a full glimpse of Krypton, and Russel Crowe and Ayelet Zurer as Jor-El and Lara. They both look amazing in full makeup and costume, and the scenery for Krypton is much cooler and more alien looking than, dare I say, the Krypton of the classic Christopher Reeves film. Yes, I went there. Maybe it's because as a writer I think a Krypton like this is way cooler to envision than a ice world. But hey, that's just me. 

The rest of the trailer, showing Clark's young life, his search for who he is, then full coming into his own as Superman, it is really quite fantastic. And I love the hinting's we get at the true scope of his powers, they are like tiny tasty tidbits of awesome. And the few bit's where we see Michael Shannon as General Zod, oh man oh man that is some good stuff I tell you what. 

All in all, I'm very excited for this film, and for all the great films coming out this summer. Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Great Gatsby. As man who loves all things comic book based, as well as literature, I look forward to each of these films with great anticipation. But for now I must get back to work, finals are next week, and I have lots to do. 

For all who have yet to see the full trailer, here it is! Enjoy and keep those calendars marked, those tickets pre-ordered and if you are dressing up in costume for the event, keep the costumes clean, neat and wrinkle free! 

Four Months...Dear Lord.

I officially have become the laziest guy ever. Four months, four months since my last posting. My only excuse, college just got really crazy busy. So I am going to make this a general post about, well all sorts of things.

Comic Book Updates 

So where to start. I guess I can't really take all the stuff that has happened, and condense it into one post. A series of posts maybe. One thing I can talk about, is the digital comic that popular podcast group Decoder Ring Theatre has been putting out via Comixology, published by MonkeyBrain Comics. 'Mask of the Red Panda' is a terrific series (albeit a short one) but it really exposes people to the Red Panda universe who have never listened to episodes of the show before. Hopefully, it will actually get people interested. The story is written by Decoder Ring founder and chief bottle washer Gregg Taylor, with art by the incredibly talented Dean Kotz. Here's a look at a one of the covers, and if that strikes your fancy, head over to Comixology and search 'Mask of the Red Panda.

Movies 

Oh wow, now this is a huge one. Ok, I'm just gonna break it down. There are so many amazing and incredible films coming out for the summer. So for those who actually do not know when, Iron Man 3 comes out May 3rd, Man of Steel comes out June 14th, and Star Trek Into Darkness comes out May 17th. Oh and for a piece of new movie news, the first piece of movie concept art for Captain America: The Winter Soldier (hits theatre's April 4, 2014). This piece of art alone, looks fantastic, cause you have Bucky rocking the bionic arm and the long-haired look, and I mean that aside, I have always been a huge fan of Captain America, so this movie is one' that I'm looking forward to so so much.

Ok so, the post is a short one, but I covered two things today. That aside, I'm back in the saddle, and with the films coming out, there will be much to write about. So keep reading loyal followers, keep enjoying life and keep being awesome people. Excelsior!

'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2' Review

Greetings and salutations internet! It has been, wow a long time since I made a post here on the blog, and it is high time I got back in the saddle. So today's post, will be a brief review of 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2' which came out on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

To begin, I was extremely excited to get my hands on a copy of this much anticipated release. For everyone who has read the comic, you know what to expect. And for everyone who has not read the comic, then buckle up, you are in for a wild ride. The level of brutality and violence is upped in a huge way. For starters, a chunk of Part 2 deals with the Joker, and his return after being in a catatonic state for ten years. He's back, and he wants blood, or at the very least Batman's head on a pike. I think one of my favorite scenes is the showdown between Batman and the Joker in the Hall of Mirrors and the Tunnel of Love.

The level of violence and wholesale mayhem is unparalleled, the like of which no one will ever see in a animated feature. And then, there is the second half of the film, which deals with the eventual showdown between Superman and Batman. Or Batman vs. Superman in this case. For those who have read the comic before, we all know the development of Superman's reaction to receiving orders from the President to take Batman down. And then there is the fight itself, which is nothing short of epic. I won't go and spoil it for everyone who hasn't had the chance to read the comic or see Part 2, but you are in for a treat, not only content and story wise, but in terms of the bonus features as well.

Overall, this isn't a perfect adaptation. But there is no denying that this is pretty much what we as fans would want. If you're a fan of the story, you'll be pleased to know that the filmmakers don't hold back. There is plenty of action and violence. The tone of the story is captured and this truly is the Dark Knight in his final days. Now some of the choices for voice actors are questionable but everyone does a stellar job regardless. There aren't a whole of stories that jump to mind that we want to see get made into films. The Dark Knight Returns is one of them because it's an important part of the Batman mythos.

'Les Misérables' Review

To start off, I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! And I would also like to apologize, for it being nearly three months since my last posting. This is what happens when life gets hectic, and college starts to become utterly frustrating. But enough of that.

This was, without a doubt, a fantastic and amazing film. Tom Hooper did an amazing job taking an astounding story and musical, with themes of love, forgiveness and change, adding in a cast of amazing and talented actors, stir in dynamite locations to portray 19th century France in all its squalor and chaos, and you get this movie.

Casting wise, everyone did an amazing job. Hugh Jackman was fantastic in the role of Jean Vajean, delivering a stirring performance with a fantastic job singing. Anne Hathaway, wow where do I begin? She owned Fantine. Her performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream' was so powerful and moving, I started to get emotional and nearly had to leave the theatre. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the heartless and greedy innkeepers the Thenardiers was hilarious and so utterly memorable. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Police Inspector Javert was fantastic, if a bit forgetful. While the songs and delivery were amazing, he didn't really come forth the ruthlessness I have seen in stage version's of the show, where Javert is shown to be quite heartless in some situations. Samantha Barks did a wonderful job as Eponine, her songs were beautifully sung.

Now despite the film's excellence in acting and song, there was one small issue I had with the movie. One was Hooper's constant changing camera angles. While I can see that the whole need to examine a scene from different sides works, in some cases it was a bit unnecessary. But beyond that, I had no other problems with the movie whatsoever.

All in all, this movie was amazing, and one that I intend to see again soon and buy once it comes out on dvd. I give this film five out of five stars, for bringing to the silver screen, one of my all time favorite musicals with the help of a stellar cast, sets, songs and a great director at the helm. I encourage everyone to see this movie.