Salvation

The re-imaging of the franchise is something we should be getting used to by this point.  Not only has it become the savior for studios, but also audiences.  Fresh ideas are so welcomed here.  Without progressive thinking, where would film end up?  Perhaps Casablanca would have just been made....

Anyways, this morning I walked to the famed Chinese theatre on Hollywood (I live about a ten minute walk.... Im lucky, I know).  There, I finally got to see the new "Terminator: Salvation" and was eager to see what some have reported to hate, while others noted they were thoroughly entertained.    **Now, I warn... I talk about the movie... So there are some spoilers***

"Terminator" was what I would call a real "guys" movie.  Something in-between a Chris Nolan story and style, a splash J.J. Abrams intensity, and the beauty of Michael Bay explosions (you cannot argue that man's ability to blow anything up and make it incredible).

The story is simple, destroy skynet and keep John Conner alive.  Bla bla bla.  We know how it goes back full circle.  But what I appreciated was how even though we knew what would happen and that this story wasn't over.... (Kyle Reece is now a teenager and that in is late twenties/early thirties would be sent back in time to prevent Sara Conner's death....) I was still entertained.

So the story is far from over.  Director McG acknowledged this.  He set this film to be a new trilogy.  Id look forward to another.  

One thing I wanted to point out, is the films style.  It is tremendously dark yet delivers very complex CGI, but none of this deters from how amazingly attractive the film turned out.  Its very blue and black.  All other colors (minus the explosion) are muted, almost lifeless.  Its slick and colored like '300'(kinda) was but as the spartans were treated with warm sepia tones, John Conner got a 'cool' look.  It was a great looking film, and the action shots were really nicely planned.

I wont go into the story's twist, which is a little predictable, but the evolution of John Conner from a soldier/prophet to a leader is a good one.  And yet the governor failed to make his appearance... which was fine with me....  Warner Bros. used good old computer graphics to get him in as that bloody robot, and wow... it looked great.

The acting was good, I especially enjoy Anton Yelchin (who was also in 'Star Trek').  He is

 proving to be a pretty talented young actor, and when you are surrounded by so many other lifeless famous young actors... it is nice to see one shine.  Plus, Helena Bonham Carter's presence is always appreciated by me.  She is one of my top ten favorite actors.  And Bryce Dallas Howard.... she is not only talented, but one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.  We all know Bale is a tremendous actor, so I wont mention him.  Sam Worthington also proved his skill.  It is nice to see a cast together who all are talented (and nice to look at).

All in all, I really liked it.  It is a completely separate film from the original two (and... the... ahem... 3rd)  but really, it should be different.  It takes place almost 40 years after the first, robots from the future are no longer secrets and things are meant to look and feel different.  Check it out, and let me know your take.

Paying Attention to Detail

Not all movies get their names in lights.  Or a big premiere.  But all the main actors of 'Bottle Shock' have had that experience before.  

Most of them have seen the red carpet.  Their names scrolling in credits.  And their faces across the silver screen.  (Basically I'm saying they are all accomplished actors.)

But, unfortunately, 'Bottleshock' is an easy movie to pass over at your local movie rental shop.  Honestly, I would not have picked it up if I hadnt seen a billboard for it, and known Alan Rickman was in it.  It is a phenomenal take on mixing, not only culture with wine, but dry English humor with American- not so dry humor.  

I actually loved the story.  I thought the acting was really quite remarkable.  Bill Pullman has been around forever, and this is the first time I really noticed him as a good actor.  He gave this film his all.  As did Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Rachael Taylor (from Transformers).

I think that (especially now after 'Star Trek') it is a good time to mention Chris Pine's acting talent.  He is a terrific actor.  I have only seen him in 'Star Trek' and 'Bottle Shock' but in each, he showed extreme capabilities.  I look forward to good acting almost as much as good directing or cinematography.  And even though I think Alan Rickman is one of the best around, or that Rachael Taylor is perhaps one of the most beautiful/yet talented actresses around.... 

you Mr. Pine, are doing your job quite well and shine above the rest.  Cheers.

Batman 3

If you are anything like me, you are dying to know who/ what/ where/ and most importantly when, regarding the sequel to 2008's 'Dark Knight'.  Unfortunately it is no secret that everything about the movie is a huge secret.

There is speculation about everything, but mostly about who the villain(s) will be and who will be bringing them to life.  I have heard so much, including Johnny Depp as the Riddler, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Penguin, and Angelina Jolie as Catwoman.  Each of those ideas sound terrible (perhaps not so much with Hoffman).  But, as much as it sounds cool to imagine Depp or Jolie donning bat costumes, I think the way to think of this is to consider whether these actors fit the franchise.  I do not doubt that whomever Christopher Nolan chooses will be excellent, but these characters seem obvious, overly A-list, and... frankly.... just dont fit into the series.  Can we really picture Johnny Depp arguing with Christian Bale  about riddles, and it working?  I cant.  There is a very selective casting process, and to me it just doesnt feel right.  Its, in part, a large portion of my argument as to why the Xmen franchise is failing.  Characters cast now have different values than were once used.  Popularity is a large part of it.  

Onto the topic at hand.  I wanted to share an artists view on how they feel villains in the next bat flick should look.  Some are very cool.  Others, not so much.  I particularly like Harley Quinn.  Being that Quinn is a doctor at Arkham whose mind is twisted by the Joker, just before she breaks him out, I think her addition would be wise.  Especially if it takes the entire movie to send her over the edge and during the final climax the editor intercuts her having this James Bond-esque (blowing everything up, guns blazing) rescue mission.  That would make me happy.  This artist chose Kristin Bell in his image.  I love the image, a lot.  Costume looks perfect.  But do I think Bell is right for it?  Im not actually sure.  I cannot think of anyone else at the moment, but whoever it is needs to be on par with the acting level of the Joker.  So finding someone who can do that is very important, not just for the look.  The actors need to bounce off one another to keep it believable.  

But then there is Catwoman, who I feel is all wrong.  For me, I think this artist's representation

 of the feline burglar lacks the very thing that makes Catwoman appealing, pure sexiness.  Also, as much as I love Miss Marion Cotillard, I dont find her right for the part.  Personally, I would choose someone a bit more stunning (I think Cotillard is cute, not stunning), tall, and would look great in some tight cat suit.

  Somewhere I read a suggestion that I completely agreed with, Kate Beckinsale.  She is ridiculously beautiful, tall/lean, looks great in leather, and seems perfect for the role.  Also, I can see Rebecca Hall (from Vicky Christina Barcelona) playing the part.

Next, Riddler.  Johnny Depp would bother me.  I think he is a great actor, but he seems too easy of a choice, and, doesn't fit the franchise.  This artist 'Joshwmc' chose David Tennant, who could be great (I would prefer him as the Mad Hatter obsessed with doing the 'off with his head' to Batman.... or something a bit more off).  But my vote would go for Daniel Day-Lewis, for a scary take on the puzzle master.  I think his riddle would be trying to figure out what actually happened to Harvey Dent and work to expose the truth. That, and throwing small clues at Batman to where he would be causing problems next.  That would be creepy and no doubt a great performance.  

I wanted to throw in another idea.  Poison Ivy was ruined (as was Bane, Mr. Freeze, and Batgirl) in 'Batman and Robin'.  Something fun about this character is that she is a brilliant scientist who has gone nuts for flora.  Before the Dark Knight came out, I envisioned Grey's Anotomy and Private Practice's own redhead Kate Walsh.  But lately, I think Amy Adams would nail the character.  She is fair skinned, redhead, and can pull over serious as well as loopy.  She is classically beautiful and would fit into the series nicely.  Not to mention she is a brilliant actress.

Whomever the Nolan's choose I'm sure will be great.  Im just excited for it all to come together for a third go-round.

The Reader & The Wrestler

I recently watched both 'The Wrestler' and 'The Reader'.  Both are excellent movies.  

I'll Talk about 'Reader' first. 

'The Reader' is a coming of age story in Nazi Germany.  It centers around Michael Berg (played by 18 - at the time- year old David Kross) and Hanna (Kate Winslet).  Ralph Fiennes plays the older version of Michael and was directed by Stephen Daldry.

Winslet won an oscar for her performance, so we dont need to talk about its brilliance.  But someone to mention is David Kross.  At only 18, Kross's performance was outstanding.  He is really someone I expect we will see more of now in America.  

The movie itself is a thoughtful look at how one might live with their secrets.  It's very shocking in itself, being that both Winslet and Kross spend a good deal of the movie naked.  But over all, such a wonderful film.

Then there is The Wrestler.  Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were both outstanding.  But, the Oscars already told us all about the acting.  I wanted to see the performances, but what I went in to this film not knowing, was what a great overall movie it was.  I loved it.  It was a real story, with real people, in a very real world.  (minus the Hollywood ending).  But I loved it.  

Also, I usually can stomach gore, but because of the realism in this film, I'd suggest preparing yourself for a little bit of blood because I was squirming.