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Reviews
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Screw the critics and the haters, this film ROCKS!
Forget the haters and the critics for a moment. When you think of a sequel to the blockbuster "Transformer" from 2007, what are you really looking for? T2 delivers in every way.
Shia and Megan do adequately. They both have plenty of room to grow as actors, and I have no doubt they will succeed.
The humor from the first film is back, and if you don't appreciate it then that is your problem. The movie is hilarious.
The clincher though is the amazing action and special effects, as well as the standout performer: Optimus Prime. He is bad, as in bad to the bone, and is perhaps the greatest CGI character of all time.
I was able to see it on iMax, and it truly is one of the most cinematic experiences that I have ever had.
Thank you Michael Bay.
Star Trek (2009)
Surpasses my expectations in every way!
As soon as I saw the first teaser trailer for Star Trek (the one that showed a person working on the Enterprise) I knew it would be special. Abrams knocked my socks off with Cloverfield, and Star Trek is even better.
I will not give away one detail, but the movie held me from the beginning to end.
Each cast member pulls their weight, I thought the Chris Pine and Zach Quinto especially deserve props. I would think that the casting of the new Kirk and Spock would be hardest to pull off, and they are AMAZING!!! I am a fan of the older movies, and this is definitely up there with "Wrath of Kahn," if not better.
Worth your money and then some!
Hermanas (2005)
The most boring movie that I have ever seen.
I had to watch this movie for Spanish 101. I was expecting something bad, since I am slightly biased against foreign films (Pan's Labyrinth being the one exception), but I was blown the wrong way.
The acting is bad, the characters, while in sympathetic situations, aren't that sympathetic themselves, and I found myself not really caring about any of it. The plot leaves out a lot of story, and even tantalizes us with a possible side plot that may wake the audience from their stupor, but drop it as well.
The one bright spot of this atrocious film is the child of one of the sisters.
Without the child, this would be 1/10. Only watch if you are assigned to watch it for a class. You are better off reading a book on the Ar gentian coup than watching this.
Stay away. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Impeccable Sequel
I read the e-controversy of Die Hard IV and it's PG-13 rating, and I was immediately disappointed in the rating. However, I decided that I would be neutral and not judge the movie until after I had seen it.
Trust me, Live Free or Die Hard is amazing.
In a year in which disappointing sequels such as Pirates of the Caribbean 3 are bringing untold pain on massive audiences, Die Hard fans and noobs alike can enjoy John McClane's latest romp.
While all of the other Die Hard movies have had humor, this one is definitely the one I laughed at the most, and the audience laughed a lot as well. When the action simmers down a bit, expect to be entertained even through the other parts, as the characters are so enjoyable.
As expected, the government people and enemies are decidedly stereotypical (Die Hard 1's villain was the exception), but this does not detract from the movie.
The Cyber-Terrorism plot seems a little far-fetched, but it creates a lot of cinematic moments that you will have to see to appreciate.
I realize that I have rambled a little bit, but stick with me a little longer.
The bad: There is some wince-inducing dialog. There are a couple of unbelievable stunts as well for the "reality-type" viewer. Finally, while the PG-13 rating does not detract too much, it makes it a little weaker, but hopefully the lower rating will appeal to an audience who has never been introduced to our "Yippey KiYay" gun-toting hero.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Bloated and overrated,
I went to see the 9:30 show yesterday with five friends, and we were pumped. Actually, they were, since I had the feeling that Pirates 3 would end up as another Pirates 2: too long, special-effect heavy, and a nonsensical plot that passed itself as being "heavy" but making no sense.
Yes, the movie opens up perfectly, and offers hope. But after that, the movie goes down. Way down. There's all these little things flying around that try to come together, but most of the time I was scratching my head, despite having seen the previous two movies.
There is, of course, bright spots. When Johnny Depp FINALLY comes back, the movie becomes more interesting. The English antagonist is decidedly evil and plotting, and there are back stabs throughout the movie.
Really, it aspires to be an epic pirate movie, but there's too much wind for its sails.
There are some awe-inspiring and epic scenes, no doubt, but the movie as a whole will leave anyone but the most die-hard fans (which by from the ratings are many) wanting to walk this Pirate's plank.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
A decent sequel
I liked 28 Days Later because I have not seen any "Zombie" flickes before (I know they aren't technically zombies but whatever), but the scale of the movie was cool.
The opening scenes with the main character waking up and walking through an empty city were just brilliant. And it followed up with several strong characters and some good action.
For the most part, 28 Weeks Later is successful. It has rightfully been compared to the Alien and Aliens style of sequel.
If you have watched any trailers, you will know that the movie is taking place 28 weeks later, and the U.S. military is trying to repopulate England. Of course, this is not successful, and the "Rage" virus comes back with a vengeance.
This film has been criticized for the "shaky-camera" syndome, and in my opinion the "shaky" thing takes away from the movie. I want to see what is going on, what that zombie is doing to that person, etc., instead of seeing blurs of body parts and people moving around.
There are several really awesome cinematic shots, and the acting is decent for most of the movie.
In case you were hoping to see the cast from 28 Days Later reappear you will be disappointed, because no one returns. One thing I did like in 28 Weeks Later was that the military wasn't portrayed as bad as in the first movie.
Bottom Line: If you saw the first one see it, but if you didn't and don't want to pony up for a rental for 28 Days Later, it might be worth your time if you like Zombie or Survival type movies.
Accepted (2006)
Despite its gimmick and stereotypes, I'll take it.
(The "spoilers" spoil nothing if you have already seen the trailer)
A few hours ago, I was planning on going to see either Beerfest or Snakes on a Plane, but since my friends aren't seventeen yet, I couldn't, and we made a compromise for "Accepted." And you know, despite it's obvious flaws and shortcomings, but I'll take it. There were many funny moments, some "feel-good" moments, and a couple of attractive women. Since this is my first review, I'll try the best I can. I'll talk about the bad first and then the good later.
If you've seen a trailer, you know the gimmick: An average kid doesn't get accepted into any normal college, so he makes his own. It is a simple idea, even gimmicky (in my opinion), but compared to standard comedic fare, it is slightly original (but not innovative). The other problems are immediately obvious, EVERY character is a stereotype. I know that directors and writers can't escape using stereotypes, but it is disappointing when my pre-movie prediction came correct, there are no original characters. NONE! The ending is also predictable, he gets the girl, etc. Nothing we haven't seen before in hundreds of other movies. Traditional college is also put in a negative light.
Now to the positive: It's funny. Period. My friends couldn't stop laughing, and while I was more reserved than them, I found the movie to be overall likable and generally funny. There are many good moments that I won't spoil despite my having checked the "spoiler" box. The director/writer/whoever even found a way to use two "F" words! I felt genuine empathy for the characters, and there are some very attractive women, even though we don't get to see the "good" stuff (either a plus or a minus depending on your moral beliefs.
So, is this movie worth the money? Yes and no. If you want to go with a bunch of friends for a cliché-ridden movie with some genuine humor, than this is a perfect movie to see. If you want to go to a "good" movie, then don't bother with dropping $6.75 like I did for the entertainment. That may seem like harsh criticism, but it really isn't. While cliché's and stereotypes abound, even I found myself wishing that there could be a college like this one.
6/10 for genuine entertainment, but there are no innovations put on the table. I'll take it, but I wouldn't fault you for leaving it.