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Elijya
Reviews
Sunshine (2007)
One of my all time favorite Sci-Fi films
This has become one of my all time favorite films. Contrary to an earlier review which said thrillers are inherently lessened on a second viewing, I definitely feel I benefited from my second and third viewings, despite knowing all the surprises. Like many of Boyle's films, there are nuances to be appreciated over and over again, and new ones to discover.
I understand the disappointment by some in the third act, chiefly because it is such a change in tone. But again, on a repeated viewing, once you already know what's coming, you can see how the third act very much does fit in with the film's themes. There is a massive undertone of man versus nature, and the ability of the human spirit to overcome. The film's message is one of overcoming through science. The third act addresses this by challenging science with religion and fanaticism, much as in Contact.
Visually, Sunshine is almost unparalleled. I do not think I have ever seen better special effects before. The set designs and lighting are phenomenal, and of course everything benefits from Boyle's direction. The score is also one of the best I've ever heard, aside from the jarring song that greets you as the credits open (which gives way to a much nicer song as the entire film plays again in a small frame next to the rest of the credits).
The acting is excellent as well, and really made me appreciate some talents I'd overlooked before (Murphy, Yeoh, Evans) and introduced me to some I hope to see in the future (Curtis, Sanada, Byrne) Any criticism about the science I completely let go, despite being an arm-chair astronaut/physicist myself. The problem and proposed solution of the plot are never gone into specifically, and so I don't see a point in noting mistakes when it's all theoretical and fictitious anyway (although there are a few legit mistakes). For those who're interested, there is a commentary track on the DVD by a real life physicist.
Again, now one of my all time favorite films, and one of the most watched films in my collection. 10 out of 10.
Hulk (2003)
Walk in Late
I'll begin with a warning: You do not actually see the Hulk until the 45 minute mark of the movie. I know this, because I was wondering where the heck he was and kept looking at my watch. This lull at the beginning of the movie is quite noticeable and annoying.
During this time, Ang Lee takes the chance to do some very cool comicbook-like editing to the movie, which keeps those 45 minutes moving, as well as some great character establishment. But if you're just looking for the more compelling scenes with Hulk, walk in late.
After you finally see the hulk, you'll know the wait was worth it. Of course, everyone is complaining about the CGI, but it didn't bother me. I thought it was excellent CGI, and required little suspension of disbelief for me to enjoy it. For those of you who still can't get by it, well, I'd say you're being closed-minded and missing out on a good time.
The CGI was not only good enough for me, the battle sequences were incredible, with cool ideas (which I won't give spoilers about), with the exception of the movies final battle scene. It uses something which was introduced in the movie earlier, and seemed cool at the time, but was just poorly executed for this final battle. Sometimes with these comicbook movies, I get the impression they never know how to end it. The Epilogue makes for a great laugh, though
As for the performances, Bana, Connelly, and Eliot are all fantastic, going above and beyond for what is sort of supposed to be just a big, silly summer action movie. This, of course, is probably credible to Ang Lee. But beyond these three, Nick Nolte shines with a brutally vicious and evil performance (much better than the Adam-Sandler-film-like-villainy of Josh Lucas).
Oh, and if you walk in late, you will miss the best joke in the film: Keep an eye on the lookout when teenage banner first gets to Berkeley for two guys walking out of a building.
Detroit Rock City (1999)
underappreciated
One of the best overlooked movies of the 90's. While it lacks any standout scenes, or particular moments that would have you rolling on the floor with laughter, it remains consistantly fun, entertaining, truthful, and maybe even a little reminiscent.
Drawing Flies (1996)
dissappointing
I waited a long time to see this movie, and I was very dissappointed in it. Not at all what I'd expect from ViewAskew. I was never expecting it to be more irreverent, Kevin Smith-like rants. I knew it would be a serious movie. But, in the end, the points that it tries to get across are lost. A few notable perormances (Lee), and some slightly amusing bits. Not really even worth a rental.
Kurono toriga (1995)
Closest thing to perfection
To be honest, this game has a certain element sometimes used in RPGs that I downright loathe: and that is that the main character does not talk, so he has no personality (I assume this is done so you can imagine YOU are the character, but I don't go for that at all). Additionally, you don't feel as much for the supporting cast as you would in, say, a Final Fantasy. But all of this aside, the rest of the game is stunning. The game is extremely large, with many subplots, yet it somehow still remains easy to follow.
The battle system is great, not as free-flowingly fun as perhaps a zelda game, but much less tedious and repetitive than FF's battles can be. The Battles also stay fresh with unique backgrounds, sometimes even at different angles. The battle system is simple, but not dull. The combo attacks add flair and do not require an exhaustive amount of brainwork to understand. Except for the odd looking caricature that represents you on the world map, the games graphics are fun and beautiful (Akira Toriyama, of Dragonball fame, did the character design). Taking all of the games amazing elements into consideration, it's hard to believe this was a Super Nintendo game. A must play.