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Pacific Rim (2013)
Stupid but I Love Every Minute of it
Pacific Rim delivered exactly what it promised from the trailers. Spectacular action scenes. This film is not going to win any awards or be considered high art or anything but if it is one thing, it is highly entertaining without worrying about being criticised for being "dumb", and call me simple minded or whatever, but I think that's kind of refreshing to see every once in a while, especially in this day and age of big budgeted, heavy drama filled action films.
The story isn't really important, but basically, monsters are coming from an inter-dimensional portal in the Pacific Ocean and destroying the humans so that their alien masters would be able to colonise Earth no problem. The armies of Earth develop giant humanoid robots to fight back against these monsters and thus you have Pacific Rim.
The only real criticisms I have is that maybe the drama scenes go on a bit too long as we as an audience don't really care about any of these characters but it is well worth it for the amazing spectacular actions scenes that look as though they came straight out of a mech anime. I can't really explain this action scenes in great detail, they have to be seen.
If you want a little time killer to entertain you for a couple of hours and are a big fan of stuff like Godzilla or Gundam, then Pacific Rim is highly recommended.
Doctor Who (1996)
A decent and interesting attempt to revive Dr. Who
Let me start by saying Doctor Who is one of my favourite television programs of all time if not my absolute favourite. A brief synopsis for the program is that the Doctor is an alien who travels around time and space with his various companions on all sorts of adventures. The program initially ended in 1989 and was brought back in 2005 however this film was the first attempt to revive Doctor Who in 1996 and unfortunately did not gain enough ratings to warrant a new series.
The film starts off with a brief narration of the Doctor bringing his eternal rival's, the Master, remains back to his home planet. However, the Master's remains (somehow still alive) force the TARDIS to crash land in San Fransisco, a couple days before New Year's in 1999. The Doctor (In his seventh incarnation) is shot down by gangsters and soon regenerates into the eighth Doctor after a failed operation. The Master takes control of the body of a local paramedic and plans to destroy the world. The Doctor soon finds out and he, along with his new companion, Grace, must stop him before New Year's Day.
Unfortunately, it's not a very good story by Doctor Who standards and lacks the charm that the program has with it's interesting characters, locales, themes and general imagination. There is a heavy emphasis on excitement and action (Which is, to the film's credit, actually done pretty well.) rather than atmosphere, characters and quirky humour that Doctor Who is known for.
Oddly enough, having a reasonably high budget. The sets and effects seem a little too good and polished which may seem like an odd thing to gripe about but it makes you miss the old series' low budget production values that just seemed to add to it's charm and make things seem a little more 'legit' if that makes any sense.
The characters are all largely forgettable though you can tell the actor's are trying their best. Well, all except for one character, and that being the Eighth Doctor superbly played by Paul McGann. The Doctor is both funny and serious, changing from a whimsical light hearted gentleman to spouting pure and utter nonsense like an insane alien to giving dramatic and heavy dialogue in the space of a few moments. Honestly, the Eighth Doctor is the only reason why I watch this film more than once and really makes you think how his character could have been developed further if a new series was produced, though there are audio dramas and novels that further the adventures of the Eighth Doctor despite only really appearing in a single episode. That is how fantastic of a character he is. Sylvester McCoy also returns briefly to reprise his role as the Seventh Doctor. Although he does not have much to say or do, he's still a fantastic actor giving it his all and it's cool to see him in the role on screen one last time.
Overall, Doctor Who: The Movie is an enjoyable experience though I doubt many people see it more than once. If you're a fan of Doctor Who, I highly recommend it just to see the Eighth Doctor's beginnings and as an interesting piece in the program's history which really makes you wonder what the series would have been like if this was a success.
Ed Wood (1994)
An Inspiring Story
Ed Wood is often called one of the worst directors of all time, if not THE worst. His films suffered from laughably poor production quality, continuity errors and sub-par acting. Usually, we as the viewers, mock these flaws in films such as these but we rarely ever think about the work that was put into them or what the people behind them are like as individuals.
In this film based on Ed Wood himself, follows the making of his three most infamous films, Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space and shows all the trials and troubles he had to go through to get these films made as well as his relationships with the actors, crew and in his personal life, most notably with famous horror star Bela Lugosi.
Rather than make fun of Ed Wood or his work, the film instead portrays him as an ambitious young film maker who might be a little too ambitious for his own good. It's a more human look at him, almost on a personal level. Ed is played by Johnny Depp, who does a fantastic job as portraying him as both funny and sympathetic. You root for him all the way and feel his sadness and disappointment when things do not turn out as expected for him.
Even though Depp acts well in the film, as do the other actors for that matter, the person who steals the show is Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi. Landau plays the part to a tee and, much like Depp, plays him both funny and sympathetically only better in my opinion.
The story alone is inspiring to anyone who is or was ever interested in doing something creative, especially film making. The final scene with Plan 9 playing in the theatre as Ed looks on, his face beaming with such happiness and mouthing the words he wrote and by the end he doesn't even seem to care what other people think about it but rather he is content with seeing his vision come alive.
I should probably also mention that the film is not really entirely accurate to Ed Wood's real life but I feel if it was entirely accurate, the film wouldn't be as good. The only real flaw I can think of off the top of my head is that at the very end the film gives us a slide-show of all the characters and what has become of their real life counterparts and some of them are pretty sad to think about for such an uplifting movie, especially Ed himself, but that's very minor and the rest of the film is so good, I don't really mind.
So, the next time you mock a film for not being up to your standards, think a little of the people behind it and the troubles they all went through to see it come to fruition. Then maybe, just a little, you can begin to appreciate film a whole lot more. I know I did after I saw Ed Wood.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Original, creative and terrifying.
The Blair Witch Project is one of the best horror films ever made and one of my favourite films of all time.
The story is that the film is supposed to be the found footage of three young film students that head to a rural town to film a documentary about a local myth of a witch that terrorised the town many years ago. They end up getting lost in the woods while being stalked by someone or something.
The film entirely shot on video and cheap, black and white film supporting the feeling that the film is found footage and it works. Something about the look of it, and given the fact that the movie was made a very low budget and there is no music, gives it a sense of realism and a unique atmosphere.
The acting is great, too. All the actors are very natural and, apart from the occasional one or two cheesy line, remain consistent throughout and giving a real sense of fear to the point where you feel like you are among this group and sharing the fear with them.
However, one major complaint that I have is a lot of the time the camera is shaking all way too much to really make out what exactly is going on and is literally black at some points as in you cannot see a thing which is pretty annoying but not to the point where it is unwatchable. Another minor complaint is that sometimes you cannot hear what the characters are saying due to the limited range on the microphone on the cheap cameras they used but this only occurs a couple of times and, again, is bearable.
Overall, a great film and a spooky experience that you will not soon forget.
Rupan sansei: Kariosutoro no shiro (1979)
An underrated masterpiece from Miyazaki
If you have even the slightest interest in animated movies then there is no doubt you have at least heard of Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind such movies as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, and this is the movie that started his legendary career and is by far his most underrated, at least outside of Japan.
For those of you who don't know, Lupin III is a Japanese comic book following a thief, the titular Lupin, and his gang as they travel all across the world in search for adventure while being constantly pursued by Interpol agent, Zenigata.
After a successful robbery of a French casino, Lupin and closest companion, Jigen, flee to the tiny independent nation of Cagliostro where they discover a huge conspiracy involving an evil baron forcing a young girl against her will to get his hands on a rumoured treasure and Lupin and his gang take it upon themselves to rescue her and find the treasure themselves.
Yeah, the plot does sound pretty cliché but it's execution is near flawless. Just a good old fashioned adventure will great characters.
The animation is very good, especially for the time. The music is great and memorable. I love the atmosphere it creates with the fairy-tale like kingdom. The voice acting is top-notch. There's plenty of action and slapstick comedy. It's just great all around.
However, the main villain is very generic. Just a stereotypical rich slime-ball with no regard for anyone but himself but to be fair, in a movie like this, the villain takes a back seat for the heroes who are done very so I can't really hold it against the film.
Overall, it's a classic adventure film that shouldn't be passed up by anyone. You'll be entertained from beginning to end.
The Warriors (1979)
Can you dig it? I can dig it
Stylistic, action-packed and a hell of a memorable movie. That is The Warriors in a nutshell.
Sometime in the future, the leader of Riffs, the biggest gang in New York City invites nine representatives from each gang in the city for a huge meeting in the Bronx to unite all the gangs and take the city themselves. Among these gangs are the Warriors from Coney Island, one of the toughest gangs in the city. The Riffs' leader is then assassinated by another gang's leader and the Warriors are framed. The Riffs put out a huge bounty on the Warriors' heads, dead or alive, and soon every other gang in the city is after them while the Warriors try and fight their way across the city with little to no weapons to get home safely.
The first thing that really caught my attention was the atmosphere of the movie. It's night-time throughout most of the movie and it really feels like the street gangs run the city, like the Warriors could be attacked at any moment. It's legitimately eerie and brooding.
The action is also very well done. There are hardly any guns in the movie (I believe we only ever see two) so the fights are up-close and personal and they are well-choreographed and shot, everything can be seen clearly and you can identify who's who easily.
The characters are very memorable as well and are all very well acted, my favourite being Luther, the main villain, who's delightfully over the top and a real scumbag. Even the random members of the gangs, most of which only appear in the opening sequence, have a very memorable and colourful look to them, such as the Hi-Hats, all dressed as mimes in top hats yet are only on screen for a few seconds, really leave an impact on me for some reason.
The Barry De Vorzon's music isn't bad either, perfectly complimenting the atmosphere.
So, if you like thrilling action with plenty of close up fights wrapped around some great atmosphere, great characters and a great musical score, then the Warriors in a must-see.
Evil Dead II (1987)
Outrageously violent and hilarious
This half-sequel, half-remake of Evil Dead outdoes its predecessor in almost every aspect.
After a brief recap of the events of the first film (Which does not include Ash's sister or best friend, further emphasising this is more of a remake than a true sequel), Ash still has no real way to escape the haunted woods and decides to defend himself from the demons inside the cabin, only to be joined by some strangers, one of whom is the daughter of the archaeologist who discovered the Book of the Dead which started everything and they work together to banish the demons permanently.
Bruce Campbell returns as Ash and is delightfully hammy in the role. Everything he says and does, from the corny lines to his facial expressions, make me burst out in laughter. The other actors do a decent job, but Campbell just steals the show.
Being on a much higher budget than the first Evil Dead means that the special effects are much more lavish and impressive than the first movie which really spectacular uses of animatronics and great monster designs not to mention the Ray Harryhausen style stop motion animations. It is a visual feast for the eyes.
If there is anything that this movie has that is inferior to the first, it's that, having more of an emphasis on comedy, it is less atmospheric and spooky than the first Evil Dead which is a real shame, in my opinion however it is still entertaining and I love it more than the first Evil Dead.
If you enjoyed the first Evil Dead and have not seen this movie, then it is a must-see, with hilarious slap-stick comedy, fantastic special effects and a brilliant main character.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Saga Concludes
The epic 'Star Wars' trilogy ends with a bang.
After Luke and company rescues Han from an insanely powerful gang lord in one of the greatest openings of all time, the rebellion put together their plan to defeat the Empire once and for all. Our main characters go to the forest moon of Endor to deactivate the shield generator of a second Death Star where the Emperor himself is on, giving a chance for the rebel fleet to destroy it however the Emperor has plans for Luke and wishes to make him his apprentice.
The special effects and sets are, once again, fantastic. I've already praised them enough before so I won't bother repeating the same praise but expect the same attention to detail and high-quality found in the last two films. The action scenes are also very well done and epic, probably the most exciting battles in the entire series are in this movie. John Williams score is, as always, wonderful, and my personal favourite out of all the 'Star Wars' films.
However, what I don't like about this film are the Ewoks, the native race of the forest moon who help the rebels. I'm not going to get into the whole debate on the Empire's best soldiers being defeated by a race of teddy bears (I actually think it makes sense since the Empire probably were not expecting them to attack and they have been likely using guerrilla warfare tactics for quite some time) but I do find them very annoying. They are suppose to be cute and funny, but the comedy just feels really out of place with random cutaways to them doing something really stupid and, to be honest, some of the costumes are really ugly but I don't really mind them as much as most people seem to do. I just wish the creators made them a little less comical.
Overall, just like any of the original 'Star Wars' films, I find this to be a near masterpiece with very few flaws. Although not as mature as 'Empire' it is still very good and worth it if you like the first two films, although by this point you probably already have seen it.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Saga Continues
Not only is 'Empire' as good as the original 'Star Wars', it surpasses it by light years.
Taking place a couple of years after the first movie, the rebellion have made their headquarters on the remote ice planet of Hoth. The Empire find them and after an epic battle, our heroes go their separate ways. Luke and R2-D2 go to the swamp planet of Dagobah in search for a powerful warrior known as Yoda who will complete Luke's Jedi training and Han, Leia, Chewie and C-3PO are being pursued by the Empire across space.
All the actors playing the main characters in the original make a return in this and have all improved over time, especially Mark Hamill who I personally felt was the weakest actor in the original (Not saying that his acting was bad, just not as good as it is here.) The budget was much higher for this movie than the last, allowing for even greater special effects and more lavish and highly detailed sets. For example, The interior of the Millennium Falcon is expanded upon and we get to see all the intricacies of the ship, it's great stuff.
John Williams also returns as composer. We hear some of the classic music from the first movie as well as some new stuff which is just as good as you would expect.
Overall, one of the greatest sequels in movie history, with more production value, more action, a more mature and darker storyline and having probably the most famous twist in movie history. If you enjoyed the first 'Star Wars' and have not seen this yet, then there is something wrong with you. Seriously.
Star Wars (1977)
A timeless sci-fi/fantasy adventure.
What can be said about 'Star Wars' that hasn't been said ever since 1977? It's one of the most popular films of all time.
For all two of you out there who don't know the story, 'Star Wars' is about Luke Skywalker, a farm boy who is fed up with his boring life on the desert planet of Tatooine. His life is changed forever when two robots come into his possession, one of them carrying a message for someone called Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke is then swept into an adventure with the robots, Obi-Wan and two smugglers to rescue a princess from the evil Empire and join the rebellion to destroy their ultimate weapon, the Death Star.
Taking inspiration from classic Wild West and samurai movies and combining it with science fiction and fantasy elements, 'Star Wars' is a must-see for, well, anyone really. Everyone who has ever lived really should experience the magic of 'Star Wars' at least once in their lives.
The special effects are nothing short of wonderful. Each of the alien creatures all look unique and easily distinguishable through use of animatronics, costumes and prosthetics. No CGI used here. The scenes of the ships flying through space are so well done, you would swear they were real. The sets are another real spectacle to look at. You can see in the backgrounds all the little details of flashing lights and computer monitors wondering what all this stuff does.
The music by John Williams, do I really need to say anything? It is some of the greatest and most memorable music, well, ever, not just in films.
The characters are also extremely memorable. The lovable scoundrel Han Solo, his faithful hairy companion Chewbacca, the wise old Obi-Wan, all of them great. Although the acting is little cheesy, especially with Mark Hamill as Luke. Thankfully, he got better as the series went on.
If there are any flaws with the movie, they are not worth mentioning since they are so insignificant compared to the rest of the movie.
Star Wars is a masterpiece of cinema, plain and simple. If you are one of the few people who have not seen it, get it on DVD or whatever and see what it's all about. You will not regret it.
Doctor Who (2005)
My Favourite TV Show of all Time
Before I start this review, I just want to ask why IMDb considers the show when it ran from 1963-1989 and the show when it made a return in 2005 two different series? Anyway, I guess I have to review the 2005 continuation then.
'Doctor Who' follows the adventures of a time/space travelling alien only known as the Doctor and his various companions as they meet and go to many bizarre, wonderful or terrifying people and places. The episodes can vary from being funny, action packed, thrilling, mysterious or scary, usually a combination of any of them.
And that is what is so great about this show. It's the kind of show where anything can happen and you can accept it. Our heroes can go from fighting an alien werewolf in Victorian Scotland alongside Queen Victoria herself to stopping clockwork robots from taking Madame de Pompadour's brain to power their space ship a couple of episodes later (No really, that does happen in the second series.) The sheer imagination that goes into each and every episode is just astounding.
Another great thing is that the characters never get overshadowed by the monsters and locations. They're great characters played by great actors. If I went into every one of them, this review would go on forever but trust me when I say they are incredibly well-written and well-acted.
With that said, I guess I could go over the Doctors. It should come as no surprise to even people who do not watch the show that the actor playing the Doctor changes every few years because of the character having to go through a face and personality change whenever they receive a fatal injury. At the time I am writing this review, there has only been three different Doctors since the 2005 revival. Christopher Eccelston, David Tennant and Matt Smith play the 9th, 10th and 11th Doctors respectively and if I had to say who was my favourite is difficult as it really is like comparing apple and oranges since each new Doctor is like a completely new character. In terms of who's the most entertaining has to be the 11th though. Matt Smith can act both dramatically and goofy whenever he needs to be but I really like his more goofy moments as it really plays up the mad scientist aspect of the Doctor and he's just so into the role that I'm convinced he really is the Doctor.
I also got to give kudos to Murray Gold's fantastic musical score, perfectly complimenting each scene, ranging from big and epic to subtle and atmospheric.
Is there anything bad with the show? Of course there is. The show uses a mixture of practical and CGI effects and while the practical effects are excellent (Seriously, they're movie quality.) the CGI is pretty bad. I know it's only a TV show, but still, they could have done a much better job. Thankfully the CGI has gotten much better during the last few years and hopefully will continue to improve.
Another thing is that each series has a loose arc with a running theme that is not really explained until the end. The last few series (At the time I am writing this review.) have very complicated explanations that don't really make much sense the first time you watch them but with repeated viewings it becomes much clearer and you can appreciate the writing even more.
To sum things up, Doctor Who is a must see for anyone who claims to be a fan of Sci-Fi, with great characters, writing and mythos behind it and I can't wait for the second half of series 7 to begin.
The Evil Dead (1981)
Cartoonishly Violent and I Love It!
'Evil Dead' is a movie that you really should go and see without having and prior knowledge of it whatsoever.
The story is a group of buddies all going to a cabin somewhere in the rural Tenessee woods for a weekend getaway. When they get there, they discover a weird book and some tapes. The tapes belonged to an archaeologist who was studying the book and came to the cabin to not get distracted by anything at home, he explains how he believes this to be the book of the dead, or Necronomicon, itself. He managed to translate some of the writings and speaks them out loud of the tapes. The words summon demons to the cabin that slowly possess each of the friends one by one until the lone survivor, Ash, has to fight off the rest of the demons and somehow escape from woods alive.
Now, as soon as you see the phrase 'group of buddies' in the context of a horror movie, you want to roll your eyes. Yeah, it's a horror movie cliché to have a bunch of boring and unlikable teens just there for the sake of getting killed. But wait! We actually care for their characters. Okay, they're not exactly three-dimensional Shakespeare characters but at least they are decent characters. Especially the relationship between Ash and his girlfriend, Linda. They're an adorable couple that you want to see live but it all ends in tragedy as the demons use Linda to torment Ash.
The rest of the film? Really unique. There are very few films out there that can take place in one small space and hold my attention the entire running time. The cinematography is fantastic, with some shots really making you wonder how the hell they managed to do them. The atmosphere is fantastic, with very little music and more emphasis on sound effects. The wind blowing outside, the floorboards creaking, the squelchy noises the blood makes as the characters walk through them. Great stuff. The cabin itself is very creepy. If I saw anything like it in real life, I would just stay far away. It's widely known that the movie was on a really tight budget and the crew found the cabin abandoned in the forest. Knowing that makes it a whole more creepier.
The effects are jaw-dropping and a true testament that practical effects will always beat CGI. The way the demons look, the white stuff they spray out of their mouth when they are stabbed or shot, the ridiculous amount of blood almost literally coming out the woodwork and the stop-motion finale.
It's also pretty inspiring when you watch or read a lot of stuff that went on behind-the-scenes. How some of the effects where done, the hell the crew persevered through, the ridiculous controversy it caused especially in the UK but is now considered a horror classic. I highly recommend watching documentaries on the film if you have an interest in film making.
Is there anything bad about the movie? Of course there is. While I did mention the characters were decent, the acting is a bit bland. Even Bruce Campbell as Ash who has become one of the biggest cult movie stars is nothing to write home about in this movie but when the characters become possessed, then they turn up the ham dial all the way up to 100 and it becomes far more entertaining. I also don't think I need to say anything about the infamous tree rape scene. It's just out of place even in a movie as crazy as 'Evil Dead.' Well, that's my take on it. If you haven't seen it, do me a favour and do it soon. It's one of the most creative, original, entertaining and greatest movies of all time.
7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)
One of the Most Underrated Fantasy Movies of All Time
'7 Faces of Dr. Lao' is one of those movies after you watch it and wonder "You know, why are more people not talking about this?" 'Dr. Lao.' is the story of an old Wild West town where nothing exciting ever seems to happen until one day an old mysterious Chinese man, the titular Dr. Lao, arrives wanting to show the citizens his circus with many wonderful creatures and people such as Merlin, Pan, Medusa etc. However it's not all fun and games as these attractions show some of the less likable townsfolk their true colours and makes them think twice about what their lives are like.
Tony Randall plays Dr. Lao and his many 'faces' and is nothing short of fantastic, giving a wide range of performances from the quiet and harshly honest fortune teller to the wise and eccentric doctor himself. I also should mention that the rest of the cast isn't half-bad, especially the child who befriends Dr. Lao who really captures that sense of wonder and curiosity.
The fantastic lines in this movie are enough to make anyone crack a smile and even get a little emotional, especially Lao's speech about the magic of life we experience every day.
The sets, effects and music are all great too. The great puppet work with the snake, the fantastic stop motion monster near the end, the atmosphere of the circus really makes you feel like you've entered another world, the music ranging from bright and cheery to somber and subtle much like the film itself.
If there's anything bad I could say about the movie, it's that it is pretty racist that Dr. Lao, a Chinese character, is played by a white guy. It doesn't help that he does put on a hilariously offensive accent but you got to think back to when the movie was made back when it was probably more acceptable and even the accent I just mentioned is actually just an act put on by the character as he is shown to speak perfect English. Also, most of the townsfolk are some of the biggest skeptics you will see in any movie. Medusa petrifies a woman at one point and Merlin manages to change her back as well as making her a nicer person than she was yet the townsfolk STILL don't think it's real. It's frustrating to watch sometimes to say the least.
But the good outweighs the bad in almost any regard and this movie is a must-see for anyone, reminding us that no matter what we might experience, being alive is fantastic. Do me a favour and see it soon.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Decent Horror Movie
Friday the 13th is about a summer camp that was closed down due to a series of 'accidents' but after several years is decided to be reopened. A small group of camp councillors arrive to fix the place up before it opens however each one is murdered one by one by a mysterious killer.
Taking inspiration from the horror classic Halloween, Friday the 13th follows the same basic premise, just not as well.
Friday the 13th does have genuinely chilling moments that make you feel uneasy, especially if you are watching the movie alone, and good atmosphere as well as having a great setting, a camp in the woods, which has become a major cliché in the Slasher movie sub-genre, not to mention some great special effects done by Tom Savini.
However, the movie does take a while to get going. I assume just to establish the setting and protagonists, however the protagonists are not that interesting as characters and are pretty two-dimensional. The only character I find interesting is the killer themselves (If you have not seen the movie, I would not dare spoil it for you). Usually, I'm not one to critique acting as I love over-the-top and hammy but maybe the acting in this is a little too hammy. Even the killer who I just said was a good character is somewhat less effective thanks to some bad acting.
Overall, if you're a fan of horror movies especially slashers, Friday the 13th is a decent movie brought down only by a slow start and some hokey acting but chances are if you are a horror fan you have probably already seen it.
Little Man (2006)
Worst Movie I Have Seen So Far
Let me just go on record by saying there are two types of movies I hate. Boring movies and unfunny comedies. Little Man fits the latter (obviously) and is the worst movie that I have seen at the time I am typing this.
Anyway, onto the movie. Have you ever seen that one Bugs Bunny cartoon with the really short criminal who disguises as a baby to get the cops off his tail and hide his stolen money and Bugs takes him in? Imagine that cartoon only much longer and less funnier. That is Little Man in a nutshell. A really short criminal disguises himself as a baby to get the cops off his tail and to take back a stolen diamond that has ended up with a young couple and they take him in.
This movie is filled with unfunny slapstick, unfunny writing and feces jokes. I was waiting for an nut hit counter to appear in the corner of the screen since it happens so often. It's not funny the first time it happens and it's even less funny the last time it happens.
Aside from the jokes, other things in the movie are just plain dumb. Like in one scene the couple give the criminal a bath showing his tattoos yet they assume that it was his past guardians that made him get him or another scene were they take him to a supposedly qualified doctor who cannot tell he is an adult and another scene where he gets beating up by a hockey player for some reason (I don't remember the details too well because I don't care) is seen relatively unharmed in the next scene. I guess you can say I'm nitpicking and thinking about it too much but that's what happens when you watch a crappy movie, you're mind starts to wander.
And then there is the epic final slapstick battle with the worst movie gangsters (Something to do with the criminal owing them a ton of money or something) I have ever seen, Fat Tony and his gang from Simpsons are more threatening than those bozos. And it all ends in, what else? A nut shot.
And the music. Sweet Jesus, Buddha and Shiva, it is generic in sound form. Dopey orchestrated comedy music. But now I'm just rambling on about music that no one cares about, so I think it's time to wrap this up.
So unless you want to say to your friends that you have seen one of the worst movies of all time, I say skip it and just watch the Bugs Bunny cartoon, Baby Buggy Bunny.
Wan pisu firumu: sutorongu warudo (2009)
Best Movie Based on the One Piece Manga
Let me begin by saying that One Piece is one of my favourite manga (Japanese comic book, for people who don't know.) of all time. I only got into the manga after this movie was released so I can't exactly say I was "hyped as hell" but if I had gotten into it earlier then there would be no doubt I'd be foaming out the mouth in anticipation.
So what makes this one One Piece movie stand out from the rest? One simple reason. The script was written by series creator, Eiichiro Oda, to coincide with the manga's 10th anniversary and as such it is the only One Piece movie so far to be official canon.
Anyway, onto the movie itself. The plot takes place sometime after the Straw Hats pirate crew left Thriller Bark but before arriving at Sabaody Archipelgo just so you get an idea of when is the best time to watch this movie if you're reading the manga. The crew meet Shiki, a former rival to the King of the Pirates and has the ability to make anything float and manipulate them with the exception of living things other than himself. Impressed with Nami's navigation skills, he kidnaps her to become part of his crew and sends the rest of the crew separated in his floating kingdom. The crew need to get back together, rescue Nami and show Shiki just what happens when you mess with the Straw Hats.
The first thing anyone will notice is how the film looks and let me tell you that it looks fantastic. And I'm not even talking about just the animation. Shiki's kingdom is just pure eye candy. All the different islands have unique looks and locations to them, some of which we only see for a few brief minutes. The attention to detail is stunning. I could talk about the jungle ruins or the frozen wasteland or Shiki's palace and all the little things in them for a while. In addition to that, Oda designed several amazing fantasy creatures like the eel shark, the snake necked giraffe, the long armed wrestling bear and so on. Much like of the locations, many of them just have brief appearances usually in the background. It all goes to show just what a creative mind Oda has.
If I was to talk about the characters, well, I would have to talk about the manga which I'm not going to. If you have the read the manga and are familiar with the main characters then you'll be pleased to hear they and their wild personalities have all been carried over perfectly and they each get piece of the action and if you have not read the manga, then what is wrong with you? Go read it. Now. As for the characters made just for the movie, they are what you would expect from typical One Piece villains. Goofy and hammy but still legitimate threats and, hey, that's why I like them. Shiki has his share of silly and cool moments and his two main henchmen, Indigo the mad clown scientist and Scarlet the perverted gorilla, are just so over-the-top that it's hard not to laugh.
However, like all movies, it has some faults. Namely that I thought certain crew members like Franky, Brook and Robin do not get enough action as though the rest of the crew's scenes were all thought out and the rest were quickly put together just so everyone gets at least a little bit of screen time which really sucks for me since Franky and Brook are my two favourite characters but this is just a minor complaint. They still do stuff important to the plot, get some funny lines in here and there and them having a few minutes of fighting is better than no fighting at all.
Overall, if you're a fan of One Piece then you owe it to yourself to see this movie. Even if you're not, I feel as though some non-fans could get a kick out of it. A perfect blend of action, comedy and drama.