I haven't seen a movie with such a perfect balance between action and story in a while. This is one of those great, popcorn crunching good time movies. Sure some of it is implausible, but this still has a lot more intelligence then most senseless action flicks. The chemistry between Sean and Catherine Zeta Jones was believable, and acting above par for all. Add to this the exotic scenery of Kuala Lumpur and Scotland, great cinematography and unrelenting action, and this makes for a great classic. The ending is also very unexpected, and almost needs two views to fully make sense. Perfect for someone looking for a good old fashioned heist movie.
Reviews
5 Reviews
XMA: Xtreme Martial Arts
(2003 TV Movie)
very inspiring documentary
21 July 2005
This is one of the first well made documentaries I have seen that really explains the science behind the martial arts. CGI work is done by the same animators responsible for the natives, and we are shown what happens to the muscles and bones of the fighters during combat. Very well made fight scenes demonstrate most medieval weapons made, and are at least as entertaining as any Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon fight. Interspersed throughout the whole thing, is the story of Mullins, a five time martial arts world champion who is coming out of retirement to compete once again. A very fascinating look at the secret world of martial arts. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with any interest in the field.
Gone in 60 Seconds
(2000)
The real stars here are the cars...
30 January 2005
I have mixed feelings about this movie. I do prefer movies that are a little more... intelligent per say, but I still feel Gone in Sixty Seconds is quite underrated. Actually, my biggest complaint is that the movie was too short. There was simply too much story and way to many characters to fit into the movie's time frame.
The basic story is about a car thief, (Cage) who has achieved legendary status and then retired. His younger brother, trying to be like his brother, falls into car boosting too, but soon gets in too deep and ends up on the hit-list of a ruthless crime lord after he messes up a very important job. Now, the only way to save his brother's life is for Cage to come out of retirement and finish the job: Strealing fifty high profile cars in one night. Together with many other top thieves, they set out to do the impossible.
While the cast is truly star studded, with big names such as Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie and Rober Duvall, most of the acting and characters aren't that sympathetic. The movie simply has too many characters to really get deeply into any of them. Delroy Lindo does a fairly engaging job as the old arch-nemesis of the protagonist, and Cage is good as usual, but the rest of the cast is nothing special, except perhaps for the mysterious coroner who never talks, Sphynx.
But, the movie is still worth watching for the suspenseful action and the truly incredible chase scene at the end. Is there anything more beautiful then that Shelby Mustang GT, nicknamed Eleanor, roaring down the streets of Los Angoles? There are many other exotic cars in this movie too, from a very unique Hummer to a Lambourgini Diablo.
Don't go into this movie expecting a deep and involving, dramatic story. While it does attempt at this, it doesn't necessarily succeed. But the action is suspenseful and although a tad unrealistic at times, it is a great kick to watch. This movie is better then the average action movie. A true classic for the car chase genre.
My rating: **1/2 out of **** Other recommendations: Bourne Supremacy, The Italian Job (1969), Smokey and the Bandit
The basic story is about a car thief, (Cage) who has achieved legendary status and then retired. His younger brother, trying to be like his brother, falls into car boosting too, but soon gets in too deep and ends up on the hit-list of a ruthless crime lord after he messes up a very important job. Now, the only way to save his brother's life is for Cage to come out of retirement and finish the job: Strealing fifty high profile cars in one night. Together with many other top thieves, they set out to do the impossible.
While the cast is truly star studded, with big names such as Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie and Rober Duvall, most of the acting and characters aren't that sympathetic. The movie simply has too many characters to really get deeply into any of them. Delroy Lindo does a fairly engaging job as the old arch-nemesis of the protagonist, and Cage is good as usual, but the rest of the cast is nothing special, except perhaps for the mysterious coroner who never talks, Sphynx.
But, the movie is still worth watching for the suspenseful action and the truly incredible chase scene at the end. Is there anything more beautiful then that Shelby Mustang GT, nicknamed Eleanor, roaring down the streets of Los Angoles? There are many other exotic cars in this movie too, from a very unique Hummer to a Lambourgini Diablo.
Don't go into this movie expecting a deep and involving, dramatic story. While it does attempt at this, it doesn't necessarily succeed. But the action is suspenseful and although a tad unrealistic at times, it is a great kick to watch. This movie is better then the average action movie. A true classic for the car chase genre.
My rating: **1/2 out of **** Other recommendations: Bourne Supremacy, The Italian Job (1969), Smokey and the Bandit
Battlestar Galactica
(2004–2009)
Pleasantly Surprised
23 January 2005
I myself have only seen a few episodes of the original series from the 70s, but it was pretty good for it's time. I remember thinking how, if the special FX were better, and everything wasn't so 70's, it would be a great show. So naturally when I saw commercials for this remake, I checked it out.
I was instantly taken in just by Edward the incredible performances by Edward James Olmos. He does a superb job as general of the ragtag fleet. You can practically feel the weight on his shoulders just by looking at him. McDonnell too does a great job as minister of education who is quickly elevated to president after she is found to be the last highest ranking person in the government left. James Callis is fair, but shows potential to improve.
The FX are also top-notch. This is one of the first really realistic sci-fis on TV. For the first time someone realized that in the vacuum of space, you can't hear an explosion. The spacecraft also look realistic, and you can actually see the scorch marks and damage from battles in previous episodes still on them. Some criticize the show for it's hand-held-style camera work. While it does get on my nerves sometimes too, it really adds to the mood other times.
It is really great to see a gritty, real sci fi. I am so sick of cheesy shows like Star Trek with their perfect, happy futures; sterile attempts at character development; and polished, perfectly lit spacecraft, that are always saved at the last minute by some lame techno-babble. This remake of the Battlestar Galactica is really a great step up in most sci fi series.
*** out of **** Other recommendations: Starship Troopers, Titan AE, Pitch Black
I was instantly taken in just by Edward the incredible performances by Edward James Olmos. He does a superb job as general of the ragtag fleet. You can practically feel the weight on his shoulders just by looking at him. McDonnell too does a great job as minister of education who is quickly elevated to president after she is found to be the last highest ranking person in the government left. James Callis is fair, but shows potential to improve.
The FX are also top-notch. This is one of the first really realistic sci-fis on TV. For the first time someone realized that in the vacuum of space, you can't hear an explosion. The spacecraft also look realistic, and you can actually see the scorch marks and damage from battles in previous episodes still on them. Some criticize the show for it's hand-held-style camera work. While it does get on my nerves sometimes too, it really adds to the mood other times.
It is really great to see a gritty, real sci fi. I am so sick of cheesy shows like Star Trek with their perfect, happy futures; sterile attempts at character development; and polished, perfectly lit spacecraft, that are always saved at the last minute by some lame techno-babble. This remake of the Battlestar Galactica is really a great step up in most sci fi series.
*** out of **** Other recommendations: Starship Troopers, Titan AE, Pitch Black
Titan A.E.
(2000)
Finally some quality Sci Fi
23 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Titan AE is still one of my favorite movies of all time. A wild special effects joyride that will leave you breathless, with decently surprising plot twists and great characters (mostly).
The basic story here is that the Drej, alien beings made up completely of energy, fear what humans may become if they continue to advance. So, in one great attack, they destroy the Earth at the beginning of the thirty-first century. The surviving humans are forced to fight for survival on drifter colonies, but it seems humanity is growing extinct. Then the main character, Cale Tucker, is approached by Captain Korso, who claims that he may hold the key to finding the Titan, a project that has the power to reunite the failing human race.
Bill Pullman does an excellent job here voicing the tough, gritty ship captain that definitely becomes more complex then is first thought. Matt Damon too is believable in his role as main character. Drew Barrymore was sometimes a little lacking in her performances, but it was forgivable. Some of the other characters, however, were a bit over Disney-fied. The cutesy professor Guhn got a bit tiresome sometimes. On the other hand, the film was also quite violent at times. I was glad to see that they weren't afraid to kill off a few characters.
However the best thing by far was the animation. Traditional drawn animation flows together seamlessly with 3D computer animation and creates some truly spectacular action scenes and a very well done cat-and-mouse sequence among a cloud of ice-crystals. The destruction of Earth was truly awe-inspiring and leaves you completely hooked from the first five minutes of the film to the action packed conclusion.
Now, this is by no means an incredibly thought provoking or complex as, say, Blade Runner or 2001: Space Oddessy, but if you're looking for a great thrill ride with truly unique and memorable battles and gorgeous animation, then this film is for you.
***1/2 out of **** Other recommendations: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Heavy Metal: FAKK 2
The basic story here is that the Drej, alien beings made up completely of energy, fear what humans may become if they continue to advance. So, in one great attack, they destroy the Earth at the beginning of the thirty-first century. The surviving humans are forced to fight for survival on drifter colonies, but it seems humanity is growing extinct. Then the main character, Cale Tucker, is approached by Captain Korso, who claims that he may hold the key to finding the Titan, a project that has the power to reunite the failing human race.
Bill Pullman does an excellent job here voicing the tough, gritty ship captain that definitely becomes more complex then is first thought. Matt Damon too is believable in his role as main character. Drew Barrymore was sometimes a little lacking in her performances, but it was forgivable. Some of the other characters, however, were a bit over Disney-fied. The cutesy professor Guhn got a bit tiresome sometimes. On the other hand, the film was also quite violent at times. I was glad to see that they weren't afraid to kill off a few characters.
However the best thing by far was the animation. Traditional drawn animation flows together seamlessly with 3D computer animation and creates some truly spectacular action scenes and a very well done cat-and-mouse sequence among a cloud of ice-crystals. The destruction of Earth was truly awe-inspiring and leaves you completely hooked from the first five minutes of the film to the action packed conclusion.
Now, this is by no means an incredibly thought provoking or complex as, say, Blade Runner or 2001: Space Oddessy, but if you're looking for a great thrill ride with truly unique and memorable battles and gorgeous animation, then this film is for you.
***1/2 out of **** Other recommendations: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Heavy Metal: FAKK 2
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