Thor: The Dark World
Directed By Alan Taylor
Starring Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin
The God of Thunder. The Avenger with The Hammer. Thor is back in the second release from Marvel Studios this year, and what I consider, one of their best releases yet. Thor is my second favorite of the Marvel solo films, right behind Captain America. The Avengers is in a whole other class. Needless to say, I had high hopes for Thor: The Dark World, and I was not disappointed.
The film opens on Loki (Hiddleston) in chains, sent to a cushy prison cell by order of Odin (Hopkins) for all the little stunts he pulled in Thor and The Avengers. Meanwhile, a race known as The Dark Elves, led by Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), is awakened when a powerful force from long ago known as the Aether remerges. Malekith seeks out to control the Aether and destroy the Nine Realms during time of The Converge, when all nine are perfectly aligned. To make matters worse, who but Jane Foster (Portman) discovers the Aether and is infected by it. That's when Thor steps in with The Warriors Three at his side to save his lady love and, quite literally, the world. But when Malekith's forces prove too strong, Thor is forced to turn to his half-brother Loki for help. Can The God of Mischief be trusted?
First off, this is Loki's film. Tom Hiddleston steals the show in his third time in the role. The rest of the cast is just as good as they have been in the past, balancing the drama and the comedy. Chris Hemsworth is again a perfect Thor, and he and Hiddleston once again play off one another seamlessly. Stellan Skarsgard is given more comedy to work with this time around, and it pays off. The Warriors Three are given more to do this time around as well. Jamie Alexander gives a strong performance as Lady Sif. Zachary Levi replaces Josh Dallas in this film as Fandral The Dashing. It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Zac, and I have to honestly say, he does great with every minute of screen time he's given, speaking or not.
I give credit to the writers, as the script has to juggle quite a lot. You have Thor's issues with Loki, his romance with Jane Foster, and the battle with Malekith. Everything manages to balance out nicely (while at the same time leaves the audience desperately wanting more, and giving us some hints as to where a Thor 3 might go). The one problem with the film I have is Malekith. As the main antagonist, he's not that interesting. His motivations aren't that clear, he doesn't have much of a personality, and like most two-dimensional villains, he just wants to destroy the world. Luckily, having Loki back makes up for it.
Thor: The Dark World is another solid film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and again, stands out as one of their best. Funny, action-packed, and loaded with fan service (Get ready for the best cameo ever), it's a must-see this holiday season.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Film Review- "Gravity"
Gravity
Directed By Alfonso Cuaron
Starring Sandra Bullock as Dr Ryan Stone, George Clooney as Lieutenant Matt Kowalski
This is probably going to be one of my shorter reviews, because it's hard to find flaws with a film like Gravity. I rarely declare films to be perfect. With the films I've reviewed in the past, I've always found at least something to improve on, even if it's something miniscule. At the moment, I can't find anything I didn't like about Gravity.
The films opens in space, with Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) on her first space mission aboard the shuttle Explorer, with astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney). Disaster strikes during a spacewalk, when the debris from a Russian missile strike strikes the Explorer. Losing communication with Mission Control, and emerging as the soul survivors of the crash, Stone and Kowalski must survive the vast emptiness of space and find a way to return to Earth.
Ninety nine percent of the film takes place in space, and it is beautiful to look at. The effects are stunning, and pull the viewer into the moment. Normally I don't recommend 3D if it isn't necessary, but Gravity needs to be seen in theaters, in 3D. Space has never been seen like this in film. Every moment you are on the edge of your seat. This is a real thriller. You almost feel lost in space with these characters, and relieved when the credits start to roll.
The story itself isn't that meaty. It's "The Hero Adrift" again. But putting it in this setting raises the steaks and makes the film all that more chilling. That said, the dialogue is well-crafted, as that is where our story emerges. Sandra Bullock has brought her A-Game again in this film, and is more than likely on her way to her second Oscar nomination, possibly win. This is her film, and her performance controls it in conjunction with the visual effects. George Clooney is George Clooney. He's a good actor, I've just never been a huge fan.
Gravity has been in theaters for awhile now, and with all the awards buzz it's been getting, I'm sure it will get a re-release before Oscar season. So, I strongly recommend that this film be seen in theaters and in 3D, or else you're only experiencing half of the film. A strong lead performance and breathtaking visuals, Gravity is just about what some may consider, a perfect film.
Directed By Alfonso Cuaron
Starring Sandra Bullock as Dr Ryan Stone, George Clooney as Lieutenant Matt Kowalski
This is probably going to be one of my shorter reviews, because it's hard to find flaws with a film like Gravity. I rarely declare films to be perfect. With the films I've reviewed in the past, I've always found at least something to improve on, even if it's something miniscule. At the moment, I can't find anything I didn't like about Gravity.
The films opens in space, with Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) on her first space mission aboard the shuttle Explorer, with astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney). Disaster strikes during a spacewalk, when the debris from a Russian missile strike strikes the Explorer. Losing communication with Mission Control, and emerging as the soul survivors of the crash, Stone and Kowalski must survive the vast emptiness of space and find a way to return to Earth.
Ninety nine percent of the film takes place in space, and it is beautiful to look at. The effects are stunning, and pull the viewer into the moment. Normally I don't recommend 3D if it isn't necessary, but Gravity needs to be seen in theaters, in 3D. Space has never been seen like this in film. Every moment you are on the edge of your seat. This is a real thriller. You almost feel lost in space with these characters, and relieved when the credits start to roll.
The story itself isn't that meaty. It's "The Hero Adrift" again. But putting it in this setting raises the steaks and makes the film all that more chilling. That said, the dialogue is well-crafted, as that is where our story emerges. Sandra Bullock has brought her A-Game again in this film, and is more than likely on her way to her second Oscar nomination, possibly win. This is her film, and her performance controls it in conjunction with the visual effects. George Clooney is George Clooney. He's a good actor, I've just never been a huge fan.
Gravity has been in theaters for awhile now, and with all the awards buzz it's been getting, I'm sure it will get a re-release before Oscar season. So, I strongly recommend that this film be seen in theaters and in 3D, or else you're only experiencing half of the film. A strong lead performance and breathtaking visuals, Gravity is just about what some may consider, a perfect film.
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