How To Train Your Dragon 2
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Starring Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, and America Ferrera
It may not mean much for me to say How To Train Your Dragon 2 is one of the best animated sequels ever made. The likes of Disney direct-to-video aside (Not quite done talking about those by the way), many are quickly pumped out of a studio for a cash grab, and are often a significant downgrade in quality compared to their predecessors.
Regardless, I still say How To Train Your Dragon 2 is one of the best. If I had to list the top 3, it would definitely go Toy Story 3 and 2, and then Dragon 2.
Set a few years after the first film, the village of Berk has fully accepted dragons into the community. While many vikings enjoy the sport of dragon racing, Hiccup (Baruchel) and his dragon Toothless are out exploring the world outside their island. Hiccup's father Stoick (Butler) is eager for his son to take over his place as chief, but Hiccup would much rather be out with Toothless.
It's while out on one of these explorations that he and his girlfriend Astrid (Ferrara) are ambushed by a gang of dragon hunters, led by the dragon trapper Eret (Kit Harrington). They soon learn of Eret's employer, Drago Bloodfist (Djiimon Hounsou), and his plans to take over the land with an army of dragons. Hiccup and Toothless set out to confront Drago. It is then they uncover a secret dragon oasis, protected by Valka (Cate Blanchett) who is revealed to be Hiccup's long-lost mother. I'm not spoiling that by the way. They haven't made any effort to hide it in the trailers.
Dragon 2 goes bigger in emotion and action, and the animation is once again spectacular. You'll be on the edge of your seat, while at the same time reaching for some tissues. The story isn't too heavy, and it continues the "coming-of-age" tale that began in the first film. It's the characters that really drive the script. They're well-crafted and performed. This is one of the best voice casts I've ever seen in an animated film. Props to Jay Baruchel and Gerard Butler for being as incredible in their roles as they were the first time around. Once again Craig Ferguson as Gobber is one of the funniest things in the film.
One thing brings the film down though, and that's its villains. Eret is a very annoying character. Maybe it's Kit Harrington's voice, maybe it's how he was written, but I didn't like him nor did I see any real purpose for him in the film. Drago, is a weak villain. While he does do some horrible things that make you hate him, we learn virtually nothing about him. There's a few lines of expository dialogue in a scene with Hiccup, but it's not enough for the audience to connect with the character.
Weak villains aside, I still give How To Train Your Dragon 2 a 9 out of 10. It's a more than worthy successor to the original, and builds wonderfully off the foundations it set. It is definitely one of the best animated sequels ever made, and maybe even one of the best sequels ever made, in general.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Film Review- "A Million Ways To Die In The West"
A Million Ways To Die In The West
Directed By Seth MacFarlane
Starring Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, and Neil Patrick Harris
I guess you could say in the debate of wether to like or dislike Seth MacFarlane, I lean more towards like. I lost interest in Family Guy a long time ago, although I do enjoy the older episodes. Ted is one of my favorite films, I thought his album "Music Is Better Than Words" was good, and I know I'm in the minority when I say I thought he was good hosting the Oscars.
However, I know that MacFarlane can do as much bad as he does good. I'm looking at you The Cleveland Show, American Dad, and short-lived Fox sitcoms Dads and The Winner. After the success of Ted, combined with my love for Blazing Saddles (The original western-comedy), I had high hopes for his next feature film, A Million Ways To Die In The West.
It goes without being said, but A Million Ways is no Blazing Saddles.
The film centers around Albert (MacFarlane), a sheep farmer in the old west. After chickening out on a gunfight, his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) leaves him for mustache aficionado Foy (Harris). Shortly afterwards, the wife of an outlaw (Theron) comes to town. She takes a shine to Albert, decides to teach him how to shoot, and hopefully win his girl back. Of course they start to fall for one another, which of course is a problem, seeing is how Anna's husband, outlaw Clinch Leatherwood (Neeson), is on his way to town.
It's a unique enough story for the western setting, but what about the comedy? Where Ted was charming, outrageous and crude, A Million Ways is outrageous and crude, sans charm. A lot of the jokes seem like they were scrapped from an episode of Family Guy. There is plenty to laugh at, but I found throughout the film I was chuckling and smiling to myself, more than laughing out loud.
At some points, MacFarlane is definitely at his crudest. I never thought I'd see a Neil Patrick Harris take a dump in a hat, or a sheep's penis in a film, but there it is. That's not a spoiler by the way, no, that's a warning. Speaking of spoilers, while one great cameo was given away in the trailers, there a few more that are just fantastic.
This is an impressive cast as you can probably tell. The big problem is they aren't really given the chance to exercise their funny bones. Most of the comedy is given to MacFarlane, who as a leading man, is just okay. Charlize Theron get some laughs. Sarah Silverman and Giovanni Ribisi get their fair share of the comedy, but others like Neil Patrick Harris, Liam Neeson, and Amanda Seyfried are criminally underused.
A Million Ways To Die In The West is not Seth MacFarlane's best, but it's also not his worst. The good outweighs the bad, and you'll definitely laugh. But the cast isn't giving the performance you'd hope they would, and the script isn't as well polished as Ted was. If you see it once, that's probably enough. If you don't see it all, no big deal.
Directed By Seth MacFarlane
Starring Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, and Neil Patrick Harris
I guess you could say in the debate of wether to like or dislike Seth MacFarlane, I lean more towards like. I lost interest in Family Guy a long time ago, although I do enjoy the older episodes. Ted is one of my favorite films, I thought his album "Music Is Better Than Words" was good, and I know I'm in the minority when I say I thought he was good hosting the Oscars.
However, I know that MacFarlane can do as much bad as he does good. I'm looking at you The Cleveland Show, American Dad, and short-lived Fox sitcoms Dads and The Winner. After the success of Ted, combined with my love for Blazing Saddles (The original western-comedy), I had high hopes for his next feature film, A Million Ways To Die In The West.
It goes without being said, but A Million Ways is no Blazing Saddles.
The film centers around Albert (MacFarlane), a sheep farmer in the old west. After chickening out on a gunfight, his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) leaves him for mustache aficionado Foy (Harris). Shortly afterwards, the wife of an outlaw (Theron) comes to town. She takes a shine to Albert, decides to teach him how to shoot, and hopefully win his girl back. Of course they start to fall for one another, which of course is a problem, seeing is how Anna's husband, outlaw Clinch Leatherwood (Neeson), is on his way to town.
It's a unique enough story for the western setting, but what about the comedy? Where Ted was charming, outrageous and crude, A Million Ways is outrageous and crude, sans charm. A lot of the jokes seem like they were scrapped from an episode of Family Guy. There is plenty to laugh at, but I found throughout the film I was chuckling and smiling to myself, more than laughing out loud.
At some points, MacFarlane is definitely at his crudest. I never thought I'd see a Neil Patrick Harris take a dump in a hat, or a sheep's penis in a film, but there it is. That's not a spoiler by the way, no, that's a warning. Speaking of spoilers, while one great cameo was given away in the trailers, there a few more that are just fantastic.
This is an impressive cast as you can probably tell. The big problem is they aren't really given the chance to exercise their funny bones. Most of the comedy is given to MacFarlane, who as a leading man, is just okay. Charlize Theron get some laughs. Sarah Silverman and Giovanni Ribisi get their fair share of the comedy, but others like Neil Patrick Harris, Liam Neeson, and Amanda Seyfried are criminally underused.
A Million Ways To Die In The West is not Seth MacFarlane's best, but it's also not his worst. The good outweighs the bad, and you'll definitely laugh. But the cast isn't giving the performance you'd hope they would, and the script isn't as well polished as Ted was. If you see it once, that's probably enough. If you don't see it all, no big deal.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Film Review- "Maleficent"
Maleficent
Directed by Robert Stromberg
Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Sharlto Copley
There are villains, and then there are Disney villains. A delicious gallery of rogues that have stood the test of time and become some of cinema's most captivating antagonists. Quite possibly the most popular of all Disney villains is Maleficent, from the animated masterpiece Sleeping Beauty. Logically, if one were to make a film based around a Disney villain, Maleficent would be a wise choice. She's an iconic villainess. The self-proclaimed mistress of all evil.
Unfortunately, in Walt Disney Pictures' Maleficent, the mistress of all evil is nowhere to be found amidst this frustrating mess of a film.
The film begins by telling us Maleficent's previously unknown origins. As a young fairy living in the mystical land of the moors, alongside a population of CGI rejects from The Lord of The Rings and the Neo-Pets, she meets an orphan boy named Stefan. The two grow closer and closer over the years, and eventually fall in love.
Time passes, and as Stefan (Copley) grows he distances himself from Maleficent (Jolie). He works his way up to becoming a trusted knight of the king, who is ought to destroy Maleficent and the moors, fearing her power. After a rough battle, the king declares whoever can kill Maleficent, shall be his successor to the throne.
Stefan returns to the moors, and although he doesn't kill Maleficent, he does drug her and cut off her wings. He presents the wings to the king (claiming Maleficent is dead), and the king appoints him the new king. This all sends Maleficent down the dark path that transforms her into the villain we all know…or at least thought we knew, as this film claims…horribly.
Right after this point is where the film progresses into its own twisted version of the original Sleeping Beauty narrative, and into a downward spiral. This is not the Maleficent old fans have come to expect, and the filmmakers completely ignore what made the character great, and what drew audiences into the theater into the first place. Because of this, as they try to make Maleficent out to be this "misunderstood" character, they in turn tare down what the original Sleeping Beauty established.
The original characters you know and love aren't in this film. If you're a fan of Sleeping Beauty, then you'll be rolling your eyes, groaning, and even tempted to leave the theater at every change in the story. Even the littlest changes that make no sense. Why only change the three fairies names when everyone else keeps their names? Why make the green one the idiot and the blue one ditzy and sensible one when it was the other way around? Why??
Everything in Sleeping Beauty is brought down, to build Maleficent up into this hero character. She's not plotting to find and get Aurora. She's…getting to know her and watching over her? What?? I'd love to list all this film's sins, but I respect the sanctity of spoilers. But this film is afraid to make Maleficent the real villain she is. The best example that come to mind right now is The Lorax, where The Onceler is made not the greedy business man from the book, but the Lorax's conflicted "bro". Ugh. Let the villains be villains!
Maleficent is a perfect example of a film that goes for style over substance. The visuals are nice but the script isn't strong enough to justify them. The script is underdeveloped, which is a shame considering it's written by Linda Woolverton. I mean this is the woman who wrote Beauty & The Beast and The Lion King! Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland too but…come on! Again, the first act is the strongest, and builds up a lot of wasted potential in a rush to get to the "meat" of the film. We barely get to touch on Maleficent and Stefan's relationship so we really don't have time to get caught up in their conflict.
The effects are nice and the world they create in the moors is pretty enough, but essentially they're just trying to do what every fantasy film since Avatar has done. Imitate Avatar's effects. I already mentioned The Lord of The Rings and Neo-Pet rejects (Seriously what are they doing in this film??).
However, amidst all this, are instances of a good film trying to get out. The saving grace of it all is of course Angelina Jolie. She is Maleficent, and gives a great performance. Even when she's not playing the Maleficent we know, she still gives an emotional, compelling character. I must say, despite this film's flaws, the recreation of the scene where Maleficent crashes Aurora's christening and curses her as a baby is great. Jolie's performance, supported by the practical and visual effects, make it like the scene from the original has literally come to life.
Elle Fanning is good but not great as Aurora. Sharlto Copley almost looks like a real-life version of the animated King Stefan, and he works in the role. Sam Riley, who will forever be known now as Discount Orlando Bloom, plays Dival, this film's version of Maleficent's raven, here her shape-shifting servant. He's alright, and the adaptation of the character is creative, but he also pulls in my opinion the biggest middle finger of all (You'll have to watch and see).
Prince Phillip is nothing but a footnote here, and played by who looks to be a lost member of One Direction that missed his tour bus. I've heard the three fairies in Sleeping Beauty be called annoying before. Well wait til' you see them here.
Starting out with a strong and compelling first act, Maleficent soon degrades itself into a film that's difficult to watch, despite a wonderful performance from its lead actress. If you're not a fan of Sleeping Beauty, or willing to ignore its existence for two hours, maybe it's a better film for you. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that it's underwritten, over-stylized, and ignorant to its own source material. That last part being the biggest offense of all, considering the original was made by the same studio. I can only hope parents of younger children will show their children Sleeping Beauty, and not just Maleficent. That way they can see what true evil looks like.
Directed by Robert Stromberg
Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Sharlto Copley
There are villains, and then there are Disney villains. A delicious gallery of rogues that have stood the test of time and become some of cinema's most captivating antagonists. Quite possibly the most popular of all Disney villains is Maleficent, from the animated masterpiece Sleeping Beauty. Logically, if one were to make a film based around a Disney villain, Maleficent would be a wise choice. She's an iconic villainess. The self-proclaimed mistress of all evil.
Unfortunately, in Walt Disney Pictures' Maleficent, the mistress of all evil is nowhere to be found amidst this frustrating mess of a film.
The film begins by telling us Maleficent's previously unknown origins. As a young fairy living in the mystical land of the moors, alongside a population of CGI rejects from The Lord of The Rings and the Neo-Pets, she meets an orphan boy named Stefan. The two grow closer and closer over the years, and eventually fall in love.
Time passes, and as Stefan (Copley) grows he distances himself from Maleficent (Jolie). He works his way up to becoming a trusted knight of the king, who is ought to destroy Maleficent and the moors, fearing her power. After a rough battle, the king declares whoever can kill Maleficent, shall be his successor to the throne.
Stefan returns to the moors, and although he doesn't kill Maleficent, he does drug her and cut off her wings. He presents the wings to the king (claiming Maleficent is dead), and the king appoints him the new king. This all sends Maleficent down the dark path that transforms her into the villain we all know…or at least thought we knew, as this film claims…horribly.
Right after this point is where the film progresses into its own twisted version of the original Sleeping Beauty narrative, and into a downward spiral. This is not the Maleficent old fans have come to expect, and the filmmakers completely ignore what made the character great, and what drew audiences into the theater into the first place. Because of this, as they try to make Maleficent out to be this "misunderstood" character, they in turn tare down what the original Sleeping Beauty established.
The original characters you know and love aren't in this film. If you're a fan of Sleeping Beauty, then you'll be rolling your eyes, groaning, and even tempted to leave the theater at every change in the story. Even the littlest changes that make no sense. Why only change the three fairies names when everyone else keeps their names? Why make the green one the idiot and the blue one ditzy and sensible one when it was the other way around? Why??
Everything in Sleeping Beauty is brought down, to build Maleficent up into this hero character. She's not plotting to find and get Aurora. She's…getting to know her and watching over her? What?? I'd love to list all this film's sins, but I respect the sanctity of spoilers. But this film is afraid to make Maleficent the real villain she is. The best example that come to mind right now is The Lorax, where The Onceler is made not the greedy business man from the book, but the Lorax's conflicted "bro". Ugh. Let the villains be villains!
Maleficent is a perfect example of a film that goes for style over substance. The visuals are nice but the script isn't strong enough to justify them. The script is underdeveloped, which is a shame considering it's written by Linda Woolverton. I mean this is the woman who wrote Beauty & The Beast and The Lion King! Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland too but…come on! Again, the first act is the strongest, and builds up a lot of wasted potential in a rush to get to the "meat" of the film. We barely get to touch on Maleficent and Stefan's relationship so we really don't have time to get caught up in their conflict.
The effects are nice and the world they create in the moors is pretty enough, but essentially they're just trying to do what every fantasy film since Avatar has done. Imitate Avatar's effects. I already mentioned The Lord of The Rings and Neo-Pet rejects (Seriously what are they doing in this film??).
However, amidst all this, are instances of a good film trying to get out. The saving grace of it all is of course Angelina Jolie. She is Maleficent, and gives a great performance. Even when she's not playing the Maleficent we know, she still gives an emotional, compelling character. I must say, despite this film's flaws, the recreation of the scene where Maleficent crashes Aurora's christening and curses her as a baby is great. Jolie's performance, supported by the practical and visual effects, make it like the scene from the original has literally come to life.
Elle Fanning is good but not great as Aurora. Sharlto Copley almost looks like a real-life version of the animated King Stefan, and he works in the role. Sam Riley, who will forever be known now as Discount Orlando Bloom, plays Dival, this film's version of Maleficent's raven, here her shape-shifting servant. He's alright, and the adaptation of the character is creative, but he also pulls in my opinion the biggest middle finger of all (You'll have to watch and see).
Prince Phillip is nothing but a footnote here, and played by who looks to be a lost member of One Direction that missed his tour bus. I've heard the three fairies in Sleeping Beauty be called annoying before. Well wait til' you see them here.
Starting out with a strong and compelling first act, Maleficent soon degrades itself into a film that's difficult to watch, despite a wonderful performance from its lead actress. If you're not a fan of Sleeping Beauty, or willing to ignore its existence for two hours, maybe it's a better film for you. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that it's underwritten, over-stylized, and ignorant to its own source material. That last part being the biggest offense of all, considering the original was made by the same studio. I can only hope parents of younger children will show their children Sleeping Beauty, and not just Maleficent. That way they can see what true evil looks like.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Disney Sequel Showdown- "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II"
Disney Sequel Showdown: Round #2
*Spoilers included in this review*
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II
Directed by Bradley Raymond
Starring Tom Hulce, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Haley Joel Osment
Remember how I said maybe part of the reason Pocahontas II was made was to give Pocahontas the standard Disney-ending, complete with handsome prince-type character? Well, The Hunchback of Note Dame II was DEFINITELY made to give Quasimodo the standard Disney-ending, complete with beautiful princess-type character.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame definitely doesn't get the credit it deserves, and has always been overshadowed by more popular films from the Disney Renaissance period, like The Lion King and Beauty & The Beast. It's a great animated film, and one of my favorites. It's sequel, not so much.
Quasimodo (Hulce) has been fully accepted and integrated into Parisian society. The Festival D'Amour (Festival of Love) is approaching, and Quasimodo wonders if there's someone out there to love him. A circus comes to town, led by a wicked conman named Sarousch (Michael McKean). He's out to steal a famous, jewel-crested belle named La Fiedele from Notre Dame. He sends his assistant Madeline (Hewitt) to case the joint. She runs into Quasimodo, they hit off, but she is frightened by his appearance. Personally, I don't know what her deal is. Especially when this little…guy, was hanging around her boss the entire time:
Where is his eyes?!?
Anyway, you can pretty much guess where the story goes from there. Slowly but surely, she starts to fall for him, but she still has her ties to Sarousch and his plot, eventually she'll be exposed, they'll have a fall-out, then they'll make up, typical romantic-comedy bull.
Let's discuss this whole "Quasi gets the girl" angle for a bit. I understand maybe audiences were upset Quasimodo and Esmerelda didn't get together in the first film. It's one of the ways the film stays true to the Victor Hugo novel (For those of you that don't know, the original novel is far more darker than the Disney adaptation, so obviously there were a few liberties taken). You could say, "Well if they changed so much from the book, why couldn't Quasi get the girl too?" Well to that I say, why not?
Stepping away from the book, let's look at the Quasimodo we're presented with in Hunchback. This isn't a character desperate for love. This is a character who wants to get out of his home/prison and explore the world. By the end of the film not only does he accomplish this, he discovers, as an old trailer for the film states, "the magic within himself".
Story-wise, it's not a huge deal for this guy to find a girl. Sure, it's nice to see him find one, and it's nice of Hunchback II to give its younger audience the message that there's someone out there for everyone. Well, Disney did another, much better film, that carried that same message…called Beauty & The Beast.
Wanting to give Quasimodo a girlfriend isn't a good enough reason for this film to exist, and the whole "steal the bell" subplot doesn't do much to buffen up this scrawny script. The film barely hits the one-hour mark. Not to mention the film does a lot of treading on what Hunchback did. Quasimodo goes through another "I'm not good enough" episode and it hurts to watch. Gypsies/circus/street performers, which were fighting unjust persecution in Hunchback, are bad guys here. Then on the flip side of that is Pheobus, who was intelligent and non-prejudice, is now dense and suspicious of these people.
The animation is simply not good. It pales in comparison to that of Hunchback's. There are moments where they try to recreate shots from the first film, and it just doesn't work. Quasimodo, who was drawn rough on the edges but easy on the eyes, does not look good at all here. At some points he resembles a melting Peter Griffin, but maybe that's too harsh. The songs fail to reach the emotional heights of the ones from Hunchback, but "Ordinary Miracle" is a nice little number. Sarousch is not a compelling villain, and unworthy to hold Frollo's giant hat. In fact, it's a little weird how much he fawns over himself in the film…
But…there is some good in this film. All the returning cast members do a good job, and you can tell they still care about these characters. More importantly, you still root for Quasimodo and connect to him, and I think a lot of that is due to his voice actor Tom Hulce. You do want to see him get the girl. Jennifer Love Hewitt does fairly well as Madeline, and while her and Quasi's "flirting" does get kind of annoying, you still want to see them get together. One more bad note, Haley Joel Osment as Pheobus and Esmerelda's son Zephyr is the most annoying thing ever. That is all.
Hunchback of Notre Dame II doesn't do enough to justify its existence. If this were an hour-long series finale to a Hunchback of Notre Dame animated series (Thank God there was never one of those), maybe audiences could have passed better judgement. But it's not, it's a direct-to-video sequel with weak animation and a weak script, to an animated masterpiece.
I haven't seen every Disney sequel, believe it or not, and I'm sure there are worse ones out there (I hear Fox & The Hound 2 is a midquel about Todd and Copper joining a band. Ugh.) If I took the time to watch them all, and do a "Top 10 Worst Disney Sequels", I honestly think this one would end up lower on the list. Unfortunately, that's still not enough for me to recommend a viewing of it.
Oh, one more thing…
It escaped imprisonment?!?!? Five buck says if there was to be a Hunchback 3, that little Gollum wannabe was going to be the villain….*shudders*
*Spoilers included in this review*
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II
Directed by Bradley Raymond
Starring Tom Hulce, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Haley Joel Osment
Remember how I said maybe part of the reason Pocahontas II was made was to give Pocahontas the standard Disney-ending, complete with handsome prince-type character? Well, The Hunchback of Note Dame II was DEFINITELY made to give Quasimodo the standard Disney-ending, complete with beautiful princess-type character.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame definitely doesn't get the credit it deserves, and has always been overshadowed by more popular films from the Disney Renaissance period, like The Lion King and Beauty & The Beast. It's a great animated film, and one of my favorites. It's sequel, not so much.
Quasimodo (Hulce) has been fully accepted and integrated into Parisian society. The Festival D'Amour (Festival of Love) is approaching, and Quasimodo wonders if there's someone out there to love him. A circus comes to town, led by a wicked conman named Sarousch (Michael McKean). He's out to steal a famous, jewel-crested belle named La Fiedele from Notre Dame. He sends his assistant Madeline (Hewitt) to case the joint. She runs into Quasimodo, they hit off, but she is frightened by his appearance. Personally, I don't know what her deal is. Especially when this little…guy, was hanging around her boss the entire time:
Anyway, you can pretty much guess where the story goes from there. Slowly but surely, she starts to fall for him, but she still has her ties to Sarousch and his plot, eventually she'll be exposed, they'll have a fall-out, then they'll make up, typical romantic-comedy bull.
Let's discuss this whole "Quasi gets the girl" angle for a bit. I understand maybe audiences were upset Quasimodo and Esmerelda didn't get together in the first film. It's one of the ways the film stays true to the Victor Hugo novel (For those of you that don't know, the original novel is far more darker than the Disney adaptation, so obviously there were a few liberties taken). You could say, "Well if they changed so much from the book, why couldn't Quasi get the girl too?" Well to that I say, why not?
Stepping away from the book, let's look at the Quasimodo we're presented with in Hunchback. This isn't a character desperate for love. This is a character who wants to get out of his home/prison and explore the world. By the end of the film not only does he accomplish this, he discovers, as an old trailer for the film states, "the magic within himself".
Story-wise, it's not a huge deal for this guy to find a girl. Sure, it's nice to see him find one, and it's nice of Hunchback II to give its younger audience the message that there's someone out there for everyone. Well, Disney did another, much better film, that carried that same message…called Beauty & The Beast.
Wanting to give Quasimodo a girlfriend isn't a good enough reason for this film to exist, and the whole "steal the bell" subplot doesn't do much to buffen up this scrawny script. The film barely hits the one-hour mark. Not to mention the film does a lot of treading on what Hunchback did. Quasimodo goes through another "I'm not good enough" episode and it hurts to watch. Gypsies/circus/street performers, which were fighting unjust persecution in Hunchback, are bad guys here. Then on the flip side of that is Pheobus, who was intelligent and non-prejudice, is now dense and suspicious of these people.
The animation is simply not good. It pales in comparison to that of Hunchback's. There are moments where they try to recreate shots from the first film, and it just doesn't work. Quasimodo, who was drawn rough on the edges but easy on the eyes, does not look good at all here. At some points he resembles a melting Peter Griffin, but maybe that's too harsh. The songs fail to reach the emotional heights of the ones from Hunchback, but "Ordinary Miracle" is a nice little number. Sarousch is not a compelling villain, and unworthy to hold Frollo's giant hat. In fact, it's a little weird how much he fawns over himself in the film…
But…there is some good in this film. All the returning cast members do a good job, and you can tell they still care about these characters. More importantly, you still root for Quasimodo and connect to him, and I think a lot of that is due to his voice actor Tom Hulce. You do want to see him get the girl. Jennifer Love Hewitt does fairly well as Madeline, and while her and Quasi's "flirting" does get kind of annoying, you still want to see them get together. One more bad note, Haley Joel Osment as Pheobus and Esmerelda's son Zephyr is the most annoying thing ever. That is all.
Hunchback of Notre Dame II doesn't do enough to justify its existence. If this were an hour-long series finale to a Hunchback of Notre Dame animated series (Thank God there was never one of those), maybe audiences could have passed better judgement. But it's not, it's a direct-to-video sequel with weak animation and a weak script, to an animated masterpiece.
I haven't seen every Disney sequel, believe it or not, and I'm sure there are worse ones out there (I hear Fox & The Hound 2 is a midquel about Todd and Copper joining a band. Ugh.) If I took the time to watch them all, and do a "Top 10 Worst Disney Sequels", I honestly think this one would end up lower on the list. Unfortunately, that's still not enough for me to recommend a viewing of it.
Oh, one more thing…
It escaped imprisonment?!?!? Five buck says if there was to be a Hunchback 3, that little Gollum wannabe was going to be the villain….*shudders*
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Disney Sequel Showdown- "Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World"
Disney Sequel Showdown: Round #1
*Spoilers included in this review*
Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World
Directed by Tom Ellery & Bradley Raymond
Starring Irene Bedard, Billy Zane, Donal Gibson, and David Odgen Steirs
As much as I love Disney, I know not everything they do is great. The thrity-something direct-to-video sequels, midquels, threquels and spin-offs in particular. There are very few films in Disney's main animated feature canon, that haven't had at least one follow-up produced by the now closed Disney Toon Studios, which was shut down by John Lasseter a few years back.
Now to be fair...not all of them were bad. There were some diamonds in the rough, that while in no way can be compared to the originals, were decent and enjoyable. Pochaontas II, somehow falls in-between the two categories of "Decent" and "Unwatchable".
Some time after the first film, Governor Ratcliffe (Steirs) has convinced King James (Jim Cummings) that John Smith (Gibson…no not, Mel. His brother) is a traitor to the crown, while covering up his own crimes in the process. Ratcliffe leads an assault on Smith's home with a warrant for his arrest, and Smith dies in the ensuing pursuit (Yeah. Sure he does.)
Some more time passes, and as Pocahontas (Bedard) tries to put Smith's death behind her, diplomat John Rolfe (Zane) arrives in Jamestown, hoping to bring Chief Powhatan (Now played by Cummings in this film) back to England to speak with King James, and hopefully prevent Ratcliffe and his armada from declaring war on the natives. But Pocahontas volunteers to go in her father's place.
Rolfe brings Pocahontas back to England, along with her animal friends (Who just are not enjoyable to watch as they were in the first film) and a silent bodyguard, with hopes to educate her in British etiquette, and together prevent Ratcliffe's armada from sailing to Jamestown.
Well you can probably already see the first problem with this film from that summary. Within the first two minutes of this sequel, nearly everything that was accomplished in the first film is undone. The villain is absolved of his crimes with literally just one line of dialogue, and the settlers and natives are at odds again. Not to mention the film also destroys the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. I mean, they literally put Pocahontas in a love triangle….I'll say that again. Pocahontas in a love triangle. Doesn't sound right does it? It also doesn't help that her new love interest John Rolfe, is downright annoying for the first half of the film.
Probably the biggest fault in this film is what they do to Pocahontas's character. She is so willing to change who she is to impress the British royalty in this film, rather than share her ways, like she did in with John Smith in the original film. You could argue that she had to in order to get her point across to the king, but in the end she decides to be true to her heart, so it's all a waste of time and a complete u-turn of her characterization.
Now to be fair, Journey To A New World does something that most other Disney sequels don't do, and that's progress our protagonist's story. It's not "The protagonist's child goes through a smiler experience as they did" or "Something that happened to the protagonist, taking place somewhere in the middle of the first film, but we didn't see it" as most Disney sequels (or midquels) are. Pocahontas's story goes on in a unique, logical way in this film.
Heck it even kind of tries to rectify the historical inaccuracies of the first film, putting her with Rolfe and having her go to England, and it is sort of realistic that the natives and settlers wouldn't immediately go from enemies to allies. Nevertheless, the damage is already done, and all the film accomplishes by doing this is tare down a far superior film.
I'm not going to discuss the downgrade in animation because it's not really fair. The songs aren't bad for a direct-to-video film, but they are nothing compared to the songs of Pocahontas. The voice acting is fine. Almost all of the original cast members return and you can tell they still care about these characters.
I'm not sure what the filmmakers intentions were when they set out to make Pocahontas II (Money earnings aside). Was it to rectify the historical inaccuracies of Pocahontas? Was it to give Pocahontas her standard Disney-Princess ending, complete with handsome prince/nobleman? Who knows? I can see there are good intentions behind this film, but the badness in it overshadows them, leaving Pocahontas II somewhere in the middle of the Disney-Sequel spectrum.
Like I said, at least it continues the protagonist's story in a logical way. Sort of like The Hunchback of Notre Dame II but…umm give me a few days on this one...
*Spoilers included in this review*
Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World
Directed by Tom Ellery & Bradley Raymond
Starring Irene Bedard, Billy Zane, Donal Gibson, and David Odgen Steirs
As much as I love Disney, I know not everything they do is great. The thrity-something direct-to-video sequels, midquels, threquels and spin-offs in particular. There are very few films in Disney's main animated feature canon, that haven't had at least one follow-up produced by the now closed Disney Toon Studios, which was shut down by John Lasseter a few years back.
Now to be fair...not all of them were bad. There were some diamonds in the rough, that while in no way can be compared to the originals, were decent and enjoyable. Pochaontas II, somehow falls in-between the two categories of "Decent" and "Unwatchable".
Some time after the first film, Governor Ratcliffe (Steirs) has convinced King James (Jim Cummings) that John Smith (Gibson…no not, Mel. His brother) is a traitor to the crown, while covering up his own crimes in the process. Ratcliffe leads an assault on Smith's home with a warrant for his arrest, and Smith dies in the ensuing pursuit (Yeah. Sure he does.)
Some more time passes, and as Pocahontas (Bedard) tries to put Smith's death behind her, diplomat John Rolfe (Zane) arrives in Jamestown, hoping to bring Chief Powhatan (Now played by Cummings in this film) back to England to speak with King James, and hopefully prevent Ratcliffe and his armada from declaring war on the natives. But Pocahontas volunteers to go in her father's place.
Rolfe brings Pocahontas back to England, along with her animal friends (Who just are not enjoyable to watch as they were in the first film) and a silent bodyguard, with hopes to educate her in British etiquette, and together prevent Ratcliffe's armada from sailing to Jamestown.
Well you can probably already see the first problem with this film from that summary. Within the first two minutes of this sequel, nearly everything that was accomplished in the first film is undone. The villain is absolved of his crimes with literally just one line of dialogue, and the settlers and natives are at odds again. Not to mention the film also destroys the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. I mean, they literally put Pocahontas in a love triangle….I'll say that again. Pocahontas in a love triangle. Doesn't sound right does it? It also doesn't help that her new love interest John Rolfe, is downright annoying for the first half of the film.
Probably the biggest fault in this film is what they do to Pocahontas's character. She is so willing to change who she is to impress the British royalty in this film, rather than share her ways, like she did in with John Smith in the original film. You could argue that she had to in order to get her point across to the king, but in the end she decides to be true to her heart, so it's all a waste of time and a complete u-turn of her characterization.
Now to be fair, Journey To A New World does something that most other Disney sequels don't do, and that's progress our protagonist's story. It's not "The protagonist's child goes through a smiler experience as they did" or "Something that happened to the protagonist, taking place somewhere in the middle of the first film, but we didn't see it" as most Disney sequels (or midquels) are. Pocahontas's story goes on in a unique, logical way in this film.
Heck it even kind of tries to rectify the historical inaccuracies of the first film, putting her with Rolfe and having her go to England, and it is sort of realistic that the natives and settlers wouldn't immediately go from enemies to allies. Nevertheless, the damage is already done, and all the film accomplishes by doing this is tare down a far superior film.
I'm not going to discuss the downgrade in animation because it's not really fair. The songs aren't bad for a direct-to-video film, but they are nothing compared to the songs of Pocahontas. The voice acting is fine. Almost all of the original cast members return and you can tell they still care about these characters.
I'm not sure what the filmmakers intentions were when they set out to make Pocahontas II (Money earnings aside). Was it to rectify the historical inaccuracies of Pocahontas? Was it to give Pocahontas her standard Disney-Princess ending, complete with handsome prince/nobleman? Who knows? I can see there are good intentions behind this film, but the badness in it overshadows them, leaving Pocahontas II somewhere in the middle of the Disney-Sequel spectrum.
Like I said, at least it continues the protagonist's story in a logical way. Sort of like The Hunchback of Notre Dame II but…umm give me a few days on this one...
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Film Review- "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Directed By Marc Webb
Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane DeHaan, and Jamie Foxx
It always amazes me, when at the end of, or during a film, the theater audience breaks out in applause (There was a lot of applauding throughout my showing of Captain America: The Winter Soldier). It's not like they're watching a show on Broadway, and the actors are their to receive your praise, as they come out for a curtain call. It's not like the theater projectionist is getting anything from the applause (He just pushes a couple of buttons. I've seen him do it). In the end, I guess it just comes right down to the enthusiasm of moviegoers, which is great.
My question though is, and this may sound kind of dumb, what does it take for a film to get an applause? "Well obviously if it's good!" you might say. Well I've seen plenty of great films, but there have only been a handful of times when I've witnessed applause in a movie theater. More than often it's been for a comic-book film like The Avengers, and The Dark Knight series. On rare occasions it's been for an animated film like Finding Nemo, or an awards season film like Zero Dark Thirty. Then last week, there was The Amazing Spider-Man 2. That was the first time I looked around the theater and said to myself, "Really?"
I don't think The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a bad film, but it has its problems, and I don't think it deserves applause. The film obviously takes place some time after the first one. Peter and Gwen (Garfield and Stone) are together and graduating high school. Peter is still haunted by the promise Gwen's father (Denis Leary) had him make before his death. This causes a lot of strain on his relationship with Gwen, and puts a lot of uncertainty in their future together.
Meanwhile, Peter's old friend Harry Osborn (DeHaan) returns to visit his dying father Norman (Chris Cooper). Harry finds out he has the same disease as his father, and that the cure may lie in Spider-Man's blood. Also meanwhile, lonely and Spidey-obsessed Oscorp employee Max Dillon (Foxx) has a tragic accident that turns him into the super villain Electro. Also ALSO meanwhile, Peter is still trying to uncover the secret past of his long-lost father.
So yeah, there's a lot going on in this film, and it makes for an uneven script. It's unfortunate, because while one plot line can be interesting, another can be very boring. At times in the film you may be asking yourself, "Hey what happened to Electro?" or "Hey isn't Harry Osborn supposed to be doing something?" Regardless, when this film works it works. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are again the highlight of the film. Their chemistry is spot-on, but I just had to roll my eyes when I found out that we were going to go through another "Maybe we shouldn't be together" storyline…especially when we did that in the last Spider-Man trilogy! In the second film of that trilogy, too I might add! Thankfully though, Garfield and Stone's acting salvages it.
What's happening with Harry, Oscorp, and the mystery of Peter's father is definitely the most interesting
part of the film. Everything with Electro however, falls flat for me. Personally, I felt Jamie Foxx was miscast. Maybe not as Electro, but as Max Dillon. I found Dillon to be a very annoying, unlikeable character with little to no development. Sure, he's lonely, he's obsessed with Spider-Man, but why? If you cut the Electro stuff out of this, I think The Amazing Spider-Man 2 would have been a better film. I guess they're really rushing to form that Sinister Six team-up though. By the way, did I mention Paul Giammati is in this too as The Rhino? Jeez…
You can see hints in the trailers of this film (and the last one) that there were some "big picture stuff" cut out. For what reason is unclear, but maybe there are some things in this franchise that shouldn't have been left on the cutting room floor, and some things that should have.
While The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is an uneven film, that sadly only offers more of the same in the comic book-film genre, there's plenty to enjoy. Our two leads are again great, with a (mostly) strong supporting cast. Plenty of stellar action, heart twisting drama and emotion, you can still see the good in this film. Unlike the enthusiastic crowd I saw the film with, I'm probably not as eager for repeat viewings. No applause from me, but a tip of the hat there, Spidey.
Directed By Marc Webb
Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane DeHaan, and Jamie Foxx
It always amazes me, when at the end of, or during a film, the theater audience breaks out in applause (There was a lot of applauding throughout my showing of Captain America: The Winter Soldier). It's not like they're watching a show on Broadway, and the actors are their to receive your praise, as they come out for a curtain call. It's not like the theater projectionist is getting anything from the applause (He just pushes a couple of buttons. I've seen him do it). In the end, I guess it just comes right down to the enthusiasm of moviegoers, which is great.
My question though is, and this may sound kind of dumb, what does it take for a film to get an applause? "Well obviously if it's good!" you might say. Well I've seen plenty of great films, but there have only been a handful of times when I've witnessed applause in a movie theater. More than often it's been for a comic-book film like The Avengers, and The Dark Knight series. On rare occasions it's been for an animated film like Finding Nemo, or an awards season film like Zero Dark Thirty. Then last week, there was The Amazing Spider-Man 2. That was the first time I looked around the theater and said to myself, "Really?"
I don't think The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a bad film, but it has its problems, and I don't think it deserves applause. The film obviously takes place some time after the first one. Peter and Gwen (Garfield and Stone) are together and graduating high school. Peter is still haunted by the promise Gwen's father (Denis Leary) had him make before his death. This causes a lot of strain on his relationship with Gwen, and puts a lot of uncertainty in their future together.
Meanwhile, Peter's old friend Harry Osborn (DeHaan) returns to visit his dying father Norman (Chris Cooper). Harry finds out he has the same disease as his father, and that the cure may lie in Spider-Man's blood. Also meanwhile, lonely and Spidey-obsessed Oscorp employee Max Dillon (Foxx) has a tragic accident that turns him into the super villain Electro. Also ALSO meanwhile, Peter is still trying to uncover the secret past of his long-lost father.
So yeah, there's a lot going on in this film, and it makes for an uneven script. It's unfortunate, because while one plot line can be interesting, another can be very boring. At times in the film you may be asking yourself, "Hey what happened to Electro?" or "Hey isn't Harry Osborn supposed to be doing something?" Regardless, when this film works it works. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are again the highlight of the film. Their chemistry is spot-on, but I just had to roll my eyes when I found out that we were going to go through another "Maybe we shouldn't be together" storyline…especially when we did that in the last Spider-Man trilogy! In the second film of that trilogy, too I might add! Thankfully though, Garfield and Stone's acting salvages it.
What's happening with Harry, Oscorp, and the mystery of Peter's father is definitely the most interesting
part of the film. Everything with Electro however, falls flat for me. Personally, I felt Jamie Foxx was miscast. Maybe not as Electro, but as Max Dillon. I found Dillon to be a very annoying, unlikeable character with little to no development. Sure, he's lonely, he's obsessed with Spider-Man, but why? If you cut the Electro stuff out of this, I think The Amazing Spider-Man 2 would have been a better film. I guess they're really rushing to form that Sinister Six team-up though. By the way, did I mention Paul Giammati is in this too as The Rhino? Jeez…
You can see hints in the trailers of this film (and the last one) that there were some "big picture stuff" cut out. For what reason is unclear, but maybe there are some things in this franchise that shouldn't have been left on the cutting room floor, and some things that should have.
While The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is an uneven film, that sadly only offers more of the same in the comic book-film genre, there's plenty to enjoy. Our two leads are again great, with a (mostly) strong supporting cast. Plenty of stellar action, heart twisting drama and emotion, you can still see the good in this film. Unlike the enthusiastic crowd I saw the film with, I'm probably not as eager for repeat viewings. No applause from me, but a tip of the hat there, Spidey.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Film Review- "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"
Let's just get this out of the way right now. This may be the best film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Directed By Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford
Winter Soldier takes place two years after The Avengers, and Steve Rogers (Evans) is still adjusting to how the world has changed. He's joined up with SHEILD, working closely with Agent Romanoff aka Black Widow (Johansson) and Nick Fury (Jackson). Rogers soon starts to have problems with how Fury and SHEILD operate, as not everything is in black & white in the world anymore. The lines between right and wrong are blurred.
When trouble starts brewing among the ranks of SHEILD, Captain America is targeted as a fugitive, and he and Romanoff go on the run, and soon start to uncover a massive conspiracy. Teaming up with Sam Wilson aka The Falcon (Mackie), and Maria Hill (Smulders), they set out to restore order and, quite literally save the world. But Rogers soon faces a ghost of his past, in the form of the master assassin, The Winter Soldier (avoiding spoilers for those who haven't read the comics…or can't see the obvious).
This film is non-stop action and drama. You may have heard it been called a "political thriller" and rightfully so. The plot, and what's going on with SHEILD in the film isn't difficult to follow, despite what some reviews have stated. It's is the very definition of a game changer, for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Really, this film is mind blowing. While it borrows heavily from Ed Brubaker's "Winter Soldier" arc in the comics, the film adapts to the blueprints of the MCU franchise, and stands more than well enough on its own. Not to mention, the film does a great job of commenting on today's society, and how we and the government operate.
The ensemble cast of this film is amazing. Chris Evans gives his best performance as Steve Rogers in this film, after what the character has gone through in Captain America and The Avengers. Scarlett Johansson is given much more to do as Black Widow than she has in past films, and rightfully so. Her chemistry with Evans is clear and she continues to own this character. Anthony Mackie solidifies his status as movie star with this film. The Falcon gives him a real chance to show off his acting chops.
All the supporting players from the past, Cobie Smulders and Samuel L. Jackson included, once again give it their all. Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce is subtle but brilliant. Sebastian Stan doesn't really stand out, but when he's on screen you've got your eyes on him. It really is impossible to go through every member of this film's cast it's so large, but just trust me, they're all amazing.
There's plenty of Easter eggs for Marvel fans to enjoy looking for in this film, and honestly…I can't find any flaws with it. Maybe with a second viewing I could find some, but I don't think I'd have much luck. Captain America: The Winter Solider is an amazing film. It changes everything what has been and what will be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a film you cannot miss, even if you're a non-Marvel fan. No can deny, this is one of the best films of the year.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Directed By Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford
Winter Soldier takes place two years after The Avengers, and Steve Rogers (Evans) is still adjusting to how the world has changed. He's joined up with SHEILD, working closely with Agent Romanoff aka Black Widow (Johansson) and Nick Fury (Jackson). Rogers soon starts to have problems with how Fury and SHEILD operate, as not everything is in black & white in the world anymore. The lines between right and wrong are blurred.
When trouble starts brewing among the ranks of SHEILD, Captain America is targeted as a fugitive, and he and Romanoff go on the run, and soon start to uncover a massive conspiracy. Teaming up with Sam Wilson aka The Falcon (Mackie), and Maria Hill (Smulders), they set out to restore order and, quite literally save the world. But Rogers soon faces a ghost of his past, in the form of the master assassin, The Winter Soldier (avoiding spoilers for those who haven't read the comics…or can't see the obvious).
This film is non-stop action and drama. You may have heard it been called a "political thriller" and rightfully so. The plot, and what's going on with SHEILD in the film isn't difficult to follow, despite what some reviews have stated. It's is the very definition of a game changer, for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Really, this film is mind blowing. While it borrows heavily from Ed Brubaker's "Winter Soldier" arc in the comics, the film adapts to the blueprints of the MCU franchise, and stands more than well enough on its own. Not to mention, the film does a great job of commenting on today's society, and how we and the government operate.
The ensemble cast of this film is amazing. Chris Evans gives his best performance as Steve Rogers in this film, after what the character has gone through in Captain America and The Avengers. Scarlett Johansson is given much more to do as Black Widow than she has in past films, and rightfully so. Her chemistry with Evans is clear and she continues to own this character. Anthony Mackie solidifies his status as movie star with this film. The Falcon gives him a real chance to show off his acting chops.
All the supporting players from the past, Cobie Smulders and Samuel L. Jackson included, once again give it their all. Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce is subtle but brilliant. Sebastian Stan doesn't really stand out, but when he's on screen you've got your eyes on him. It really is impossible to go through every member of this film's cast it's so large, but just trust me, they're all amazing.
There's plenty of Easter eggs for Marvel fans to enjoy looking for in this film, and honestly…I can't find any flaws with it. Maybe with a second viewing I could find some, but I don't think I'd have much luck. Captain America: The Winter Solider is an amazing film. It changes everything what has been and what will be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a film you cannot miss, even if you're a non-Marvel fan. No can deny, this is one of the best films of the year.
Film Review- "Muppets Most Wanted"
Muppets Most Wanted
Directed By James Bobin
Starring Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, and The Muppets
As the newest installment in the Muppet film series begins (quite literally where The Muppets left off), Kermit and the gang sing a song about sequels, stating "Everybody knows that the sequel's never quite as good." I'm inclined to disagree to some extent. Muppets Most Wanted is a great film, but it doesn't match the standards set by The Muppets.
The gang sets off on a international tour through Europe, spear-headed by their new manager Dominic (Gervais). Kermit starts to feel overshadowed by Dominic, and of no use to his friends. It's then that the criminal mastermind Constantine, who bears a striking resemblance to Kermit, switches places with our hero. Kermit is believed to be Constantine and is thrown in to a Russian Gulag, run by the sweet but strict officer Nadia (Fey).
Constantine takes Kermit's place among The Muppets, fooling (mostly) everyone. It is then revealed that Constantine and Dominic are in cahoots, planning to pull of a grand string of heists throughout Europe, and place the blame on The Muppets. That's when Sam The Eagle and Interpol officer Jean Pierre Napoleon (Burrell) come in to track them down. The race is then on for Kermit to get back to The Muppets and set everything right.
It's not the most original story, and the "crime" angle causes older fans to draw comparisons to The Great Muppet Caper, but when you put The Muppets into a story like this, that makes it even better. The movie is the hilarious, filled with the type of jokes and gags you'd expect from The Muppets. The songs are catchy, "We're Doin' A Sequel" and "The Big House" in particular.
The performances…I mean I don't think we have to discuss the performance of The Muppets. They can do no wrong. Ricky Gervais does great, playing second bannana to The Muppets most of the film. He doesn't overshadow them, but he does enough to earn his spotlight. Tina Fey is wonderful as always, and her scenes with Kermit are fantastic. Ty Burrell is hilarious, and every minute him and Sam The Eagle are on screen is terrific. The cameos this time around are great, with some really great names popping up for a few seconds and getting laughs of their own.
Now unfortunately, the problems with this film are ones it isn't in control of. Muppets Most Wanted has two things working against it: timing and nostalgia. Being released right after the big comeback that was The Muppets is tough. It doesn't have "The Muppets are back! We haven't forgotten about them!" emotions to, for lack of better words, convey or manipulate. Don't get me wrong, Most Wanted is as touching and heart-warming as The Muppets get, but there's no way it could match the last tear-jerking five minutes of its predecessor.
If a few more years had passed since The Muppets was released, perhaps Most Wanted would have faired better with the critics. On the other hand, you could argue no matter when the next Muppet movie came out, it was always going to be compared the the one(s) that came before it. Perhaps they didn't go "big" enough, following so closely to the plot line its predecessor established, and a more "specific" story like The Muppet Christmas Carol or Muppet Treasure Island would have been better suited this time around.
But it isn't really fair to judge a film based on its predecessor, wether it's a direct sequel or not. This isn't the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's The Muppets. As a stand alone film Muppets Most Wanted is a perfectly fine, enjoyable film. Personally I will always enjoy The Muppets more, but Most Wanted will definitely has enough rematch potential that it'll earn a spot in home video collections for years to come.
Directed By James Bobin
Starring Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, and The Muppets
As the newest installment in the Muppet film series begins (quite literally where The Muppets left off), Kermit and the gang sing a song about sequels, stating "Everybody knows that the sequel's never quite as good." I'm inclined to disagree to some extent. Muppets Most Wanted is a great film, but it doesn't match the standards set by The Muppets.
The gang sets off on a international tour through Europe, spear-headed by their new manager Dominic (Gervais). Kermit starts to feel overshadowed by Dominic, and of no use to his friends. It's then that the criminal mastermind Constantine, who bears a striking resemblance to Kermit, switches places with our hero. Kermit is believed to be Constantine and is thrown in to a Russian Gulag, run by the sweet but strict officer Nadia (Fey).
Constantine takes Kermit's place among The Muppets, fooling (mostly) everyone. It is then revealed that Constantine and Dominic are in cahoots, planning to pull of a grand string of heists throughout Europe, and place the blame on The Muppets. That's when Sam The Eagle and Interpol officer Jean Pierre Napoleon (Burrell) come in to track them down. The race is then on for Kermit to get back to The Muppets and set everything right.
It's not the most original story, and the "crime" angle causes older fans to draw comparisons to The Great Muppet Caper, but when you put The Muppets into a story like this, that makes it even better. The movie is the hilarious, filled with the type of jokes and gags you'd expect from The Muppets. The songs are catchy, "We're Doin' A Sequel" and "The Big House" in particular.
The performances…I mean I don't think we have to discuss the performance of The Muppets. They can do no wrong. Ricky Gervais does great, playing second bannana to The Muppets most of the film. He doesn't overshadow them, but he does enough to earn his spotlight. Tina Fey is wonderful as always, and her scenes with Kermit are fantastic. Ty Burrell is hilarious, and every minute him and Sam The Eagle are on screen is terrific. The cameos this time around are great, with some really great names popping up for a few seconds and getting laughs of their own.
Now unfortunately, the problems with this film are ones it isn't in control of. Muppets Most Wanted has two things working against it: timing and nostalgia. Being released right after the big comeback that was The Muppets is tough. It doesn't have "The Muppets are back! We haven't forgotten about them!" emotions to, for lack of better words, convey or manipulate. Don't get me wrong, Most Wanted is as touching and heart-warming as The Muppets get, but there's no way it could match the last tear-jerking five minutes of its predecessor.
If a few more years had passed since The Muppets was released, perhaps Most Wanted would have faired better with the critics. On the other hand, you could argue no matter when the next Muppet movie came out, it was always going to be compared the the one(s) that came before it. Perhaps they didn't go "big" enough, following so closely to the plot line its predecessor established, and a more "specific" story like The Muppet Christmas Carol or Muppet Treasure Island would have been better suited this time around.
But it isn't really fair to judge a film based on its predecessor, wether it's a direct sequel or not. This isn't the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's The Muppets. As a stand alone film Muppets Most Wanted is a perfectly fine, enjoyable film. Personally I will always enjoy The Muppets more, but Most Wanted will definitely has enough rematch potential that it'll earn a spot in home video collections for years to come.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Top 30 Episodes of "How I Met Your Mother"
Alright, I think enough time has passed since the finale, so let's get going on this legendary list.
These, are my Top 30 Episodes of How I Met Your Mother.
30. Gary Blauman (Season 9, Episode 21)
Though it really, by all accounts, one last filler before we go into the final three episodes of the series, this episode's ending is what I like to call "The Toy Story 3 version of How I Met Your Mother". The theme, about putting sincere effort into keeping in touch with the people you care about, is one of my favorite lessons the show has taught us (I reference it in my personal piece, "What I Learned From How I Met Your Mother"). In addition to Barney's accidental curly fry rant, and Ted & Tracy's first date, this episode is memorable enough to earn a spot on the list.
29. How I Met Everyone Else (Season 3, Episode 5)
Everyone loves a good origin story, and we got a couple of hilarious ones in this episode, including Ted and Marshall pranking Barney on their first meetings, and Marshall originally thinking Ted as the dean. Plus, who could forget that maniac "Blah Blah", or the fact this episode gave us the term "eating a sandwich"?
28. Best Burger In New York (Season 4, Episode 2)
Regis Philbin in How I Met Your Mother acting insane. Need I say more? Plus Marshall's relentless quest to find a perfect burger from long ago, and Robin's desperate search for just one bite of food make "Best Burger In New York" a highlight of Season 4.
27. Subway Wars (Season 6, Episode 4)
Both hilarious and epic, "Subway Wars" is classic How I Met Your Mother. Barney's over-the-top methods of getting to the restaurant first, Maury Povich, a tiny imaginary Marshall on a pregnancy test ("Somebody help me!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!"), all strung together with the classic ballad "Marshall Vs The Machines".
26. Rabbit or Duck (Season 5, Episode 15)
While this episode features the hilarious "Rabbit Vs Duck" debate, and Barney's madness over his "hook-up phone", the rest of the episode, story and joke wise don't quite measure up. But those two things make up for that in a decent episode.
25. Trilogy Time (Season 7, Episode 20)
Ted and Marshall made a vow in college to watch the original Star Wars trilogy every three years, and this episode shows us when that tri-annual event took place throughout the series until this episode. It's a really fun and creative episode, revisiting some of the show's most pivotal moments. What's also fun is seeing "what could have been" in "fake flash forwards", and watching the cast do some ridiculous things. It's a very creative episode, that is also a testament to the never ending battle of expectations vs reality, which ends on a very sweet moment for Ted in the future.
24. Three Days of Snow (Season 4, Episode 13)
This episode shows just how interchangeable this cast is, and how they all can bounce off one another so well, no matter who they're sharing a scene is. Featuring great moments like Ted and Barney running the bar, Party School Bingo, and the final scene at the airport with Marshall and Lily, "Three Days of Snow" is another great episode of How I Met Your Mother.
23. The Window (Season 5, Episode 10)
Make Adjustments…Go Get Energized! Ted's failed attempt to finally land The Girl Next Door is sprinkled with the most ridiculous scenarios. Robin's failed attempts to seduce his competition, trying to stop Barney from…being Barney, and Marshall's inner battle with his nine-year-old self. While it is another episode where Ted goes after someone that isn't The Mother, it gives every character a chance to shine in their own special way.
22. Bass Player Wanted (Season 9, Episode 13)
Putting a guest star in the middle of a great cast is always risky, but Andrew Rannels as Darren does pretty great. Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris's scenes together are amazing, as always. But the real gem of the episode is Cristin Milioti, as she is given a lot of great material to work with. This is one of the best episodes of the ninth and final season.
21. The Best Man (Season 7, Episode 1)
In the first episode of the seventh season, which was very much the beginning of the march (a very long march) towards the series's end game, we are treated to an amazing dance scene with Barney and Robin. Plus, Marshall getting drunk and obsessing over babies, and "Classic Schmosby". Side note, go watch Robin and Ted's conversation about timing again. Now watch the finale again…..yeah. I know.
20. The Perfect Cocktail (Season 6, Episode 22)
I think we can all agree that, watching our friends make asses of themselves drunk is great comedy, and that's exactly what this episode gives us. From Ted's beatboxing, to…pretty much everything Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel do, the laughs just keep coming in this episode.
19. How The Lily Stole Christmas (Season 2, Episode 11)
I'm a sucker for a good Christmas episode, and How I Met Your Mother's first one is nothing short of great. The use of "Grinch" as a censor for an unknown swear word. Robin taking care of a sick, whining Barney (and a fiery batch of cookies). Ted's very religious cousins and their Christmas dinner. This is a classic Christmas episode, and a classic How I Met Your Mother episode.
18. The Magician's Code Part 1 &2 (Season 7, Episodes 23 & 24)
Marshall and Lily's quest to become parents, that started all the way back in season 4, finally comes to a close, with the beautiful birth of Marvin Wait-for-It Eriksen. The birth for the adorable little guy comes amidst some truly ridiculous moments, such as "Yoda-Drunk" Marshall, Barney's determination to uphold The Magician's Code, and Robin's coming to terms with the birthing process ("You! Get that thing out of my office! Weak women disgust me!"- Dr. Sonya).
17. Jenkins (Season 5, Episode 13)
Neil Patrick Harris took the director's chair for this episode, and it pays off. Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan continue to play off each other amazingly, but if I had to describe the episode in two words, it'd be "But umm…"
16. The End of The Aisle (Season 9, Episode 22)
The cast gives some of their best work in this episode. While the laughs aren't heavy (Save for Marshall's never- ending "vow" puns, the final slap and one last "Nobody Asked You Patrice"), it's a beautiful thing when we finally reach Barney and Robin's wedding. Set to Pearl Jam's "Future Days", it's hard to hold the tears back, as the moment that was teased years before finally arrives, and it was legendary….and then...
15. Last Forever Part 1 &2 (Season 9, Episode 23 & 24)
WAIT. WAIT FOR IIIT!!!!!!
I know some of you are still angry, and are probably ready to throw tomatoes at me for even putting it on the list. But I've watched the finale a few more times since I wrote my initial response to it…and dammit, I enjoy it now. How can anyone not love the fact that we finally see Ted meeting Tracy (The Mother), after multiple glimpses at their beautiful life together all season long, and in this episode. A bittersweet ending yes, but how can you now get choked up over Ted's last bit of monolgue? Plus there's so many wonderful moments in this episode, like Barney and his newborn daughter. "Last Forever" is a touching, emotional close to a show that has always balanced the lighter and darker sides of life, through laughs and tears.
14. Legendaddy/Hopeless (Season 6, Episode 19 & 21)
Both episodes have Neil Patrick Harris and John Lithgow at their very best. While one has them giving their best dramatically, the other has them giving their best comedically. On the dramatic side, Neil Patrick Harris gives it his all in "Legendaddy" as he reunites with his estranged father Jerry (Lithgow). Lithgow is one of the best guest stars the show's ever had, balancing both the light-hearted and the gritty sides of the show. The final scene between him and NPH still stands out strong in my memory. Plus there's Marshall's opossum Rex. He found him in a dumpster. He lives with us now. Comedically, "Hopeless" gives the two very actors plenty material to play off another, scene after scene, while still ending on a strong emotional note. Then there's the origin of the red cowboy boots. Oh Ted.
13. The Final Page Part 1 & 2 (Season 8, Episode 11 & 12)
Barney's month-long scheme to propose to Robin is nothing short of wonderful. Marvin's lullaby is adorable. Ted's scene with Robin in the limo is very touching. Neil Patrick Harris's performance when Barney is jinxed, Peter Gallagher and Seth Green's guest roles...There's an endless amount of things that make one of the show's most important episodes one of its best.
12. Symphony of Illumination (Season 7, Episode 12)
One of the saddest episodes in the show. After the episode that came before it, told us Robin might be pregnant, not only did this one say she wasn't, but that she couldn't have children at all. The episode had plenty of laughs, only to pull the rug out from under us and sucker punch us in the heart at the very end. The final scene is one of the series' best moments. But in the end, this episode gives us one of Cobie Smulders best performances.
11. Slapsgiving (Season 3, Episode 9)
Neil Patrick Harris does a great job playing a skittish, disoriented Barney as the third slap of the slap bet draws closer in this Thanksgiving/Slapsgiving episode. Jason Segel's closing song (with backup vocals from NPH) has gone down in history as one of the show's trademarks, and rightfully so. As Ted and Robin's post break-up tension come to a head, the episode shows just how messy, ridiculous, and hilarious Thanksgiving can be…and Bob.
10. Girls Vs Suits (Season 5, Episode 12)
The show's 100th episode gave us the musical number to end all musical numbers, and (at the time) the closest we've ever been to meeting The Mother, with Ted dating her roommate Cindy (Rachel Bilson). Exciting and fun to watch for the fans, the episode also had plenty to chuckle at as the gang, Barney in particular, deal with the arrival of MacLaren's new, suit-hating bartender (Stacy Keibler).
9. Last Words (Season 6, Episode 14)
While the final scene of "Bad News"will always be one of my favorite scenes, the episode on a whole, not so much. Nevertheless, in the story of Marshall's Dad's unexpected death, Jason Segel gives an incredible performance, and his best work in the show. His final monologue in the end is heartbreaking, and Marshall's quest to remember his last words with his father (While the gang tries to provide some humor throughout) makes this another heavy hitter in the series.
8. Arrivederci, Fiero (Season 2, Episode 17)
The gang recounts all the memories they made with Marshall's old Fiero in some hilarious flashbacks. Ted and Marshall's original, disastarous road trip, which gave us the game "Zitch Dog" and brought new life to the song "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. Plus who could forget Barney's driving lesson? If you haven't already, really listen to what he and Ted are screaming during the "crash scene". Also, there was a suicidal cat and a hitchhiking Waldo.
7. Who Wants To Be A Godparent? (Season 8, Episode 4)
"Time will hear a broken heart…but not that bitch's window!"
It's always great when we can get all five members of the cast in one straight storyline for an episode. That's what we get when Marshall & Lily put the others in a game show-like competition over the right to be Marvin's godparent. The cutaway scenes with Ted, Barney, and Robin all dealing with different parenting situations with Marvin are great, and everyone is bouncing off each other so well in this episode the laughs don't stop.
6 . Monday Night Football (Season 2, Episode 14)
The gang must attend a funeral Super Bowl Sunday, and spend the following day doing everything they can to avoid learning who won, until they can watch it on Tivo that night. What they go through is absurd and hilarious (typical of the show). Robin avoiding reporting the news at her own anchor desk. Marshall being blackmailed by a kindergartner. Ted walking across the city practically deaf and blind. Only on How I Met Your Mother could a story like this exist.
5. How Your Mother Met Me (Season 9, Episode 16)
The clock rewinds back to the very beginning of the series, and we see what Tracy's been up to these past nine years. If you weren't already in love with Cristin Milioti as the titular mother, this episode made you love her. A character we only had patches of knowledge of, we see the emotional journey that brought her to the threshold of meeting the father of her children. This beautiful, nostalgic episode ends with Milioti singing a wonderful rendition of "La Vie En Rose", that becomes Ted's (and mine) favorite performance of the future Mrs. Mosby.
4. Showdown (Season 2, Episode 20)
Bob Barker is Barney's father? Well, at least that's what he thinks, and plans to tell the man when he lands a spot on The Price Is Right. Seeing the delusional Barney actually play on The Price Is Right, getting way too into it, and getting choked up over every little thing Bob Barker says is just so good. Then there's an interesting little end tag with Marshall (and Ted) making a goodnight video to Lily, which is both awkward and humorous.
3. No Pressure (Season 7, Episode 17)
Ted and Robin revisit their romance in another great episode from the fantastic Season 7, while Barney goes mad searching for Marshall & Lily's sextape. Both stories provide some laughs, but in the end it's a very bittersweet chapter in the Ted/Robin storyline, that paves the way for Ted to move forward and find "The One". The episode is very deep, pulling together a lot of what's been dealt with in the season so far, all boiling over to this moment. Giving the whole cast plenty of great material to work with, it's one of the show's best scripted episodes (And I'm not just saying that because the writer went to Quinnipiac University, my alma mater…)
2. The Rebound Girl (Season 7, Episode 11)
Bro-Parenting. Could it work? Ted and Barney want to try and find out, after each of them have gone through a bit of a rough patch. It's always great when Josh Radnor and NPH get to play off one another, and this is one of their best episodes, as they go through another half-baked scheme. Seeing them try to plan their "family life" and doing their "We're having a baby!" hug-dance…so good. Plus you have Cobie Smulders in the B-storyline exercising her comedic abilities, and a cameo from Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson. This episode is nothing short of wonderful.
But it's only #2 on my list. The #1 spot belongs to-Wait for it…...
1. The Time Travelers (Season 8, Episode 20)
I like to look at How I Met Your Mother as 50% funny, and 50% drama, if this post hasn't made that clear yet. For every sad episode, there's a funny episode. For every laugh, there is a tear. The Time Travelers takes that notion and twists it, hiding a sad episode in the concept of a funny one. Again, it's Josh Radnor and NPH doing what they do best, while Jason Segel and Cobie Smulders prove that they're quite the comedic duo as well. The cast and crew fired on all cylinders in this episode. But the real tour de force here is our leading man, Josh Radnor. A defining performance in his nine-year role of Ted Mosby. It's amazing, now that the finale has aired, how much more powerful his speech is at the end.
It's both beautiful and sad, that Ted finds himself alone, with nothing but his stories, his memories, and in that moment, he (as the narrator) comes to terms with how important every second he has with the woman he loves is. Well not just the woman he loves, but his friends Barney, Robin, Marshall, and Lily. Every moment we have with someone we love is precious. That's a beautiful lesson, one which I'll always be glad How I Met Your Mother taught us, as I've stated before in past articles. There will be low moments, where we find ourselves alone and idle, but it's in these moments we can make a great self-discovery, as the narrating Ted admits to his children. Emotional, hilarious, and profound. "The Time Travelers" is my favorite episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Now I understand my favorite episodes aren't necessarily everyone else's, and I'm sure many of you will disagree with my choices, as much as you could agree with them. If you have a thought you'd like to share, there's a comment section below. Ask for me, I'm off to write reviews for Muppets Most Wanted and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They're going to be legendary.
These, are my Top 30 Episodes of How I Met Your Mother.
30. Gary Blauman (Season 9, Episode 21)
Though it really, by all accounts, one last filler before we go into the final three episodes of the series, this episode's ending is what I like to call "The Toy Story 3 version of How I Met Your Mother". The theme, about putting sincere effort into keeping in touch with the people you care about, is one of my favorite lessons the show has taught us (I reference it in my personal piece, "What I Learned From How I Met Your Mother"). In addition to Barney's accidental curly fry rant, and Ted & Tracy's first date, this episode is memorable enough to earn a spot on the list.
29. How I Met Everyone Else (Season 3, Episode 5)
Everyone loves a good origin story, and we got a couple of hilarious ones in this episode, including Ted and Marshall pranking Barney on their first meetings, and Marshall originally thinking Ted as the dean. Plus, who could forget that maniac "Blah Blah", or the fact this episode gave us the term "eating a sandwich"?
28. Best Burger In New York (Season 4, Episode 2)
Regis Philbin in How I Met Your Mother acting insane. Need I say more? Plus Marshall's relentless quest to find a perfect burger from long ago, and Robin's desperate search for just one bite of food make "Best Burger In New York" a highlight of Season 4.
27. Subway Wars (Season 6, Episode 4)
Both hilarious and epic, "Subway Wars" is classic How I Met Your Mother. Barney's over-the-top methods of getting to the restaurant first, Maury Povich, a tiny imaginary Marshall on a pregnancy test ("Somebody help me!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!"), all strung together with the classic ballad "Marshall Vs The Machines".
26. Rabbit or Duck (Season 5, Episode 15)
While this episode features the hilarious "Rabbit Vs Duck" debate, and Barney's madness over his "hook-up phone", the rest of the episode, story and joke wise don't quite measure up. But those two things make up for that in a decent episode.
25. Trilogy Time (Season 7, Episode 20)
Ted and Marshall made a vow in college to watch the original Star Wars trilogy every three years, and this episode shows us when that tri-annual event took place throughout the series until this episode. It's a really fun and creative episode, revisiting some of the show's most pivotal moments. What's also fun is seeing "what could have been" in "fake flash forwards", and watching the cast do some ridiculous things. It's a very creative episode, that is also a testament to the never ending battle of expectations vs reality, which ends on a very sweet moment for Ted in the future.
24. Three Days of Snow (Season 4, Episode 13)
This episode shows just how interchangeable this cast is, and how they all can bounce off one another so well, no matter who they're sharing a scene is. Featuring great moments like Ted and Barney running the bar, Party School Bingo, and the final scene at the airport with Marshall and Lily, "Three Days of Snow" is another great episode of How I Met Your Mother.
23. The Window (Season 5, Episode 10)
Make Adjustments…Go Get Energized! Ted's failed attempt to finally land The Girl Next Door is sprinkled with the most ridiculous scenarios. Robin's failed attempts to seduce his competition, trying to stop Barney from…being Barney, and Marshall's inner battle with his nine-year-old self. While it is another episode where Ted goes after someone that isn't The Mother, it gives every character a chance to shine in their own special way.
22. Bass Player Wanted (Season 9, Episode 13)
Putting a guest star in the middle of a great cast is always risky, but Andrew Rannels as Darren does pretty great. Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris's scenes together are amazing, as always. But the real gem of the episode is Cristin Milioti, as she is given a lot of great material to work with. This is one of the best episodes of the ninth and final season.
21. The Best Man (Season 7, Episode 1)
In the first episode of the seventh season, which was very much the beginning of the march (a very long march) towards the series's end game, we are treated to an amazing dance scene with Barney and Robin. Plus, Marshall getting drunk and obsessing over babies, and "Classic Schmosby". Side note, go watch Robin and Ted's conversation about timing again. Now watch the finale again…..yeah. I know.
20. The Perfect Cocktail (Season 6, Episode 22)
I think we can all agree that, watching our friends make asses of themselves drunk is great comedy, and that's exactly what this episode gives us. From Ted's beatboxing, to…pretty much everything Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel do, the laughs just keep coming in this episode.
19. How The Lily Stole Christmas (Season 2, Episode 11)
I'm a sucker for a good Christmas episode, and How I Met Your Mother's first one is nothing short of great. The use of "Grinch" as a censor for an unknown swear word. Robin taking care of a sick, whining Barney (and a fiery batch of cookies). Ted's very religious cousins and their Christmas dinner. This is a classic Christmas episode, and a classic How I Met Your Mother episode.
18. The Magician's Code Part 1 &2 (Season 7, Episodes 23 & 24)
Marshall and Lily's quest to become parents, that started all the way back in season 4, finally comes to a close, with the beautiful birth of Marvin Wait-for-It Eriksen. The birth for the adorable little guy comes amidst some truly ridiculous moments, such as "Yoda-Drunk" Marshall, Barney's determination to uphold The Magician's Code, and Robin's coming to terms with the birthing process ("You! Get that thing out of my office! Weak women disgust me!"- Dr. Sonya).
17. Jenkins (Season 5, Episode 13)
Neil Patrick Harris took the director's chair for this episode, and it pays off. Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan continue to play off each other amazingly, but if I had to describe the episode in two words, it'd be "But umm…"
16. The End of The Aisle (Season 9, Episode 22)
The cast gives some of their best work in this episode. While the laughs aren't heavy (Save for Marshall's never- ending "vow" puns, the final slap and one last "Nobody Asked You Patrice"), it's a beautiful thing when we finally reach Barney and Robin's wedding. Set to Pearl Jam's "Future Days", it's hard to hold the tears back, as the moment that was teased years before finally arrives, and it was legendary….and then...
15. Last Forever Part 1 &2 (Season 9, Episode 23 & 24)
WAIT. WAIT FOR IIIT!!!!!!
I know some of you are still angry, and are probably ready to throw tomatoes at me for even putting it on the list. But I've watched the finale a few more times since I wrote my initial response to it…and dammit, I enjoy it now. How can anyone not love the fact that we finally see Ted meeting Tracy (The Mother), after multiple glimpses at their beautiful life together all season long, and in this episode. A bittersweet ending yes, but how can you now get choked up over Ted's last bit of monolgue? Plus there's so many wonderful moments in this episode, like Barney and his newborn daughter. "Last Forever" is a touching, emotional close to a show that has always balanced the lighter and darker sides of life, through laughs and tears.
14. Legendaddy/Hopeless (Season 6, Episode 19 & 21)
Both episodes have Neil Patrick Harris and John Lithgow at their very best. While one has them giving their best dramatically, the other has them giving their best comedically. On the dramatic side, Neil Patrick Harris gives it his all in "Legendaddy" as he reunites with his estranged father Jerry (Lithgow). Lithgow is one of the best guest stars the show's ever had, balancing both the light-hearted and the gritty sides of the show. The final scene between him and NPH still stands out strong in my memory. Plus there's Marshall's opossum Rex. He found him in a dumpster. He lives with us now. Comedically, "Hopeless" gives the two very actors plenty material to play off another, scene after scene, while still ending on a strong emotional note. Then there's the origin of the red cowboy boots. Oh Ted.
13. The Final Page Part 1 & 2 (Season 8, Episode 11 & 12)
Barney's month-long scheme to propose to Robin is nothing short of wonderful. Marvin's lullaby is adorable. Ted's scene with Robin in the limo is very touching. Neil Patrick Harris's performance when Barney is jinxed, Peter Gallagher and Seth Green's guest roles...There's an endless amount of things that make one of the show's most important episodes one of its best.
12. Symphony of Illumination (Season 7, Episode 12)
One of the saddest episodes in the show. After the episode that came before it, told us Robin might be pregnant, not only did this one say she wasn't, but that she couldn't have children at all. The episode had plenty of laughs, only to pull the rug out from under us and sucker punch us in the heart at the very end. The final scene is one of the series' best moments. But in the end, this episode gives us one of Cobie Smulders best performances.
11. Slapsgiving (Season 3, Episode 9)
Neil Patrick Harris does a great job playing a skittish, disoriented Barney as the third slap of the slap bet draws closer in this Thanksgiving/Slapsgiving episode. Jason Segel's closing song (with backup vocals from NPH) has gone down in history as one of the show's trademarks, and rightfully so. As Ted and Robin's post break-up tension come to a head, the episode shows just how messy, ridiculous, and hilarious Thanksgiving can be…and Bob.
10. Girls Vs Suits (Season 5, Episode 12)
The show's 100th episode gave us the musical number to end all musical numbers, and (at the time) the closest we've ever been to meeting The Mother, with Ted dating her roommate Cindy (Rachel Bilson). Exciting and fun to watch for the fans, the episode also had plenty to chuckle at as the gang, Barney in particular, deal with the arrival of MacLaren's new, suit-hating bartender (Stacy Keibler).
9. Last Words (Season 6, Episode 14)
While the final scene of "Bad News"will always be one of my favorite scenes, the episode on a whole, not so much. Nevertheless, in the story of Marshall's Dad's unexpected death, Jason Segel gives an incredible performance, and his best work in the show. His final monologue in the end is heartbreaking, and Marshall's quest to remember his last words with his father (While the gang tries to provide some humor throughout) makes this another heavy hitter in the series.
8. Arrivederci, Fiero (Season 2, Episode 17)
The gang recounts all the memories they made with Marshall's old Fiero in some hilarious flashbacks. Ted and Marshall's original, disastarous road trip, which gave us the game "Zitch Dog" and brought new life to the song "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. Plus who could forget Barney's driving lesson? If you haven't already, really listen to what he and Ted are screaming during the "crash scene". Also, there was a suicidal cat and a hitchhiking Waldo.
7. Who Wants To Be A Godparent? (Season 8, Episode 4)
"Time will hear a broken heart…but not that bitch's window!"
It's always great when we can get all five members of the cast in one straight storyline for an episode. That's what we get when Marshall & Lily put the others in a game show-like competition over the right to be Marvin's godparent. The cutaway scenes with Ted, Barney, and Robin all dealing with different parenting situations with Marvin are great, and everyone is bouncing off each other so well in this episode the laughs don't stop.
6 . Monday Night Football (Season 2, Episode 14)
The gang must attend a funeral Super Bowl Sunday, and spend the following day doing everything they can to avoid learning who won, until they can watch it on Tivo that night. What they go through is absurd and hilarious (typical of the show). Robin avoiding reporting the news at her own anchor desk. Marshall being blackmailed by a kindergartner. Ted walking across the city practically deaf and blind. Only on How I Met Your Mother could a story like this exist.
5. How Your Mother Met Me (Season 9, Episode 16)
The clock rewinds back to the very beginning of the series, and we see what Tracy's been up to these past nine years. If you weren't already in love with Cristin Milioti as the titular mother, this episode made you love her. A character we only had patches of knowledge of, we see the emotional journey that brought her to the threshold of meeting the father of her children. This beautiful, nostalgic episode ends with Milioti singing a wonderful rendition of "La Vie En Rose", that becomes Ted's (and mine) favorite performance of the future Mrs. Mosby.
4. Showdown (Season 2, Episode 20)
Bob Barker is Barney's father? Well, at least that's what he thinks, and plans to tell the man when he lands a spot on The Price Is Right. Seeing the delusional Barney actually play on The Price Is Right, getting way too into it, and getting choked up over every little thing Bob Barker says is just so good. Then there's an interesting little end tag with Marshall (and Ted) making a goodnight video to Lily, which is both awkward and humorous.
3. No Pressure (Season 7, Episode 17)
Ted and Robin revisit their romance in another great episode from the fantastic Season 7, while Barney goes mad searching for Marshall & Lily's sextape. Both stories provide some laughs, but in the end it's a very bittersweet chapter in the Ted/Robin storyline, that paves the way for Ted to move forward and find "The One". The episode is very deep, pulling together a lot of what's been dealt with in the season so far, all boiling over to this moment. Giving the whole cast plenty of great material to work with, it's one of the show's best scripted episodes (And I'm not just saying that because the writer went to Quinnipiac University, my alma mater…)
2. The Rebound Girl (Season 7, Episode 11)
Bro-Parenting. Could it work? Ted and Barney want to try and find out, after each of them have gone through a bit of a rough patch. It's always great when Josh Radnor and NPH get to play off one another, and this is one of their best episodes, as they go through another half-baked scheme. Seeing them try to plan their "family life" and doing their "We're having a baby!" hug-dance…so good. Plus you have Cobie Smulders in the B-storyline exercising her comedic abilities, and a cameo from Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson. This episode is nothing short of wonderful.
But it's only #2 on my list. The #1 spot belongs to-Wait for it…...
1. The Time Travelers (Season 8, Episode 20)
I like to look at How I Met Your Mother as 50% funny, and 50% drama, if this post hasn't made that clear yet. For every sad episode, there's a funny episode. For every laugh, there is a tear. The Time Travelers takes that notion and twists it, hiding a sad episode in the concept of a funny one. Again, it's Josh Radnor and NPH doing what they do best, while Jason Segel and Cobie Smulders prove that they're quite the comedic duo as well. The cast and crew fired on all cylinders in this episode. But the real tour de force here is our leading man, Josh Radnor. A defining performance in his nine-year role of Ted Mosby. It's amazing, now that the finale has aired, how much more powerful his speech is at the end.
It's both beautiful and sad, that Ted finds himself alone, with nothing but his stories, his memories, and in that moment, he (as the narrator) comes to terms with how important every second he has with the woman he loves is. Well not just the woman he loves, but his friends Barney, Robin, Marshall, and Lily. Every moment we have with someone we love is precious. That's a beautiful lesson, one which I'll always be glad How I Met Your Mother taught us, as I've stated before in past articles. There will be low moments, where we find ourselves alone and idle, but it's in these moments we can make a great self-discovery, as the narrating Ted admits to his children. Emotional, hilarious, and profound. "The Time Travelers" is my favorite episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Now I understand my favorite episodes aren't necessarily everyone else's, and I'm sure many of you will disagree with my choices, as much as you could agree with them. If you have a thought you'd like to share, there's a comment section below. Ask for me, I'm off to write reviews for Muppets Most Wanted and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They're going to be legendary.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
And That Kids, Is "How I Met Your Mother"...
I was originally going to follow up my previous article with my "Top 20 Episodes of How I Met Your Mother" but…well….
*Warning: If you haven't seen the finale yet, do not read on. Spoilers abound.*
Kids, in the summer of 2009 I watched the pilot of How I Met Your Mother for the first time. I always suspected that there was an important reason the show started with Ted meeting Robin, and not The Mother (aka Tracy), as I'm sure many people suspected. Though I don't think anyone suspected the reason we got in the series finale.
At the end of Season 6, when we discovered Ted would meet Tracy at Barney's wedding, everyone pondered who would be his legendary bride. The clear candidate was Robin, and it made sense. For if Ted hadn't met Robin, Barney wouldn't have met Robin, Barney and Robin wouldn't have gotten married, and Ted wouldn't have met Tracy at their wedding. For all intensive purposes, that theory proved to be true.
Then, as the series finale winded down, we all realized there was something else in the works, and a nine-year-old rug was pulled out from under her feet. What was speculated for years, and hinted at in the episodes "The Time Travelers" and "Vesuvius" proved to be true. In the year of 2030, when Ted is telling the story, Tracy Mosby has been dead for six years.
Now as tragic an ending as that is, I personally could have been fine with that…but then that nine-year-old rug not only came out from under our feet, it sucker-punched us right in the face. The whole reason for Ted telling this story, was to let his kids know he was thinking of asking out-wait for it….their Aunt Robin. Again.
Luke and Penny give dear old dad their blessing, and the series ends with Ted once again outside Robin's apartment, holding up the blue french horn.
Now an infinite number of other things happened in this episode, through multiple flash-forwards and flashbacks. Barney and Robin divorced. Barney knocked up a girl and found the real love of his life, his newborn daughter Ellie. Robin became a world famous news reporter. Marshall and Lily moved out of the apartment and into the suburbs, Marshall became a judge, and they had baby number three. All the while we saw the important moments in Ted and Tracy's relationship, including their first meeting at the train station, their wedding, and Tracy telling Ted she's pregnant with Penny.
I'd rather not spend a lot of time reviewing the episode itself. I found it all, to coin a phrase "questionably okay". Like I said, a LOT happened in this episode. It almost seemed like Carter Bays & Craig Thomas were just trying to rush through half a dozen story lines they wouldn't get the chance to do because this was the end. Probably because it was all such a whirlwind, the only time my heartstrings got tugged at was when we slowed down to see Barney hold and declare his love for baby Ellie. But probably my biggest beef, is the episode spent more time on the other characters than it did Ted and Tracy.
Now, given the fact that's what we've got for nine seasons, why should that be a big deal? Well, it should and it shouldn't.
Let's go back to the pilot, where it all began with meeting Aunt Robin. The reason Ted started the story there wasn't because he was telling the kids the story of what he went through to meet the mother. He was telling them the story of all the hell he went through pining for Robin for years…and was considering giving it another go. When it comes right down to it, the premise and title of How I Met Your Mother has been one giant mislead from the get-go.
We were led to believe for nine years this mysterious mother was "The One" for Ted. But wait. It's been well known for some time Bays & Thomas had this ending in mind from the beginning, and what we saw with the kids in the end was shot way back in Season 2, when mind you, Ted and Robin were a couple. This is the story those two set out to tell from the beginning. The story of what it took for Ted and Robin to finally get where they are in 2030.
It sort of leaves the idea of The Mother in a very unclear place. Was she a coping mechanism for Ted, hung up on Robin? Was she just a plot device opposed to a real character? How does his love for Tracy compare/contrast to his love for Robin? Which of them is Ted's true love? Are they trying to tell us a can person have more than one true love? Who knows.
It sort of leaves the idea of The Mother in a very unclear place. Was she a coping mechanism for Ted, hung up on Robin? Was she just a plot device opposed to a real character? How does his love for Tracy compare/contrast to his love for Robin? Which of them is Ted's true love? Are they trying to tell us a can person have more than one true love? Who knows.
I applaud the two of them for sticking to their guns, and the original story they wanted to tell…but in the end, they trapped themselves. I'm sure they didn't suspect fans would fall in love with all the misdirection, such as Barney and Robin an item, or say, this whole ninth and final season.
They let us meet The Mother, the biggest part of their "con", and we fell in love with her. Hard. Cristin Milioti as Tracy McConnell/Mosby instantly found her way into our hearts. Suddenly we all came to understand why she was the one, why it never worked out for Ted with Robin, or Stella, or Victoria, or anyone else. Josh Radnor and Cristin Milioti had amazing chemistry, it was clear from the beginning. I hate to say it though, I don't think it was too clear to Bays & Thomas, what they had crafted for themselves and viewers.
The two of them should have realized they were in too deep a long time ago, in a place where their original ending was going to upset a lot of people. This brings up the age old debate of "Do you cater to the masses?" or "Do you tell the story you want to tell?". They chose the second option, and that is something I can get behind in the end. It just wasn't the ending I wanted, like many of us.
I won't go off with ideas on how the ending could have been different or better. That's not my place.
Film and television is an interesting forum for creativity and storytelling. You want to make the project you want to make, but it's not that easy. A cancellation call from a network executive or a bad review from a critic can take away all your chances. But How I Met Your Mother defied these standards, for nine years in a creative, deceptive way. How many television shows stay on the air for nine years anymore?
In the end, How I Met Your Mother has always been about the journey, not the destination. Journeys have many twists and turns, and aren't always black and white. The show's thrown many shocks and surprises at us before: Marshall's Dad dying, Robin being unable to have kids, and yes, Robin not being The Mother, but the "aunt". You can look at this ending as a poison to the rest of the series, but I don't see it that way. For me, it opens my eyes up to what was really going on behind the scenes. Now we know why Marshall said "Not yet" at the end of "No Pressure". Now Ted's speech in "The Time Travelers" is all that more emotional. Now we see why Ted told us Penny and Luke were so close to Robin in "Little Boys", and part of why he said she was never alone in "Symphony of Illumination". I will enjoy these episodes no less than I have before.
Did I love the How I Met Your Mother finale? No. Do I understand it? Yes, and that's enough for me to end this series on a pleasant note.
I won't go off with ideas on how the ending could have been different or better. That's not my place.
Film and television is an interesting forum for creativity and storytelling. You want to make the project you want to make, but it's not that easy. A cancellation call from a network executive or a bad review from a critic can take away all your chances. But How I Met Your Mother defied these standards, for nine years in a creative, deceptive way. How many television shows stay on the air for nine years anymore?
In the end, How I Met Your Mother has always been about the journey, not the destination. Journeys have many twists and turns, and aren't always black and white. The show's thrown many shocks and surprises at us before: Marshall's Dad dying, Robin being unable to have kids, and yes, Robin not being The Mother, but the "aunt". You can look at this ending as a poison to the rest of the series, but I don't see it that way. For me, it opens my eyes up to what was really going on behind the scenes. Now we know why Marshall said "Not yet" at the end of "No Pressure". Now Ted's speech in "The Time Travelers" is all that more emotional. Now we see why Ted told us Penny and Luke were so close to Robin in "Little Boys", and part of why he said she was never alone in "Symphony of Illumination". I will enjoy these episodes no less than I have before.
Did I love the How I Met Your Mother finale? No. Do I understand it? Yes, and that's enough for me to end this series on a pleasant note.
Monday, March 31, 2014
What I Learned From "How I Met Your Mother"
Tonight, what is undoubtedly one of my favorite television shows will go off the air, and Ted Mosby will finally finish telling the story of how he met the mother of his children.
I find myself getting emotional over the fact that How I Met Your Mother will no longer make my Mondays significantly better...probably more emotional than anyone should be over a television. This isn't the first time I've said goodbye to a television show. I've watched old favorites like Chuck, The Office, and 30 Rock go off the air in recent years, but none of them had me holding back tears a week before the finale aired.
Then I think…How I Met Your Mother is more than a show to me. It's been a guide, a teacher. While the writers have jumped rope with the suspension of disbelief from time to time (This whole season took place over the course of one weekend), so much of the themes and stories are rooted in truth. Truth about life, about love, and about friendship. I think that's what makes the connection between How I Met Your Mother and its fan base so deep. You're able to draw parallels between the lives of the characters and your own.
Things that you didn't think were things, like The Mermaid Theory, The International Date Line, and Graduation Goggles, suddenly become….well, things. Now society knows what it means to "suit up" or be "lawyered". Friends now wish each other a Happy Slapsgiving, or Happy Desperation Day, and everyone abides by some form of The Bro Code. Thanks to all these clever little gags and stories, we now have a sort of "guide to life". How I Met Your Mother has become so synonymous with pop culture, it's practically just culture at this point.
But through all that, every chapter of the story of Ted and his friends have the central theme of friendship, love, and life at its core.
As crazy as it sounds, I think I've learned quite a bit from How I Met Your Mother. Just what have I learned from How I Met Your Mother? Well…
There's a lot of power in the words "I love you", and that's both a good thing....
Things always work out in the end, it just takes some time to get to the end.
I find myself getting emotional over the fact that How I Met Your Mother will no longer make my Mondays significantly better...probably more emotional than anyone should be over a television. This isn't the first time I've said goodbye to a television show. I've watched old favorites like Chuck, The Office, and 30 Rock go off the air in recent years, but none of them had me holding back tears a week before the finale aired.
Then I think…How I Met Your Mother is more than a show to me. It's been a guide, a teacher. While the writers have jumped rope with the suspension of disbelief from time to time (This whole season took place over the course of one weekend), so much of the themes and stories are rooted in truth. Truth about life, about love, and about friendship. I think that's what makes the connection between How I Met Your Mother and its fan base so deep. You're able to draw parallels between the lives of the characters and your own.
Things that you didn't think were things, like The Mermaid Theory, The International Date Line, and Graduation Goggles, suddenly become….well, things. Now society knows what it means to "suit up" or be "lawyered". Friends now wish each other a Happy Slapsgiving, or Happy Desperation Day, and everyone abides by some form of The Bro Code. Thanks to all these clever little gags and stories, we now have a sort of "guide to life". How I Met Your Mother has become so synonymous with pop culture, it's practically just culture at this point.
But through all that, every chapter of the story of Ted and his friends have the central theme of friendship, love, and life at its core.
As crazy as it sounds, I think I've learned quite a bit from How I Met Your Mother. Just what have I learned from How I Met Your Mother? Well…
There's a lot of power in the words "I love you", and that's both a good thing....
and a bad thing...
When you love someone, you never stop loving them. A part of your heart, no matter how small, will always belong to them.
Every moment you have with a person you love is a gift…
…so precious, it can be taken away in the blink of an eye,
and keeping the people you love a part of your life takes sincere effort.
Live every moment to the fullest, because every moment will soon be a memory.
Our stories, our memories, hold us back as much as they push us forward.
Every person you meet in this life, plays a part in your story.
Whatever you do in this life, it isn't legendary unless your friends are there to see it.
and everyone has a girl with a yellow umbrella (or a guy with red cowboy boots), somewhere out there waiting for them.
How I Met Your Mother is a major part of my life. I've had my actions often classified as "Classic Schmosby", and I've been "lawyered" more times than I can count. When friends need me, they often call upon me with the words, "Bar. Now."
Most of my best friends watch How I Met Your Mother. Over 60 of my friends on Facebook like the show's Facebook page. Since I started becoming a regular viewer back in Season 5, I don't think there's been one episode where I haven't talked, texted, instant messaged, or tweeted with someone about an episode either while it was airing or the morning after it aired. While we may lose touch for a few days, or even a week, we always manage to remember to talk How I Met Your Mother.
I think that just goes to show the true power a television show can have on people. It keeps people together. It strengthens the bonds between them. People become equally captivated in a world of fiction, and together we become emotionally invested in the characters that we see every week on our television screens, so much that when an episode airs, it's like welcoming an old friend into our home.
How I Met Your Mother has done so much for its fan base through its story, and through its very existence. I will miss the slap bets, the ducky ties, and the red cowboys boots of it all dearly. Thank you How I Met Your Mother, for all you've done. It's been legendary.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Film Review Throwback- "Horton Hears A Who"
Horton Hears A Who
Directed By Jimmy Hayward & Steve Martino
Starring Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, and Will Arnett
As I briefly touched on long ago, with my review of The Lorax, films adapted from Dr. Seuss's works have had a mixed response from the public. The Grinch, while I love and I know many others do, I've read were not in love with. The Cat In The Hat is…terrible, and I only need to watch a Nostalgia Critic review of it to fully understand that. The Lorax I deemed "okay, but not good". It's a little too preachy and the story choices made to reach that 90 minute runtime weren't the best. Then there was Horton Hears A Who back in 2008.
It's arguably the best adaptation of the four Suess films, staying very true and close to the source material. Is it really a great film though? On the weekend of Dr. Seuss's birthday, I decided to watch it for the first time in years. I have to say, I didn't enjoy it as much as I once did. While it is a good film, it definitely has some flaws.
The story is the same as the book. Horton (Carrey) is an elephant, who with his large ears, is the only one able to hear a scream from a small speck of dust. He soon discovers an entire civilization is on the speck, the city of Whoville (The same one from The Grinch I assume). He soon makes contact with the Mayor of Whoville (Carell), who asks Horton to get the speck carrying Whoville to someplace safe in the jungle, before the city is destroyed.
Because Horton's the only one who can hear The Who's, the other animals in the jungle think he's lost in mind. A particular kangaroo (Burnett) isn't fond of Horton's actions at all, and sets out to stop him and destroy the speck, recruiting an army of monkeys and a manic vulture (Arnett). Meanwhile, as Horton tries to convince his peers of the world on the speck, the Mayor in turn is trying to convince Whoville they are a world on a speck.
The story in the film is as good as it is in the book. What I do like that the film does that the book doesn't, is it makes the dilemma of saving Whoville both Horton's and the Mayor's. It gives more purpose to the second most-important character, and it raises the stakes in an otherwise very tame story.
The animation is stunning, and captures the illustrations and imagination of Suess that the live action Cat and Grinch could not. The music by Jon Powell is grand. But to get to those flaws I was talking about, and sadly the root of these flaws lie in our lead, Jim Carrey.
From the book we can tell Horton is eccentric, but he's not Jim Carrey eccentric. Some of the jokes, gags, that come out of the script, probably as a result from Carrey being cast, fall flat and just don't mesh well into this Suessian world. An anime dream sequence? Horton tweaking? What? Carrey as Horton isn't totally unlikable. There are times when he's reserved and compelling, but other times he just comes off as annoying. Why does Carrey work for The Grinch and not for Horton? I don't know, maybe it's the live action Carrey opposed to the animated Carrey. But when the script sticks to the story and strays away from the modern humor, it really shines.
Carrey aside, this is one well-put together voice cast. Carol Burnett as Kangaroo is great, though doesn't provide much humor you'd expect from a character played by such a comical legend. Steve Carell is charming and goofy as The Mayor. Will Arnett as Vlad the vulture is probably one of my favorite animated characters of all time. Then you have the likes of Seth Rogen, Amy Poehler, and Jonah Hill in small but delightful supporting roles.
Hollywood probably won't stop adapting the work of Dr. Seuss for some time. In the next few years, Illumination Entertainment will release new, animated adaptations of The Grinch and The Cat In The Hat. For now, Horton Hears A Who, despite its off-beat humor and underwhelming protagonist, stands as the best Suess adaptation in my mind. Will it stand the test of time? Well this is the first time I've watched it in years so, draw your own conclusions. Like most book to film adaptations, it's fair to say time will show the book is superior, as it already has.
Directed By Jimmy Hayward & Steve Martino
Starring Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, and Will Arnett
As I briefly touched on long ago, with my review of The Lorax, films adapted from Dr. Seuss's works have had a mixed response from the public. The Grinch, while I love and I know many others do, I've read were not in love with. The Cat In The Hat is…terrible, and I only need to watch a Nostalgia Critic review of it to fully understand that. The Lorax I deemed "okay, but not good". It's a little too preachy and the story choices made to reach that 90 minute runtime weren't the best. Then there was Horton Hears A Who back in 2008.
It's arguably the best adaptation of the four Suess films, staying very true and close to the source material. Is it really a great film though? On the weekend of Dr. Seuss's birthday, I decided to watch it for the first time in years. I have to say, I didn't enjoy it as much as I once did. While it is a good film, it definitely has some flaws.
The story is the same as the book. Horton (Carrey) is an elephant, who with his large ears, is the only one able to hear a scream from a small speck of dust. He soon discovers an entire civilization is on the speck, the city of Whoville (The same one from The Grinch I assume). He soon makes contact with the Mayor of Whoville (Carell), who asks Horton to get the speck carrying Whoville to someplace safe in the jungle, before the city is destroyed.
Because Horton's the only one who can hear The Who's, the other animals in the jungle think he's lost in mind. A particular kangaroo (Burnett) isn't fond of Horton's actions at all, and sets out to stop him and destroy the speck, recruiting an army of monkeys and a manic vulture (Arnett). Meanwhile, as Horton tries to convince his peers of the world on the speck, the Mayor in turn is trying to convince Whoville they are a world on a speck.
The story in the film is as good as it is in the book. What I do like that the film does that the book doesn't, is it makes the dilemma of saving Whoville both Horton's and the Mayor's. It gives more purpose to the second most-important character, and it raises the stakes in an otherwise very tame story.
The animation is stunning, and captures the illustrations and imagination of Suess that the live action Cat and Grinch could not. The music by Jon Powell is grand. But to get to those flaws I was talking about, and sadly the root of these flaws lie in our lead, Jim Carrey.
From the book we can tell Horton is eccentric, but he's not Jim Carrey eccentric. Some of the jokes, gags, that come out of the script, probably as a result from Carrey being cast, fall flat and just don't mesh well into this Suessian world. An anime dream sequence? Horton tweaking? What? Carrey as Horton isn't totally unlikable. There are times when he's reserved and compelling, but other times he just comes off as annoying. Why does Carrey work for The Grinch and not for Horton? I don't know, maybe it's the live action Carrey opposed to the animated Carrey. But when the script sticks to the story and strays away from the modern humor, it really shines.
Carrey aside, this is one well-put together voice cast. Carol Burnett as Kangaroo is great, though doesn't provide much humor you'd expect from a character played by such a comical legend. Steve Carell is charming and goofy as The Mayor. Will Arnett as Vlad the vulture is probably one of my favorite animated characters of all time. Then you have the likes of Seth Rogen, Amy Poehler, and Jonah Hill in small but delightful supporting roles.
Hollywood probably won't stop adapting the work of Dr. Seuss for some time. In the next few years, Illumination Entertainment will release new, animated adaptations of The Grinch and The Cat In The Hat. For now, Horton Hears A Who, despite its off-beat humor and underwhelming protagonist, stands as the best Suess adaptation in my mind. Will it stand the test of time? Well this is the first time I've watched it in years so, draw your own conclusions. Like most book to film adaptations, it's fair to say time will show the book is superior, as it already has.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Film Review- "The Lego Movie"
The Lego Movie
Directed By Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, and Will Ferrell
"Everything is awesome!" is what the film's main song declares, and I'd like to share that sentiment, but currently I'm singing "Everything is…pretty good".
The Lego Movie was one of my most anticipated films of this year. The trailer showed off incredible animation and a tremendous voice cast. The story sounded so-so, but I wasn't worried. I walked into the theater, excited to see what Phil Lord and Chris Miller had come up with this time. Nearly a day has passed since I saw the film. While I can say that film does have brilliance within it, I find myself having difficulty embracing it.
Emmet Brickowski (Pratt) is a regular Lego construction worker in the world of Bricksburg. One day at work he stumbles upon the legendary Piece of Resistance (clever). He is therefore believed to be the special person prophesied to save all Lego-kind from President Business's (Ferrell) plan to freeze (or rather, glue) everyone in place. Emmet is assisted in his quest by the rogue Wildstyle (Banks), the wizard Vitruvius (Freeman), and a Lego version of Batman (Will Arnett). There's also Uni-Kitty (Alison Brie), Spaceman Benny (Charlie Day), and the pirtate-cybrog Metalbeard (Nick Offerman) plus a bunch of DC Superheroes, NBA All-Stars, and other famous Lego pieces along for the adventure. Oh and Liam Neeson is President Business's right hand man with a split personality, Good Cop/Bad Cop.
At first it seems like The Lego Movie's script is strictly following the formula of Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's Journey", which is fine. We've seen it many times before and it's harmless. Then we enter the third act with a real twist, that shift's the entire perspective of the film.
It almost becomes a whole new film. I'm sure that with a second viewing, now knowing the twist, I will gain a new appreciation of the film and have a lot of "Ohhh" moments. I can already look back on some moments of the film and go "Okay. That makes sense now." The theme and moral of the film suddenly shine brighter and stronger, arguably better than they would if the film didn't include this twist.
However, whenever I see a film like this, I always need that second viewing, to make sure everything adds up and correctly builds up to the twist. Perhaps that's what's holding me back from really loving this film.
Lord and Miller have built (Ha!) a strong universe in this film. It's incredibly creative in a way that services both the story and the whole idea of Legos, and how we as society use them, but it also speaks to a bigger picture. As I've already said the animation is amazing. Everything looks, moves, and acts like Legos, and with good reason (Avoiding spoilers). At times though I did find it all a little distracting.
It'd be nearly impossible to comment in detail on every member of the voice cast. It's quite the roster, and every single one of them I mentioned, along with others in small, one-line parts are fantastic. Chris Pratt is a perfect Emmet. Will Ferrell is spot on but surprisingly reserved as President Business. Liam Neeson as Good Cop/Bad Cop is brilliant. Will Arnett as Batman is exactly what you'd expect him to be. The real scene stealers for me were Alison Brie as Uni-Kitty and Charlie Day as Spaceman Benny.
There is no doubt in my mind that next year, we'll see The Lego Movie nominated for many Best Animated Feature type awards, and its popularity will grow more and more as time goes on. It's a more-than-well made film with a truly profound message. It's imaginative and hilarious. Despite my own reservations, I think it's absolutely worth seeing in theaters. Maybe I gave in to all the hype, maybe I just didn't play enough with Legos as a kid to really appreciate this film, I don't know. But I can step away from myself to see the bigger picture. The Lego Movie is put together perfectly…okay, I think that's the last Lego/construction pun in me...
Directed By Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, and Will Ferrell
"Everything is awesome!" is what the film's main song declares, and I'd like to share that sentiment, but currently I'm singing "Everything is…pretty good".
The Lego Movie was one of my most anticipated films of this year. The trailer showed off incredible animation and a tremendous voice cast. The story sounded so-so, but I wasn't worried. I walked into the theater, excited to see what Phil Lord and Chris Miller had come up with this time. Nearly a day has passed since I saw the film. While I can say that film does have brilliance within it, I find myself having difficulty embracing it.
Emmet Brickowski (Pratt) is a regular Lego construction worker in the world of Bricksburg. One day at work he stumbles upon the legendary Piece of Resistance (clever). He is therefore believed to be the special person prophesied to save all Lego-kind from President Business's (Ferrell) plan to freeze (or rather, glue) everyone in place. Emmet is assisted in his quest by the rogue Wildstyle (Banks), the wizard Vitruvius (Freeman), and a Lego version of Batman (Will Arnett). There's also Uni-Kitty (Alison Brie), Spaceman Benny (Charlie Day), and the pirtate-cybrog Metalbeard (Nick Offerman) plus a bunch of DC Superheroes, NBA All-Stars, and other famous Lego pieces along for the adventure. Oh and Liam Neeson is President Business's right hand man with a split personality, Good Cop/Bad Cop.
At first it seems like The Lego Movie's script is strictly following the formula of Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's Journey", which is fine. We've seen it many times before and it's harmless. Then we enter the third act with a real twist, that shift's the entire perspective of the film.
It almost becomes a whole new film. I'm sure that with a second viewing, now knowing the twist, I will gain a new appreciation of the film and have a lot of "Ohhh" moments. I can already look back on some moments of the film and go "Okay. That makes sense now." The theme and moral of the film suddenly shine brighter and stronger, arguably better than they would if the film didn't include this twist.
However, whenever I see a film like this, I always need that second viewing, to make sure everything adds up and correctly builds up to the twist. Perhaps that's what's holding me back from really loving this film.
Lord and Miller have built (Ha!) a strong universe in this film. It's incredibly creative in a way that services both the story and the whole idea of Legos, and how we as society use them, but it also speaks to a bigger picture. As I've already said the animation is amazing. Everything looks, moves, and acts like Legos, and with good reason (Avoiding spoilers). At times though I did find it all a little distracting.
It'd be nearly impossible to comment in detail on every member of the voice cast. It's quite the roster, and every single one of them I mentioned, along with others in small, one-line parts are fantastic. Chris Pratt is a perfect Emmet. Will Ferrell is spot on but surprisingly reserved as President Business. Liam Neeson as Good Cop/Bad Cop is brilliant. Will Arnett as Batman is exactly what you'd expect him to be. The real scene stealers for me were Alison Brie as Uni-Kitty and Charlie Day as Spaceman Benny.
There is no doubt in my mind that next year, we'll see The Lego Movie nominated for many Best Animated Feature type awards, and its popularity will grow more and more as time goes on. It's a more-than-well made film with a truly profound message. It's imaginative and hilarious. Despite my own reservations, I think it's absolutely worth seeing in theaters. Maybe I gave in to all the hype, maybe I just didn't play enough with Legos as a kid to really appreciate this film, I don't know. But I can step away from myself to see the bigger picture. The Lego Movie is put together perfectly…okay, I think that's the last Lego/construction pun in me...
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Top 10 Films of 2013
A little late to the game, but I needed to see a few more films before I could be absolutely sure on this list….no I haven't seen The Wolf of Wall Street, but if I did I promise you if I did it'd probably be on this list. But who knows if I'll get to see it theaters this late in game. Anyway, here we go.
10. The Conjuring
Directed by James Wan
Starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, and Ron Livingston
A random choice I know. I've never cared for horror films, and most of them I find just plain cliche' and hilariously awful. This is not the case with this film. The Conjuring is probably the first horror film in a long time that has actually scared the crap out of me and deprived me of sleep. Its script might be more of the same idioms and cliche's you expect from this genre, but its a well directed and well crafted film. It left a lasting impression on me but no, I will not be doing a full review on it, because I cannot bring myself to watch it again. Scary as hell...
9. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, and Benedict Cumberbatch
A massive improvement over the first in The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug is a well-paced, action-packed return to Middle Earth. Some viewers may be off-put by the unnecessary but harmless subplots, but that can all be forgiven and forgotten when the mighty Smaug comes on screen. Two films of build up? Worth it. This film will leave you wanting more of The Hobbit and more of Smaug. Only one year until the third film…
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug.html)
8. Iron Man 3
Directed By Shane Black
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Don Cheadle, and Sir Ben Kingsley
While the movie's gotten a lot of flack since its release, I still see it as one of the better Iron Man films and one of the better Marvel films. Action-packed, hilarious, it's everything a Marvel film should be. Another wonderful performance from Robert Downey Jr is supported by a host of other talented actors old and new, and yes this includes Ben Kingsley as Trev-I mean, The Mandarin. Unfortunately, another release from Marvel this year, in my opinion, over shadows it. (See Below)
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/05/film-review-iron-man-3.html)
7. American Hustle
Directed By David O. Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence
Another well-consturcted film from David O. Russell. While everyone was declaring it to be "great", and I only saw it as "pretty good". The story leaves something to be desired, but it's undeniable this film stands on solid ground. It's easy to see why all these actors are getting so much attention this awards season. They are all firing on all cylinders. David O. Russell has a touch for crafting award-winning performances and films.
6. Gravity
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney
When I first reviewed Gravity, I called it a near-perfect film, and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now that there's been some time since I've seen it, I'm skeptical on how well it will transition onto television screens, in the likes of Blu-Rays and digital download. It's such a grand scale film with breathtaking visual effects, its hard to imagine not watching it anywhere but in a theater, and in 3D. Regardless of how well the DVD sales go, don't let that undersell Gravity. It's a chilling, beautiful, heart-wrenching film. Breathtaking visuals and a lead strong performance by Sandra Bullock make it a must see.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/11/film-review-gravity.html)
5. 12 Years A Slave
Directed By Steve McQueen
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Nupita Nyong'o
A beautifully raw, and powerful film. As I've said before, 12 Years A Slave is not an easy film to watch, but it is a film that should be watched. Incredibly acted by all the main and supporting players, this film is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. It's in my opinion, one of the best dramas in recent years. Steve McQueen manages to craft a brutally compelling picture of a dark period in our nation's history, through the eyes of one man, Solomon Northup, who is played perfectly by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Do yourself a favor, and see 12 Years A Slave.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-12-years-slave.html)
4. This Is The End
Directed By Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen
Starring Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and a bunch of other celebrities.
As much as I love the entertainment industry, I also love when Hollywood pokes fun at itself. This Is The End does just that and more. Even when these actors aren't tearing each other new ones, the things that come out of their mouth are still hilarious. This Is The End can still crack me up to this day. This is a wild, no holding back, self-shaming comedy. It's one of the best comedies in recent years. Plus, how can you beat that ridiculously awesome ending?
3. Frozen
Directed By Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad
Frozen gives audiences everything they love and expect from Disney, while bringing enough that's new and original to the table, making it one of the animation studio's strongest and most unique films to date. An incredible script, positively beautiful animation, more than enjoyable performances, and a solid soundtrack make it an instant classic. It's become a runaway success for Disney Animation critically and commerically, and hopefully this is only the beginning of a new golden age for The Mouse.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-frozen.html)
2. Thor: The Dark World
Directed by Alan Taylor
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston
I consider the second Thor film to be one of the strongest films out of Marvel Studios to date. Action-packed and laugh out-loud hilarious as you would expect, this film is like a love letter to fans. Loki is given every second to shine. Zachary Levi, king of the nerds, steps into the role of Fandral in place of Josh Dallas. There's a perfect cameo, one hell of a cliffhanger, and a eyebrow-raising mid credits scene that will get every Marvel fan to squee. The film juggles a lot of plot threads in a well balanced script, and everyone in the cast wins you over again and again. Marvel hits it out of the park again with Thor: The Dark World
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/11/film-review-thor-dark-world.html)
1. Saving Mr Banks
Directed By John Lee Hancock
Starring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell
This is a remarkable film. It gives us a look behind the scenes of one of the most beloved films of all time, made at one of the most beloved motion-picture studios of all time, and a look at one of the most well-known entertainers of our time (Sorry for the mouthful). A film about Disney, made by Disney, though it's not as sugar coated as you expect. But at the heart of this picture is PL Travers, the woman behind Mary Poppins, and what it meant to give Disney the rights to make a film about her. Emma Thompson gives a remarkable performance as Travers. Tom Hanks charms his way into your heart as Walt Disney as the film progresses, and Colin Farrell is incredible as Travers Goff. Wonderfully written and acted, nostalgic and emotional, Saving Mr Banks is one of the best films of the year, and my favorite of the year…though what did you expect from a self-proclaimed Disney nerd?
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2014/01/film-review-saving-mr-banks.html)
10. The Conjuring
Directed by James Wan
Starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, and Ron Livingston
A random choice I know. I've never cared for horror films, and most of them I find just plain cliche' and hilariously awful. This is not the case with this film. The Conjuring is probably the first horror film in a long time that has actually scared the crap out of me and deprived me of sleep. Its script might be more of the same idioms and cliche's you expect from this genre, but its a well directed and well crafted film. It left a lasting impression on me but no, I will not be doing a full review on it, because I cannot bring myself to watch it again. Scary as hell...
9. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, and Benedict Cumberbatch
A massive improvement over the first in The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug is a well-paced, action-packed return to Middle Earth. Some viewers may be off-put by the unnecessary but harmless subplots, but that can all be forgiven and forgotten when the mighty Smaug comes on screen. Two films of build up? Worth it. This film will leave you wanting more of The Hobbit and more of Smaug. Only one year until the third film…
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug.html)
8. Iron Man 3
Directed By Shane Black
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Don Cheadle, and Sir Ben Kingsley
While the movie's gotten a lot of flack since its release, I still see it as one of the better Iron Man films and one of the better Marvel films. Action-packed, hilarious, it's everything a Marvel film should be. Another wonderful performance from Robert Downey Jr is supported by a host of other talented actors old and new, and yes this includes Ben Kingsley as Trev-I mean, The Mandarin. Unfortunately, another release from Marvel this year, in my opinion, over shadows it. (See Below)
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/05/film-review-iron-man-3.html)
7. American Hustle
Directed By David O. Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence
Another well-consturcted film from David O. Russell. While everyone was declaring it to be "great", and I only saw it as "pretty good". The story leaves something to be desired, but it's undeniable this film stands on solid ground. It's easy to see why all these actors are getting so much attention this awards season. They are all firing on all cylinders. David O. Russell has a touch for crafting award-winning performances and films.
6. Gravity
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney
When I first reviewed Gravity, I called it a near-perfect film, and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now that there's been some time since I've seen it, I'm skeptical on how well it will transition onto television screens, in the likes of Blu-Rays and digital download. It's such a grand scale film with breathtaking visual effects, its hard to imagine not watching it anywhere but in a theater, and in 3D. Regardless of how well the DVD sales go, don't let that undersell Gravity. It's a chilling, beautiful, heart-wrenching film. Breathtaking visuals and a lead strong performance by Sandra Bullock make it a must see.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/11/film-review-gravity.html)
5. 12 Years A Slave
Directed By Steve McQueen
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Nupita Nyong'o
A beautifully raw, and powerful film. As I've said before, 12 Years A Slave is not an easy film to watch, but it is a film that should be watched. Incredibly acted by all the main and supporting players, this film is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. It's in my opinion, one of the best dramas in recent years. Steve McQueen manages to craft a brutally compelling picture of a dark period in our nation's history, through the eyes of one man, Solomon Northup, who is played perfectly by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Do yourself a favor, and see 12 Years A Slave.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-12-years-slave.html)
4. This Is The End
Directed By Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen
Starring Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and a bunch of other celebrities.
As much as I love the entertainment industry, I also love when Hollywood pokes fun at itself. This Is The End does just that and more. Even when these actors aren't tearing each other new ones, the things that come out of their mouth are still hilarious. This Is The End can still crack me up to this day. This is a wild, no holding back, self-shaming comedy. It's one of the best comedies in recent years. Plus, how can you beat that ridiculously awesome ending?
3. Frozen
Directed By Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad
Frozen gives audiences everything they love and expect from Disney, while bringing enough that's new and original to the table, making it one of the animation studio's strongest and most unique films to date. An incredible script, positively beautiful animation, more than enjoyable performances, and a solid soundtrack make it an instant classic. It's become a runaway success for Disney Animation critically and commerically, and hopefully this is only the beginning of a new golden age for The Mouse.
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/12/film-review-frozen.html)
2. Thor: The Dark World
Directed by Alan Taylor
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston
I consider the second Thor film to be one of the strongest films out of Marvel Studios to date. Action-packed and laugh out-loud hilarious as you would expect, this film is like a love letter to fans. Loki is given every second to shine. Zachary Levi, king of the nerds, steps into the role of Fandral in place of Josh Dallas. There's a perfect cameo, one hell of a cliffhanger, and a eyebrow-raising mid credits scene that will get every Marvel fan to squee. The film juggles a lot of plot threads in a well balanced script, and everyone in the cast wins you over again and again. Marvel hits it out of the park again with Thor: The Dark World
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2013/11/film-review-thor-dark-world.html)
1. Saving Mr Banks
Directed By John Lee Hancock
Starring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell
This is a remarkable film. It gives us a look behind the scenes of one of the most beloved films of all time, made at one of the most beloved motion-picture studios of all time, and a look at one of the most well-known entertainers of our time (Sorry for the mouthful). A film about Disney, made by Disney, though it's not as sugar coated as you expect. But at the heart of this picture is PL Travers, the woman behind Mary Poppins, and what it meant to give Disney the rights to make a film about her. Emma Thompson gives a remarkable performance as Travers. Tom Hanks charms his way into your heart as Walt Disney as the film progresses, and Colin Farrell is incredible as Travers Goff. Wonderfully written and acted, nostalgic and emotional, Saving Mr Banks is one of the best films of the year, and my favorite of the year…though what did you expect from a self-proclaimed Disney nerd?
(Original review: http://cflaresfilmfindings.blogspot.com/2014/01/film-review-saving-mr-banks.html)
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Film Review- "Saving Mr Banks"
Saving Mr. Banks
Directed By John Lee Hancock
Starring Emma Thompson as PL Travers, Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, and Colin Farrell as Travers Goff
As intrigued as I was when I heard this movie was being made, I had my doubts. It was a film made by Disney, about Disney. Not to mention, a story of Disney history that didn't have the happiest of endings. Disney historians and aficionados already know how this "Making of Mary Poppins" story ends. Despite knowing all that going on, I left the theater finding Saving Mr Banks to be a truly wonderful film.
The film follows author PL Travers (Thompson) during her stay in Los Angeles, as she sits in during the pre-production stages of Mary Poppins at the Walt Disney studios. Constantly unhappy with what is pitched to her, Walt (Hanks) and his crew do their best to please her, and earn the rights to make the film from her. Meanwhile, we see flashbacks to her childhood in Australia that illustrate her relationship with her father (Farrell).
As a self-proclaimed Disney nerd, all the little details about the production had me smiling at every turn. Every little tidbit about the history of Disney, the man himself and the studio, got me grinning. The story itself is a very entertaining one. You know how it's going to end, obviously the film gets made. It's the ride, what it took to get Mary Poppins made, is what draws you in. The story will play jumprope with your heartstrings too, as we see just how much the original Mary Poppins books and characters meant to PL Travers, and how much of it was influenced by her relationship with her father. I guarantee you won't look at the Mary Poppins film the same way again after watching Saving Mr Banks.
As great as the script is though, what brings this film to life is the performances. Emma Thompson is perfect as PL Travers. You get annoyed by her, you fall in love with her, and you cry with her. Colin Farrell is truly remarkable as her father, Travers Goff. His performance really catches your attention, and it's one of the highlights of the film. It's amazing we haven't seen him get nominated for any awards yet. Bradley Whitford plays the screenwriter Don DaGardi, and BJ Novak and Jason Schwartzman play Robert and Richard Sherman, the film's composers and lyrcicists. Paul Giammati plays Travers' chauffeur Ralph. They all hit their marks, and bring the right balance of comedy and heart.
Now you're probably wondering why I haven't talked about the second-biggest cast member yet, Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. First off, I've never been a huge Tom Hanks fan. He's good though, I won't deny that. Second, I always thought then when Walt Disney was to be played on screen, he should have been played by a lesser or relatively unknown actor. He was such a multi-layered man, and practically an icon. A big name actor sort of takes away from that, as we don't necessarily lose ourself to the character, but the performance.
At first it was hard for me to see past Tom Hanks. All I could see was Tom Hanks in a Walt Disney costume. But gradually, he won me over as the film went on, and once again Tom Hanks does some top-notch work. In terms of A-List actors, he probably is the best choice to play Disney. Everyone in this cast is firing on all cylinders, he just took me some getting used to.
Now, I feel like I should touch on the historical side of this film. I do admire the filmmakers for not going far off on the unbeaten path. I applaud them showing Disney have a scotch, or putting a cigarette out before someone seems him smoking. I admire them for not portraying him in a positive light 100% of the film, and even showing that he didn't want to invite Travers to the Hollywood premiere of Mary Poppins. The ending itself…well, they're not hiding the truth I suppose, just sugar coating it.
SPOILER WARNING: (I mean it's not like Disney was going to tell us "Our studio made a film the author of the source material didn't like)
Anyway, Saving Mr Banks is a remarkable film. Highly entertaining and truly moving, it's earned a spot on my list of the best films of 2013. Another winner for the House of Mouse.
Directed By John Lee Hancock
Starring Emma Thompson as PL Travers, Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, and Colin Farrell as Travers Goff
As intrigued as I was when I heard this movie was being made, I had my doubts. It was a film made by Disney, about Disney. Not to mention, a story of Disney history that didn't have the happiest of endings. Disney historians and aficionados already know how this "Making of Mary Poppins" story ends. Despite knowing all that going on, I left the theater finding Saving Mr Banks to be a truly wonderful film.
The film follows author PL Travers (Thompson) during her stay in Los Angeles, as she sits in during the pre-production stages of Mary Poppins at the Walt Disney studios. Constantly unhappy with what is pitched to her, Walt (Hanks) and his crew do their best to please her, and earn the rights to make the film from her. Meanwhile, we see flashbacks to her childhood in Australia that illustrate her relationship with her father (Farrell).
As a self-proclaimed Disney nerd, all the little details about the production had me smiling at every turn. Every little tidbit about the history of Disney, the man himself and the studio, got me grinning. The story itself is a very entertaining one. You know how it's going to end, obviously the film gets made. It's the ride, what it took to get Mary Poppins made, is what draws you in. The story will play jumprope with your heartstrings too, as we see just how much the original Mary Poppins books and characters meant to PL Travers, and how much of it was influenced by her relationship with her father. I guarantee you won't look at the Mary Poppins film the same way again after watching Saving Mr Banks.
As great as the script is though, what brings this film to life is the performances. Emma Thompson is perfect as PL Travers. You get annoyed by her, you fall in love with her, and you cry with her. Colin Farrell is truly remarkable as her father, Travers Goff. His performance really catches your attention, and it's one of the highlights of the film. It's amazing we haven't seen him get nominated for any awards yet. Bradley Whitford plays the screenwriter Don DaGardi, and BJ Novak and Jason Schwartzman play Robert and Richard Sherman, the film's composers and lyrcicists. Paul Giammati plays Travers' chauffeur Ralph. They all hit their marks, and bring the right balance of comedy and heart.
Now you're probably wondering why I haven't talked about the second-biggest cast member yet, Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. First off, I've never been a huge Tom Hanks fan. He's good though, I won't deny that. Second, I always thought then when Walt Disney was to be played on screen, he should have been played by a lesser or relatively unknown actor. He was such a multi-layered man, and practically an icon. A big name actor sort of takes away from that, as we don't necessarily lose ourself to the character, but the performance.
At first it was hard for me to see past Tom Hanks. All I could see was Tom Hanks in a Walt Disney costume. But gradually, he won me over as the film went on, and once again Tom Hanks does some top-notch work. In terms of A-List actors, he probably is the best choice to play Disney. Everyone in this cast is firing on all cylinders, he just took me some getting used to.
Now, I feel like I should touch on the historical side of this film. I do admire the filmmakers for not going far off on the unbeaten path. I applaud them showing Disney have a scotch, or putting a cigarette out before someone seems him smoking. I admire them for not portraying him in a positive light 100% of the film, and even showing that he didn't want to invite Travers to the Hollywood premiere of Mary Poppins. The ending itself…well, they're not hiding the truth I suppose, just sugar coating it.
SPOILER WARNING: (I mean it's not like Disney was going to tell us "Our studio made a film the author of the source material didn't like)
Anyway, Saving Mr Banks is a remarkable film. Highly entertaining and truly moving, it's earned a spot on my list of the best films of 2013. Another winner for the House of Mouse.
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